Fraoch Lodge
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Fraoch Lodge

Fraoch Lodge Deshar Road, Boat of Garten, Aviemore PH24 3BN Scotland
great train ride to Aviemore
Traveller (38)
Room & Suite (5)
Dining (3)

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About

#1 of 1 lodge in Boat of Garten
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.1 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Versatile and innovative, Fraoch Lodge is our self-styled “mountain lodge” providing the ultimate mix in flexibility, comfort and value for money. We’re graded as a 5 star hostel but we straddle the various accommodation categories with the variety of services we can offer. Banish those visions of a bunk-bed packed dormitory, all our rooms are twins, each with its own hand-wash basin or en suite bathroom. There is a self-catering kitchen or you can choose to take us up on any catering options. We bake fresh bread for breakfast daily and make all our own preserves. You'll get the opportunity to try these for yourself at breakfast. We also offer guided walks and walking packages or you can just ask us for ideas.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Hiking
Books, DVDs, music for children
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Airport transportation
BBQ facilities
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Skiing
Bicycle tours
Fishing
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Car hire
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Room features
Blackout curtains
Separate dining area
Separate living room
Private bathrooms
Kitchenette
Electric kettle
Bath / shower
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is officially classified according to VisitScotland standards.
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Family
Languages Spoken
English, French

Location

Fraoch Lodge Deshar Road, Boat of Garten, Aviemore PH24 3BN Scotland

Reviews
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Traveller rating
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  • 37
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  • 9
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Detailed Reviews
Lin P wrote a review Oct 2024
Laramie, Wyoming
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We just spent an excellent weeklong self-guided walking holiday with Rebecca and Andy of Scot Mountain Holidays, headquartered at Fraoch Lodge. A perfect combination of relaxation and challenge. Accommodations are comfortable (not luxe), food is homemade, local and seasonal, walks were suited to our level and interest. We climbed Cairngorm Mountain and walked through historic villages and rewilding eco zones. I can’t guarantee that you will have the good weather we had, but I can guarantee you will have good company, super walks, fantastic scenery, delicious meals, and a sense of home in a gorgeous part of Scotland.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony R wrote a review Aug 2020
Mars, Outerspace
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This was an extended family get-away, and it was really handy having the space to relax together. The lodge is very well set up for the current covid19 restrictions and the hosts have put a lot of thought into looking after their guests.

The addition of an outdoor dining option was very kind and we all enjoyed this, I loved the recycled whisky barrel being used for hand washing with the grey-water recycling scheme too.

We had a lovely time and are looking forwards to our next visit.

PS the food is great, highly recommended!
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Date of stay: July 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: They also do guided walking and can assist with lots of activities in the surrounding area.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clive3smith wrote a review Feb 2020
Liverpool, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great place to stay close to all the area has to offer. Clean comfortable rooms, fantastic drying room facilities, and great home cooked food. Hosts Rebecca and Andy really go out of their way to make you feel at home and Rebecca’s cake’s and homemade bread are something to really look forward to after a hard day on the mountains. Would definitely stay here again.
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Date of stay: February 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VincentVanMatterhorn wrote a review Nov 2010
Aachen, Germany
1.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed at Fraoch Lodge for one night and I am still wondering , where the 4-star-rating comes from. The bed sheets hadn't been changed (hair all over it) and there were cut finger nails in the washing basin in our room. The breakfast ist very "light" (a spoonfull of porridge and a slice of toast). The "attitude" of the owners has already been described brilliantly in the review from January2010. After I paid the 40 pounds (2 people) for the night I said "goodbye" and they didn't even reply! They only seem to make an effort for people who book a tour with them (I assume). That's where the money lies, right?!
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Date of stay: October 2010
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
1.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
1.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
1.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davie G wrote a review Sept 2011
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
2.0 of 5 bubbles
A group of 12 went to this place, spending good money in a beautiful area golfing and walking. The owners were very unwelcoming as soon as we got there told to take our shoes off this was okay until we noticed both the owners had theirs on ?? rooms were okay however the child that had the run of the place was in my bag and also playing with my I pod I was unsure to tell his mother as she seen it and was clearly not interested as he also was running around the corrider with a pair of sissors. the continental breakfast was a joke the lady asked me if I wanted toast I said yes and the look she gave me was not what I was looking for in a customer focused business. so we all went to the local bakers for some bacon butties at least we knew this food was going to be okay.
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Date of stay: September 2011
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Dont Bother, go elsewhere
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rebsf1, Owner at Fraoch Lodge
Responded 19 Sept 2011
Our son, Gregor, is 3 years old. He lives full time at Fraoch Lodge. He has grown up with guests in his home since birth so he likes to be friendly. He doesn't understand as yet the difference between guests rooms and private space and often invites visiting children up to his room. If a door is shut though, he won't enter the room. We include a light breakfast (cereal, toast, tea, coffee and orange juice including home made bread and jam) in the room price as a way for our guests to meet & chat with other visitors and ourselves in the morning. It is a budget option and guests are always offered the choice to upgrade if they prefer to a more substantial breakfast of their choice.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EtiveGirl wrote a review Nov 2019
Beauly, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We booked in here as a large group of friends visiting the area for hillwalking.

