Braeriach Cottage

This hotel is consistently praised for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and its lively, friendly bar, which serves as a central hub for guests and locals alike. It offers good value for money, making it an appealing choice for various travelers. The comfortable accommodations and convenient location further enhance the guest experience. It is particularly well-suited for solo travelers, couples, families seeking a comfortable base, and adventurers exploring the Cairngorms area who appreciate a no-frills, practical stay. To ensure a smooth experience, guests are advised to inquire about breakfast availability upon arrival, as it may not always be offered, and consider booking directly with the hotel rather than through third-party sites.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's on-site bar is a significant highlight, frequently described as a great pub with a snug atmosphere and a wood fire, making it a popular spot for both guests and locals. It offers various entertainment options, including a pool table, darts, and Sky Sports, creating a vibrant and social environment. While some rooms feature shared bathrooms, these are often noted for their cleanliness and functionality, with some even including a bathtub for relaxation after a day of activities. Guests appreciate the availability of good Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. However, some reviews suggest that a dedicated drying room for wet hiking gear would be a beneficial addition for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and comfortable, with many praising the comfy beds and good pillows that contribute to a restful night's sleep. Rooms are often described as cosy and well-equipped with essentials, and some are noted for being spacious with nice views. However, feedback on room comfort is mixed in some instances. Some guests reported issues such as a persistent bad smell from the bathroom, likely due to drainage, and leaky basins causing puddles. Noise can also be a concern, with mentions of thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms and loudly slamming doors. Additionally, some beds were described as having an inclined mattress or a lump, and a few rooms were noted as being dim or having minor cleanliness oversights like nail clippings.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's bar is widely appreciated for its good pub grub and food in the bar, providing convenient and satisfying meal options for guests. The quality of the drinks, particularly the clean pints, also receives positive mentions. However, feedback regarding breakfast is inconsistent. Some guests were informed that breakfast was available but found no staff to order it, while others noted that the restaurant and breakfast menu were closed during their stay, particularly out of season, or that breakfast was not included in their booking. One review also suggested that the food quality was not consistently great, indicating some variability in the dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient and central location within a quaint village, making it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. It is well-located on the main street, providing easy access just off the A9. Guests appreciate its proximity to local amenities, including a supermarket right next door and the Highland Life Museum within easy reach. For dining outside the hotel, a recommended restaurant, Newtonmore Grill, is just a couple of hundred meters away. On-street parking is readily available directly outside the hotel, adding to the convenience for those traveling by car. The area is described as a nice quiet street, contributing to a peaceful stay.

Staff & Service
The staff and owners consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and hospitality. Guests frequently highlight the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by the team, with many feeling immediately at home. The owner is particularly praised for being accommodating and going out of their way to assist guests, even providing a personal laptop for a rugby game. The bar staff are noted for being efficient and friendly, contributing to the positive social environment. Guests appreciate the kind and attentive service from check-in to departure, with many expressing a strong desire to return due to the outstanding service received.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, allowing dogs for guests traveling with their companions. For those seeking local entertainment, the bar occasionally hosts karaoke on Friday nights, adding a fun and lively element to the stay. Guests should be aware that some rooms feature shared bathrooms, which, while clean and well-maintained, might not be explicitly clear during the booking process for all guests. A recurring suggestion from guests is the potential benefit of adding a dedicated drying room for outdoor gear, especially given the hotel's location in an area popular for hiking and mountaineering.