Dowans Hotel

Business Details

14 Years

experience

Luxury Hotel in Aberlour, Speyside | Dowans Hotel

Dowans Hotel has been a cherished part of Speyside since our family took ownership in 2012. Our Victorian mansion, nestled within terraced gardens, combines modern comforts with historic charm through sixteen thoughtfully appointed en-suite rooms. Our restaurant 57 showcases locally sourced Scottish cuisine while our whisky bar The Still houses over 500 rare single malts. As stewards of this iconic property, we've preserved its architectural heritage while ensuring contemporary amenities meet the needs of today's discerning guests. Our location in Aberlour places visitors at the heart of Scotland's whisky country, surrounded by scenic beauty and cultural landmarks.

From business travelers to whisky enthusiasts, we create memorable stays through personalized service and authentic Highland experiences. Our commitment to quality extends to partnerships with local producers and sustainable practices that support the community. Whether seeking a romantic retreat or a base for exploring Speyside, guests discover a perfect blend of tradition and modernity at our family-run establishment.

Services

Accommodation Fine Dining Whisky Bar Event Hosting Afternoon Tea

Details

Year established: 2012

Highlights and features

Family-owned since 2012 with deep local connections
Historic Victorian mansion with modern comforts
Award-winning restaurant using local Scottish produce
Extensive whisky collection with over 500 single malts
Strategic location on Speyside's whisky trail

Website

Update Listing

Services

Luxury Accommodation

Our sixteen en-suite rooms blend Victorian elegance with modern comforts. Each room features tea and coffee making facilities, flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi, and premium toiletries. Room types range from cosy singles to spacious executive suites with standalone baths and walk-in showers, offering options for business travelers, couples, and special occasions.

Fine Dining

Restaurant 57 offers contemporary Scottish cuisine using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The menu celebrates traditional fayre alongside international dishes, served in an elegant setting that complements both in-house guests and local patrons. The dining experience reflects our commitment to quality and regional culinary heritage.

Whisky Bar

Our whisky bar houses over 500 single malts, including rare vintages like 1940 Macallan. The collection showcases Speyside's whisky heritage alongside global selections. The Still provides an authentic Highlands experience with local microbrewery beers and a curated environment for whisky enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Event Hosting

The hotel offers venues for special occasions including weddings and corporate events. Our historic setting provides a romantic backdrop with scenic valley views. We provide tailored packages that combine venue hire with accommodation, dining, and whisky experiences to create memorable celebrations.

Afternoon Tea

Our afternoon tea experience combines traditional presentation with contemporary flavors. Served in the elegant drawing room, it features freshly baked scones, delicate pastries, and a selection of premium teas. The service offers a refined taste of Scottish hospitality in a setting that blends historic charm with modern comfort.

Questions

How do I book a room at The Dowans Hotel?

Bookings can be made through our website or by contacting us directly via phone. We recommend booking in advance for weekends and special events.

What dining options are available?

We offer fine dining at Restaurant 57, whisky tasting experiences at The Still, and traditional afternoon tea in our drawing room.

Is the hotel accessible for guests with mobility issues?

All bedrooms are upstairs with no lift available. We can assist with luggage but don't have a porter service. Please contact us for specific accessibility requirements.

What whisky collection does the hotel offer?

Our Still bar houses over 500 single malts, including rare vintages, with plans to expand to 600 selections showcasing global and local distilleries.

What local attractions are near the hotel?

We're located on the Speyside whisky trail with nearby attractions including distilleries, Craigellachie Bridge, and Ben Rinnes mountain. The Speyside Way walking trail starts nearby.

Are pets allowed at the hotel?

We maintain a pet-free environment to ensure all guests' comfort and safety. Assistance animals are welcome with prior arrangement.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Brian M.

Apr 19, 2019 Report

I don't know what else to say. The Dowan's has 4 stars on their sign, but I may come and add a couple in the middle of the night. Don't think I would have wanted to stay anywhere else. Clean, beautiful grounds, and even more beautiful people! Food was great and drink prices super reasonable. It felt more like staying in a huge house with family and friends than a hotel and its workers. I hope to one day be back to visit! Thanks for making our vacation that much better :)

Melissa W.

Apr 14, 2018 Report

Chic gem of a hotel in the gorgeous Speyside country. The hotel was recently redecorated and everything about it was absolutely beautiful. Rooms were clean and modern, staff was super friendly and helpful. Food was excellent. Their whisky collection was extensive and their expertise was what you'd expect from a hotel in this area. Very close to excellent distilleries and a quaint country town. Dowans is my happy place and I can't wait to go back.

Sandy G.

Aug 05, 2017 Report

What a fantastic stay!! We were in the Macallan room - supremely comfortable bed, beautiful bathroom with deep, separate tub. The view is magnificent. We loved the room, but even better was the hospitality of the bar area and the scotch room. The food was very good, and after dinner the first night we cancelled other plans for night two and chose to eat there a second night. Fabulous cocktails and magnificent scotch selection. We hope to be back and highly recommend! Also do the lovely little walk by the Falls adjacent to Aberlour distillery. So beautiful and a nice way to stretch your legs.

Megan T.

Dec 01, 2016 Report

Look no further, this place is as good as it gets. The Dowans are an amazing family and their hospitality is above par. Amazing stay, amazing food, impeccable service! The whisky room is a plus too. We will be back!

Gillian A.

Jul 28, 2015 Report

This is an excellent hotel with modern furnishings (including heated bathroom floors and towel rails!) and free wifi throughout. The room was a bit small, but it's very cosy and didn't feel cramped at all.

It's a quick walk into the town of Aberlour, which is beautiful and which features a lot of paths between he various towns in this area. The free breakfast is delicious, the coffee is strong and the servers are very friendly. This is a beautiful building overlooking a valley. The staff have been extremely friendly and helpful. We have really enjoyed our stay and would definitely

Tae J.

Jun 30, 2015 Report

Excellent place to stay in the country on your Scottish whiskey tour. The views are amazing, room are cozy and staff makes you feel like family. We only stayed a night but so glad we did.

Shane M.

Sep 23, 2014 Report

Grounds are lackluster, rooms are ok. Probably the nicest place near this town. Staff person (young girl) was quite rude and patronizing when asked questions about the accommodation. Zero customer service, no help with bags, no introduction to the place etc...We just came up from Fonab Castle the night before and it was amazing! Night and day difference to this place

If you must stay here then don't set your expectations too high (this is not a 4 star accommodation), and everything will be fine. Although i do think you could spend less money elsewhere and be equally as happy. Save your