9 of Scotland's Most Romantic Hotels
Scotland's ingredients of dramatic coast and sea, still lochs, sprawling fields and wild hills are second to none when it comes to natural beauty. Added to that are historic monuments, colourful towns, vibrant cities and a slew of very excellent restaurants - some in the least likely of places. Creating an often heady mix. Scotland has castles (some of which have been converted into hotels) and beautiful manor houses. And country house hotels, with their promise of peace, privacy and long lie ins are also hard to beat. Some of Scotland’s most romantic hotels are isolated, surrounded by stunning views and miles of uninhabited countryside. While other top picks are right in the thick of the action in Edinburgh and Glasgow. We all have a different idea of the romantic idyll but our Gurus have done a great job assessing decor, sampling menus, trying out four-poster beds and testing the water in roll top baths and hot tubs, and have come up with some seriously special properties. Perfect for just the two of you.
For a city break
- Edinburgh's The Witchery by the Castle is superbly located right by the gates of the castle, right on the Royal Mile. It’s an intimate, nine room hotel with Gothic details — think wood panelling and plenty of velvet and candlelight. The food is Scottish and the restaurant is highly recommended.
- The Dunstane Houses is ideally located just a short walk from Haymarket and yet only 15 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. Book the Dunstane suite for truly romantic time and luxuriate in the copper bath with a view!
- The Balmoral is sophisticated and stylish, with a 4AA Rosette fine-dining restaurant, a comprehensive spa and wonderful views of Edinburgh. There are 168 rooms, and the location is unrivalled, you’re close to everything.
- Prestonfield is an opulent option just five minutes from the Royal Mile, yet surrounded by 20 acres of parkland. Glamorous and romantic there are 23 individually divine bedrooms ready to spoil you. There’s also a fine dining restaurant and the hotel is adults only.
For a Romantic Rural Escape
- The Fife Arms is located in Braemar (famous for its royal Highland Games), Aberdeenshire and what might look like an austere Victorian pile on the outside has been transformed into a luxury hotel which is dripping with glamour and opulence. Individually themed rooms are decadent to stay the least and the walls are covered in fabulous artworks from Picasso to Prince Charles. A stunning find and perfect for a really special romantic getaway.
- Surrounded by stunning scenery, Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye, is a cosy, 15 room escape filled with natural light and benefitting from a Michelin starred restaurant.
Scotland’s Most Romantic Country House Hotels
- Cavens Hotel is an impressive country house in a stunning location, surrounded by 20 acres of lawns and woodlands close to Dumfries. There are eight traditional, homely room with open fires, chintz fabrics and beautiful views. There’s also an excellent Scottish restaurant. Perfect for lovers of the great outdoors.
Romantic Scottish Hotels with Hot Tubs
- Blythswood Square in Glasgow’s West End is a landmark building and luxury, five star hotel and spa. There are a hundred rooms and suites, including vast, glamorous penthouses. The award-wining basement spa has hot tubs, saunas and even a mud chamber.
- If you’re looking for your own private hot tub you can head north to Inverness and the Rocpool Reserve, which offers two ‘extra decadent’ rooms which both have their own hot tubs. This stylish ‘modern townhouse affair’ in the centre of town has 11 guest rooms with carefully chosen decor and views over Inverness and the river. There’s also an award-winning restaurant.
If those properties appeal to you why not check out our Guru’s full collection of 17 of the Best Hotels with Hot Tubs in Scotland.
Scotland’s Most Affordable Romantic Hotels
- If you’re searching for an affordable escape it’s hard to go past the Ardanaiseig, a glorious country house hotel with stunning views, remotely located on the banks of Loch Awe. The restaurant has a 3 AA Rosette rating and there’s superb fishing. For total privacy book the boat shed.
Still not sure?
- Consult our Ultimate Guide to the Most Romantic Hotels in the UK.
- Or browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Scotland.
- Or just the best places to stay in Edinburgh, the best places to stay in Glasgow or the best places to stay in the Highlands and Islands.
- You could consider our Guru's lists of 10 Scottish Country Escapes, or 17 of the Best Hotels with Hot Tubs in Scotland.
