Pros

  • Handsome granite building with signature Malmasion interiors
  • Upmarket residential neighborhood with easy city center access
  • Stylish and atmospheric rooms with sumptuous linens
  • Excellent dining with choice cuts of quality Highland beef
  • Extensive selection of wines and whiskies and a cocktail bar
  • Spa offering range of massage and beauty treatments
  • Free Wi-Fi and off-street parking
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Cons

  • Removed from city center
  • Some room decor feels worn
  • Moody lighting can be too dim
  • Breakfast not included
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Bottom Line

The Malmaison Aberdeen is a four-pearl hotel with all the hallmarks of the Malmaison brand, set in an upscale residential neighborhood a 20-minute walk from Aberdeen's city center. The vibe throughout is brooding and sumptuous, and the property offers excellent eating and drinking options. Rooms are also certainly cozy and atmospheric -- though moody lighting can get annoying and the decor shows signs of wear in places. All in all, fans of the Malmaison chain won't be disappointed, though those less enamored of dimly lit interiors can find a fresher and brighter alternative at The Chester Hotel nearby. 

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Amenities

  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Malmaison Aberdeen

Scene

A brooding, but sumptuous and playful hotel, typical of the Malmaison brand

The Malmaison chain has garnered a well-earned a reputation for finely crafted upscale hotels set in characterful properties, and their Aberdeen outpost is no exception. As would be expected in "Granite City," the hotel's facade is built from the area's ubiquitous gray rock, though softened with an elegant Art Nouveaux-style wrought-iron portico that ushers guests through an arched entrance. Inside, the signature Malmaison interiors are in evidence, with a brooding palette of charcoal, sumptuous purples and matte black, with splashes of tartan and tan leather that keep the spaces from coming off as too gloomy. While the front part of the building is original, it opens up to an airy, modern extension with red-brick walls, exposed industrial piping, and wooden floors. The space also features a collection of animal-themed artwork alongside trophy heads of the real thing. The overall effect is a smart-yet-playful lavishness, though some of the features and fixtures are starting to show their age. 

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Location

On post Queens Road on the outskirts of town

The hotel is located towards the western outskirts of Aberdeen on the super-posh Queens Road, lined with trees and grand, upmarket residential properties. There's little in the way of pubs or restaurants in the immediate area, though Aberdeen's city center is a few minutes away by car or about a 20-minute walk from the hotel. There's also a bus stop right outside the hotel that runs into town in five to 10 minutes. Aberdeen Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

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Rooms

Moody and sumptuous rooms awash with velvet and plaid

The hotel has 80 rooms, all of which are decorated in the masculine yet sumptuous styling typical of the chain -- think plenty of dark wood, shimmering velvet throws and cushions, and of course plaid-patterned fabrics. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, kettles, and minibars with decent wines (though items are expensive). Moody lighting, while certainly atmospheric, can also be annoying dim when requiring brightness. Bathrooms are chic and modern, with quality toiletries; many have separate showers and baths, and some have attractive roll-top tubs. Issues with soundproofing from both front and rear rooms have been reported, and some rooms are beginning to look a little worn.

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Features

Outstanding choice of steaks, wines, and whiskies

The hotel's forte is certainly its impressive eating and drinking options. The airy brasserie focuses largely on quality Highland beef, and there's even a display where diners can pick their choice cuts. The bar -- clad in black faux-reptile skin -- is also popular with locals and serves an excellent range of cocktails. There's also an extensive wine and whisky cellar with a private tasting room. Health amenities include a modern gym and a spa offering a good range of massage and beauty treatments, though there's no hot tub or pool facilities. Another downside is that breakfast is not generally included in room rates. Parking and Wi-Fi, however, are both free of charge.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Malmaison Aberdeen

Scene

A brooding, but sumptuous and playful hotel, typical of the Malmaison brand

The Malmaison chain has garnered a well-earned a reputation for finely crafted upscale hotels set in characterful properties, and their Aberdeen outpost is no exception. As would be expected in "Granite City," the hotel's facade is built from the area's ubiquitous gray rock, though softened with an elegant Art Nouveaux-style wrought-iron portico that ushers guests through an arched entrance. Inside, the signature Malmaison interiors are in evidence, with a brooding palette of charcoal, sumptuous purples and matte black, with splashes of tartan and tan leather that keep the spaces from coming off as too gloomy. While the front part of the building is original, it opens up to an airy, modern extension with red-brick walls, exposed industrial piping, and wooden floors. The space also features a collection of animal-themed artwork alongside trophy heads of the real thing. The overall effect is a smart-yet-playful lavishness, though some of the features and fixtures are starting to show their age. 

See More Scene

Location

On post Queens Road on the outskirts of town

The hotel is located towards the western outskirts of Aberdeen on the super-posh Queens Road, lined with trees and grand, upmarket residential properties. There's little in the way of pubs or restaurants in the immediate area, though Aberdeen's city center is a few minutes away by car or about a 20-minute walk from the hotel. There's also a bus stop right outside the hotel that runs into town in five to 10 minutes. Aberdeen Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

See More Location

Rooms

Moody and sumptuous rooms awash with velvet and plaid

The hotel has 80 rooms, all of which are decorated in the masculine yet sumptuous styling typical of the chain -- think plenty of dark wood, shimmering velvet throws and cushions, and of course plaid-patterned fabrics. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, kettles, and minibars with decent wines (though items are expensive). Moody lighting, while certainly atmospheric, can also be annoying dim when requiring brightness. Bathrooms are chic and modern, with quality toiletries; many have separate showers and baths, and some have attractive roll-top tubs. Issues with soundproofing from both front and rear rooms have been reported, and some rooms are beginning to look a little worn.

See More Rooms

Features

Outstanding choice of steaks, wines, and whiskies

The hotel's forte is certainly its impressive eating and drinking options. The airy brasserie focuses largely on quality Highland beef, and there's even a display where diners can pick their choice cuts. The bar -- clad in black faux-reptile skin -- is also popular with locals and serves an excellent range of cocktails. There's also an extensive wine and whisky cellar with a private tasting room. Health amenities include a modern gym and a spa offering a good range of massage and beauty treatments, though there's no hot tub or pool facilities. Another downside is that breakfast is not generally included in room rates. Parking and Wi-Fi, however, are both free of charge.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Spa

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.