The rooms were lovely, and perfectly adequate for our needs - the drying room is epic for wet gear. It managed to accommodate 13 people's wet walking gear & dry it overnight. Mega bonus!

The heating is super effective, the house was roasting all the time. Plenty hot water as well.

Rebecca's breakfast was really fab, plenty of options, home made jam and bread and good filter coffee - much appreciated by those of us that are caffeine junkies. The kitchen facilities provided again are totally adequate for what we required, reheating and serving a collective meal for us all at night. Short on fridge space but thats the same at every place we stay. We had rented the whole accommodation which was great but I don't think I'd have enjoyed it as much if we were sharing with other groups. The rooms have security codes but the kitchen could have been cramped.

You are sharing the owners house so it feels a wee bit odd to start with, particularly as we were a big group and could be very noisy.

All in all, a great wee place to stay.
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Date of stay: September 2019
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma G wrote a review Jul 2018
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We had an absolutely lovely time at fraoch lodge and Andy, Rebecca and Gregor could not have been more welcoming. We ate very well - Rebecca took great care to accommodate our dietary requirements and produced two delicious evening meals.
Breakfast was homemade porridge, bread jams and fruit from the garden. Lunch was also provided and the homemade bread was a winner.
Andy took us to the start and end of the walk, provided maps and tips and was generally very helpful.
Would definitely recommend and we hope to be back soon.
Emma
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rebecca F, Owner at Fraoch Lodge
Responded 23 Jul 2018
Thank you. We do hope you'll be back in time, Perhaps with the kids next time if you can turn them into hikers too.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Konstanze2018 wrote a review Jul 2018
Stuttgart, Germany
2.0 of 5 bubbles
ATMOSPHERE
Only Andy took notice of us. Unfortunately, this was not the case for Rebecca. It seemed to us that she was not really interested in her guests. This was very irritating and did not change during our 2-days stay. Not to mention that the atmosphere in the house was odd, fortunately the other guests were nice.
BREAKFAST
There were just a few basic things on the table for breakfast in very small measures for a bunch of 6 guests - rather reluctantly we got more after asking, also just the bare minimum. The home-made and praised marmalade was for sale in a shelf. Under these circumstances even calling the breakfast 'basic' or 'continental' is an overstatement.
DINNER
The three-course dinner mainly contained simple plain fare, tap water was served as drink. This wouldn’t have been a problem if the dinner had not been charged with 20 pounds per person like in a restaurant with appropriate service and scope.
POSITIVE
The kitchen with the fridge for guests and the possibility sitting on the bench in the garden for a picknick.
RÉSUMÉ
We cannot confirm the good impression given by the descriptions & ratings online. During our vacations in Scotland we were mainly accommodated with hospitality and interest; here we did not encounter a pleasant situation – contrary to the mostly positive feedbacks for this accommodation. It’s a pity, that these issues need to be mentioned – it should be in the interest of hosts that these issues don’t arise. Regard this rating as a chance for improvement. Instead of responding quickly take your time for careful reflecting and acting.
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Date of stay: June 2018
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rebecca F, Owner at Fraoch Lodge
Responded 18 Jul 2018
Thank you for your feedback. Unfortunately we don't know when you stayed nor do we have a name to associate with the booking so it is difficult to address your personal issues. If you were uncomfortable during your stay, you could have said and we would have addressed your issues then and saved you the trouble of complaining online. We offer 4 types of cereal and porridge for breakfast along with 6 different types of preserve/spread for toast. The toast is all of home made fresh bread and sometimes supplemented with croissants or pancakes. Tea, coffee and orange juice are also supplied for breakfast. Fraoch Lodge is not a licensed premises but we can supply water endlessly.
