The Boat Hotel

3.5 star property
Family-friendly 3.5-star hotel with free WiFi

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Boat Hotel

Double or Twin Room, Garden View | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, individually decorated
Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, individually decorated
Exterior
Aerial view
Double or Twin Room, Garden View | Terrace/patio

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
Deshar Road, Boat of Garten, Scotland, PH24 3BH
  • Place, Cairngorms National Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Boat of Garten Golf Club
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, CairnGorm Mountain
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Airport, Inverness (INV)
    ‪47 min drive‬

Room options

Classic Single Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Double or Twin Room, Garden View

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(16 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(13 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Classic Double or Twin Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Suite Double or Twin Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Comfort Double Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Boat of Garten

In Boat of Garten .A stay at this hotel places you within half a mile (1 km) of Boat of Garten Golf Club and 3 miles (5 km) of Loch Vaa. Lochan Dhu and Loch Garten Osprey Centre are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Cairngorms National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Boat of Garten Golf Club - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Strathspey Steam Railway - 10 min drive - 7.9 miles
  • Cairngorm Reindeer Centre - 26 min drive - 14.0 miles
  • CairnGorm Mountain - 31 min drive - 16.6 miles

Getting around

  • Carrbridge Station - 8 min drive
  • Inverness (INV) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪High Range - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Cairngorm Hotel - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Winking Owl - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Inverdruie Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Route 7 Café - ‬8 min drive

About this property

The Boat Hotel

Family-friendly 3.5-star hotel with free WiFi
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Business amenities include a business center and 2 meeting rooms.

Public spaces have free WiFi. A terrace, an arcade/game room, and multilingual staff are also featured at the family-friendly The Boat Hotel. Free self parking is available.

This Victorian Boat of Garten hotel is smoke free.

  • 34 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1899
  • Ski equipment storage
  • Conference center
  • Business facilities
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Wedding services available
  • Game room or arcade
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Boat Hotel offers 34 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations include desks. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. 40-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Hypo-allergenic bedding and irons/ironing boards can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Changing table
  • Children's games
  • High chair
  • Playground

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: GBP 12.95 for adults and GBP 6.50 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • 18-hole adjacent golf course
  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Books
  • Ecotours
  • Evening entertainment
  • Games
  • Golf clubs/equipment
  • Playground
  • Ski storage
  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Mobile key entry
  • Recycling

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: GBP 10
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: GBP 20 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 3 children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for GBP 10.0 per night.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately GBP 12.95 for adults and GBP 6.50 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 20 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: GBP 10 (subject to availability)
  • A late check-out fee will be charged
  • Rollaway bed fee: GBP 10.0 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses geothermal energy
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Barclaycard, debit cards, and cash. This property uses geothermal energy. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions and guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for golf tee times. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • For stays on 25 December, the total price shown includes a charge for a mandatory Christmas Day gala dinner.
  • For stays on 24 December, the total price shown includes a charge for a mandatory Christmas Eve gala dinner.
  • For stays on December 31, the total price shown includes a charge for a mandatory New Year's Eve gala dinner.
  • For stays on 14 February, the total price shown includes a charge for a mandatory Valentine's Day gala dinner.
  • Up to 3 children 12 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.

Property is also known as

Boat Boat of Garten
Boat Hotel
Boat Hotel Boat of Garten
Hotel Boat
Boat Hotel Of Garten
The Boat Hotel Boat Of Garten, Scotland
The Boat Hotel Of Garten Scotland
The Boat Hotel Hotel
The Boat Hotel Boat of Garten
The Boat Hotel Hotel Boat of Garten

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Boat Hotel to the airport?

The Boat Hotel is 34.4 mi (47-min drive) away from the Inverness (INV) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does The Boat Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Boat Hotel.

Does The Boat Hotel offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at The Boat Hotel, but full breakfast is offered for a fee of GBP 12.95 for adults and GBP 6.50 for children. It's available every day from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at The Boat Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at The Boat Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Early check-in costs GBP 10 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at The Boat Hotel?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does The Boat Hotel have a pool?

The Boat Hotel does not have a pool.

Does The Boat Hotel have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does The Boat Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The Boat Hotel to downtown Boat of Garten?

The Boat Hotel is 0.1 mi away from Boat of Garten.

