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The Fife Arms hotel is a historic hotel located in Braemar. It has been in operation since 1856 and is one of the oldest hotels in the area. The hotel is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and luxurious accommodations. It also has a variety of room types available, including suites. The Fife Arms hotel also has a spa and an on-site restaurant. This is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Overview

The Fife Arms Hotel has been described by Financial Times as Scotland's most famous hotel. It is a Victorian coaching inn that they restored. The hotel is in Braemar's historic Scottish village. This is within the Scottish highlands of Cairngorms Park.

The Fife Arms Hotel was built in the 19th century. It is also a category B listed structure. Besides, its large size is evidence of Braemar's popularity following Queen Victoria's visits to Braemar and her purchase of Balmoral Castle.

It retains many of the area's architectural characteristics. This includes its timber bargeboards. It also has its original timber sash, case windows, and its Arts and Crafts multi-paned upper sashes and chimney stacks.

The National Archive of Scotland has the hotel plans of Alexander Marshall Mackenzie. He renovated the original building. He is an architect of national fame. Also, he was responsible for the interior design of Crathie Kil in 1893. The Duke and Duchess of Fife chose Mackenzie to build the Mar Lodge in 1895. He was also the architect for two highly prestigious London projects, the Australia House and Waldorf Astoria hotel.

Location

Braemar, a town in the Cairngorm hills and well-known for the Royal Highland Games, is full of charm with beautiful stone houses and tea rooms. The hotel is also right at the center of all this. Balmoral Castle, nine miles from the hotel, is a great place to explore outdoor pursuits. Besides, transfers can be arranged from Aberdeen, which is 90 minutes away.

Style and Character

At this hotel, tradition meets contemporary art. Queen Victoria's watercolor painting of a stag's skull hangs alongside the antler chandelier. Besides, Russell Sage is an interior designer who has worked with various rich fabrics and antiques. He also creates light-hearted design drama.

Service and Facilities

There are several rooms below the stairs. Guests can use them for boot drying and more. The hotel's Gillian will coordinate the activities. You can also relax in the Albamhor spa and enjoy a massage. Or, stay the whole day to explore the library or the hotel shop. Afternoon tea is also available in the drawing room. It features Chinese artist Zhang Engli's incredible painted ceiling.

Rooms and Suites

Each of the 46 guestrooms is thoughtfully decorated. They use artwork and antiques to tell the story of a local place, topic, or event. Moreover, each bedroom is themed to reflect the local culture. You can also see magnificent mountains from the bedrooms.

Old-fashioned pleasures include a tweed-covered water bottle. There are also tea cups and saucers made of proper china. Bathrooms are a continuation of the bedroom theme and have a similar character. There is also plenty to see while you relax in your sweetly-scented bath. The Victoriana suites take inspiration from the history of Braemar, while the royal suites after noble guests.

Food and Drink

The Fife Arms is a showcase for the finest Scottish culture seasonal produce. It is world-famous. Moreover, many ingredients in the bars and kitchens come from local farmers.

The Flying Stag

The Flying Stag has been the public bar of the hotel. Visitors come together to enjoy classic Scottish food, live entertainment, and over 180 whiskies.

Clunie Dining Room

Clunie Dining Room is named after the River Clunie. It runs through the hotel. This eatery offers wood-fired cooking with seasonal Scottish produce. Besides, famous artist Guillermo Kuitca painted a mural on the wall here.

The Drawing Room

This is where tradition meets the modern. It is one of the hotel's most charming rooms. The Drawing Room is also perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea. Besides, the ceiling features work by Zhang Enli, a leading Chinese artist.

Elsa's

This is an art deco cocktail bar featuring beautiful art. It was built in memory of Elsa Schiaparelli. She was a regular visitor at Braemar. Elsa's has an interior that is inspired by Elsa's love for shocking pink. It also makes it the ideal place to enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif.

Spa and Wellness

The Albamhor Spa is available seven days a week. You can enjoy a luxurious treatment with beautiful views of the gardens. You can choose from a variety of facials and massage treatments. There are also manicures/pedicures and signature treatments. These include the Fife Foot Ritual and a Traveler's Special. Besides, organic seaweed skincare is a highly-acclaimed range of skincare products. It is in many of the treatments.

Art

The Fife Arms' experience centers on art. Manuela Wirth has dedicated her life to contemporary art. Integrating more than 14,000 pieces into every room and corner is now possible. The reception features a Steinway piano that Mark Bradford, a contemporary artist, creatively reimagined.

Activities

Ghillie's team is passionate about creating memorable and unique experiences for guests. So if you have an occasion that you want to celebrate, Ghillie can help you create a special event. Besides, the helicopter ride can take you to the Cairngorms National Park. Or, you can have a private chef-prepared lunch at the remote lunch hut.

Moreover, local whisky distilleries and the cellar's sommelier can arrange special tastings. The hotel also offers bespoke menus that highlight Scotland's best ingredients.

Takeaway

The Fife Arms is a hotel like no other. It offers the perfect blend of country chic and modern luxury. From the moment you step inside, you'll be enveloped in the hotel's welcoming atmosphere. The elegant public spaces have beautiful antiques and works of art. Plus, the guest rooms are spacious and have all the modern amenities you could need. This place is sure to exceed your expectations.