We have a one night stopover between Braemar and Edinburgh. What is the best route and place to stay?

Have been looking at Pitlochry or out to the coast and down that way....any suggestions?

It is a tough choice.

Pitlochry has lots of places to stay, and depending on the season, active professional repertory theatre. That could be a deciding factor if you like theater.

http://www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp
the AA has a route planner you may find useful.
I think Pitlochry is a good suggestion,I last stayed there a couple of year ago,lots of places to stay from bed and breakfast to large hotels,loads of places to eat.There is a dam there and a fairly unique Fish ladder as well as 2 distilleries if you like that sort of thing (I do).There is also a Heather Gem factory in the town ,well worth visiting.
It is a very touristy place but nothing wrong with that ,it has also won several Scotland in Bloom awards.
just outside the town is the Moulin Inn dates back to the late 17th century and has it own micro brewery,does great food too.it has accomodation in a more modern extension though there may be room in the old part (i just don't know).
yes a lovely little town that is well worth stopping at.

The problem with Pitlochry is that you'll need to backtrack to get to/from it. I'd be tempted to go to St Andrews instead.

A lot however depends on where you were before Braemar

You wouldn't backtrack, Alan. You'd go through Glenshee then west through Kirkmichael.

I'm always more tempted by Dunkeld, myself

The problem with the coast notion is that St Cyrus- the last pretty place before St Andrews- is too far north, and St Andrews is too far south. If you decide coast anyway, then try Anstruther or Elie or St Monans or somewhere like that.

Inland other options would be Perth and Crieff

I would not stay in Pitlochry myself. I'd go w/ sheila's suggestions -- Dunkeld if you want inland, and one of the Fife fishing villages if you want the coast.

It's under 3 hours driving Braemar to Edinburgh, so anywhere inbetween is going to be close to one or the other

Thanks guys, after looking at the map Dunkeld it is!

Good for you. Lovely wee town