Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland - Ballater

PeterF4960

Just returned from an enjoyable week at Craigendarroch, Scotland. It’s an excellent location close to the quaint village of Ballater and also Balmoral Castle and Braemar. The surrounding area offers many spectacular walks both short and long, easy and not so easy; there are many hills. |The lodges, although spacious and comfortable do not seem to have been updated for some time, but are well equipped for everything you need.|The main building where check-in was a breeze accommodates the restaurant and bar along with the swimming pools, gym and saunas. Because this is our home week, we have visited this resort several times and have always made use of these facilities. However, on this occasion we were questioned about whether we were staying there EVERY DAY by one of the staff. She checked on her computer to verify our status but still insisted that I produce some other paperwork. On asking why, she said it was for security reasons, to which I replied that she surely can see that we were there for the week. Still not satisfied, she told me not to forget it next time and even suggested that I go to reception to get a copy there and then. I’m particularly fond of being treated like a naughty schoolboy, especially by some jobsworth with a scowly face. Perhaps she needs reminding that being employed in the hospitality industry it is a good idea to be hospitable to their paying guests, which, I might add doesn’t come cheap here. |Gladly this was the only thing that marred our week and it won’t stop us returning. Just hope said employee can force a smile now and again.

Amy B.

It was our first visit to Scotland and we love Hilton properties so thought we would give it a try. It did not disappoint!!
It’s not like a big new bustling resort. The setting was so peaceful and beautiful, we cannot wait to go back.
The amenities are Point, Abel, and the on-site food was awesome. I even went back again for the eggs hollandaise (Benedict) - it was one of the best meals in Ballater, which is also a lovely small village.
Three nights is not enough. We were blessed with sun the entire time! Thank you to the lovely staff.

We will definitely be back. Didn’t get a chance to try the spa but will definitely do that. There is a very nice pool, gym and walking trails as well.

John 3:17

dgarneau1

We stayed at the property for a week while visiting the Highlands. The resort is well run and the suites are clean and modern. The onsite pool and restaurants were a plus. The location is excellent for venturing to Balmoral Castle and other historic sites in the area. The town of Ballater has excellent casual and fine dining restaurants. This was a wonderful experience.

dwaineh2014

We stayed at this Hilton for 3 nights in June 2025. The basis of our visit was personal travel and to visit Balmoral Castle for tours of the estate grounds along with the interior tours. This hotel is conveniently located to Ballater and its amenities. Unfortunately, the hotel doesn't earn a 5 star rating. Arriving late for the first evening, we ate in the dining room and the food was just so-so, nothing special. After that experience, we ate all of our remaining meals outside of the hotel. The room was adequate, nothing exceptional, and the bathroom was very cramped and small. Fortunately for us, the majority of our daytime hours were spent outside or away from the hotel. Overall, I would not rate the accommodations as superior even though we were charged for that classification and feel the hotel should be classified as "B or B+", not an "A".

Explore41275116771

Resort and unit was plush and spotless, and upkeep was impeccable (It would have been nice to have directions for brewing coffee, as an American. Could not find it on Google). The staff was wonderful in all areas and casual restaurant was delicious. Rent a car! Great location for day trips to Highlands, castles, and coastal areas. Walkable to precious town of Braemar, and a stone's throw to Balmoral. Perfect vacay from beginning to end. Will definitely return.

L A.

As HGV owners, this location was a great find. We were right in the middle of nature, parking spot right out front. 2 bedroom with 3 baths, 1 with a sauna which we didn't have time to use.

Our lodge 23 was quick and short walking-distance from the main lodge with the pool and restaurants. Bring a swim suit and a little bottle of dish liquid. The kitchen was very early to navigate but the dish soap provided was terrible.

The closest grocer was the CO-OP in Ballater which has a decent selection but I'm glad we stopped at a Tesco on the drive in. We were able to get some breads and milk from the lodge, which were alright. You do have to pay for electricity usage. It was about $50 for 6 days.

Check your weather from the local FB page.

Daniel T.

Overall, our stay was disappointing. Check-in was rude and felt like a cold, mechanical process – no information was given about breakfast, the restaurant, or the pool. The room was spacious and practically equipped, but the view over the pool roof was simply unacceptable for the price. Not even a bottle of water was provided.

While the rest of the staff were friendly, the pool loungers and changing areas were visibly unclean. For a hotel in this category, we expected far more attention to detail and basic service. We won't be returning.

Parttimepunk

Delightful and wholesome break in prime Queen Victoria land. Splendid top quality lodges in peaceful surroundings - ideal for either a complete switch off or an active break. You can be as involved or independent as you choose. Super amenities and staff on site if needed. Nothing about the place is cheap or unprofessional although for a family trip the price per head balanced with the quality is hard to beat. First class experience - not one for the tightest of budgets unless you can see the wood for the trees.