The best hotels in Scotland

Scotland is an incredible country: epically beautiful, with unique flora and fauna, and more historic treasures than any of us will ever get through… Naysayers may moan about the weather, but for some the unpredictable nature of Scotland’s climate just serves to make it a more exciting and adventurous destination. Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Scotland range across the land, from the remote islands of the Hebrides and Shetlands, through the Highlands, down across Aberdeenshire and Perthshire, and all the way to the Borders, via Edinburgh and Glasgow. We have discovered cheap and chic little B&Bs, boutique hotels, five star hideaways, gourmet restaurants with rooms and luxury resorts with all the bells and whistles.

Some of our Scotland Collections:

• Best places to stay in the Highlands and Islands
• 10 of the Best hotels on the Inner Hebrides
• The Best Hotels on the Outer Hebrides
• 20 of Scotland's Most Romantic Hotels
• 17 of the Best Hotels with Hot Tubs in Scotland
• Best Scottish Country Escapes
• The Best pubs with rooms in Scotland
• The Best hotels in the Cairngorms
• 20 Best Dog Friendly Hotels in Scotland

In our opinion, anyone visiting Scotland should throw themselves into hiking the Bens and glens, fishing the lochs, and hopping between the famous whisky isles. If you’re here for the golf the best places to stay in Scotland are around St. Andrews and Fife, in the Highlands, the northeast coast, or the south west coast around Troon. If you want to catch the Highland Games plan your trip for the summer, and if you want to see the northern lights, the best time is from September to March.

The Best Places to Stay in Scotland

For Highland Views

• Inverlochy Castle sits regally at the foot of Ben Nevis, overlooking a small loch and the castle’s own elegant grounds. Its 17 rooms and suites are quite regal too, with antique canopied beds — or four-posters — original art, and luxurious fabrics. The fine dining restaurant is overseen by Michel Roux Jnr. There’s plenty to do onsite, for kids and adults. A special stay.
• Forss House is an atmospheric country house, built in 1810, on 20 acres of relatively remote Scottish woodland. This is the perfect launchpad for fishing, walking, cycling, stalking and shooting, and other outdoor pursuits — there are a number of rivers, and Scottish links golf courses within easy reach of the hotel. There are 14 rooms and suites, a good selection of which are dog friendly, plus communal areas with welcoming fireplaces and a great selection of whisky.

For Historic Highlights

• Surrounded by 20 acres of private parkland, Prestonfield feels more like a country house hotel than a city centre one, but this opulent manor house conversion is just five minutes from the Holyrood Palace end of the Royal Mile. Inside are 23 rooms and suites, many of which are among the most romantic in Edinburgh, with their canopied beds, heavy drapes, rich fabrics, antiques and roaring fires. There’s a fine dining restaurant too.

For a Countryside Escape

• Cavens House gleams brilliant white against the expansive backdrop of green hills and the Solway Coast — a stunning mansion turned six room hotel. Traditionally designed rooms are all different, but all feel elegant and extremely comfortable. The public rooms are warmly lit by wood fires in the season, and the perfect place to have a pre-dinner drink. Dinner is one of the highlights of a stay here — indeed a three course evening meal is included in the price. Lots to do in the surrounding area.

For a Scottish Adventure

• The Fife Arms in remote Braemar, is a seriously luxurious choice, with all the opulence of high Victoriana, and all the mod cons technology can provide. The 46 rooms and suites are individually themed and designed, and the art collection is really something — the hotel is owned by art dealers, so you can expect to see the odd Picasso or Freud on the walls.
• Knockinaam Lodge is a hunting lodge turned small hotel, which can count Churchill and Eisenhower as previous guests. Expect unspoiled views of the Scottish coastline from beside a cosy tiled fireplace and fabulous food in the 3 AA Rosette restaurant. There are ten rooms, three of which are dog friendly.

For the Scottish Islands

• Just a short drive from Skye Bridge, Kinloch Lodge is a converted 17th century hunting lodge, owned by food writer Clare MacDonald, and her husband Godfrey, who’s Clan Chief. So it’s got foodie, and historic credentials, and the result is a spectacularly beautiful hotel with 15 elegant, traditional rooms filled with natural light and beautiful antiques and a noteworthy restaurant with daily changing menu. The cosy sitting room has an open fire and an enviable collection of whisky, and the views are incredible.
• Mull’s Glengorm Castle is a wonderful building, complete with turrets and crenelations. It’s also beautifully positioned, overlooking the sea, on a hill just outside Tobermory. There are only six guest rooms, all of them individually decorated, with a real home-from-home vibe. The grand dining room, lounge with wood-panelled walls and roaring fires, and library with its complimentary whisky complete the picture. There are also seven self-catering cottages on the estate, and a cafe inside the castle’s old stable and workshops. Families are most welcome.

