A Scottish hotel has been crowned the “best in the UK” by Which?. The Marcliffe is a luxury five-star hotel situated in Aberdeen that is nestled within eight acres of green grounds.
It is home to 40 rooms and suites, as well as the Conservatory Restaurant and Drawing Room Bar and Lounge. Which? recently named The Marcliffe as the best hotel its undercover inspectors have rated in more than seven years.
It is the first hotel in the UK since then to have received a full five-star rating from the consumer watchdog. The hotel, located on the outskirts of Aberdeen, was praised by inspectors for its high-quality service and staff.
Which? also praised The Marcliffe for being good value for money, with a stay being available to book for less than £200.
In terms of the hotel’s bedrooms, the inspectors praised their large size and “wonderfully comfortable” mattresses. However, they noted that the rooms’ muted grey and brown colour palettes “don’t especially wow”.
Meanwhile, Which? praised the upmarket feel of The Marcliffe’s dining experience. In particular, it noted the restaurant’s white linen and rattan chairs and the fact that guests “still dress for dinner”.
The food itself was also lauded, with the inspectors singling out the Conservatory’s “exquisitely presented” and locally-caught langoustines in chilli and garlic and sirloin of Aberdeenshire beef. Also praised was its varied breakfast buffet, which includes smoked haddock, grilled kippers, and salmon.
Unlike other hotel reviewers, the inspectors at Which? pay for the hotels they review and stay there anonymously. As a result, they do not receive favourable treatment when compared to other guests.
Which? wrote: “From the moment you climb the sweeping drive of this Victorian manor house on the outskirts of Aberdeen, to the waistcoated staff who swing open the doors and usher you into a reception warmed by a blazing fire, every minute at the Marcliffe feels special.
“There is no bling, no gold wallpaper or cocktail-snapping influencers, not even a hot tub in the small spa. The tartan carpets, high tea in the drawing room and impeccable service feel almost old-fashioned. But it’s this elegance that appeals and keeps minor royals – who can’t fit into nearby Balmoral – coming back.”
The Marcliffe is as popular amongst guests as it was with the Which? inspectors. At the moment, it has an average rating of 4.6 out of five based on 734 reviews on Google.
One recent visitor posted: “Very much enjoyed our overnight stay. The room was lovely and the food exceptional. Restaurant manager Ben and his team were friendly and professional. Look forward to our next stay.”
Another echoed: “Everything about this hotel is amazing. Quaint, excellent service, drinks, and dinner was superb! Staff are helpful and rooms are clean. Room full of supplies and snacks.”
A third Google user wrote: “I attended an event at the Hotel and had some light lunch. Great venue and friendly staff. Would recommend for company or big family functions.”