Five-star Victorian coaching inn in Braemar, reimagined as an art-filled Highland hotel with two Michelin Keys, 47 individual rooms and six bars and restaurants.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Fife Arms
The Fife Arms is the most ambitious hotel in the Cairngorms by some distance. A Victorian coaching inn built to serve the traffic drawn to Deeside by Queen Victoria's Balmoral, it was restored and reopened as a five-star hotel filled with commissioned and collected art, from Highland folk pieces to major contemporary works. It now holds two Michelin Keys, an unusual distinction for a hotel this far from a city.
There are 47 rooms and suites, and no two are alike. They are grouped into themed families — Royal and Victoriana suites at the top, then Scottish Culture, Nature and Poetry and the smaller Croft rooms, plus family suites and one-off spaces including an Artist's Studio. Tartan, taxidermy, antique furniture and modern art are layered together in a way that could be overwhelming and instead reads as genuinely considered.
The eating and drinking is a small ecosystem in itself. The Clunie is the fine-dining room, cooking over an open fire; the Flying Stag is the pub, serving Scottish dishes to walkers and villagers alike; Elsa's is an Art Deco cocktail bar; Bertie's stocks more than 500 whiskies; and there is a tea room, a courtyard bar and a cellar wine bar besides. Braemar sits at the foot of the southern Cairngorms, with the Linn of Dee, Mar Lodge Estate and Glenshee all within a short drive, and the Braemar Gathering takes place in the village each September.
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
Our stay at the Fife Arms was exceptional. Everything from the food, to the drinks, to the service was absolutely fitting for a 5* hotel. Will definitely be staying again. Would recommend to anyone wanting to up in the Scottish Highlands.
5 months ago · via Google
if you're travelling through the Scottish Highlands and appreciate tasteful art selection, this hotel is a must visit for you! my husband chose this hotel for our final nights in Scotland and it left a formidable impression — every minute of our stay had been incredible. from the attentiveness of staff who greeted us while still in the parking lot, to the breadth of the art collection inside. the hotel experience will be stunning even if you book the smallest room because of their vast common spaces featuring gems like originals of Picasso or art painted by British monarchs. breakfast is prepared a la carte with a considerable selection of buffet items provided. there are so many experiences offered that makes sense to return multiple times — we didn't have time to try the whisky tasting, wild swims, personal PT pods, champaign outdoors beside a fire, borrowing rubber boots for a long hike, etc. they even run an art tour around the hotel every day and you can get special memorable items from their shop! I also appreciated the toiletries that were made from local Scottish herbs completely bespoke for the hotel. we had a fantastic stay, big thanks to the people who made it possible ❤️
2 months ago · via Google
Amazing Weekend! Our daughter, Amy and now son in law Sean, chose to celebrate their wedding at the hotel, and what a wonderful choice it proved to be. Everything was perfect at every level. All the staff are to be commended for their warmth, hospitality and exceptional level of service. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and every request was handled quickly and with great professionalism. Please do pass on our particular thanks to the events team, led by Louise and so well supported by Gary and the wider team. We are also extremely grateful to the chef and kitchen team for the excellent wedding catering, and to Matthew and Brandon from the front-of-house team for moving what must have seemed like endless amounts of luggage for us all! It was a truly special weekend for Amy and Sean, as well as for the entire wedding party, and we are very grateful to everyone who helped make it such a success. Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to such a wonderful occasion.
5 months ago · via Google
We were traveling through and decided to stop for late afternoon coffee, and so happy we stopped at the Fife arms. The coffee, excellent, the staff, were brilliant and extremely friendly, but the interior is where this place shines, such a unique atmosphere and experience which was genuinely lovely to be when drinking coffee. This place does Scottish culture and heritage so very well and it was wonderful. Next time we’re in the area we will have to stay a few nights, thank you for a lovely visit.
3 months ago · via Google
People say this hotel offers a vast and unique art collection, delicious food with vegetarian options, and a variety of activities like art tours and whisky tastings. They also highlight the attentive and welcoming staff, who provide excellent service. Guests mention the comfortable rooms and the overall luxurious and memorable experience.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Mar Road, Braemar, Ballater, AB35 5YN Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Braemar, Royal Deeside
- Star rating
- 5 star
- Guest score
- 9.2 / 10 (1,100 reviews)
- Prices from
- £495 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Cairngorms