The Boat Country Inn & Restaurant
Boat of Garten, near Aviemore · Inn
View on Google MapsFour-star country inn beside the Strathspey steam railway at Boat of Garten, with 34 rooms, garden terraces and a dog-friendly welcome year round.
What's nearby
- Ride Scotland next door
- Boat Of Garten Post Office next door
- Strathspey Railway - (Boat of Garten Station) next door
- Boat of Garten Golf & Tennis Club 200m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
Details via Google — worth confirming with the hotel before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Boat Country Inn & Restaurant
The Boat Country Inn sits on Deshar Road in Boat of Garten, the village that grew up around the ferry crossing and later the railway, five miles north of Aviemore. The Strathspey Railway's restored steam services still run through, and the hotel packages vintage train trips with dinner and a room, which is a neat use of the location.
There are 34 guest rooms, running from Classic through to Deluxe Suites, including garden rooms with their own terrace opening onto the grounds. The style is comfortable country inn rather than boutique, and the place is set up for people coming in off the hill or the bike: drying space, a proper bar and food served without ceremony. Dogs are welcomed year round for a nightly supplement.
The kitchen serves what it describes as hearty pub cooking with Scottish leanings, with themed nights through the week, and dinner, bed and breakfast packages start from around ninety-nine pounds. Two-night winter breaks are offered from around two hundred and sixty-nine pounds for the stay. Boat of Garten is a good base for Loch Garten and Abernethy Forest, the Speyside Way, the Cairngorm ski road twenty minutes away, and the golf course on the edge of the village.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
Lovely dog friendly hotel. Dogs welcome pretty much everywhere except the buffet section at breakfast which is completely fine. Restaurant serves great good, starters, maines and desserts all big portions and with loads of flavor. The highlight of this hotel for us was Jamie. His service from start to finish was beyond what was expected. We got loads of choices with tables since we had a dog, which for us with an overly friendly dog is great so we don't annoy other guests. Jamie clearly loves his job and that shows through his service. Location is great for hikes on your doorstep. The garden rooms are perfect for dog owners, you've got steps right to a grass area with loads of waste bins. Rooms are big and clean with a great bathroom.
a month ago · via Google
Garten Boat we wish you were nearer and our legs stronger. Your staff were particularly helpful (I'm a wee bit disabled), High point was dinner, much changed upward from 5 years ago. Your maitre'd did everything it seemed and did so very well. We used an Itison voucher and have encountered subtle and not so subtle modification, both food and accomodation, but not with you, thank you. We would not look further when next in your area!
5 months ago · via Google
Absolute incredible food! I had the chicken supreme which was delicious, and my husband had the breaded fish and chips which was also really lovely. We couldn't resist getting dessert and weren't disappointed - the cranachan and sundae were both amazing. The service was also excellent, and super friendly. It's not cheap, but it's definitely worth it - on a par price-wise with other places we've tried in the area, and much better quality food. Lovely little location by the heritage railway station. There is a small car park, and also on-street parking nearby. Definitely book ahead, they were very busy even on a Wednesday night.
3 months ago · via Google
Enjoyed the food and the service particularly from a young man called Kyle (not sure if I have spelt correctly) he provided us with a great service and made us laugh, also helped us with locating some highland cattle. A credit to you establishment and such a nice fella. Well done The Boat Country Inn & Restaurant hopefully we will be able to fit a Scottish Breakfast in before we go home to Hertfordshire.
3 weeks ago · via Google
Upmarket pub with rooms, offering classic lodgings, plus a bistro-style restaurant.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Deshar Road, Boat of Garten, PH24 3BH Get directions
- Property type
- Inn
- Location
- Boat of Garten, near Aviemore
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 8.4 / 10 (1,600 reviews)
- Prices from
- £99 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Cairngorms