The most regal place to stay in Scotland? The hotel is housed in a former hunting lodge, originally remodeled by architect Alexander Marshall Mackenzie (who also designed the Waldorf Astoria in London), now owned by renowned art dealers Hauser & Wirth.
The team preserved the hotel’s grand, old-world flair, including an ornately carved wooden fireplace surround.
The 46 guest rooms and suites range from lush and jewel-toned to simpler.
Another royal suite, done floor-to-ceiling in patterned wallpaper, with the requisite tartan blanket.
Guest rooms feel, charmingly, like they’ve been there for decades, as in this one, with an en suite fireplace and collected finds.
A vintage desk looks out at the countryside in another room.
A simpler Croft Room, “inspired by a traditional Scottish croft house,” with a built-in cabin bed hand-painted by artists with scenes of the surrounding countryside..
The eccentric Artist’s Studio, tucked under the eaves, has a cabin bed, and gives visitors the sense they’re staying in the attic room of an eccentric artist.
“It was said that if you were looking for someone in Braemar, the first place you should look was the public bar at The Fife Arms,” notes the team. The pub, The Flying Stag, is newly opened in the same tradition, with dark wood banquettes and collected portraits.
Another drinking establishment, Elsa’s Bar, has more modern fittings, perfect for “a pre-prandial aperitif.”
The historic building has original gables and Victorian gardens designed by Jinny Blom, a former Chelsea Flower Show medallist and garden designer to the royals.