49-53 Queens Road, Aberdeen, United Kingdom | (727) 241-5756
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
Removed from city center
Some room decor feels worn
Moody lighting
can be too dim
Breakfast not included
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
