Step 3 · Decide what kind of stay suits you
Choosing the right kind of place to stay
Hotels, guest houses, apartments, cottages and campsites — an honest look at the main types of accommodation around Aberdeen.
What are the main options?
Aberdeen and the surrounding countryside offer the full range of places to stay. The right choice depends less on the place itself than on how you plan to travel: a two-night city break with a concert has very different needs from a week touring castles by car. Highland Stays does not recommend or take bookings for any particular property — the notes below describe the types so you can judge listings for yourself.
Hotels
The city has hotels of many sizes, from large international chains near the station, airport and business districts to smaller independent places in converted granite buildings. Hotels suit short stays, late arrivals and travellers who want a staffed reception, breakfast on site and no housekeeping to think about. Rates can vary sharply with demand, especially when large conferences, concerts or football matches are on.
Guest houses and B&Bs
Guest houses and bed-and-breakfasts are common in the West End and on the main roads into the city, often in large Victorian granite houses. They tend to be smaller and more personal, and a cooked breakfast is often part of the stay. Check whether rooms are en suite, whether there is parking, and how many stairs are involved.
Serviced and self-catering apartments
Partly because of the city's business travel, Aberdeen has a large number of serviced and short-let apartments. They suit families, longer stays and anyone who wants a kitchen. Check how keys are collected, whether cleaning is included, and the rules for parking and noise.
Cottages and countryside stays
Beyond the city, self-catering cottages, converted farm buildings and lodges are found across Deeside, Donside and the coast. They make an excellent base for touring castles and walking, but almost always require a car, and many have minimum stay lengths in peak season.
Hostels, campsites and glamping
Hostels, caravan parks, campsites and glamping pods are scattered across the region, particularly in the Cairngorms National Park and along Deeside. They suit walkers, cyclists and budget travellers. Booking ahead is wise in summer and around popular events.
A quick way to decide
- No car, short stay, evening events → a city-centre hotel, guest house or apartment.
- Family or a week-long trip → an apartment or a cottage with a kitchen.
- Walking and hills as the focus → Deeside, Braemar or a Cairngorms base.
- Early flight or an arena concert → somewhere near the airport or with easy transport to it.
Once you have a type in mind, use our booking checklist to compare individual listings.