Where To Stay: Craigellachie Hotel, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

February 19, 2020

Every so often, work travel has a nice little surprise for me. And when I pulled in at the Craigellachie Hotel after a chilly, rainy afternoon of touring distilleries (I KNOW MY LIFE IS SO HARD), I knew I was in for a treat!

Built in the late 1800s, the Craigellachie Hotel sits in the heart of Scotland’s malt whisky trail and is a beautiful blend of history and modern touches. It’s a small hotel (just 26 rooms) with a bar and celebrated restaurant that features local ingredients and traditional Scottish dishes.

Whether you’re visiting for the distilleries, the hiking, the coastal drive, or something else, Craigellachie makes a perfect base for exploring the Speyside, Moray, eastern Highlands, and greater Aberdeenshire area!

You might also like: How to Pick the Best Hotel Every Single Time

I rolled up to the Craigellachie in the late afternoon and wiggled my car into the lot in the back. After being warmly welcomed, I hauled my bags upstairs to get settled.

My room was cozy, with a very comfortable bed and little couch for reading and working. After a day of travel, chilly rain, and whisky distilleries, I wish I could have actually had time to spend in the room just chillin’…I was pressed for time, but it was so peaceful!

See available Craigellachie rooms, prices, & reviews on Booking.com

There was a Nespresso machine (yes!) and a lovely welcome note from the hotel. I don’t know if the welcome note is typical, but it was such a nice touch!

If you’re planning a trip to Aberdeenshire or Speyside, here are itinerary ideas!

What to Do with a Day in Aberdeen

A DIY Tour of Aberdeen’s Street Art

Where to Eat & Drink in Aberdeen

Scotland’s Elgin Cathedral & Driving The North East 250 Route

Beautiful Bow Fiddle Rock On Scotland’s Aberdeenshire Coast

Visiting Scotch Whisky Distilleries: Glendronach, BenRiach, & Glenglassaugh

Discovering a Secret Scottish Castle Ruin on a Sea Cliff

For dinner I headed down to the Copper Dog, the restaurant and bar downstairs.

The cocktail selection was super interesting, and I couldn’t resist the “Flip, Like?”, made of bourbon, banana liqueur, Antica Formula, coffee liqueur, and a whole egg—shaken intensely until velvety and cold, with a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg. SO. GOOD.

You might also like: A 10-Day Scotland Highlands & Islands Itinerary

My friend, Andrea, told me to make sure and try their smoked salmon, so I started with that appetizer, and I don’t think I’ve had better. Rich and buttery, perfect with the capers and onions (and also perfect on an eggs hollandaise twist). Then their fried chicken burger called my name, and absolutely did not disappoint.

You might also like: My Favorite Cross-Body Purse for Travel

For dessert I had to try the cranachan, which I’d heard of for years but had never actually seen. This was a heather honey cranachan with whisky mousse, oats praline, and raspberries. Crazy interesting and super yummy.

The food at Craigellachie Hotel’s restaurant overall was exceptional, and even if you don’t stay at the hotel I’d recommend booking a meal here.

You might also like: The Only Carry-On Suitcase You’ll Need

I’d heard great things about the whisky bar upstairs in the hotel, so after stuffing myself at dinner I headed up for a drink. Despite the truly amazing selection of whiskies, I couldn’t resist trying some of their interesting gins!

Even though my stay was short, I loved everything about the Craigellachie Hotel and definitely plan to come back when work takes me to Aberdeenshire again. You can see what’s on the menu, when live music is planned, rooms, and much more at their official website. You can also book through Booking.com here.

Other Aberdeenshire adventures from my trip:

Pin for later!