From the moment we walked into Dowans hotel we felt like part of the family. My partner and I had been looking for somewhere to spend the weekend, usually, we would visit Gleneagles or Fonab but after a recommendation from a friend we thought we'd give Dowans a try! I am SO glad we did.

The places I mentioned earlier have lost their spark, and family feel and the cost has sored, it's just really not worth the money anymore, but Dowans certainly is.

The staff, including the wonderful Lauren and Courtney, could not have been more welcoming, we had such a laugh. They truly went out of their way to accommodate us. The food exceeded our expectations, steaks beautifully cooked and oh my lord the chips! I had to order a portion with my fish dish on the second night. Wine and drinks superb! The Executive Room was amazing, with a massive bath and stunning turret. Location is ideal, so much to do with all of the distilleries and only a 40-minute drive to Aviemore. The Downans certainly has everything.

We honestly can't rate this hotel highly enough, we will definitely be back multiple times this year and we really can't wait. We have recommended it to everyone we know since we got back home.

All of our stresses left us when we entered the gates.

Every detail was perfect. From Reception, to lounge, to table, the Monkfish main that was to-die for, and then back to the lounge for an excellent after dinner expresso.

The feel was comfy/warm and the pacing was also perfect.

Thanks Much!!!

I don’t think we realised how good Dowans was until we crash landed at an airport chain hotel afterwards. “From the dizzying heights of Dowans we fall” I texted my partner after realising that Nescafé was our only coffee option - I mean compared to the freshly ground artisan coffee delivered to our room daily at Dowans? Dear gods!

Where at Dowans we were greeted with friendly banter, free flowing local advice, and belly laugh inducing story telling, the chain hotel threw us our keys with a belch (seriously).

At Dowans when we opened the door to the room, we gasped with delight at the tastefully designed opulence, plush pillows, sweeping views of the valley and a bathtub in a turret - literally - we sent photos to friends with ‘I think we’re in an episode of Downtown Abbey!’ Even the toilet paper was luxurious - the dispenser style, paper thin toilet paper and tiny double bed of the chain hotel jolted us back to our cold hard reality. The 5 star fit for kings Dowans’ fairytale had ended.

When asked at breakfast on our last morning whether there was anything else we needed, what flew out of my mouth was ‘to stay another week please?’ By far the best hotel experience either of us have ever had - after travelling through 43 countries over the past 25 years that’s saying something. Steph, Lauren and their team create an unforgettable experience that makes you feel like you’re right at home - and never want to leave. Dowans is a 5 minute walk from the town of Aberlour which has everything else you need - and is in the heart of Speyside whisky country. Gorgeous walks along the river and through the hills - the Ben Rinnes hike is hard but well worth it and not far from Dowans either.

The only ‘problem’ we found was that their ability to provide us with drams of whisky that suited our palates was so good that they had us spending an inordinate amount of money at local distilleries. 5 stars all round. Highly recommended. We’ll be back!