The Fife Arms Hotel

Outstanding hotel filled with original art and Scottish design. Our room (Lord Byron) was spectacular - large, comfortable, stylish decor evocative of the poet with a nice bathroom and welcoming champagne and whisky. Food was delicious at Clunie restaurant and Flying Stag. We enjoyed the sauna and garden. Great access to Braemar, Balmoral and NE Highlands. Reception staff were not as warm and welcoming as we would expect of a hotel of this standard.

In contrast to its rather austere frontage, the interior of the Fife Arms is a riot of colour, opulence and sumptuous cosiness. Decor is stunning, the place stuffed to the rafters with artworks including Picasso, in addition to a vast collection of taxidermy. I struggled to believe there could possibly be 16,000 pieces as the hotel website claims, but literally every corridor and staircase, as well as the main rooms, is adorned with paintings, drawings, antiques, etc. Complimentary art tours are offered to guests. Bedrooms contine the arty theme, my Croft room cosy but beautifully appointed and styled, as well as generously equipped with amenities and treats. Staff were great across the board, polished, but easy going. We had a very good meal in the main restaurant, The Clunie, yet another strikingly designed room. Expensive of course, but with the exception of disappointing puds, food justified the pricing and service was efficient but pomp-free. We enjoyed interesting cocktails in the gorgeous, adjacent Elsa’s Bar. The Flying Stag is a more casual affair, a vast, tavern-style space with live music and super friendly staff. Food was mediocre here, but the exceptional service and warm atmosphere still made for a terrific evening. Not to be missed is Bertie’s Whisky Bar, a cupboard sized space with just a handful or two of tables, dark but for the illuminated dazzle of the 500 or so whiskies lining the shelves. I hate the stuff and my mind wasn’t changed despite trying a rather pricey brew, but the experience was well worth it. The sommelier, Angus, makes your visit a theatrical event with his well worn but funny spiel. The hotel has a small garden to the rear, alongside a beautiful scandi style exterior courtyard with fire pit. The whole place is just a study in style. Location wise, I had pictured the Fife being more remote and stand alone, but it is in the very heart of Braemar, a sweet little town with a few shops and cafes, a restaurant/bar (Farquharson’s) as well as the Highland Games Centre. Braemar Castle is on the edge of the village, and Balmoral a short drive. A wonderful experience.

Scenic drive through beautiful Cairngorms deposits you in Braemar village - picture perfect! Warmly greeted - this trip was a (big) birthday present for my husband and they greeted us with champagne, chocolates. Stayed in the Robert Louis Stevenson room (very comfortable bedding and quaintly decorated and I kid you not, bagpipes wafting through the open window! The hotel itself feels from another time - many warm and luxurious seating areas - enjoyed dinner in the Stag - and don’t miss the Picassos! Just a fabulous stay

We booked a table in the Clunie dinning room on our honeymoon and WOW! What a special and memorable meal. We had the lobster raviolo and beef tartare to start, followed by the duck for 2, and it was one of the most delicious meals we’ve had. Cocktails were excellent, well balanced and a testament to traditional 20’s style drinks. We finished with a chocolate delice and rhubarb & custard tart, we couldn’t decide which was better so we split them. The best part of the experience was truly the staff, so welcoming and knowledgeable, thank you so much for a perfect dinner. We will definitely be back!