Aberdeen’s only five‑star hotel has completed a £1.1 million refurbishment of its Suites and Superior Rooms, marking the latest milestone in an ongoing, multi‑year investment programme at the privately owned property.
Thirteen rooms have been fully redesigned, each one reimagined to reflect the hotel’s heritage while elevating comfort and contemporary Scottish style.
The newly refreshed spaces take their inspiration from the surrounding landscape, with a palette of soft greens, warm blues and subtle accents of a bespoke Balmoral tartan created exclusively for the hotel. Every room is named after a local castle, a nod to the region’s history, and features carefully curated furnishings, ambient lighting and individual design touches that give each space its own personality. The result is a collection that feels both restful and refined, with a strong sense of place woven through every detail.
Responding to rising demand from families, the hotel has also introduced two new Superior Family Rooms. These larger spaces have been designed to appeal to a broader demographic, offering bespoke bunk or cabin beds for children, each fitted with its own built‑in television. Mini bathrobes and slippers add a playful touch, while parents benefit from a king‑sized bed, generous lounge area and the same elevated design found throughout the refurbished collection.
Managing Director Jordan Charles said the renovation reflects the momentum behind the hotel’s long‑term strategy. “Marcliffe is going through a multi‑year transitional investment programme which began last year and is already delivering tangible results, with an ambitious growth strategy to follow. This latest renovation marks an exciting chapter for the hotel. The Balmoral Suite and Crathes and Fraser Superior rooms launched at the tail end of last year and generated instant demand, achieving a very strong average daily rate. With six Superior rooms, two Superior Family rooms and two more Suites now complete, we very much look forward to a busy season ahead.”
The investment follows the hotel’s achievement of the prestigious AA five‑star rating in 2025, the UK’s primary national benchmark for excellence in hospitality. It also comes as the property expands its footprint: the acquisition of Woodbank, a neighbouring 14‑acre estate formerly owned by Shell, will support future development plans, including additional bedrooms and new luxury leisure facilities.
Earlier this year, the hotel also opened Skylark Brasserie after a £5.5 million project that included the installation of a state‑of‑the‑art kitchen, further signalling its commitment to evolving the guest experience.
With the latest phase of renovations now complete and further expansion on the horizon, the hotel is positioning itself for a new era — one defined by investment, elevated design and a broader appeal to both leisure and business travellers.