Grant Arms Hotel, Highlands | Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Review

Carrie-Ann Lightley
31 minutes ago
3 min read

Tucked away in the heart of Grantown-on-Spey, the Grant Arms Hotel is full of surprises. The biggest one? Just how accessible this historic building is.

Woman in a wheelchair smiling in front of The Grant Arms Hotel sign. Stone building, green sign, sunny day. Casual attire with leopard print.

Dating back to 1765, the Grant Arms looks exactly as you’d expect a Highland hotel to look – grand, elegant, traditional. You’d never guess what lies behind the heritage façade, because this centuries-old hotel has been quietly reimagined for modern accessibility. On arrival, I spotted the classic revolving door and braced myself for barriers. But staff can adapt it for wide wheelchair access, creating a smooth welcome that sets the tone for the whole stay.

Stone hotel with turret, outdoor cafe seating, and parked cars under a cloudy sky. Signs read "The Grant Arms Hotel" and "Café Bar & Lounge."

I travelled with two friends who were also my support workers – and together we found real peace and joy in the experience. The building might be centuries old, but the atmosphere is warm and relaxed, and the accessibility upgrades are genuinely impressive.

Disclaimer: The Grant Arms Hotel provided accommodation and meals on a complimentary basis for the purposes of this review. This is an honest review and my opinions, as always, are entirely my own. This review is entirely based on my personal experience of staying at the Grant Arms Hotel, as a wheelchair user who is able to transfer, and is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to accessibility at the hotel.

A spacious and stylish accessible room

I stayed in an accessible double room that really delivered on comfort. The layout was generous, with plenty of turning space for my powerchair, and the décor had that countryside-luxury feel – all soft tones, wood accents and plush textures.

Elegant hotel room with a large bed, white linens, and folded towels. A chandelier hangs above; maroon curtains frame a window. Cozy ambiance.

The bathroom had a wet room shower, which worked well for me, and while there was no hoist available, everything met my needs with ease.

Accessible bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink. White tiles, green soap dispensers, and a shower curtain create a clean, functional space.

The room struck a lovely balance between functionality and style – not always easy to achieve in older hotels.

Dining with ease – and local flavour

I could get around the entire ground floor with ease – bar, restaurant, reception – all smooth and welcoming. And the food? Delicious. Everything we ate was packed with flavour, made from fresh, local ingredients – Cullen Skink being the absolute favourite! But what stood out most was the service.

Eggs Benedict topped with hollandaise sauce and garnished with greens on a white plate. A cup, glass, teapot, and table sign marked "GAH 16" are in the background.

For both dinners and breakfasts, we were seated at the same table – and every time, a chair had already been removed so I could wheel straight in. That kind of consistent, proactive attention to detail makes a huge difference to how welcome I feel.

It’s also worth noting there’s an alternative accessible entrance through the bar café, which came in handy during busy periods.

What to know about the lift

If you're a wheelchair user who travels solo, this part's important. The Grant Arms uses a very old goods lift to provide access between floors. It works – my powerchair just fit – but the lift has manual doors that need to be opened and closed by hand. Staff are happy to help, but it’s not the kind of lift you can operate independently if you need hands-free access. For me, it wasn’t a problem because I had support, but it’s something to be aware of if you're travelling alone.

Person in a wheelchair inside a vintage elevator with a lattice gate, patterned blue carpet, and orange backpack. Red "0" on panel.

Exploring the Highlands, accessibly

The hotel makes a brilliant base for exploring the Cairngorms and beyond. We took a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, which is step-free and incredibly scenic.

Woman in a red coat smiles while sitting in a wheelchair space on a train Yellow railings and disability signs are visible. Relaxed mood.

For a cultural hit (and some great photo ops), we also visited The Kelpies further south.

Two large horsehead sculptures in a park setting under a cloudy sky. A person in a wheelchair is in the foreground on a paved path.

And if retail therapy is more your thing, the House of Bruar offers an accessible shopping experience surrounded by Highland charm.

Woman in a wheelchair smiles in a store with a wooden boat display filled with colorful folded clothes. People browse in the background.

There’s something restorative about this part of the world – and that quiet magic stayed with me long after we left.

Final thoughts

Would I recommend the Grant Arms Hotel to other disabled travellers? Absolutely – especially to couples, nature lovers and anyone looking for a calming Highland break. It’s not ideal for every solo wheelchair user due to the lift, but if you have support or don’t need to operate it yourself, the experience is a joy.

Woman in wheelchair holding phone, smiling in warmly lit hallway with wooden floor and staircase. Cozy, inviting atmosphere.

There’s something very special about seeing a historic building made inclusive without losing its soul. The Grant Arms quietly, confidently makes you feel welcome. And for me, that’s the true test of inclusive hospitality.

Where next?

Read more: The Rings, Fife: Access Review