Balmoral Arms Ballater: Guide to This Highland Inn

If you’ve been searching for the “Balmoral Hotel” in Ballater, you’ve likely landed on the Balmoral Arms – a former coaching inn rebranded and now run by Crerar Hotels. Located at 13–15 Victoria Road in the heart of Royal Deeside, this property is often confused with the five-star Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. This guide separates the two, gives you the verified facts about the Balmoral Arms, and explains what makes it a distinct place to stay in Aberdeenshire.

Last checked: 2026-07-12

Property name: Balmoral Arms · Location: Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland · Rating: AA five-star · Former name: Deeside Inn

What was the old name of the Balmoral Hotel?

The question often arises because two different properties share the “Balmoral” name. The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh was originally called the North British Hotel when it opened in 1902. It was renamed The Balmoral in 1991. The Balmoral Arms in Ballater, on the other hand, was previously known as the Deeside Inn. Crerar Hotels, which now operates the Balmoral Arms, explicitly states that the property is the former Deeside Inn, rebranded after a renovation (Crerar Hotels).

So when someone asks “what was the old name of the Balmoral Hotel?” the answer depends on which Balmoral they mean. For the Edinburgh landmark, it’s the North British Hotel. For the Ballater inn, it’s the Deeside Inn. The two are not connected; the Ballater property is a country inn, not a city hotel.

What is the Balmoral Arms known for?

The Balmoral Arms is best known for its traditional Scottish character and location in the heart of Royal Deeside. The property features wood-panelled Victorian décor, open log fires, and free WiFi. According to The Week, the hotel’s dining options include the 1852 restaurant and The Ghillies Bar (The Week).

Visit Ballater notes that the inn has held AA-awarded four-star status since 2014, though The Week describes it as an AA five-star property after its renovation by Crerar Hotel Group. The discrepancy may reflect a change in grading or a difference in how the property is marketed. The Week also reports that the hotel has 44 rooms, while other aggregator sites list 46 or 55 rooms, so the exact inventory is worth confirming directly.

Junior and premium suites come with Highland Soap Company toiletries, Tunnock’s sweet treats, Nespresso machines, and views of Ballater and the surrounding hills (The Week). Classic rooms are described by Crerar Hotels as having “luxury Scottish amenities, comfortable furnishings, and crisp linen” (Crerar Hotels).

The bottom line: The Balmoral Arms is a characterful Highland inn with Victorian décor, open fires, and a strong local reputation, but its exact star rating and room count depend on which source you consult.

What time is check in at Balmoral Arms?

Check-in at the Balmoral Arms is from 15:00 (3:00 PM), and check-out is until 11:00 AM. This is stated on both Booking.com and Expedia. Expedia additionally notes that the hotel offers contactless check-in and check-out, a 24-hour front desk, and a minimum check-in age of 18.

These times are standard for a hotel of this type, but it’s always wise to confirm directly with the property if you have a late arrival or early departure. The 24-hour front desk means you can check in after hours, but the official check-in window starts at 3 PM.

Is the Balmoral Hotel 5 star?

Again, the answer depends on which property you mean. The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh is a universally recognised five-star luxury hotel. The Balmoral Arms in Ballater has a more nuanced rating. The Week’s review calls it an “AA five-star” hotel, while Visit Ballater consistently refers to it as an AA four-star inn since 2014. The report from The Week is based on a post-renovation visit, which may have followed a re-grading, but the official AA listing should be checked for the current status.

What’s clear is that the Balmoral Arms is a high-quality property in the Ballater area, but it is not the same as the Edinburgh five-star. Travelers looking for a luxury city stay should book the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh; those seeking a historic Highland inn with modern amenities should consider the Balmoral Arms.

Location and getting there

The Balmoral Arms sits on Victoria Road, the main street through Ballater. The village is the gateway to Royal Deeside and lies about 8 miles from Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the British royal family. Ballater’s railway station closed in 1966, but the village is served by buses from Aberdeen (about 50 miles to the east). The nearest major airport is Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ).

Driving is the most practical way to reach Ballater. The A93 runs through the village, connecting it to Braemar to the west and Aberdeen to the east. Parking is available on-site. The property is within walking distance of Ballater’s shops, cafés, and the River Dee.

Alternatives in the area

If the Balmoral Arms doesn’t suit your needs, two other options are worth considering:

The Alexandra Hotel is another Ballater option, more budget-friendly, but less information is available. The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh is a completely different experience – a grand city hotel – and should not be considered a direct alternative to the country inn.

““The AA five-star Balmoral Arms provides an authentic snapshot of Highland life.””

– Jamie Timson, travel reviewer, The Week

““The wood panelled décor reflects the Victorian era.””

– Visit Ballater listing, tourism listing description

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