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From135US$ /night
Check-in
04May2026Select date
Check-out
05May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Ballater Hostel, Bridge Square, Ballater, United Kingdom, AB35 5QJ
-
Near Cairngorms National Park
Perfect
9.3
/10
5.0
4.8
/5

Ballater Hostel - A five-star self-catering hostel in Cairngorms National Park with mountain views and golf access

Situated in the center of Ballater, Ballater Hostel is a 29-bed, five-star self-catering accommodation with en-suite rooms, including shared dorms and private options. Guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen, a drying room with laundry facilities, and secure bike storage. The hostel is surrounded by Cairngorms National Park, home to five of Scotland's six highest mountains, reindeer, and ospreys. Nearby attractions include The Ballater Gallery (0.5 km) and Crathie Church (2 km). A continental breakfast is available each morning at Ballater Hostel, and The Coyles Restaurant serves meals with views of The Coyles of Muick. The 757 Stagecoach bus connects Aberdeen Airport to Ballater.

Pros

En-suite rooms with private bathrooms and reading lights.

Proximity to Cairngorms National Park, offering hiking, skiing, and wildlife spotting.

Secure bike storage and drying room for outdoor gear.

Flexible booking options, including sole-use dorm rooms.

Cons

No on-site restaurant beyond breakfast and seasonal dining.

Shared dormitory bookings do not include towels.

“Ballater Hostel impresses with its central village location and exceptional cleanliness, particularly in its well-equipped kitchen. The provision of detailed hiking information caters to various skill levels, which I found particularly thoughtful; en-suite facilities in the dorms are a stylish touch. A solid choice for those exploring the area.”
Hotel logo
Luke HarrisonEditor-in-Chief at Hotelewam
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Select your room type

Ballater Hostel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Bed 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
2 persons
6 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
2 persons
6 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Quadruple Room
2 persons
6 m² 
4 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Superior Private Room
2 persons
6 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

Ballater Hostel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Safe deposit box
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Skiing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Bowling
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Shared kitchen

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area

Self-catering

  • Shared kitchen

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
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Ballater Hostel Location

Ballater Hostel, Bridge Square, Ballater, United Kingdom, AB35 5QJ
Map view
Ballater Hostel, Bridge Square, Ballater, United Kingdom, AB35 5QJ
Nearby
Gallery
The Ballater Gallery
100 m
Church
Glenmuick Church
250 m
Gallery
Larks Gallery
250 m
Church
St Kentigern's Church
530 m
Restaurants
Brown Sugar Cafe
320 m
8 Bridge Street
Shorty's Ice Cream Parlour
240 m
25 Bridge Street
Bean For Coffee
140 m
35 Bridge Street Ballater
Chalmers Bakery Ltd
190 m
Golf Road
Explore Ballater
Explore Ballater
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
The Ballater Gallery
2 minutes' walk
Local art showcased in a friendly space, featuring work from local artists. Great for art enthusiasts.
Larks Gallery
4 minutes' walk
A blend of fine art and crafts, offering unique pieces. Check out seasonal exhibitions from local talents.
St Kentigern's Church
7 minutes' walk
A historic church known for its stunning architecture. A peaceful spot to reflect and appreciate history.
Crathie Church
3 minutes' drive
Famous for royal connections and beautiful stained glass. Offers a serene environment for visitors.
Hiking in Glenmuick
15 minutes' drive
Scenic hiking trails suitable for all levels, offering stunning views. Accessible year-round with various paths.
Yoga Sessions at the Local Studio
10 minutes' walk
Relaxation and mindfulness sessions available daily. Perfect for unwinding after your day's adventures.
Bike Rentals
5 minutes' walk
Local bike rental shops nearby for cycling enthusiasts. Explore the stunning countryside and local paths.
Brown Sugar Cafe
4 minutes' walk
A cozy café featuring delicious homemade pastries and coffee. Great for breakfast or a light lunch.
Shorty's Ice Cream Parlour
3 minutes' walk
Offers a variety of ice cream flavors, perfect for a sweet treat. Family-friendly with outdoor seating.
Chalmers Bakery Ltd
3 minutes' walk
Known for fresh bread and pastries using local ingredients. Ideal for those seeking an authentic taste.
Local Pub Events
5 minutes' walk
Casual atmosphere with weekly live music and quiz nights. Great for socializing with locals and guests.
Highland Games (Seasonal)
10 minutes' drive
Traditional Scottish games held annually, featuring athletics and cultural performances. Great fun for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Ballater4 min  ·  300 m
Airports
Aberdeen (ABZ)94 min  ·  62.6 km
Inverness (INV)167 min  ·  110.9 km
Bus
Bus stop14 min  ·  9.3 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 17:00-22:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
18

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Ballater Hostel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 91 verified reviews
9.4/10
Perfect
97%
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
9.3/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.7/10
Value for money
9.4/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Spacious room
Well-equipped kitchen
Warm welcome
Cons
Small room
Uncomfortable beds
Bad-smelling towels
Guest reviews
based on 264 reviews
9.3/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Ballater Hostel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Ballater Hostel?
Check-in is from 17:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Is parking available at Ballater Hostel?
There is plenty of free parking available in the village.
What activities can guests engage in while staying at Ballater Hostel?
Guests can enjoy activities such as hiking, skiing, cycling, and golf.
What is the distance from Ballater Hostel to Aberdeen Airport?
The hostel is located 65 km from Aberdeen Airport.
What are the room amenities available at Ballater Hostel?
Rooms feature private bathrooms, a shower, a hairdryer, and certain rooms include a safety deposit box.
Does Ballater Hostel have a shared kitchen?
Yes, the hostel offers a shared kitchen for guests to use.
What languages does the staff at Ballater Hostel speak?
The staff is fluent in English.
What are some nearby historical landmarks from Ballater Hostel?
Nearby historical landmarks include Balmoral Castle (18 km), Aboyne Golf Club (19 km), and Corgarff Castle (25 km).
Do the rooms at Ballater Hostel have internet access?
Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas at the hostel.
What are some of the popular outdoor activities available near Ballater Hostel?
Guests can enjoy skiing, mountain biking, and hiking in the stunning surroundings.

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Check-in
04May2026Select date
Check-out
05May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room