The Balavil Hotel Newtonmore - Restaurant, Bars & Swimming Pool

Highland hotel in Cairngorms National Park with indoor swimming pool, restaurant and whisky bar

Dining

The Balavil Hotel Newtonmore - Restaurant, Bars & Swimming Pool serves Scottish meals prepared with local produce, including venison stew and steak pie. The restaurant offers a children's menu and special diet options such as vegan dishes and small plates for elderly guests. Breakfast includes a buffet with cooked-to-order items and fresh fruit, muffins, and toast, with the black pudding receiving specific praise in guest reviews.

Bars & Entertainment

Two bars at the Balavil Hotel offer over 60 whiskies and a selection of local gins, with a shinty bar displaying local sports memorabilia. Evening entertainment includes live music and performances, while the games room provides billiards, darts, and a TV for sports viewing. The bar atmosphere is noted for being lively with community engagement, and a separate quieter dining area is available for solo travellers.

Family & Pool

An indoor swimming pool is open year-round at the hotel, with fresh towels provided at reception and accessible changing rooms for guests with mobility issues. Family rooms are available, and the children's menu caters to younger diners, while nearby activities include tennis, fishing, hiking, skiing, and golf. The pool is described as small but clean and warm, suitable for a short swim after a day of mountain biking or hillwalking.

Accommodation

The Balavil Hotel Newtonmore has 53 en-suite bedrooms with tea and coffee making facilities, TVs, hairdryers, and free toiletries, with some bathrooms recently modernised to a high standard. Rooms include double, twin, triple, and family configurations, with options like room 31 noted for its large size and comfortable bed. A lift provides access to upper floors, and the property is non-smoking throughout with key card access and smoke alarms.

Location & Activities

Set inside Cairngorms National Park in Newtonmore village, the Balavil Hotel is less than 2 km from Newtonmore rail station and across from a Co-op supermarket. Nearby attractions include the Highland Folk Museum within walking distance, the RZSS Highland Wildlife Park 11 km away, and Dalwhinnie Distillery 18 km away, with Aviemore 26 km north. Free on-site private parking is available, and guests can book direct for a 10% discount on restaurant meals.

• Location: Inside Cairngorms National Park, less than 2 km from Newtonmore rail station
• Dining: Scottish meals with local produce, children's menu, and vegan options
• Bars: Over 60 whiskies and local gins, shinty bar with sports memorabilia
• Pool: Indoor swimming pool open all year with towels provided
• Family: Family rooms, children's menu, nearby outdoor activities
• Entertainment: Live music, billiards, darts, games room
• Amenities: Free parking, lift, accessible parking, key card access