Loch Kinord Hotel in Dinnet: Photos and Reviews

Loch Kinord Hotel sits on the edge of the Scottish Highlands in the village of Dinnet, within the Cairngorms National Park and adjacent to the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve. Guests can walk from the hotel to Loch Kinord via a 15-minute stroll behind the property, or access the old railway line converted into a walking and cycling path connecting Aberdeen to Ballater. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from Balmoral Castle and 10 minutes from Ballater, with two Scottish ski resorts - Glenshee and the Lecht - each roughly 30 miles away, offering instruction and equipment hire.

The hotel's restaurant emphasizes local produce and Scottish flavors, with a menu that changes daily according to what is in season. A welcoming bar and lounge area offers an extensive selection of whiskies from the region, alongside wines and champagnes. The dining room also serves a superb breakfast each morning, with options including cooked dishes and continental choices.

The hotel has 22 uniquely decorated guest rooms, ranging from Standard Single Rooms to Superior Double Rooms, some of which open onto private terraces or balconies overlooking the birchwoods. A separate set of two-bedroom Woodland Lodges (self-catering log cabins) sit on the grounds, each fully equipped with a kitchen and private decking. All guest rooms in the main hotel have en-suite bathrooms, heating, and are furnished with quality fittings in keeping with the Victorian character.

The hotel provides babysitting and child services, board games and puzzles for children, and a kids' menu in the restaurant. Pets are permitted in specific ground-floor rooms and lodges, with direct access to the garden and woodland walks. The family-run staff offer a personalized approach, arranging ski storage, luggage storage, and bicycle rental for guests of all ages.

Free WiFi is available throughout the property, and free on-site parking includes an electric vehicle charging station. Business travelers can use meeting and banquet facilities, as well as fax and photocopying services. The hotel also offers car hire, packed lunches for day trips, dry cleaning, and laundry services, with a shared lounge and TV area for relaxation.

Location: Edge of Cairngorms National Park, 20 min from Balmoral Castle

Dining: Restaurant with seasonal local produce and an extensive whisky bar

Activities: Golf, skiing at Glenshee and Lecht, fishing, hiking, cycling

Accommodations: 22 uniquely decorated rooms plus two-bedroom self-catering lodges

Family: Babysitting, kids' menu, board games, and pet-friendly rooms

Services: Free EV charging, ski storage, packed lunches, meeting facilities