tWe had a wonderful dining experience last night and I had to write while the memories are still vivid. Walking into this hotel we had an immediate feeling for the ambience and we just knew it was going to be good. Drinks by a roaring fire with complimentary appetisers before being seated in a lovely conservatory with romantic lighting. We both had the Aberdeen Angus steaks which were perfectly cooked and melted in our mouth. My husband who has a bigger appetite than myself also had a salmon and prawn roulade and sticky toffee pudding with ice cream. All was presented beautifully and the service was friendly and efficient. We both agreed it was one of the best dining experiences we have had in a long, long time!

Unfortunately we did not stay at this inn but if the rooms and service are anything like the dinner we had I am sure it would be fantastic!

We stayed just as autumn set in, and were glad of the log fire and warm rooms. The conservatory was cosy too despite the lashing rain. Meals included superbly fresh local chanterelles and wild venison... An ideal introduction to Scottish Cuisine for overseas visitors, we would think, especially if preceeded by one of the wide range of single malt whiskies on display.

Breakfast too was unmistakeably highland, ranging from Scottish Smoked Salmon, via Haggis (part of the potentially overwhelming full Highland Breakfast), to Porridge with Drambuie, all freshly prepared and served with the local Balmoral Bread.

And everything served with a smile from the charming waitress. Will definitely visit again.

I booked the last available room at The Deeside Hotel with a degree of trepidation: would this be another experience of British hotels at their mediocre best with the "last" room being tiny and poorly furnished and located beside a smelly kitchen? In the event my worries were totally unfounded. From the moment we met Penella (one of the owners) and were shown to our room, our spirits soared.

Penella is a charming lady who takes great pride in every aspect of the business (other than the cooking (I'll come to that in a moment). Her pride is evident in everything from the decor and the cleanliness of every area, to the organic teas, cafetiere and ground coffee, fresh milk and homemade flapjacks waiting for every guest.

We had dinner at the hotel and the standard was way beyond excellent rivalling many five star establishments. Breakfast was another treat with no fewer than ten cooked breakfast options. So much was home made, such as the plum jam made from plums gathered from the tree outside the conservatory. As with dinner the previous evening, all I could answer to the oft asked question "Is everything to your liking?" was "Yes, absolutely excellent". I can't remember when I used the word "excellent" so often in 24 hours!

My wife and I will certainly return to the Deeside Hotel, the main difference being that the next time, staying at the Deeside Hotel will be the purpose of our visit!

We have stayed at the Deeside Hotel twice and both times we have been so impressed with the quality of the hotel and the wonderful service. We have recommended it to friends who have also been full of praise. The hotel is not a chain hotel, so has none of the anonymous "corporate" furnishings of a chain that might appeal to some guests, but each room has clearly been individually thought out and decorated in a way that suits its style. It is like staying in someone's home rather than a hotel.

I was surprised to read the previous review and wonder if they are reviewing the same hotel. The owners have always been very much present during our stays - it is a family run hotel, where the owners are the managers - and our last stay was no exception. The owner is very charming and made an effort to make sure our family of 6 felt welcome and at home. The food was delicious - meeting the approval of both my teenage sons and my husband and I - and we particularly appreciate the fact that they try to use local produce wherever possible. Why come to Scotland to eat meat and vegetables that have travelled almost as far as we have? The menu is perhaps not extensive, but there is plenty of choice to suit most people and the dishes we tried were, without exception, very good.

Whilst the hotel itself does not have much in the way of entertainment for families, we enjoyed a couple of cosy afternoons around the fire on our first visit, just reading and playing board games, whilst our second, in the summer time, was a good time to make the most of the Scottish countryside, walking and visiting castles. Even our teenagers did not complain of being bored!

We are very much looking forward to our next visit to the Deeside Hotel and agree with the majority of previous reviews. We would not hesitate to recommend this hotel and look forward to returning.