The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa

This hotel is celebrated for its elegant, traditional style and serene ambiance, nestled within beautiful, peaceful grounds. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional service provided by the staff, making every stay memorable. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic retreat, families celebrating special occasions, and business travelers attending corporate events. Its reputation as a premier wedding venue is also frequently praised. Many guests appreciate the spacious rooms and comfortable beds, ensuring a restful experience. To make the most of your visit, it is advisable to book spa treatments well in advance due to high demand, and be prepared for potential variations in service speed during peak dining hours, though staff are generally adept at resolving any issues.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that enhance the guest experience. The drawing room is a particular highlight, providing a glorious and cozy space for pre-dinner drinks, often accompanied by live piano music, creating a wonderful atmosphere. The reception area is also noted for its welcoming decor and grand feel. While the hotel boasts a spa offering various treatments, guests recommend booking well in advance as availability can be limited, and some noted the gym has late morning opening hours. The beautifully landscaped grounds provide a tranquil setting for relaxation. Ample parking is available, making arrival convenient. The bar is well-stocked, though some guests experienced slower service during busy periods. It is worth noting that while an elevator is present, it may not access all floors, and rooms generally lack air conditioning, with fans provided.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the spotless cleanliness and overall comfort of the accommodations. The spacious rooms are frequently mentioned, offering ample space for relaxation, and the comfortable beds are a standout feature, often described as exceptionally soft and conducive to a great night's sleep. In-room amenities are well-regarded, including fresh fruit, coffee and tea-making facilities with fresh milk, and complimentary snacks, along with robes and slippers. While many bathrooms are spacious and well-appointed, featuring separate showers and baths, some guests noted that certain bathrooms or rooms appeared dated or tired, with isolated reports of peeling paint or minor maintenance issues. Noise levels are generally low, contributing to a peaceful stay, though some external noise from deliveries or nearby construction has been occasionally reported.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining at the hotel receives mixed, yet often positive, feedback. Breakfast is widely praised for its quality, offering a wide choice of hot, cooked-to-order options and a good selection of continental items, with many guests highlighting the fresh produce. However, some experiences noted service inconsistencies, such as cold food or delays. Dinner in the restaurant garners varied reviews; while many guests rave about exceptional dishes, particularly the steaks and desserts, others reported issues with tough meat, lukewarm starters, or slow service, especially during peak times. Afternoon tea is described as delicious with beautifully made sandwiches and cakes, but numerous reviews point to significant service delays and understaffing, leading to long waits for orders. Room service is generally found to be good, and the staff are commended for accommodating dietary requirements.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is highly valued for its peaceful setting within beautiful, expansive grounds, spanning approximately ten acres. Situated just outside the city center, it offers a tranquil escape while remaining conveniently accessible. Guests appreciate the easy access from major roads and the ample parking available on-site. This positioning makes it an excellent base for exploring Aberdeen's attractions and the wider Aberdeenshire region, including castles and scenic drives. While the hotel provides a serene environment, some guests noted the presence of a nearby construction site, which can generate noise during daytime hours. Despite this, the overall sentiment is that the location provides a perfect balance of seclusion and convenience for both leisure and business travelers.

Staff & Service
The staff are consistently highlighted as a major asset, with guests frequently commending their friendly, attentive, and professional demeanor. Many reviews praise their helpful nature, willingness to go above and beyond, and ability to resolve issues efficiently, from rectifying bill errors to assisting with specific requests. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as smooth and welcoming. However, feedback on service speed is mixed; while some guests experienced prompt and impeccable service, others noted inconsistencies and delays, particularly during busy periods or with newer staff members, leading to longer waits for drinks, menus, or food orders. Despite these occasional variations, the staff's overall commitment to providing a positive guest experience is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
The hotel is a highly regarded and popular wedding venue, frequently praised for its beautiful setting and the dedicated efforts of its event planning team, making it an ideal choice for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and family reunions. Staff often provide thoughtful touches to enhance these celebrations. It maintains a pet-friendly policy, warmly welcoming furry companions and providing amenities such as doggie towels and treats, with some rooms offering direct outdoor access. Guests should be aware that while the hotel retains a classic and elegant charm, some areas are noted as being dated and could benefit from renovation to align with modern expectations, though recent updates have been appreciated in other parts. The spa facilities are excellent, offering a range of treatments, but require advance booking due to high demand, and the gym has limited morning hours, which may not suit all guests.