The Boat Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 292 out of 745 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 259 out of 745 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 130 out of 745 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 46 out of 745 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 745 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Nice hotel in public areas, very cosy, however our room (suite) was tired and cold. Radiators not working and no fan heaters available. Breakfast not good quality and served lukewarm. Staff not particularly helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

James

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
It seems we got an attic room as we had to watch our heads in case we hurt oon the slanted ceiling also no lift also price for meals and drink excessive there was no information on transport ie bus times taxi costs no menus in guest rooms or if you wanted a snack at evening no information on area activities yes it was an experience not to go there again
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Annie

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Room was lovely although quite small. Lovely walk in shower. Ate in the bar which was unexpectedly expensive. Would have gone out had we known. Breakfast was good
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Duncan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff very friendly and efficient.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Devious

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

FIONA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Our room was very clean, loads of room including large seating area. Bed extremely comfortable & cosy. All staff were friendly and attentive. Dinner was excellent on both evenings. The hotel is pet friendly but dogs were always under careful control & supervision of their owners. The hotel clearly welcomes families and had many non resident diners which indicated a good local reputation too. Happy to recommend to friends & family.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Shirley

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Could do with alot of improvements

Arrived at hotel to be greated and looked down at by manager,very rude and abrupt,definitely wasnt a good first inpression,she finished off her personal call on her mobile before attending to paying guests who were standing waiting, booked a room for 3 people and were given a room for 2 people,not set up for 3 and was told they didnt have an extra bed to give,even though i booked for 3,therfor it should have been sorted for our arrival,manager just seemed to shrug that off, had a meal in the restaurant which again is overly priced for what you recieve and the service was shocking,left to wait ages before ofer taken,bit then rushed out once meal had been eaten,again service rude,things added onto my meal bill that i hadnt even ordered,again manager seemed to not have time to deal with this so told myself to sort it out,as i did this,our drinks were removed and cleared from our table,which were still half full. The room itself could do with alot of inprovements,mould on walls,carpets hadnt been hoovered from previous guests,bathroom had dust and grime on bath, no housekeeping service in our 2 night stay. Breakfast wws freshly cooked however produce was cheap & overcooked, very limited variety for continental stuff,not a big selection,yoghurts sitting out without placed in ice to keep fresh, limited selection of fresh fruit on display and the apples and bananas that were,had seen better days. I defo would not return here again and didntvmake an enjoyable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Naomi

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
All staff very friendly and welcoming - particularly the ladies at breakfast! Everyone made an effort to interact with our 3 year old which goes a long way. :) very family/ dog friendly. Good food - probably the best cooked breakfast we’ve had in a while, everything was perfectly cooked and great selection. We had a meal in the restaurant too that was tasty! We stayed in a garden room, spacious and clean. Lovely location with great views of the surrounding hills. Would recommend and would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Susan

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved this hotel, comfortable, good food. Great location by the steam railway station , woodland walks. Hoping to return.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely people!

I arrived late and the waitress was so helpful and made me feel at home even though i felt i was keeping the kitchen staff back late. Thank you for such a lovely stay. Excellent all round.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
👍
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Matt

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Boat Hotel was a wonderful place to spend the night. Breakfast was very enjoyable and plentiful. I would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was a place full of character. The food and service was excellent. Things that would be good. Either lift or.less stairs
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Celebrating my mum's 80th birthday!! Staff friendly and ideal place to stay to explore Speyside!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Lynn

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Avoid - dated and poor service

We booked a deluxe room which was very small and dated with a tiny bathroom you couldn’t turn round in. The bathroom had no ventilation. Twice we returned to our room to find the cleaners hadn’t latched the door so it was unlocked all day and once we returned to find neither key worked. When we left the bathroom towels on the floor to be refreshed they were hung up dirty and I came back to the room to find the cleaner using these to dry the mugs in the room. The ‘manager’ offered to upgrade us but when I mentioned this to the person on reception next day they knew nothing about it. There seemed to be a lack of anyone in charge although the younger staff worked hard - especially the young lad at breakfast who often seemed to be on his own which meant things were sometimes not replenished even though he tried his best. Not a great stay.
Deluxe bathroom with a tiny shower
Smallest bathroom ever
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barry

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms are spacious and very clean,dinner and breakfast are outstanding 10/10,although restaurant was very busy the service was 1st class.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fabulous Hotel

Beautiful area, very nice hotel with fabulous food and really friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan, New York

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Little understaffed and limited parking, but great staff, good breakfast deal. Great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Relaxing area for the hotel, close to golf course and woodland walks. Nice area in front of the hotel to have drinks outside. With the hotel being an old building noise issues between the rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Heather

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jubin

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good service,friendly staff and nice breakfast too.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025