Right in the heart of whisky country in the village of the same name on a little bluff overlooking the salmon rich River Spey. This whitewashed gem strides out confidently over a landscape of thickly forested hills with many rooms offering views out towards the river. It may feel very remote, but Craigellachie Hotel is only around an hours drive from Inverness and three hours from the Central Belt.
Whisky Heaven at Craigellachie
This being whisky country Craigellachie should have a good whisky bar. It doesn’t. It has, in the shape of the Quaich Bar, one of the world’s premier whisky oases, a modest wee room laden from floor to ceiling with over 650 whiskies, everything from £2 nips through to a mighty Black Bowmore, a dram of which comes in at a stellar price in the hundreds of pounds (it changes every time another bottle is opened!). Perusing the exhaustive whisky list is half the fun, pondering all the choices that you would never dare order.
Traditional Décor Without Too Much Tartan Twee
There are 26 rooms at Craigellachie, all of which are bedecked in traditional décor without too much tartan twee. Beds are comfy and baths are a decent size and there are tea trays, though no mini bars. Make sure to book a room looking north out towards the Spey.
Cosy Candlelit Restaurant
The Ben Aigan restaurant is a cosy candlelit retreat that nestles below the hotel’s reception. Local sourcing is key on the menu with pork from Lossiemouth, North Sea scallops and Buckie crab fresh as can be. The wine list is decent and fairly reasonably priced without being spectacular. Private dining rooms are a good option for families, though waiting staff are fairly family friendly anyway in the main dining room.
Relaxing at Craigellachie Hotel
There may be no leisure centre or swimming pool, but that does not mean that there is nothing to do at Craigellachie. There is, of course, that first rate whisky bar. Then there is the Library, which is ideal for relaxing by the fire with a coffee or a dram, and the Drawing Room, with its Bernstein piano and comfy sofas. The hotel is right on the Speyside Way and a wee path takes you down there with a good option a lazy stroll along the river to Aberlour for lunch. The hotel also has a few mountain bikes that are free for guests wanting to venture further afield.
Distilleries and Fishing on Speyside
There are more distilleries around Craigellachie than you could ever want. Have a dram in each and you will have forgotten the name of the first by the time you finish and will need to start again. Glenfiddich offers free tours and lets in children aged eight and over. The hotel can also organise fishing in the salmon rich Spey. A decent wet weather option is a trip down to Aviemore where there is a leisure centre, pool and plenty else to see and do for all ages.
Craigellachie Hotel, Victoria Street, Craigellachie. AB38 9SR. Tel: +44 (0)1340 881204. www.craigellachiehotel.co.uk
InsiderScotland Rating
For Families 6/10
For a Romantic Break 7/10
For Food 7/10
For Business People 6/10
InsiderScotland Rating 7/10
