The UK’s best value hotel revealed by Which? with five-star luxury at very cheap prices
A FIVE-STAR Scottish hotel has been crowned' 'the best ever we've ever stayed at' by Which? thanks to its rock bottom prices.
The consumer brand dedicated to testing out products and hotels, has given out a glowing review to The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa in Scotland.
The luxury Aberdeen hotel, that opened in 1993, has been given top praise, thanks to its astounding value for money.
Which? sent in an undercover inspector to scope out the hotel, where they anonymously scout out everything from cleanliness, to room quality, facilities, location, customer service and value for money.
Earning its stripes, Marcliffe impressed with its "value", "elegance" and "exceptional staff".
Found on the outskirts of Aberdeen, the city in northeast Scotland, The Marcliffe is a huge Victorian manor house.
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The hotel has 40-rooms and suites, gym, an on-site spa and a billiard room where you can play snooker.
Marcliffe also takes requests for other leisure activities and can organise golf, fishing, shooting and castle-touring trips away from the hotel.
As for dining, Marcliffe has two restaurants, the Conservatory and the Drawing Room Bar and Lounge - both of which have over 300 wines and 100 whiskies.
Guests are encouraged to dress up for dinner, with the hotel offering a popular pre-dinner drinks in their drawing room complete with a piano player.
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Which? also praised the "locally caught" food from langoustines to steak as well as the "brilliant value" mains which start from £25.
The tipping point for Which? was the value of the hotel; they said that "the value makes this the best UK hotel we've stayed at in the past seven years".
A stay in one of Marcliffe's 'classic' rooms costs £180 per night.
In the bedroom with a King size bed, you also get the added luxury touches like bathrobes, designer toiletries, slippers, 24-hour room service and breakfast included.
Which? found that in the summer holidays the rate for a classic room increases to £200.
There are other options too ranging from £205 up to £395 for a suite.
Which? aren't the only ones praising the hotel, Marcliffe is number four out of 56 of Aberdeen hotels on TripAdvisor with an average score of 4.5 with 700 reviews.
One wrote: "Truly first class" with another describing it as "a Scottish jewel".
Another was thrilled about the extensive drinks list, saying they loved the "wine/whisky 'Bible'", and another adding it was "whisky heaven".
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"Accessible glamour
The Scottish Sun's Features Editor Lynn Kernan stayed at the Marcliffe - here's her verdict...
IT'S been a couple of years since I stayed at the Marcliffe, but my overriding memory is the feeling of utter luxury.
I have to agree with the Which? judges - the two things that stand out are how stunning the hotel is, and how affordable it is too.
It's grand and elegant in an old-fashioned way with plenty of tartan touches. But it's also clean with attentive staff.
They think of all the small details and it feels like a proper five-star experience at a reasonable price - the best way to describe it is accessible glamour.
They made the stay really special without being pretentious.
It definitely deserves its top score.
According to Booking.com, the hotel is highly rated with a score of 9.2 out of 10.
The hotel itself is only a 13-minute drive into central Aberdeen where you can explore countless galleries, shops, Duthie Park, St Machar's Cathedral and of course, Aberdeen Beach.
The top three things to do in Aberdeen
Our very own travel writer gives the lowdown on where to go in Aberdeen...
Stroll along the prom to the historic fishing village of Footdee to snap its quirky fishermen’s outhouses – each uniquely decorated by its owner. For the best dolphin viewpoint (the chance of seeing them is high here!) plus decent coffee and pastries, grab a seat at Greyhope Bay’s Liberty Kitchen mid-morning.
For independent fashion picks, head to Thistle Street and neighbouring Chapel Street for the boutique gems of Hamish Munro, Tiger Lily and Sirene.
Street art and bold murals can be found along the Nuart Trail – it takes about an hour and the giant leopard on Crooked Lane is a highlight. The recently refurbished Art Gallery is a calming oasis and entry is free.
