The Station Hotel, Rothes

Reviewed by Margaret & Peter Jeary from Morayshire

Rothes has three of Speyside’s whisky distilleries and the Station Hotel amply reflects Scotland’s finest product. Situated in the quiet town centre, it’s an old sandstone railway hotel but what a surprise inside. Recently refurbished throughout, it’s now modern and stylish with pleasing colour schemes. We were met by Rachael who showed us to our suite, the Caperdonich. The room is large and elegant, with windows looking out over the town to wooded hills. There is a fireplace, armchairs and a welcoming Glen Grant with two pretty cut-glass tumblers. The mezzanine has a large oval bath and its own TV. There is another set hidden at the foot of the bed.

After investigating a box of remote controls – for the TV, blinds, mood lights and fire – we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink in The Spirit Safe bar where they stock 300 whiskies, soon to be 500.

Dinner in Pagodas Restaurant was a joy – after starters I had a tasty mushroom tart and my husband chose venison. It was all nicely cooked and beautifully presented. Then we had deconstructed apple strudel and a delicious chocolate dessert. It was good to see that local people were using the restaurant.

Rothes is in a scenic area and visitors could go on many of the walks, either in the town or along the Spey to see the 1814 bridge at Craigellachie. Elgin with its old cathedral is only 10 miles away or if you want to see the sea, Findhorn is an old fishing village neraby. If it snows, you could just curl up by the fire with a good book, a whisky and someone special – how romantic is that?

Prices from £175 per room per night