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smiley050 wrote a review Aug 2015
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
3.0 of 5 bubbles
A disappointing stay for 2 nights in June.
All the nice things that we had read in the reviews unfortunately could not be said for our trip.
Certainly not a warm welcome- shoes off, coffee? This before we were even into their porch! Not even a 'hello' or ' how was your journey?'
Shared a new en-suite room at the front of the house & to be honest we were not entirely sure how clean it was. The bath mat stank & we were offered towels that weren't much better. I have never seen a shower with a tray & just a curtain around it which is a disaster in the making- it needs a proper cubicle. Two careful & small adults managed to get the room fairly wet in no time. Meant to tell our hosts but to be truthful we found them a bit aloof.
Dinner on both nights was not to our liking ( plonked in the middle of the table with no explanation of what it was). So much for Rebecca's good cooking. Also it appeared that our hosts were not getting on with each other, tense atmosphere & glouring looks from our hostess.
Our pack lunch was adequate although we couldn't get our heads around the fact that there is great effort put into making some lovely bread when the filling for sandwiches was some sort of very cheap & horrid looking ham.
Price- we did a 2 night D,B&B deal which was far too expensive for what we got. Paid hotel prices for a hostel- more fool us!!
Maybe we just got them on an off weekend but it looked as if their hearts were not in it.
Disappointing as I said.
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Date of stay: June 2015
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rebsf1, Owner at Fraoch Lodge
Responded 19 Aug 2015
I'm sorry you didn't consider your stay value for money but the price did include a transfer of over 130 miles round to the Linn of Dee plus a pick up at Whitewell; a thorough briefing to help with the route (plus maps), packed lunch for your day's hike through the Lairig Ghru and a late dinner especially for you when the weather delayed you during the hike. We have upgraded our cleaning routine and where possible check all bathroom facilities on a daily basis. The only occasions when bathrooms are not cleaned daily is if guests have not vacated their rooms.
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JeromeFinlayson wrote a review Jan 2010
Scotland
2.0 of 5 bubbles
I would like to start by pointing out that I have not stayed at this Hostal. I did however phone to book for my family 2 adults and 2 children aged 9 and 12. I was greeted over the phone by what appeared to me as someone with a very short and brisk attitude who I was inconveniencing by calling to enquire about a booking. I can handle this as after all we all have a bad day.
I explained that I was looking for a room for 1 night to the immediate reply "we don’t do rooms for 1 night only 2" well I only want 1. I then negotiated that if the hostel was not full and I called the day before my booking would I be able to pay for 1 night, eventually the answer was "yes I suppose so”!! I then enquired about the price which I was informed was £20 per person with a light breakfast, I asked if there was a family deal, again a very swift and short reply of "no not in peak season" I negotiated again explaining that I understood the need for a business to make a profit in the busy season but also the fact that applying a blanket rule like this was short sighted and that people like me who live in Scotland and use the mountains and its facilities may return again and again and not just in the "busy season". I did not get any leeway and was told that families pay the same so my children aged 9 and 12 would pay exactly the same as 2 adults!!! I refused to book on principle and feel that yet again as is sometimes the case families are not given a fair deal, the owner was not willing to show any flexibility and stood firm on the policy of maximising profits at all costs during the busy skiing season, little do people know that some of us use these facilities all year round and sustaining custom is just as important as maximising profit in the peak season. This is short sited and takes a very short-term view. I am disappointed as the hostel actually looks very nice and I am sure would be a great place to stay.

