STYLE AND SUBSTANCE
Opened 100 years ago, the Station Hotel was a stop for wealthy visitors who came to fish on the Spey. Its glory days faded and the hotel closed its doors.
Enter now-manager Neil Slessor, who is Rothes born and bred, and the Forsyth family, responsible for the copper stills used globally in whisky manufacturing, both of whom had a passion to return the sandstone building to its hey day.
A multi-million pound refurbishment later and the four star Station Hotel boasts 15 unique rooms, a restaurant, cafe bar and whisky bar.
While distinctively Scottish in theme, the hotel is no shortbread tin. Its decor is subtle tartan and elegant hints of the local landscape.
SLEEPING MATTERS
I was put up in the the Caperdonich Suite, a stunningly spacious room with vaulted ceiling and mezzanine bathing level.
There's a complimentary malt waiting and toiletries from Arran Aromatics.
After a day exploring the area, I lounge in one of the enormous armchairs by the fireplace with a wee dram, trying out the half a dozen remote controls for the room's various high-tech luxuries.
Once I've a handle on the remote controlled TV - no, not channel changing, the television swivels 180 degrees - and the multi-coloured ceiling lights, I take a dip in the enormous free-standing bath and survey the beautiful room below me.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The hotel's restaurant, Pagodas, uses locally sourced, fresh food to create a seasonal fine dining menu that attracts foodies from across Speyside.
Toot's Cafe Bar has a more relaxed feel and menu and is packed with locals when I settle down for dinner. Next door is the Spirit Safe - packed with 300 whiskies, connoisseurs are spoiled for choice when it comes to an aperitif or after dinner dram.
ABOUT THE AREA
Strathspey is home to more than half of all Scotland’s whisky distilleries, all of which are within a 45-minute drive of the Station Hotel. Just a few minute's walk away is Glen Grant distillery, which offers daily tours. The beaches of Lossiemouth are only a 20 minute drive, as is the historic and fascinating ruin of Elgin Cathedral.
Rooms from £99 to £265 for the Caperdonich Suite
See http://www.stationhotelspeyside.com
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