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Your Stay at Kilmarnock Arms Hotel
Established in 1888, Kilmarnock Arms Hotel has been a cornerstone of hospitality in Cruden Bay for over 120 years. Our historic building blends timeless elegance with modern comforts, offering guests a unique experience steeped in Scottish tradition. We pride ourselves on providing warm, personalised service that caters to both business and leisure travellers. Our dog-friendly policy and proximity to attractions like Slains Castle and Cruden Bay Golf Club make us an ideal base for exploring Aberdeenshire. With 18 well-appointed rooms, seasonal dining options, and event spaces for celebrations, we combine heritage with contemporary convenience.

Our team's deep local knowledge ensures guests receive tailored recommendations for making the most of their stay. From whisky enthusiasts to golfers and history buffs, our location serves as a gateway to Scotland's coastal charm. We maintain rigorous standards of cleanliness and comfort, ensuring every visitor experiences the authentic spirit of Cruden Bay. Our commitment to quality extends to partnerships with local suppliers, offering guests fresh, regional cuisine. Whether seeking a romantic getaway or a venue for special occasions, we deliver memorable experiences rooted in decades of expertise.
Services
Accommodation Restaurant Bar Event Hosting Golf Packages
Highlights and features
  • We have over 120 years of hospitality experience in Cruden Bay
  • Our dog-friendly rooms and facilities cater to four-legged guests
  • We offer exclusive access to Aberdeenshire's top golf courses
  • Our 1888 Restaurant serves locally sourced seasonal cuisine
  • We provide tailored event planning for weddings and celebrations
What people say
Historic charm Friendly staff Excellent location Dog-friendly rooms Golf course access
Services
Accommodation
Our 18 stylish rooms combine historic charm with modern comforts including en-suite bathrooms, complimentary WiFi, and flat-screen TVs. Dog-friendly options available with ground-floor access. Each room reflects the building's heritage while providing contemporary amenities for business or leisure stays.
Restaurant
The 1888 Restaurant serves seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients with an emphasis on Scottish cuisine. Private dining options available for special occasions. Our Head Chef offers complimentary menu tastings for event planners and wedding parties.
Event Hosting
We host celebrations for up to 60 guests in our bright dining room with bespoke packages for weddings, private dinners, and corporate events. Our team provides tailored planning support and seasonal menu options. Complimentary menu tastings available for event organisers.
Golf Packages
We offer special rates for golfers visiting Aberdeenshire's premier courses including Cruden Bay Golf Club (0.8 miles away) and Trump International. Packages include accommodation, breakfast, and preferential tee times. Local knowledge available for course navigation and equipment hire.
Dog-Friendly Stay
We welcome dogs in designated ground-floor rooms and bar areas with special amenities including water bowls and waste bags. Pet-friendly walking routes available near Slains Castle and Cruden Bay Beach. Advance booking required for pet accommodation.
Questions
How do I book a room at Kilmarnock Arms?
Book directly through our website or contact us at +44 01779 812 213. We recommend early reservations for summer months and special events.
Are dogs allowed at the hotel?
Yes, we offer designated dog-friendly rooms and permit pets in bar areas. Please request pet accommodation when booking.
Can the hotel host weddings?
We accommodate weddings for up to 60 guests with bespoke packages including venue hire, catering, and accommodation. Contact our events team for details.
What golf courses are near the hotel?
Cruden Bay Golf Club is 0.8 miles away. We offer special rates for guests visiting Trump International, Royal Aberdeen, and other courses within one hour's drive.
Is parking available?
Yes, we provide free parking for all guests with spaces available on-site and at nearby public car parks.
Does the hotel have dining options?
Our 1888 Restaurant serves seasonal Scottish cuisine, while Brams Bar offers 80+ malt whiskies and light meals daily.
Reviews (4)
Mumaboss
Jun 16, 2022 Report
Popped in with my OH, teenage son (who ALWAYS has burgers when we eat out) & our pooch. The staff were very welcoming & lovely. We sat in the little snug in the lounge which was perfect as this was our dogs first eat out experience. Our food was delicious, my son even ordered a mixed grill instead of the usual ordering of burger & fries! My OH also had the mixed grill. I had the chicken wrapped haggis.

We even had pudding, which was also delicious. 2 sticky toffee puddings with ice cream & I had the lemon sponge with custard. My son even commented on how beautiful the sticky toffee was & that it reminded him of when he used to have it at primary school (he's 15 & a half!). Our pooch even enjoyed his time and was very well behaved for him. He couldn't settle as he's a nosy little monkey, so he kept guard at the entrance to the snug.

The food is reasonably priced for the portions that you get. The atmosphere was a little quiet, could of maybe have done with a little ambient music maybe, but all in all our experience here was great and we will definitely return in future when we're next out that way and will recommend to our friends. Thankyou to the lovely girls who served us too.
William Espie
May 14, 2022 Report
Just been here with my wife and child and WoW, the food was absolutely amazing, the waitress was superb and amazing at doing her job, always checking on customers making sure everything was alright, her attention to detail is second to none, I think her name is Shannon, I am a chef myself and the food here was affordable and definitely surprised me, I had Ham and Mushroom Carbonara, my whole experience in here would be 10stars if I could give that rating, so if you want a friendly warm welcome with amazing food, then this is the place to be. Well Done and Thank-you Shannon and all the rest of the staff. Will definitely be back again really soon again.
Susan Hammond
May 11, 2022 Report
We suddenly got two flat tires in Cruden Bay & emergency services said the tow truck was 1.5 hours away. It was cold & rainy & I was chilled to the bone. We walked to this hotel & knocked on the door. A woman answered to tell us they were closed. We explained what happened & she immediately invited us in to wait in their cozy lobby. A few minutes later she returned with a full tea tray & refused any payment.

If unexpected strangers are treated this kindly, I can only imagine how lovely it must be to stay as a guest! Thanks for rescuing us, we are grateful & will never forget your kindness. - Susan & Patrick
Dennis Smalley King Buddah
Apr 11, 2022 Report
Beautiful historic hotel. It is said that Bram Stoker stayed here. Slain castle is nearby which would seem to corroborate that. The only thing we bit into was some lovely shortbread which accompanied some very welcome hot coffee on a very cold day.