I visited this hotel last year and I raved about it being the best hotel I had ever stayed in. Homely, beautiful setting, stunning gardens and the food was out of this world. I'm delighted to hear that they have picked up the AA hotel of the year award. Much deserved.

Douneside House, a luxury Scottish country house hotel in Tarland, Royal Deeside has been honoured as AA Hotel of the Year (Scotland) 2017/18 and was awarded 3AA rosettes at the prestigious AA Hospitality and Hotel Awards, which took place on Monday 25th September, in London.  The annual event is attended by world-renowned chefs, prominent hoteliers and restaurateurs.  This year, the event was hosted by Mel Giedroyc (former presenter of the Great British Bake Off).

Douneside’s General Manager Marcel Wassen said, “We’re absolutely delighted to be awarded the AA Hotel of the Year (Scotland) 2017-2018. This award it is one of the most prestigious in the industry with previous winners including Gleneagles and Cromlix, so to receive this accolade after only re-opening 18 months ago is incredible. Success is down to the hard work of our team who have brought to life the vision of our Board of Trustees”.

As Douneside is owned by The MacRobert Trust, a charitable trust based near Aboyne, all Douneside’s profits go to charity.  Last year alone, The MacRobert Trust provided charitable grants, awards and scholarships of more than £1m to charities who match the Trust’s charity objectives – including those in the local area, the armed services and children and youth.

Along-with being named Hotel of the Year (Scotland), Douneside’s restaurant now holds three AA rosettes, one of the few in the country to reach this level and the only three AA rosette property in Aberdeen city and shire. The menus are created by gifted head chef, David Butters and his team. The kitchen team produce menus from an extensive range of organic fruit and vegetable grown on their doorstep; thanks to the skill of The MacRobert Trust’s expert gardening team.  The gardening team produce over 80 different types of vegetables in the on-site kitchen garden, many which couldn’t be sourced elsewhere.

David commented, “Being awarded three AA rosettes after such a short time is due to the complete dedication of the whole team. The award is not only about great food, it also relies on first class service from our restaurant team, wonderful produce from our gardens and close relationships with our excellent quality, local suppliers.  It’s fantastic that the food we are creating at Douneside has been recognised in this way. It’s an honour to be able to join the ranks of other 3 AA rosette properties.”

The MacRobert Trust’s CEO, Rear Admiral Chris Hockley said “We’ve been over whelmed at the public’s response since re-opening Douneside as a luxury hotel last year.   Ultimately, the more successful Douneside is, the more The MacRobert Trust can donate to worthwhile charities.”

http://www.dounesidehouse.co.uk/