I’ve stayed in both, and would definitely stay at the Colyumbridge again but not Craigendarroch. The food was awful, but Ballater is lovely and the Lecht is only 30 mins away. No snow yet, well not enough for ski-ing on.
Do you plan on having dinner in the hotels or just B&B? In that case fill your boots with either venue.
Can you use the points at Doubletree hotels, part of the Hilton Group? Then why not stay at the Dunblane Hydro? Dunblane is a pretty place, food and leisure centre are good and got Dumyat and the Trossachs on your doortstep for walking.
Other Hilton alternatives, Edinburgh at Xmas is very pretty but super busy. Glasgow Grosvenor, enjoy the west end and strolling around the Botanic Gardens. Loch Lommond is 30 mins away.