The Fife Arms Hotel

Das Fife Arms stand schon seit einiger Zeit auf unserer Wunschliste, hat unsere Erwartungen aber leider nicht erfüllt. Am Sonntagnachmittag war die Lobby mit Ankünften, Abflügen und externen Besuchern äußerst voll. Ein „Kunstklavier“ spielte seine Melodie in ziemlicher Lautstärke (nicht regulierbar), das Hauptwohnzimmer war voller Rauch, da der Kamin nicht richtig entlüftete. Der Frühstücksservice war unregelmäßig, der Orangensaft schien nicht frisch gepresst zu sein. Das alles wäre vollkommen akzeptabel, wenn das Hotel nicht die hohen Preise verlangen würde.

We stayed for two nights at the hotel, dinner bed and breakfast and it was exceptional. Superb customer service from arrival until departure p, food was excellent and I had the delight of a facial and massage by Joy which was wonderful. A great experience and definitely should be a must visit if you are passing.

A day out in the beautiful Royal Deeside we decided to pop into the Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar and it was a totally enjoyable experience. The Front of House Manager, Jordan Walker, greeted us at the door with a warm welcoming smile and shaking of hands which you don't get in many hotels. He talked us through the many interesting artifacts that are held within the hotel and the selection of what I would call speciality rooms. The lunch was absolutely divine and the prices were very reasonable considering it is a 5* hotel and they have an extensive menu to suit all tastes. The staff are all very friendly and made us feel very welcome. They also have their own wee shop with a vast selection of gifts and souvenirs. I would highly recommend a visit to the Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar.

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.

What a disappointment! We arrived around 2pm and were told that no food was available as they had a party of 10 coming in at 5pm and thereafter a party of 13. I asked the member of staff why they couldn’t accommodate us - even for a sandwich and a bowl of soup. His reply was the kitchen staff need to have a break and do their prep for the next two days. We had a bottle of Prosecco at £44. The hotel is absolutely beautiful with some lovely artwork and taxidermy displayed. I consider yourselves to have let down tourists coming to Braemar. It really wasn’t the experience we hoped for.