Scotland: Aberdeen lodging
 

We will be in Aberdeen for a couple of nights and would appreciate some advice on lodging. We were hoping to stay at Jay's Guest house, but they do not have a room available for the dates we will be there. Something under 100 pounds is preferable, either hotel or B&B. We prefer charm to modern conveniences. We will be arriving by train and picking up a car in downtown Aberdeen, so we don't want to stay too far outside the city. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
Ana-Belen

ttt

Sheila ?

Mmmm. I don't really do B&Bs. If you would go 17 miles out I would strongly advise the Redgarth in Oldmeldrum.

In town, we don't go big on charm:( If you like Indian food, I have a client who has recently taken over a pub, and turned it very successfully into restaurant with rooms. It's called the Brig Inn, and it's a one end of the beach.

Bottom line is, I guess if it were me, I'd either stay in cheap and efficient Express by Holiday Inn in the town centre, or I'd be out of town.....

Sheila,
Thanks for the advice. After some more thought, we are leaning toward cheap and efficient at the Express. We will be going from the west coast US to Aberdeen in one stretch, so the most convenient option is probably the best for the first couple of nights.
While I have you here.......please feel free to make more pub/restaurant recommendations for the Aberdeen area.
Ana-Belen

That's a long list Ana-Belen. Can you narrow down interests, style, time of year, type of food, location, travel mode?

At Sheila's suggestion, my sis and I stayed at the Express by Holiday Inn two years ago. It is a fine place--room small but very clean with tea and shortbread in the room. Even had a window that opened--yea! Nice large lobby for sitting and reading, having a cocktail and continental breakfast. Good location to walk around the downtown. Be sure to check the bakeries and thrift stores in the area.

You are right Sheila, my question was a little too vague. Here are some more details:
Our trip is in mid Sept. We pick up the rental car the second day in Aberdeen, so dinner within walking distance of the Express might be best for the first night. Once we have the car, we will be driving around castle country for a couple of days before moving on to Inverary, Isle of Skye and Edinburgh. We like all kinds of food, but hope to stay under a budget of around 40 pounds for dinner for two for most nights. We don't mind dressing up a bit for dinner, but I think most really formal restaurants are going to be over our budget anyway. We would love to try some traditional Scottish dishes. Spicy food is good too (you mentioned the Brigg Inn for Indian).
I am very fond of ale, and from what I hear I am in for treat on this trip. Any favorite pub you would care to recommend?
We both love good tea (usually get it by mail order since the tea in the stores here is so awful). Any particularly nice place to sit down and have a cup of tea in the afternoon? I read the recent post on sandwiches, and I am looking forward to trying some of them. The description of brown sauce was intriguing.
How about baked goods.....any bakery suggestions?
Sorry this is so long. I hope I am not imposing on your time by asking so many questions. I probably should not have written this while I am hungry!
Ana-Belen

First night, supper at Howies- just on the other side of the road. It does decent Scottish food.

There are a lot of Indians in the area. The Shabaaz is good, as is the Blue Moon. The Brig is a bit away. The Royal Thai is worth trying for VERY spicy.

Try the Prince of Wales for a good old fashioned pub with good beer, and when you're out on the Castle Trail you might stop for supper at the Redgarth in Oldmeldrum. Also very good beer.

I don't do tea. Rumour has it there's no alcohol in it.

I'm no' a cake hand either.

Other nice places to eat near the Express by Holiday Inn would be the Square, the Foyer, and Halo.

I forgot to mention Under the Hammer- nice wee bar in the basement below the local sale rooms. Nice beer too.

Many thanks for the suggestions. I am really looking forward to the trip. (September seems so far away!) This site has been a wonderful resource.
I will be sure to post a trip report.

Drop me a note nearer the date and we'll see if we can "show you a good time"