"Since taking over here we have concentrated on upgrading the facilities, improving the menu and making sure all our guests have a pleasant and enjoyable stay"
"Not only was the food really, really good, the service was also 'top notch.."
tripadvisor reviews
Spring 2010
We have had a fantastic second year at the Alexandra. Its been great to welcome back so many of our previous guests and to welcome so many new ones. As far as the seasons go we had some beautiful spring and summer days (along with a few damp ones of course) that gave way to the usual beautiful Highland autumn when the tree covered hills that surround Ballater take on there beautiful golden colours. But it was the winter that made the headlines with the temperature dropping to -20 C and record levels of snowfall.
Roads and schools were closed but for those that could get about there was some of the best skiing in Scotland for many years. Both the Lecht and Aviemore reported record amounts of snow - and record numbers of skiers! The ski centre at Glencoe was reportedly the snowiest resort in the world in February. It reported 80cm of fresh snow in just over 24 hours which was more than any other resort recorded by the Ski Club of Great Britain which collects data worldwide.
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| Some parts of the Cairngorms had drifts of 20 feet! (photo: Eupbass) |
But our highlight of the year was being introduced to the areas regular visitors, HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (Duke of Rothesay) and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Rothesay. We did invite Charles back to the hotel for a pint, but he respectfully declined.
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| On offer in the bar from the Cairngorm Brewery. |
Talking of the Alexandra, we have been busy redecorating the rooms and have also completely renovated the hotel bar. You can see some updated pictures of the rooms here along with some pictures of the bar. As well as serving a wide selection of local single malt whiskies we have also started serving two real ales from the award winning Cairngorm Brewery -Trade Winds and their current special, Howler. This has already brought us recognition from CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.
That is all the news for now, but whether you are planning to call in for a meal and a quick pint, or a longer stay, we look forward to seeing you soon.
