"We loved how cute the hotel and restaurant were! The food was amazing, the room was big and comfortable and the staff were lovely :)"

"The rooms stink like guiness inspired sh*te, they don’t change the bed sheets from the previous guests. There’s more meat floating about their pints than there is on the bar tender, if you’re feeling wild enough to stay, just drink their bottles drinks. They don’t serve food but they’ve got their own ecosystem of mushrooms growing in the rooms so you may aswell help yourself to that (they ain’t gonna clean it). Stay away!"

"I’ve stayed in this hotel before and decided to go back. The staff is very friendly and helpful."

"Popped in for a drink and were welcomed by one of the sweetest people in the world. Thank you Irma! She made us feel SO welcome and we loved the place immediately! Will definitely return as the ambience and setting was so lovely too. Plus great walks around! You're lucky to have Irma working with you! Made all the difference! Thank you x"

"Had a great night's stay @ Douneside. Great comms with Alex on the front desk. Stayed at the Morven Cottage which was exceptional. Little log burner being the highlight. Able to park right outside the cottage. Evening meal was very good with my two sons loving their food. Breakfast was even better with an array of little offerings followed by a cooked breakfast to order ( none of this buffer nonsense that you get at the Hilton these days). We will be back ; especially for the pool, sauna & steam room. Many thanks one and all :)"

"Some places are beautiful, but what makes them unforgettable are the people behind them. That is exactly what makes Lys-Na-Greyne so special. We spent a wonderful few days here with our daughter and her partner, and it could not have been a more perfect base for exploring Royal Deeside and Aberdeenshire. The real gems are Joyce and Gary. Joyce has that rare gift of making you feel as though you've known her for years. She is warm, thoughtful, and genuinely caring—always available with wonderful suggestions, yet never intrusive. Gary is an outstanding cook. Every meal was exceptional, prepared with excellent local ingredients and great skill. The breakfasts deserve a special mention: delicious, beautifully presented, and the perfect way to begin each day. Our room was lovely, with splendid views over the River Dee, but what impressed me just as much was the house itself. As someone who works in the field of interiors and decoration, I couldn't help but admire the extraordinary attention to detail. Every room reflects impeccable taste. The fresh flowers, beautifully laid tables, polished silver tea pots, elegant furnishings, and countless thoughtful touches create an atmosphere that is both refined and wonderfully welcoming. Nothing feels overdone—just beautifully considered. Joyce's recommendations made our stay even more memorable. We loved the scenic walk along the River Dee into Aboyne, where we discovered The Black Faced Sheep, a delightful café with excellent baked goods, simple homemade food, wonderful coffee, and a charming selection of homewares and gifts. We also thoroughly enjoyed dinner at The Ship Inn, another excellent recommendation. The value for money is exceptional considering the quality of the accommodation, the outstanding food, and the genuinely personal hospitality. Everything was immaculate, and the room and house were spotlessly clean throughout our stay. Despite being so conveniently located, it was wonderfully peaceful—we slept beautifully every night. If you're planning to explore Aberdeenshire, don't over-schedule your days. Follow Joyce's advice, allow time for spontaneous discoveries, and simply enjoy this beautiful corner of Scotland. Lys-Na-Greyne is much more than a lovely place to stay—it is a place created with genuine hospitality, exceptional taste, and great generosity. We left feeling we had stayed with friends and hope very much to return."