The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Hotel reaches for stars with £2.2m refurb
The former Deeside Inn in Ballater will relaunch as the Balmoral Arms in the coming months following a £2.2 million refurbishment.
It will boast a range of suites and deluxe rooms, plus a new dining experience and spa treatment rooms.
As part of the rebranding, Crerar Hotels is investing more than £1m in team development, bringing 29 new jobs to the local area, including chefs, housekeeping and food and beverage team members.
There will be roles for people who are well versed in the hotel industry and those beginning their careers.
Joanna Whysall is the new general manager for the Balmoral Arms and is overseeing the final few months of its refurbishment.
Ms Whyshall, who managed the hotel between 2012 and 2018, is hoping it will be a contender for a five-star rating.
“It’s an absolute privilege to be leading the launch of Balmoral Arms at such an exciting and crucial time,” said Ms Whyshall.
“Having been part of the Crerar Hotels family for a number of years, I’m well aware of the high standards of authentic Scottish hospitality our guests are accustomed to and I’m looking forward to recruiting an outstanding team to reopen what will undoubtedly be a five-star proposition in the heart of Royal Deeside – and at the most fitting time, during a milestone Jubilee year.”
Chris Wayne-Wills, Crerar Hotels CEO, said: “We’re delighted to name Joanna as the new general manager of the soon-tolaunch Balmoral Arms.
“We’re investing heavily in creating a retreat fit for royalty and Joanna is an absolute expert when it
comes to ensuring the level of service that goes along with such a proposition.”