The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa

The new restaurant, the Skylight room I think it's called, is very pleasant and the staff are very welcoming. However, somewhat slow to bring water, take our order for lunch and check on progress towards dessert. It was busy but should still be able to keep an eye on the clientele. The Skylight special waffle with shredded duck, duck egg and maple syrup sounded interesting, we both ordered it, only to find that the waffle was extremely sweet and didn't do the flavour of the duck any favours. Try something other than that, we wished that we had. The menu is fairly standard, not anything particularly outstanding or innovative - apart from the ill-judged duck, perhaps. It was ok, but wouldn't make me rush back.

Professionally, it's forever the best news when a couple book us for their wedding and tell us their venue is Marcliffe. As a wedding decorator, working with the Marcliffe venue rooms is such a joy however it is the team that really elevates the experience not only for the couples and their guests but for us suppliers - we get looked after SO well! Personally, we've been lucky enough to have some friends weddings at Marcliffe and the day has been incredible - the food, the rooms and again the team made it amazing! We've also visited a couple times for overnight stays which has always been great - we always look forward to coming back! Lastly, the new Skylark is a superb new space for Aberdeen - the brasserie itself is decorated so nicely and we've enjoyed a few meals and drink there already. Highly recommend! Professional Photos by Samantha Clyne 📸

I have enjoyed many great meals at The Marcliffe. Unfortunately my recent visit to the hotel's new brasserie was not one of them. Upon arrival for pre-dinner drinks we were seated at the bar. After 10-15 minutes of no-one taking our order, we had to ask to be served. The cocktails were delicious when they arrived. After moving to our table, we ordered and were disappointed to learn there were no starters on the menu. The offering was more 'pub grub' than brasserie fare. When my chicken burger arrived it was burnt around the edges. Others in my party ordered the fish finger sandwich (nice) and Skylark burger (ok). The waiter forgot to order our sides, so they arrived partway through our meal. The quality of the food was not up to the 5* standard expected of the Marcliffe. The desserts were good - definitely a highlight of our visit. We would have considered staying for drinks afterwards, but were told before the meal that the hotel bar was was only open for those dining in the conservatory. The staff were friendly throughout, but I felt sorry for the waiter who served our drinks and apologised he hadn't been properly trained in pouring wine. Unfortunately the quality of food and service we received was not up to the standard we used to expect from the Marcliffe. This was the first time I visited since the new owners took over, and I will certainly not be rushing back.

🗣️📣 All aboard the Skylark 😊 We visited the Marcliffes new Skylark brasserie for lunch and came away really really impressed with the vision of the Marcliffe owners. Aberdeen has been crying out for independent Scottish luxury for years, but until now, no one has combined the drive vision and (very) deep pockets required to make it happen. For too long, locals have had to trave closel to the central belt for this level of quality, which was a loss for our local economy. So all credit to the Marcliffe team as, based on our Skylark experience, they have demonstrated that they mean business. If this is the template and foundation of their vision I really look forward to seeing what's next for the hotel in the years to come. Wait, hold on, tell us about the food?? Glad you asked. It was reasonable and reasonably priced. The table manner of the staff was exlemporary but the speed of service was slow - very slow. There was also a mistake with our order. Given the newness of *literally everything* in the establishment and the breadth of the owners vision these teething issues were forgiveable, and I'm sure this will improve with time creating the complete package.

We were lucky to stay at the Marcliffe as part of the Denis Law Legacy Trust annual dinner weekend. From the moment we arrived we were welcomed with a huge smile and a VERY warm welcome. Everything was ready for us (as we were severely delayed and had 15 minutes to turn around and be back out of the hotel!!). Rooms are absolutely gorgeous and just what you would want in a lovely country style hotel. Showers were superb, beds super comfy with great bedding. Only slight challenge were they were a little cold. All the communal areas were stunning and breakfast was outstanding! So much choice and cooked to such a high standard. We had dinner in the hotel one evening (a private dinner) and the food was exceptional and again service was amazing. This hotel is perfectly located to also access the lovely disused railway line walk. Honestly could not recommend this hotel more. Thank you for looking after us....it was a lot!!!