If you are looking for a very Scottish hotel stay in Aberdeen, look no further than the Maryculter House Hotel just outside Aberdeen. It’s Scottish to the core with a history dating as far back as 1227 and it is claimed that this house hotel stands on the site of the once Preceptory of the Knights Templar. (yes those Knights from the Dan Brown books!)

REVIEW OF MARY CULTER HOUSE HOTEL IN ABERDEEN

All that remains of those buildings today are the stone vaulted chambers located underneath the Great Hall, accessed by a trap in the floor revealing a spiral staircase which led down to this ancient room. You’ll find this near the French window in the bar. There are also somewhat enchanting burial grounds and chapel ruins in the grounds next to the hotel.

THE GREAT HALL

Dating back to 1460, the atmospheric Great Hall is the most ancient part of the hotel, and is redolent with historic grandeur. Indeed it is probably one of the oldest continually inhabited dwellings in the area.

This is a room where you can feel time. You can stand centre stage in history right here from The Knights Templar to the Jacobite Rebellion and Bonnie Prince Charlie, through World War 11 and until present day.

It’s not all about history though, and the great hall is there to be enjoyed; have a whisky by the fire or Afternoon Tea or while away a quiet afternoon reading a book (perhaps by Diana Galbaldon??)

A very warm welcome awaits you here at Maryculter House Hotel. Check-in is swift and pleasant with easy access from the carpark area, into reception and up to the rooms.

Expect Scottish-ness; they are not short of a stag or two! Stunning paintings of Scottish landscapes and stags line the walls as you walk up staircases and along corridors.

JUNIOR SUITE BEDROOM

My bedroom, was totally unexpected in size and location. This was the Junior Suite with the most glorious Queen sized bed, crisp white linen and heavenly pillows.

The room is large and comes with its own dining/working area as well as a large desk/vanity table. My room was upstairs and had wonderful views over the River Dee.

THE BATHROOM

The bathroom is downright indulgent. There is a lovely power shower but that didn’t even get a look in. The bath is massive with a large window overlooking the river and across the bank to the Golf Course. How can you resist not taking a bubble bath and sipping on a G&T whilst watching the sunset.

100% pure bliss.

DINING

The scran here is top notch. I tucked into Venison Pie with cheesy mash and vegetables for lunch. Undoubtedly one of the best I've ever had. The Venison was so tender, cooked in a stunning gravy underneath a precision piped topping of cheesy mash. I'm still licking my lips and I'll be dreaming of this dish for a while.

Breakfast was equally as lovely. I was very tempted with the Full Scottish but opted for scrambled eggs, sausages and toast. Orange Juice and coffee to wash it all down.

You can tell Head Chef David Butters and his team work with fresh local and season produce here, as it really shows in the dishes. They cater for vegans, vegetarians and gluten freebies, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Poachers Restaurant is a very relaxing and easy-going space with super friendly and incredibly helpful staff; it’s open to hotel guests and visitors alike for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, Afternoon Teas and the one thing I need to return for, their Sunday Lunch which looks and sounds insane! They had me at the mention of homemade gravy, fluffy Yorkshire puddings and beef from Charles McHardy Butchers of Stonehaven!

OVERVIEW

Maryculter House Hotel is only 15 minutes from Aberdeen City Centre and is an ideal location if you are in the mood for some activities. There are two castles within 10 miles of the hotel, three distilleries within 30 miles, five golf courses within 15 miles, and five kids activities within 10 miles from the hotel. There is plenty to do around here for everyone.

Maryculter House Hotel blew me away by its hospitality and history. Every single staff member is genuinely lovely and will happily go out of their way to help you. It was delightful meeting their Managing Director, Peter Walker, who is super passionate about the hotel and a hospitality & tourism professional; and was en route to the Aberdeen City & Shire Tourism Awards that evening.

They picked up the award for Best Hotel Experience in the North East of Scotland. I know why. So well deserved.

THINGS TO NOTE

Carpark area is plentiful and close to reception
They have accessible rooms on the ground floor and all amenities are on the ground floor with level access
The hotel is dog friendly. There is a surcharge per night

Maryculter House Hotel, South Deeside Road, Aberdeen, AB12 5BG www.maryculterhouse.com

STAY : Maryculter House Hotel, Aberdeen