Buchan Hotel

Well, I would describe The Buchan Hotel as nearly, but not quite, Premier inn standard. This is my second stay here and I really have no complaints. The whole place, rooms, corridors, lobby, restaurant and toilets are spotless; one of the cleanest hotels I have stayed in! The full breakfast is outstanding and evening meals even better. The service is on-point, the staff are all very friendly and helpful. It’s a proper family run establishment and they take an active role in running this gem of a hotel. I am up in Ellon for work but would happily stay here on holiday. The location is great, right next to the river and in easy walking distance of the amenities. Did I mention the large free car park?; that’s a bonus. All-in-all, be it accommodation or popping by for a meal, I can definitely recommend The Buchan Hotel. For sure, If I’m back for work I will be booking in here; Well done Neil & the team.

AWFUL EXPERIENCE DON’T RECOMMEND Visited here but certainly won’t be back as it was diabolical. Food was poor quality and wasn’t hot. Service was terrible and staff were not very smartly dressed. This created not a very inviting environment so I don’t think I will be returning. I was hoping to book rooms for family as we have coming up for wedding but the experience we received during our visit has decided that WE WILL NOT BE ALLOWING FAMILY GUESTS TO STAY AT HOTEL. It was going to be 6 rooms for 4 nights. We will find somewhere else where we are happy with allowing family guests to stay.

Stayed here one night,twin room,2 x single beds,on my own for work purposes..bed itself rather springy with not the comfiest pillows..however..dinner was excellent,as was breakfast,a real full Scottish with excellent local ingredients cooked to perfection..girl who appeared to be in charge both with booking you in plus running dining room was very efficient and helpful..a proper hospitality worker I’d say..def stay again and hope my mattress was a little firmer😀👍

We used to visit Buchan hotel for a carvery quite often before covid hit and it was always enjoyable. We decided to make the trip out and went in for a Carvery today. Overall it was ok. We arrived, got our table and drinks orders. We opted for the carvery. Offer was beef or pork, I asked for both. It is all served for you now, don’t get to help yourself to any part of it so you just have to take what you get. Got 1 slice of each meat, 1 pig in blanket and a yorkshire pudding. The vegetables consisted of a couple of different medleys, one with green beans, tenderstem broccoli and leeks, and one with carrots, parsnips and Pickled onions (but weird) Roast tatties, boiled tatties, skirlie, gravy and spiced veg purée. Overall the food tasted nice and was enjoyable. Didn’t really understand what the point in having a carvery was if it’s plated for you, may as well just order and it get plated in the kitchen. Atmosphere felt a bit tense, there was more staff than customers with 6 or 7 staff all standing just waiting for something to do which made it feel a little awkward. Service was fine but just felt tense. Overall food was nice enough but wouldn’t say we will rush back for a plated for you carvery. We never ordered any desserts, desserts were priced at £7.25 each, so for the 2 of us that would have added on another £14.50 to the bill. Which for 2 plated carverys and 2 juices it came to £37.90 as it was. We weren’t made aware of any deals that most other carvery’s have like 2 courses for a set price so that’s why we just left it. When going to pay the 2 guys at the bar area did look at us then walk away leaving us standing there looking around until one of the ladies came over and took payment.

Have been a customer of The Buchan over many years and have always had a great experience. However, today wife and I went for a late lunch (3pm-ish). Menu not as extensive as i recall from previous visits. Restaurant staff were doubling as Reception staff but, as it was very quiet at this time, it didn't really affect the service. The roast dish was described as either roast beef or chicken & bacon. I opted for the latter. When it arrived there was no sign of any bacon with the chicken. The menu had said that the dish came with "kilted piggies". There was one kilted piggie. Roast tatties had obviously been sitting for some time and were just edible. For a dessert, I opted for a bitter chocolate tart with cumin honeycomb. When that arrived there was no sign of any cumin or honeycomb. Overall, a very disappointing dining experience. It wasn't busy so there was no excuse for these errors. It will be a while before we decide to go back.

Took my auntie and family out for lunch and had the sea bass special. It was outstanding. Every dish was a wonderful balance of flavours with beautiful presentation and the portions are substantial. The staff were so friendly and efficient, the chef Bob, has put so much thought into developing a menu full of the old favourites mixed with these specials. We all loved it. Thank you to an amazing team x