EVERYONE deserves a little pampering now and again, and it’s absolutely compulsory should you book in for a stay at the chic and elegant Malmaison Aberdeen.
The former Queens Hotel has been transformed into an oasis of opulence, with a sizeable extension to the rear of the granite facade housing most of its 80 sumptuous new bedrooms.
The decor, a quirky mishmash of cutting-edge style and old-world Scottish charm, strikes the perfect vibe – somewhere between luxurious cocoon and hedonistic playground, which is exactly what you expect of a hotel chain which purports to bring pleasure with passion.
If you really want to push the boat out – and the budget will stretch that far – taking up residence in one of the hotel’s plush penthouse suites is a must.
Positively brimming with wow factor, the jaw-droppingly stunning Balmoral, Slains, Dunnottar and Crathes suites offer the very best in lavish hotel accommodation.
We stayed in romantic Balmoral which, with its striking teak bath, sensational four-poster bed and huge separate living area, was quite simply enough to take your breath away.
The terrace, offering fabulous views over the city, was also a winner and would be a real treat in summer, as would the Crathes suite, which has the hotel’s largest terrace, which can cater for a reception of up to 40 people.
Technology is also a big feature in the rooms, and ours had gadgetry including two large plasma-screen TVs, DVD player, CD player and iPod docking station.
But, as the old adage says, it’s the little things that count, and Malmaison has an innate understanding of this, providing beautiful toiletries from Arran Aromatics and a plethora of tealight candles which could not fail to set the mood.
The room truly oozed luxury, the only downside being it was so gorgeous we didn’t really want to leave it to go for dinner (isn’t life tough) – although those who opt not to will not go hungry or thirsty, with an extensive room service menu and well stocked mini bar on offer.
However, dragging ourselves down to the hotel’s fantastic Brasserie was definitely worth the effort and was an eating experience I can wholeheartedly recommend, from the mouthwatering food to the impeccable service.
The cornerstones of the menu were good local beef and seafood, and I opted for the latter, ordering fried oysters, followed by fresh char-grilled squid and citrus salad. My husband went for the Perthshire wild mushroom and truffle risotto with tarragon and Parmesan, followed by the three-bone rack of Dornoch lamb, which he only reluctantly allowed me to sample for purely professional purposes.
All was fresh, delicious and cooked to perfection.
Pud was a bit of a push, but we succumbed and ordered pot-roasted figs with almond ice cream and sticky toffee pudding, and were very glad we did – although I plan to return at a later date to sample the home-made ice cream and sorbet menu in its entirety, which included the words, banana, chocolate, coconut and clotted cream in a host of heavenly combinations.
Dinner at the Brasserie needn’t cost an arm and a leg, either, although that will very much depend on what you order.
What you can expect is good food and good service, which is worth pushing the boat out for now and again.
There is also a fantastic private dining-room – which would be the ultimate venue for a sophisticated hen party with its shocking pink and black velvet-patterned wallpaper, ornate dining chairs and private terrace overlooking the city – and a chef’s table for cookery enthusiasts.
Positioned next to the kitchen, it features a live feed to a plasma screen at the head of the table, allowing would-be cooks the chance to pick up tips from head chef Guy Sallistar and his team.
Another novelty is the restaurant’s glass meat store, which allows guests to see their steak – from Inverurie-based butcher Donald Russell – before they order it.
But the icing on the cake, and a rare treat for Aberdeen, was head sommelier Sebastiano Ingaliso, who ensured that the perfect wine accompanied each course – yes, even the sticky toffee pudding – with the boundless enthusiasm of a man who loves his job.
And what wouldn’t there be to love about it?
Sebastiano also hosts wine-tasting sessions in the hotel’s well stocked wine cellar, which guests can glimpse a bird’s-eye view of through the glass floor as they walk into the bistro.
The hotel even has after-dinner entertainment stitched up for those who enjoy a wee dram.
Tucked away behind a portcullis in the corner of the bar is the whisky store, which boasts 250 malts, ranging from those costing £2.20 a tipple to £110 for a measure of the rare Macallan Speyman 1940.
To top all this, ensuring that we took the word, extravagance, to new heights, we also visited the Le Petit Spa, a Grecian-style sanctuary in the basement, where the friendly and professional staff helped us shrug off the cares of the day, month and year, with two hours of intensive massage.
Needless to say, it was divine and we left there with very big smiles on our faces indeed.
In fact, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I can only hope that it’s not already all booked up so I can get right back there and do it again.
Room rates are from £95 for doubles and twins (shower only) and £169 (with bath); superior doubles are from £180; junior suites from £245; terrace suites from £295, and executive suites from £375. Weekend rates are available from £95 per room for bed and breakfast, with dinner, bed and breakfast from £125 per room.
For more information, visit the hotel’s website at www.malmaisonaberdeen. com, or call 01224 327370.