ABERDEEN VISITOR LEVY

Aberdeen City Council has introduced a Visitor Levy which comes into operation for overnight stays from April 1st, 2027.

The Levy is managed by the Council with funds reinvested into supporting tourism, local facilities, the city’s infrastructure and future growth. 

We have created a simple guide on the Levy and what it can mean for your stay.

WORTH NOTING – we continue to receive guidance from the Council on the levy and information can be subject to change as and when we receive further information.

THE LEVY AT A GLANCE

From April 1st, a 7% Aberdeen Visitor Levy will be charged on accommodation for your stay and is in addition to your booking total.

The levy is charged on the room rate before VAT and does not apply to any package inclusions or extras. Bookings paid for before Oct 1st, 2026, are exempt.

WHO DOES IT APPLY TO?

Applies to all stays in hotels, B&Bs, self-catering apartments, guest houses, hostels, holiday and short-term lets, caravan and campsites within Aberdeen.

WHEN DOES THE LEVY COME INFO EFFECT?

Applies to all bookings made after 1st October 2026 and applied to bookings/stays on or after 1st April, 2027.

ARE THERE ANY EXEMPTIONS?

Yes, If you are in Aberdeen for a medical appointment that requires you to stay overnight in paid accommodation, you can apply to have levy charges refunded. This includes single-night and multi-night stays. You will require proof of your hospital appointment and your accommodation booking and costs. Guidance on how to reclaim will be published in due course.

People who receive the benefits listed below are exempt. If you receive these benefits and someone is staying with you in the same accommodation, they will also be exempt. If you are staying in different rooms, the person who does not receive these benefits would have to pay the levy. Guidance on how to reclaim will be published soon.

The Act is written so the levy is only charged on paid overnight stays away from the visitor’s home. This means that people who might not have a permanent or safe home are not liable to pay the levy. Guidance on how to reclaim will be published soon.

WILL I SEE A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF THE LEVY COSTS AS PART OF MY TOTAL BILL?

Yes, rates displayed on our website will always be inclusive of all taxes including the levy for applicable dates and a detailed breakdown of the Levy can be provided on request once your booking is made.

WHEN WILL I PAY FOR MY LEVY?

1. The Levy is paid at the time your booking is paid for.  If you book a prepaid, non-refundable rate, the levy is taken at the time of your booking.
2. If you choose a Flexible Rate, which is paid closer to the time of arrival, or at arrival, you will pay the levy at the time of settling your stay cost.
3. If you book through a third party, you will pay the Levy at the time you pay the third party (however, you will then miss out on our direct booking perks as you always get the best deals directly with us).

WILL I RECEIVE A REFUND FOR THE LEVY WHEN I CANCEL MY BOOKING?

If your reservation has been prepaid and incurs a cancellation fee, the Levy only will be refunded at the time of cancellation.

If your reservation is not prepaid and no payment has been taken, no refund will be required as the Levy has not been paid yet.

CAN I SPEAK TO SOMEONE FOR MORE GUIDANCE?

Yes, please contact our Reservations Team on reservations@marcliffe.com or call us on 01224 861000 to discuss your booking directly with one of our team. 

For more information on the Levy, visit - https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/Council-Services/business-and-investment/introducing-the-aberdeen-visitor-levy