The Boat Inn

The room was clean and well looked after, and the hearty meals and breakfasts made this a great hotel for anyone heading outdoors. There's good bike storage, and you can still walk or cycle to the quieter south Deeside road using the closed road bridge. Every staff member we met was pleasant, not one grumpy face, which says a lot. I'll bring my bike next time.

A quiet, clean pub with smart toilets made for a really relaxing evening, and there was no music playing, which was a welcome change from so many British pubs. We stopped in for dinner while on holiday in Aboyne and were very impressed. The staff were warm, friendly and efficient. We had a mixed fish and crayfish starter, pulled pork with parmesan and truffle mash, the Scotch pie of the day, and rhubarb crème brûlée. The drinks were great too, especially the strawberry, basil and gin cocktail, plus two lovely cask ales from Cairgorm brewery, Trade winds and Stag.

We ate at The Boat Inn four times in five days, since our cottage was just a couple of minutes' walk away. It's a real gem. I tried something different each visit, while my wife mostly stuck with the fish and chips, and I can't blame her. Every bite was good. The food and service were both great, and the cosy atmosphere felt even more homey with all the locals around.

The hotel was dog friendly, which made a real difference for us, and the staff were so kind and helpful throughout. We spent a winter evening there after winning a Facebook competition for a night D, B&B in January 26. It was a lovely surprise and a bright spot in a stormy January. We got a warm welcome, had a cosy, comfortable room, and enjoyed delicious food with generous portions. The log burners in the bar and restaurant made the place feel especially welcoming. We appreciated the experience and hope to return in better weather.