For Golfers

• The Gleneagles Hotel is a beautiful grand dame resort hotel in a stunning Perthshire setting, surrounded by championship golf courses. These days as well as golfers it's perfect for a family holiday offering the opportunity to try falconry, take a riding lesson, go clay pigeon shooting, play tennis, go fishing, swimming or cycling, or use the pitch and putt course. There’s also a range of places to eat and a spa..
• Links House is a really charming Highland hotel set on one of Scotland’s most picturesque golf links: Royal Dornoch. Feeling distinctly Scottish, with tartan soft furnishings, the odd antler, and oil paintings depicting the changeable beauty of the Highlands, this hotel has just eight rooms and suites, plus a fine dining restaurant known for its local sourcing, and an extensive wine and whisky collection. Also perfect for hunting and fishing.
• The Old Course Hotel is a golfer's dream. Smart and sophisticated, the large property features opulent rooms and suites with fairway and beach views, as well as superb food and a world-class spa. A historic landmark for an indulgent stay in St Andrews — complete with lots of golf!

Best of Edinburgh

• In a prime position at the top end of the Royal Mile close to Edinburgh Castle, and offering a combination of intimacy and Gothic decadence, it’s hard to find somewhere more memorable to stay in Edinburgh than the Witchery by the Castle. The nine rooms that occupy this 16th century building are theatrically opulent, with gilded ceilings over four-poster beds, oil paintings over wood panelling, candlelight and swathes of jewel-coloured velvet. The restaurant is known for its Scottish cuisine and for its atmosphere.
• Fingal is a retired lighthouse tender turned luxury 23 room hotel, now anchored in the hip area of Leith. Cabins range from classic doubles to decadent suites. The design is luxurious with brass fittings, leather, and rich hues. The glamorous ballroom is ideal for a party and there's a fabulous little restaurant too. She's now part of the Royal Yacht Britannia trust, and is Scotland's first luxury floating hotel.

Best of Glasgow

• Located in Glasgow’s West End, Blythswood Square is a spa hotel in a wonderfully central spot. We like the monochrome and pillared entry hall, the heather-coloured highlights, the tweed accents, and the excellent breakfasts.
• Hotel Indigo Glasgow is a contemporary 94 room hotel, close to Glasgow’s Central Station. Expect bold patterns and great lighting, with a similar vibe in the Marco Pierre White restaurant downstairs. A very easy hotel to head out exploring from — most of Glasgow’s highlights are within walking distance.

For a Remote Retreat

• Killiehuntly is a luxuriously converted farmhouse, with just six rooms and self-catering cottages, in a picturesque spot within the bounds of the Cairngorms National Park. The decor has been recently reimagined Scandi-style, in a myriad of greys to match the exposed stone walls, but the open fires and woolly throws keep things cosy. Meals are served at a communal table, and the offering is traditional Scottish. Remote, peaceful, and ideal for getting back to nature.

For Loch Views

• Elegant and intimate, the Loch Ness Lodge is a serene choice on the shores of Loch Ness. There are just seven rooms, all of them individually decorated with inspiration from their incredible Highland views. The lodge’s spa is impressive too: it’s got a hot tub and sauna and a very good therapy menu. There’s no restaurant, but the lodge offers breakfast and a fancy afternoon tea.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Scotland’s collection of airports includes Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport, Aberdeen Airport, Dundee Airport and Inverness Airport. And there are smaller airports and airfields serving the islands.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• There’s always a reason to visit Scotland. The most popular season to visit is probably the summer: you’ve got a chance of seeing some Highland Games events, and this is the busiest time of year for festivals and special events. If you’re not tied to school holiday travel, and especially if you’re a keen walker, spring and autumn are excellent times to visit, spring for the sunshine and wildflowers, and autumn for the colourful foliage. If you’re planning to play a lot of golf, the courses open in May. Whenever you’re visiting Scotland rain is possible, so it’s best to be prepared.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Refine your search by location to the best places to stay in the Highlands and Islands, the best hotels on the Inner Hebrides or Outer Hebrides or the Cairngorms
• Refine by the type of hotel you’re looking for and consider our Gurus recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in Scotland or the best Scottish country house hotels
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.