Reviews from guests who stayed at this hotel, shared by our hotel supplier. Score based on the latest 31 reviews.
Mark
United Kingdom · Group of friends · November 2026
10.0“Excellent and will definitely look at returning in the future”
+Had everything you could possibly ask for!
−The only thing is it could possibly do with an extra WC but other than that the property is excellent :)
Alan
United Kingdom · Family · July 2026
9.0“Excellent house for our young family to explore both Hopeman and the moray coast.”
+Host was very accommodating.
Anne
United Kingdom · Family · July 2026
9.0“Great house with ample space, and a stunning location.”
+Host, Rhona, met us as we arrived and gave us the info of where to find the key and door was unlocked. She also advised that if we had any issues or concerns to either phone her or knock her door. Spacious house with 3 bedrooms and a lovely mature back garden. It was home to large and small birds and a wee hedgehog also said hello. With a choice of areas to sit out in the garden, I felt it was lovely to sit and listen to birds and relax. A very quiet and friendly village. Located well for venturing out in the car to various attractions around. We were lucky enough to visit and attend the Forres Highland Games. A 5 minute walk to the beach of which there are two with the harbour in-between., with a brief sighting of the dolphins.
−The area was so quiet that any creak in the house was amplified, however every house has its noises. The stairs were creaky and me being a little older, I'm up during the night for the bathroom which was downstairs. Unfortunate. Different wi fi codes throughout the house and trying to find which was the correct one. We advised Rhona as we were leaving of what we had noticed and she stated she would look into these issues. Take cash for the Chinese takeaway however nearest cash machine is 2 mile away in Burghead. Silly little niggle issues just different from home but would still recommend this property for renting.
Deirdre
United Kingdom · Solo · April 2026
10.0“Everything a family needs & 2 blocks from the beach”
+Really well stocked. Kitchen had everything including sippy cups for kids, air fryer, extremely generous amount of pod coffees, a bottle of milk, and every utensil you can think of! Owners are very nice.
−Had a small radiator / hot water issue, but they came over immediately to help.
Muriel
United Kingdom · Couple · September 2025
8.0“Cosy and comfortable. Great space and beds were really good. Well serviced with essentials like washing up liquid, salt”
+Very comfortable and had everything we needed inside.
−The gardens both back and front were very overgrown making the kitchen a living room quite dark. Also the narrow drive was made more so by the overgrown holly type bushes at the side.
nicola
United Kingdom · Family · August 2025
10.0“Fantastic family accommodation.”
+Our family of five had a lovely stay at Balmara, we needed somewhere to stay for a family wedding near Elgin. The property was well equipped and comfortable, we loved the sitting room chairs, very relaxing! There is a lovely garden to the rear which unfortunately we didn't have time to use, and we were very near to the beaches. Thank you Rhona for a fantastic visit!
Claire
France · Family · August 2025
10.0+Very well equipped and very comfortable, we felt at home.
−Nothing.
muriel
United Kingdom · Family · August 2025
9.0“Well equipped comfortable house, in great location”
+The location was wonderful. The beds very comfortable. Seating in the lounge very comfortable. Kitchen well equipped.
−nothing
Patsy
Australia · Family · July 2025
10.0“Perfect family-friendly stay in a great location!”
+We had a wonderful stay at Bal Mara! The place was spotless and perfectly suited for our family. Its location was ideal , just a short walk to the beach and local shops. Rhona, the host, was absolutely lovely and made sure the home was well stocked with cooking essentials and even had some entertainment options for the kids, which was a thoughtful touch. Highly recommend for a relaxed and family-friendly getaway!
−None
Fiona
United Kingdom · Family · July 2025
9.0+Very well equipped. Great location for beach, harbour and walks. Fantastic ice cream shop at the end of the road.
−Only one bathroom and it's downstairs.