Fortunately not all hostels take this view and there are many who do treat families as families not as 4 adults. I did manage to find a pleasant alternative “an old favourite” we have returned to often.
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Date of stay: January 2010Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kazzle000 asked a question May 2016
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Do you accept small well behaved dogs?!
Answer from Rebecca F
Boat of Garten, United Kingdom14 contributions3 helpful votes
I'm afraid that we don't have space for dogs within the main buildings. We have had guests bring dogs in the past, but only when they are happy for the dogs to stay in the car or to have a bed in one of our garden sheds or the drying room. I am sorry we can't be more helpful but if you would like to know of dog-friendly accommodation in the area please don't hesitate to contact us again.
Answer from Rebecca F
Boat of Garten, United Kingdom14 contributions3 helpful votes
Hi JayJay, Thanks for the query. We do have 2 rooms with private bathrooms. These are a wee bit more expensive and we hope to have one more private bathroom facility provided by January 2016. If you book 2 standard rooms we can give you rooms next to each other which will share the bathroom. By January 2016 these will be the only rooms sharing that bathroom facility. There are no actual baths at Fraoch Lodge only shower facilities. We have extended WiFi throughout the property but we have chosen not to install TV here. There is a comfortable lounge, a large selection of traditional games and loads of books to share by the open fire. When are you planning to visit? It is not a busy time at the moment so you'd probably not have to share wash facilities with anyone other than your friends/family. Regards, Rebecca
Answer from Steve F
London, United Kingdom40 contributions40 helpful votes
The bathrooms are shared, but there are several. Depending on where your rooms are, you may not be sharing with anyone else. I've stayed 3 times and have never had to queue for the bathroom.
gregbirdo wrote a tip Nov 2023
Twin Waters, Australia14 contributions28 helpful votes
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"Don't expect to see your room until at least 5pm. "
Read full review
Anthony R wrote a tip Aug 2020
Mars, Outerspace49 contributions31 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"They also do guided walking and can assist with lots of activities in the surrounding area."
Read full review
andrew j wrote a tip Jul 2019
St. Andrews, United Kingdom10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"have confidence when booking, ours was seamless from start to finish."
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jdandnjh wrote a tip Jun 2017
Poole, United Kingdom36 contributions8 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"En-suite bathroom has limited headspace to sink if you're tall."
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simonjdawes wrote a tip Feb 2017
TheCottage74 contributions25 helpful votes
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"Ensuite twin room in the annex is nice."
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Not the right property for you?
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PRICE RANGE
£85 - £89 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandScottish HighlandsAviemore and the CairngormsAviemoreBoat of Garten
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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FRAOCH LODGE - Updated 2025 Prices, Reviews, and Photos

Frequently Asked Questions about Fraoch Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Fraoch Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Landmark Forest Adventure Park (2.8 miles), RSPB Loch Garten Nature Centre (2.5 miles), and Aviemore Kart Raceway (3.5 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Fraoch Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, free parking, and airport transportation.
Which room amenities are available at Fraoch Lodge?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, blackout curtains, and a separate dining room.
What food & drink options are available at Fraoch Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, barbeque facilities, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at Fraoch Lodge?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Fraoch Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Nethy House, Anderson's Restaurant, and Route 7 Cafe.
Does Fraoch Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Fraoch Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Fraoch Lodge located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.01 miles away from the centre of Boat of Garten.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Fraoch Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and French.
Are there any historical sites close to Fraoch Lodge?
Many travellers enjoy visiting The Old Packhorse Bridge (2.1 miles), Aviemore Railway Station (4.4 miles), and Aviemore Ring Cairn & Stone Circle (4.3 miles).
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