August 2023 by fionad473
Just back from a birthday lunch with a friend. We chose the 2 course set meal. Beef was so tender, delicious sides. Followed by whiskey creme brûlée. Fantastic seating with lovely views, fabulous polite and efficient service. We will definitely be back.
July 2023 by jimbogan6
Was given a voucher by our daughter to stay at this beautiful place. Fascinating history explained on arrival. Warmly greeted by James , and introduced to the staff as we made our way to our room ( after a brief tour ).Luckily the weather was reasonably good , so we could enjoy the gardens , which are quite magnificent. Had a lovely meal in the evening served by very attentive staff. Enjoyed a nightcap in the bar, then off to bed. My wife said she had the best sleep ever. Quite a statement for a lady who doesn't sleep particularly well. Hospitality as it should be. Thanks to all involved, we shall be back.
July 2023 by ChrisDAberdeen
Superb food and service made this a really special. One of my favourite places in Aberdeenshire to eat and to stay. The staff were lovely and made our evening a fabulous birthday dinner. I?d recommend Douneside to anyone - the cottages are fab to stay in too
June 2023 by alibearScotland
I had lunch with friends here. The setting, ambience, food, and service reflects the quality of this establishment. This is a gem set in beautiful countryside. The staff are attentive and manage that balance of being friendly without being over familiar.
June 2023 by Merida2302
I had the pleasure of staying at Douneside House. I visited with my husband for an anniversary. We stayed at one of the cottages. I am one of those guests who are so very hard to please, I work hard for my money and want value for it. I was very pleased with the cottage. Crisp white sheets and fluffy towels, lovely fabrics, from curtains to cushions and throws, I have an eye for detail but obviously so does the decorating team. And extremely clean, this is a must for me. The Hotel itself is just a dream for me, as the Countryhouse Hotel is becoming a rare commodity, beautifully decorated public rooms and again opulent fabrics! The staff are well dressed, pleasant and knowledgeable. We had Afternoon Tea in the conservatory and it was delicious, the cakes and petit fours were melt in the mouth, well done to the chef, the tea was plentiful and a lovely serene atmosphere was enjoyed. We toured the gardens which I love and it was so relaxing. On the whole we were sorry to leave. As I say I?m the hardest person to please but Douneside has the lot, a 5* experience and we are returning in September. People say?keep up the good work?!but I think that platitude doesn?t apply here, from the staff members I encountered hospitality at its finest comes naturally!
June 2023 by NorthEastHamish
My wife and I visited for lunch in Winter and had promised ourselves we would return during warmer months for a night away. We loved every second of our stay. We arrived on a glorious sunny day, the setting is spectacular and the gardens are delightful. The service you receive from the charming team is second to none. We stayed on a dinner and breakfast package and enjoyed the dining throughout. The room was modest but very comfortable. We look forward to a return visit soon.
June 2023 by _-UK-_0123
This is the second time I've stayed at Douneside, and the second review. I was asked to take down the first one in order to give them a chance to rectify the issues we had. Unfortunately they didn't. However there are areas which are great: - the staff are all excellent - the setting and building is stunning - the gardens are some of the nicest I've seen - the decor is very tasteful The bad points this time round, and some of which were experienced the first time too: - the desserts and cakes are well below average, which is a shame as the starters and mains are generally good. My advice would be to not bother with the afternoon cakes or dessert after dinner, as well as the coffee (also terrible) and petit fours. - the milk in the in-room mini fridge was off (failed the sniff and taste test - tasted like yogurt) - bin in bathroom hadn't been emptied from last guest (sanitary towel in a bag in the bin) - pictures and lights not straight - was given complimentary tonic and gin, asked to change to ginger ale as we aren't fans on tonic. Was charged £6 for this. - breakfast again isn't the best; dry overcooked mushrooms and eggs. The pancakes were pitiful looking The room we stayed in was beautiful but if we were paying for this stayed we would have been even more disappointed; for dinner, bed and breakfast we would have been £535 for one night. At that price you expect perfection and unfortunately it wasn't that. We've eaten and stayed at other establishments in the area and they're much better options.
June 2023 by S7155WMfionam
Absolutely fantastic meal. Lovely flavours and a choice for everyone. Great service lovely staff. The bedroom was so fresh and clean. Gardens and scenery wonderful. Thoroughly recommend. Loved every minute. Will be back soon.
June 2023 by morgans83188
We were in complete aw from the moment we stepped entered the driveway! The house is located in such a beautiful spot in the countryside. Our room was perfect, food delicious and drinks were great! Staff was also attentive and kind. The gardens and the grounds are beyond stunning! Would definitely return and recommend!
June 2023 by momovroom
My partner and I have just returned home from an amazing meal at Douneside House. We received a gift voucher from friends who had visited previously and couldn?t have praised it enough. We chose the perfect day to lunch, the sun was out and we travelled through the most gorgeous countryside to get there. Douneside is set in the most beautiful setting, the gardens and lawn are exquisite. The views from the Hotel?s stoop was breathtaking. The Cairngorm National Park in all its glory. We had pre-lunch drinks outside and you couldn?t but apprecIte how lucky we felt to be able to enjoy such a wonderful setting. We were then shown to our table in the bright and welcoming conservatory. You have the choice of a two or three course lunch and Douneside has some pretty decent wines. We were fortunate to have James, an experienced sommelier oversee our experience and boy it didn?t disappoint. The food was superb? This is a gem of a place, I would certainly recommend. Thank you to a wonderful Team, outstanding hospitality. We will be back?. Soon! Mo & Kay
