The Boat Inn - Aberdeenshire

The pub/hotel features a restaurant and bar for casual dining. It serves breakfast through dinner and consistently delivers. The establishment has improved its service and food quality over time. While it lacks a welcoming front of house character, the staff is friendly enough. However, the pricing may be starting to become a bit high for what they offer. Overall, the food is good, but not exceptional.

We spent one night and had a truly wonderful experience. The dinner was delicious, the service was exceptional, and we were able to choose our breakfast from a menu. Our room was gorgeous and roomy. The location is fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here.

During our Scottish tour, we spent two nights at this bustling pub/restaurant. Our room at the front had a lovely view of the River Dee and was decorated in a dark blue, nautical theme. The bed was very comfortable, with plenty of cushions and a wool throw for colder nights. The room was well-maintained with fresh towels and tea replenished daily. We had to reserve a table for dinner each night in the restaurant, where we enjoyed generously sized, perfectly cooked meals with plenty of options. Breakfast was also served in the restaurant and was elegantly presented. The main bar was always busy with locals, hikers, and tourists, likely because it is the only pub for miles around. The Wi-Fi signal was excellent, and there was a parking lot behind the pub as well as street parking available. We took advantage of the three electric vehicle charging points. Aboyne is a great base for exploring Ballater, Balmoral, Crathie, and the surrounding area.

We are local. It’s always been costly , with chaotic staff -but we knew that . Last week we decided to try again. Most of the staff were much more mature , attentive . Portion sizes minuscule and zero garnish . A female waitperson challenged me on why I had not eaten the sesame slaw and brioche bun. I said the slaw was off , as the sesame oil was stale .She argued that I was wrong and why I didn’t eat my roll . Don’t like brioche ! I reinforced that I didn’t want money off , just stating that the slaw was off. It was hideous. So it was again mediocre and never fails to disappoint. Never again.

Served by a very young server, in fact they were all very young and when not working they were all standing around at the entrance chatting. I hadn’t even finished my starter when my main arrived. The guy next to me was complaining about his dinner, very poor response from the waiter/Server. I expected a better choice of food, my choice was ok but that’s about it. I wouldn’t eat there again.