The north-east’s position as a five-star destination has been secured after Donald Trump’s Aberdeenshire hotel was awarded the highest grade possible by tourism bosses.
MacLeod House and Lodge at Trump International Golf Links at Balmedie won the official recognition from VisitScotland.
The award follows concerns about the looming closure of Aberdeen’s historic Marcliffe Hotel, which is due to shut in March next year. Its loss – to make way for a luxury housing development – would have left the north-east without a five-star venue.
MacLeod House and Lodge, which boasts 19 rooms, is a baronial mansion house which has been restored and upgraded to offer guests the highest quality accommodation and other facilities.
Sarah Malone, executive vice president of Trump International, said: We’re delighted to be awarded five-star hotel status by VisitScotland.
“Quality and service are at the core of everything that we do, and this is great recognition for our team.”
Philip Smith, VisitScotland regional director, said major international events – such as this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and the Scottish Open in Aberdeen – had thrust Scotland into the international spotlight like never before, making the quality of the country’s visitor attractions more important than ever.
“Golf tourism is hugely important to the region – and indeed Scotland – and I would like to congratulate everyone at Trump International Golf Links on this marvellous achievement,” he added.
“Five-star status shows visitors, many of whom come from overseas, that they can expect a fantastic and enjoyable experience.”
Staff at the Marcliffe Hotel were served some good news last week after owner Stewart Spence announced it would remain open for several more months.
The hotel on North Deeside Road had been due to close in November as Mr Spence prepares to bring his 50-year career in hospitality to an end. But continued work on the plans for the site, which is to be transformed into executive apartments by the Stewart Milne Group, means the Marcliffe can continue to trade until the end of March.