- Alternatively you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
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The Witchery by the Castle Edinburgh (Royal Mile) 9 rooms from AU$686
Foodies - Serving Scottish beef, lamb, game, the Witchery's famous steak tartare, briny-fresh seafood platters and even some haggis.Romantic Break - The glamourous, plush yet cosy interiors with love seats, four poster beds, and plenty of candles are perfect for couplesSights nearby - In the heart of the Old Town on Edinburgh's famous Royal MileFull of character - Theatrical red & gold, velveted roomsRecommended by - Frommers, Good Hotel GuideSuperbly located at the gates of the Castle, on the Royal Mile, sits this intimate, Gothic hotel. The rooms are luxurious, romantic & eccentric – think candlelit, wood paneling and plenty of velvet. Enjoy delicious Scottish food in the equally atmospheric restaurant. See More
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Prestonfield Edinburgh (Priestfield Road) 23 rooms from AU$473
Romantic Break - This hotel oozes glammour, romance and seduction, with its wildly opulent canopied beds, rich fabrics and roaring fires.Local exploring - The best of both worlds- set in 20 acres of spectacular parklands, yet within spitting distance of Edinburgh.Great walks - Don't forget your welly boots, there are 20 acres of parkland to explore.Restrictions on children - Adults onlyRecommended by - Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi CollectionOpulent extravagance at the Prestonfield just 5 mins from the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Come for attentive service, divine bedrooms and spoiling galore. Fine dining is served in an ultra romantic setting. The concierge have a 'nothing's too much' attitude. Best for a truly indulgent stay. See More
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The Roseate Edinburgh Edinburgh 35 rooms from AU$411
Sights nearby - Easy access to all of Edinburgh's top attractions including the Royal Mile, Old Town and Prince's StreetRestaurant - The Dunstane Restaurant & Bar serves fine dining dishes created from seasonal, local ingredientsGreat walks - Climb Arthur's seat for a great view over the city and beyond.Designer - Uniquely designed interiorsRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Fodors, Mr & Mrs SmithIn a peaceful corner of Edinburgh’s West End, a short walk from Haymarket and 15 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh airport, The Roseate is an independent, 5 star, 35-bedroom boutique hotel spread over two stately Victorian townhouses. Smart interiors and great food present the ideal city base. See More
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The Fife Arms Braemar, Aberdeenshire 46 rooms from AU$601
Other Activities - Stalking and shooting all available by arrangementArtworks - Picasso, Freud, Bruegel to name just a fewOpulent - Check out the Royal SuitesFishing - Fishing on the DeeHigh Victoriana meets modern luxury at the miraculously reinvented Fife Arms in Braemar. A destination as much as a place to stay, come here to celebrate and relax, or to walk, stalk or fish. Hotel of the Year, The Sunday Times. See More
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Kinloch Lodge, Skye Isle of Skye 15 rooms from AU$526
Foodies - Foodies won't be able to resist the stunning award winning restaurant — check out the taster menu with excellent wine pairings.Romantic Break - A picturesque south Skype romantic retreat offering excellent food, roaring fires, chic suites and long country walks.Great walks - Venture on a Wild Walk with resident naturalist Mitchell Partridge, packed lunches are provided on request.Fishing - The area won't dissapoint, keen anglers can fish for salmon, brown trout and rainbow trout.Stunning scenery, dazzling food and plenty of peace and quiet just a short drive from the Skye Bridge. The elegant and traditional rooms are filled with natural light. A cosy sitting room with an open fireplace is the ideal spot to unwind with a whisky, and the restaurant serves exceptional food. See More
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The Balmoral Edinburgh 168 rooms from AU$391
Sights nearby - Visit the nearby Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.Great walks - Walk to the summit of Calton Hill and enjoy the panoramic views.Views - Wonderful city views towards Arthurs Seat.Swimming Pool - Indoor PoolRecommended by - Tablet, Fodors, Frommers, Kiwi CollectionQuietly confident, stylish, sophisticated and efficient.THE place to stay in Edinburgh. Part of Rocco Forte Collection and boasting a Michelin starred restaurant, comprehensive spa and over 150 bedrooms. The old railway hotel transformed into a grande dame. True indulgence. See More
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Rocpool Reserve Inverness 11 rooms from AU$733
Private Hot Tub - Two rooms feature private outdoor hot tubsRestaurant - Recommended.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.Recommended by - Good Hotel GuideA restored Georgian mansion turned chic townhouse hotel overlooking the river in the centre of town. Slick rooms are contemporary in style with bold colour schemes in some and the best featuring private outdoor hot tubs. Complimentary drinks and canapes are served every evening. An indulgent pick. See More
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Blythswood Square Glasgow 100 rooms from AU$385
City Style - An elegant 5 star hotel in a great location, with red velvet alcoves and fringed lamp shades nodding to the square's shady past!Spa breaks - Indulge yourself at in the award-winning basement spa with mud chamber, sauna and extensive treatments.Suites - Also penthouses with private lift, terrace, bar, dining room, rooftop viewsSwimming Pool - Indoor poolRecommended by - Fodors, Good Hotel GuideA luxury 5 star spa hotel in Glasgow's West End. Its landmark heritage creates an imposing facade. The contemporary interiors and wellness spa have all the modern comforts. The glorious penthouses and many private rooms are ideal for corporate or social entertaining. A chic choice. See More
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Cavens House by Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway 6 rooms from AU$338
Country Escape - A charming country house set in 20 acres of woodland and lawns, with excellent walking and warm fires to great your return.Romantic Break - A cosy hideaway for two in this enchanting part of the country, with charming suites and romantic dining.Birdwatching - Pack the binoculars as there are two nearby reserves RSPB Mersehead and WWT Caerlaverock.Sights nearby - Explore the 17th century Drumlanrig Castle and the 13th century Sweetheart Abbey.Recommended by - Sawdays, Good Hotel GuideAn impressive country house set in a stunning location. Traditional rooms feature large sash windows and tastefully upholstered furniture. Good Scottish cuisine with award winning service. Plenty of country pursuits in the surrounding area. An ideal country escape with all the comforts of home. See More
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