Cairngorm Hotel

Sitting pretty right opposite the train station, this privately owned establishment looks like a classic old-school hotel from the outside. And it has a turret – as all self-respecting hotels in the Highlands should.

Inside, rooms are generously proportioned and good value for their tariff. All bedrooms are en-suite and come with all the modcons you shouldn't even be thinking about when you have such beautiful place to explore outside the door (TV, phone, wifi and so on). Look out the window to see what you should be doing – pretty much every room has killer views out across Spey Valley to the Cairngorm Mountains.

The food in the bar and restaurant downstairs comes quick, with no major frills or thrills, but it's good honest fodder at a good honest prices – haggis, tatties and gravy anyone? A wide selection of beers on tap include the Flying Scotsman and Tradewinds and Stag from the Cairngorm brewery.