Nestled in the charming town of Kingussie, near the breathtaking landscapes of Aviemore, the newly opened Star Hotel invites visitors to experience a blend of tradition and modern luxury in the heart of The Cairngorms.
This stylish establishment features 21 beautifully reimagined bedrooms, alongside a vibrant restaurant, a chic cocktail bar, and a lively sports bar. Acquired by local entrepreneur David Cameron in June 2023, the hotel had lain dormant for six years and previously boasted 32 bedrooms. Although the exterior maintains its familiar Victorian charm, it belies a stunning transformation within.
General Manager Frithjof Albers explains, “The owner didn’t want to change the facade. And the room number has been reduced because the hotel has been completely reconfigured and all the bedrooms are now ensuite.”
Returning guests will be taken aback by the quality of the upgrades, and even locals have been pleasantly surprised by the new décor and tasty food.
“We have a new menu and so far we have had very good feedback from the locals, and from guests. So we are quite happy – it’s also good because we use local suppliers such as our butcher David Gilmour,” says Frithjof, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to the community. Owner David Cameron shares his delight, stating, “I am very happy with it.”
He revealed that it’s just one of the projects that he has worked on with interior designer Catherine Wilson. “I first worked with Catherine 15 years ago when I owned the Silver Glades Holiday Park, and she also revamped my Inverness hotel, Fairways. I think she has done a very good job on the interiors here.”
Local businesses have contributed to the hotel’s revival, including A9 Joinery and the Cairngorm Group, all of whom have excelled in their craftsmanship. Catherine, who heads Revamp Transition, has created an ambience that seamlessly marries traditional charm with modern sophistication.
The hotel has the latest technology too – all the bedrooms have electric heating which can be controlled by guests by touch, while back of house has a cutting-edge cloud-based hotel management system, Rezcontrol PMS.
Jenni O’Connor of Rezcontrol remarks, “Rezcontrol is designed to put hoteliers in control. The Star can manage their bookings, rates, tasks and events all in one place, from a customisable planner screen. This allows them to spend more time with guests, saving money through greater efficiencies. We also offer UK-based support 365 days a year – there is always a friendly voice on the end of the phone.”
The hotel has an accessible bedroom for guests with disabilities. Technology here includes the latest vibrating pillows for hearing-impaired guests and spacious showers designed for ease of use.
General Manager Frithjof is proud of what the hotel has to offer. He comments, “Although I have worked in the Highlands before, the quality of the offering here far outshines anywhere else I have worked.”
The hotel layout has undergone a complete redesign, including the relocation of the staircase and the addition of a lift. Upon entering, guests are welcomed into a spacious reception area, complete with a stylish cocktail bar and lounge.
To the left, through elegant glass doors, lies the Jacobite Bar & Grill, which has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The walls here are a striking blue and the fixed seting is upholstered in bold mustard, black, cream, and grey, all expertly crafted by Grahams Upholstery.
The walls feature a raft of Scottish artwork. To the right of the reception, the ‘Wolf Bar’ pays homage to Alexander Stewart, the infamous Wolf of Badenoch. It has seating for more than 50.
This area features an inviting mix of booth seating, curved designs, and tartan fabrics, complemented by vivid orange accents and more contemporary Scottish art. Guests can catch live sports on multiple flat-screen TVs, and for those feeling competitive, a dartboard awaits.
In a show of community spirit, the hotel sponsors the local Shinty team, with the Wolf Bar serving as their pre-match dining spot, complete with space for a trophy cabinet. The kitchen, too, has been thoroughly modernised, with the JLC Ventilation ensuring a topnotch culinary space.
Almost every door in the hotel has been replaced, a testament to the dedication of Door Works, who supplied the fire doors. Upstairs, the spacious and contemporary rooms range from twin beds to super kings, including a family suite.
Each room has been soundproofed and thoughtfully decorated with modern furnishings from Select Contract Furniture. The colour palettes in the bedroom create a chilled out environment with faux wood panelling, and bespoke headboards, created by Grahams Upholstery. While vibrant accent chairs give the rooms a pop of colour.
Guests also enjoy complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and luxurious en-suite bathrooms stocked with high-quality toiletries. It’s no wonder that David Cameron beams with pride at the craftsmanship on display.
The meticulous attention to detail throughout the Star Hotel undoubtedly earns it four stars—and it is truly living up to its illustrious name. The last word goes to interior designer Catherine Wilson, she says, “Working with David and his team of talented contractors was a great experience. From the start he had a very clear vision of what the refurbished hotel should look like and I am delighted that he is pleased. My aim was to breathe new life and vibrancy into a much loved local hotel.”
She has certainly succeeded. David, who was born in Kingussie, wanted to give something to the local community and he has certainly succeeded with the new look Star Hotel.
