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From113US$ /night
Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
Check-out
04Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Ab35 5Ne The Barrel, 6 Church Square, Ballater, Ballater, United Kingdom, AB35 5NE
-
Close to Ballater Golf Club
Great
8.5
/10

4-star hotel in Ballater with culinary excellence

Rooms

The Barrel offers 16 rooms, each designed with comfort in mind. Guests can choose from en-suite rooms featuring smart TVs and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms provide additional seating areas for relaxation.

Dining

Dining at The Barrel showcases local flavors with a diverse menu that changes regularly. The restaurant, known for its seasonal dishes, emphasizes fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Guests can enjoy a selection of wines that complement the culinary offerings.

Location

Situated in Ballater, The Barrel is within easy reach of the stunning natural scenery of the Cairngorms National Park. Guests can explore village attractions, including local shops and a charming heritage center. The hotel's location also provides convenient access to nearby walking trails.

Wellness

The Barrel offers wellness activities, including yoga sessions on a spacious terrace. Guests can unwind in the garden, which provides a serene space for relaxation. Local wellness facilities are available for those seeking spa treatments and additional relaxation options.

Entertainment

Live music events are hosted regularly, creating a lively atmosphere for guests. Additionally, local tour guides provide information on community events and attractions. The hotel facilitates easy access to various outdoor recreational activities.

Highlights

Location: Ballater near Cairngorms National Park

Dining: Seasonal menu highlighting fresh local ingredients

Wellness: Yoga sessions on spacious terrace

Entertainment: Regular live music events

Must-do experiences

  • Hike the scenic Craigendarroch Hill for stunning Highland views.
  • Don't miss the selection of local cheeses at Ballater's Farmers' Market.
  • Visit the Balmoral Castle gardens for a taste of royal elegance.
  • Sample the local haggis at The Clynelish for an authentic taste.
  • Explore the Braemar Castle for a dose of rich Scottish history.
View all

Select your room type

The Barrel Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room
2 persons
110 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Small Double Room
2 persons
110 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Double or Twin Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

The Barrel Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.6/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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The Barrel Hotel Location

Ab35 5Ne The Barrel, 6 Church Square, Ballater, Ballater, United Kingdom, AB35 5NE
Map view
Ab35 5Ne The Barrel, 6 Church Square, Ballater, Ballater, United Kingdom, AB35 5NE
Nearby
Church
Glenmuick Church
200 ft
Gallery
The Ballater Gallery
600 ft
Gallery
Larks Gallery
1400 ft
Restaurants
Chalmers Bakery Ltd
300 ft
Golf Road
Shorty's Ice Cream Parlour
500 ft
25 Bridge Street
Phoenix Chip Shop
800 ft
2 Viewfield Road
Explore Ballater
Local Activities and Dining
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
St Kentigern's Church
9 minutes' walk
Historic church known for its striking architecture and serene atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful visit.
Crathie Church
25 minutes' walk
Famous for its royal connections, this church features stunning stained glass and a tranquil graveyard.
The Ballater Gallery
3 minutes' walk
Showcases local art and crafts with a gallery and exhibition space, offering a unique glimpse into regional creativity.
Hiking at Lochnagar
10-minute drive
Challenging hiking trails offering breathtaking views of Loch Nagar, suitable for thrill-seekers and experienced hikers.
Yoga Classes
5 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions offered at a nearby studio, focusing on wellness and stress relief, perfect for rejuvenation.
Chalmers Bakery Ltd
1 minute' walk
Cozy bakery serving fresh pastries and delicious coffee, ideal for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.
Phoenix Chip Shop
3 minutes' walk
Classic fish and chips shop offering crispy, golden fare in a casual setting, perfect for families.
The Ballater Cinema
5 minutes' walk
Local cinema showcasing a mix of new releases and classic films in a charming, intimate setting, great for all ages.
The Royal Deeside Bar
7 minutes' walk
Lively bar with live music events, offering a vibrant atmosphere for a night out, including karaoke nights.
Getting around
City Centre
Ballater3 min  ·  700 ft
Airports
Aberdeen (ABZ)95 min  ·  39.2 mi
Inverness (INV)166 min  ·  68.7 mi
Bus
Bus stop15 min  ·  5.9 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP10 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Barrel Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 140 verified reviews
8.8/10
Great
92%
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.2/10
Facilities
8.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.4/10
Staff
9.3/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Guest reviews
based on 140 reviews
8.8/10
based on 212 reviews
8.5/10
Joshua from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 29, 2026
7/10
perfect locationfriendly staffclean roomsmall roomlimited spacemissing table
The location WAS perfect right in the centre. Staff were great, I felt my check in was great and seamless. My room felt REALLY clean. It also had everything I needed, so I was able to relax.
My room felt really small with no hanging space for clothes. THERE was also only one bedside table, a little inconvenient.
0 Helpful
Rosie from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 24, 2026
8.5/10

lovely stay

helpful staffperfect locationsmall room
the staff was helpful and friendly. the location was perfect with surrounding mountains. it was also near many shops. the rooms were very clean and tidy with great amenities.
the room was very small. there was little space for hanging clothes. only one bedside table was available.
Service
9/10
the staff offered excellent service. they were always smiling and ready to help. their friendly attitude enhanced the entire stay.
Rooms
8/10
the room featured a very clean space and comfortable beds. the bathroom was modern and spacious. it included a great shower and provided all the necessary amenities for a comfortable and convenient stay.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
ella from united kingdom
Single
double room private bathroom
4 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: January 20, 2026
7/10

decent stay, some issues

convenient locationhelpful staffamazing dinnersmall roomminimal hanging spacebedside table
The location was super convenient. A beautiful village was right there! the staff was really helpful, and i think they were smiling all the time. the rooms were clean. dinner and breakfast were amazing too.
My room was really small. The hanging space for clothes was minimal. only one bedside table was available. there wasn't much space to put things. That was so annoying.
0 Helpful
Sebastian from Germany
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: June 25, 2025
9/10

Really good Stay

friendly staffclean roomamazing food
The staff was very friendly and cute. The room was very clean. The food in the pub was AMAZING!!!
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Barrel
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Barrel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Is there parking available at The Barrel?
Public parking is available nearby for free without a reservation.
What is the closest airport to The Barrel?
The hotel is 65 km from Aberdeen Airport.
What nearby attractions can be found close to The Barrel?
Nearby attractions include Balmoral Castle (18 km), CairnGorm National Park (47 km), and Corgarff Castle (24 km).
Are there any dining options at The Barrel?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant that serves British cuisine, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.
What type of breakfast is available at The Barrel?
A Full English/Irish breakfast is available for an additional charge of 10 GBP.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at The Barrel?
Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, and private bathrooms with free toiletries.
Does The Barrel allow pets?
Pets are allowed at the hotel upon request.
What are some restaurants near The Barrel?
Nearby dining options include The Lochnagar Indian Brasserie, Rothesay Rooms Restaurant, and multiple offerings on the same street within 0.5 km.

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Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
Check-out
04Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room