My partner and I visited the Craigellachie for just one night in November 2005, in between stops in London (Le Meridien Piccadilly Hotel), Edinburgh (Balmoral Hotel), and Paris (Pavillon de la Reine). This was actually my second visit, having previously visited in May 2004 with a buddy and having absolutely loved the hotel. Our experience on this visit was the same--spectacular!

Obviously, this isn't a luxury hotel like in the big cities, but I have always been pleasantly surprised by the Craigellachie. The rooms are reasonably spacious (this time was smaller than my previous visit but still plenty big enough), and quite the deal since we paid only 20 GBP for the upgraded river view room under their Free Thousand Nights program over the winter to encourage visitors in the off season. Talk about a deal! The room was also well appointed, and we had a nice bathroom (with strong but not too strong a shower as mentioned below).

The staff is as professional, courteous, and friendly as the other reviewers say. It really is incredible that such a remote location has such great service. At reception, in the Quaich Whisky Bar, in the restaurant--great service abounds, and this from a couple of travelers who stay at 5 star level hotels and resorts on a frequent basis (consider the great hotels at which we stayed for the other stops on this trip).

The restaurant offers fantastic food and great variety of choices--again, from people who consider themselves food snobs and frequently dine well. I will say our steaks this time were a bit overcooked, but I can also say that the steak I had in May 2004 was one of the best steaks I've evef had. Even so, the kitchen offered to bring me another steak which I politely declined. They also substituted our meal far beyond what would be expected, particularly for such a small restaurant. Service was excellent, and our waitress (whose name eludes me now, a charming, friendly American transplant) was AWESOME!

The Quaich bar is a stop unto itself for those visiting the Speyside and/or on the Whisky Trail. There literally are over 700 single malt whiskies--that's 100 or so more than were there on my previous visit! As a whisky fan and collector, it really is an amazing chance to try some rare whiskies at not outrageous prices (though certainly not cheap, either). They do offer a whisky of the month which is a rare whisky offered at half price, and I had a few drams of that spirit, I can assure you!

The area around the hotel is beautiful, refreshing, and relaxing. The number of distilleries within just 10 miles is stunning, so the hotel is perfect for a whisky distillery tour. The staff are also wonderful in making recommendations for things to do and see.

I can't say anything negative about the hotel--it really is a highlight and a hallmark of the region! If you visit Speyside, be sure to include the Craigellachie.

We stayed at the Craigellachie Hotel in October 2005. The room was beautiful, spacious, and full of nice amenities. The public areas were full of character and charm. But the real gem of this hotel is its staff - they went out of their way to make our experience at Craigellachie truly enjoyable and memorable. The bartender was friendly and a great conversationalist. The waitresses/hosts were polite and eager to please.

There was actually a fire alarm while we were there and I was pleased at the professional way the staff evacuated the guests. Thankfully, it turned out to be a false alarm.

The breakfast had plenty to offer...I was particularly happy with their selection of yogurts and fresh fruit.

My only warning about this hotel is watch out for the showers! For those that like a strong power shower, the Craigellachie has the best around - but the water pressure can actually be too much for the shower curtains and you might end up with a little puddle on the floor. Just take care to watch your splash and you'll be fine :)

I highly recommend this hotel as a great pit stop on the whisky trail.

Just stayed for five nights at the Craigellachie Hotel and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Close proximity to golfing, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and scenic drives are taken for granted. What we didn't expect was the over-the-top friendliness and professionalism displayed by each and every one of their well trained staff, or the spacious and comfortable communal areas in the hotel. It's like settling in to a large luxury home, with top notch food on offer every night, and a range of scotch whiskey to sample which is second to none.

We shall definetly return, and would recommend it to anyone wishing a relaxing break.

For an foreigner visiting Scotland, this one has it all. A great setting in the Spey Valley right on the whisky trail (Glenfiddich distillery 5 miles), a cosy bar which has no fewer than 500 brands of the local product, a Taste of Scotland restaurant, lots of wood panelling, stags' heads, and tartan. The hotel is from a different era, but it's all been renovated: the guest rooms and bathrooms are big and stylish, and the power shower defied the usual expectations of rickety Scottish plumbing. We ate one evening in the restaurant. At GBP 32.50 ($60) plus wine per head, it wasn't cheap, but the meals of local meat and fish were imaginatively prepared, and soups and desserts were included. Breakfast, on the other hand, was a little disappointing. In northern Scotland they don't expect to need too much refrigeration, and when the weather is warm they can be caught out. We had unchilled orange juice and milk in the cereal, and sweating butter melting at the edges. I have a penchant for Scottish kippers (smoked herring) and was disappointed to be given just one in the middle of the plate when a pair might have been expected in a hotel of this standard. Like many seasonal hotels, table service was mainly in the hands of students, but they were surprisingly well trained and very polite. Overall the staff were friendly and helpful. As a base for touring the north east of Scotland, or just a long weekend visiting distilleries, fishing, or walking, the Craigellachie is a classic hotel with a lot to recommend it.