For a small nation Scotland has a thriving tourist industry and with that comes a wide range of accommodation from budget B&Bs to sleek five star establishments offering every possible luxury you can think of! With a country of such a diverse landscape and so many different things to do and see, it is no surprise that it’s tricky to select your definitive list of the best hotels north of the border. Our guide to the best hotels in Scotland will enable you to select the perfect hotel whether you want to explore the Highlands, taste Michelin starred cuisine, or simply treat your other half to a spot of retail therapy via a city break to Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Best Hotels in Scotland for City Breaks

Edinburgh Hotels

  • Prestonfield has long been a favourite with visitors to Edinburgh. It embodies country house grandeur and sophistication, yet is only five minutes from the Royal Mile and is perfect for those looking for a city bolthole that is glamorous and romantic.
  • 94DR is one of a growing number of “boutique” guesthouses, situated slightly further from the centre, but offering a quality product with the emphasis on personal service. It offers good sized rooms with luxury trappings, plus a breakfast to die for!

Best Hotels in Glasgow

  • Blythswood Square was converted from the Scottish institution that was the RAC club, it now offers stylish contemporary accommodation plus a luxury spa in the West End of town.
  • The ABode Glasgow is the northern outpost of Michael Caines’ chain of affordable city hotels and has all the features you would expect: huge comfy beds, cashmere throws, plus great food!

Inverness

  • If a trip further north is your thing, how about a break at the Rocpool Reserve in Inverness? This chic, modern townhouse hotel overlooks the river, features the Chez Roux restaurant (overseen by Albert Roux) and is a short walk from the castle and city centre.

Aberdeen

  • If Aberdeen is your destination, The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is a grand hotel on the edge of town with elegant, spacious bedrooms, newly opened luxury spa and Conservatory restaurant specialising in seasonal local produce.

Hotels in Scotland for those on a budget

  • Craigatin House in Pitlochry offers a chic, adult’s only, bed and breakfast option. All rooms are individually designed, without even a splash of tartan! It is a brilliant choice if you want to enjoy the great outdoors with superb walking and fishing on the doorstep, plus culture in the form of Pitlochry’s well-reviewed Festival Theatre. 

Best Hotels for Foodies

  • The Peat Inn has been a popular foodie haunt for years now and the standard seems to just get better. It is certainly off the beaten track, located in rural Fife, but is well worth the drive if delicious food and luxury suites are what you’re after. Plus St Andrews is just down the road for golfers or simply a blustery walk along the beach.
  • Kinloch Lodge on Skye is another foodie favourite. A short drive from the Skye Bridge, this 17th century former hunting lodge is the highland home of Lord Macdonald and his wife Claire (the food writer). It has a very relaxed home from home feel; rooms filled with family photos, warming log fires, and plates of home-made fudge if you can’t quite wait for the gourmet delights produced by head chef Marcello Tully.

Best Hotels in Scotland for Getting Away from it all

  • In Wester Ross, you’ll find The Torridon, a country house hotel located on the shores of Loch Torridon. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and reached via 10 miles of single track roads, it will not disappoint. You’ll be welcomed into the lap of luxury with sumptuously decorated bedrooms, award winning food and a whisky bar that’ll leave you speechless – not just through over-indulgence – it features over 350 different malts!
  • The Colonsay is an unpretentious retreat on the island of the same name. Built in 1750 as an inn for the locals, it remains very popular with both islanders and visitors. Colonsay is a tiny haven off the west coast and only accessible by ferry from either Oban or Islay. The hotel enjoys a lovely position located on a hill above the harbour and has superb views over to neighbouring Jura. The feel is very laid back with comfy sofas, books and games, roaring log fires. There is certainly something for everyone here be it playing on the sandy beaches, spotting seals, fishing or simply a round of golf or game of tennis.

Best Hotels for pure luxury

  • The Balmoral flies the flag for luxury in Edinburgh. Part of the Rocco Forte stable, it is stylish and sophisticated with understated design by Olga Polizzi. Marry that with unbeatable service and Michelin starred dining and you end up with “THE” place to stay in the capital.
  • Journey over to the west coast and you discover the Isle of Eriska, situated on its own island. It boasts golf course, luxury spa, award winning food and lavishly decorated rooms. For that something extra special, book one of the cottages or spa suites for their gardens with private hot tubs.
  • Inverlochy Castle has been synonymous with super luxury for many years now and has a guest book full of famous names which bear this out. It is impressively grand and truly luxurious with service standards to match, plus Michelin starred food in dining rooms with furniture gifted by the King of Norway.

So whether a boutique Edinburgh B&B floats your boat or you’re looking for a remote retreat on the West Coast swathed in tartans, our selection of the best hotels in Scotland offers a comprehensive list of all that is good about this country of myriad landscapes, buzzing cities and rich cultural heritage.

For comprehensive hotel collections throughout Scotland check out our recommendations for Perthshire, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Argyll or the Highlands and Islands.

Best Hotels in Scotland - The Ultimate Guide

Prestonfield

Edinburgh (Prestonfield)

Opulent 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.

  • 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 only
from $320 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

94 DR

Edinburgh (Southside)

Boutique guest house on southside of Edinburgh, 10-15 mins walk to the centre but on bus route. Good size rooms with luxury trappings and fabulous breakfast. Great views of Arthur's Seat. Friendly, laid back.

  • Families - The family suite comes complete with bunk room, Xbox, toy chest and DVD player!
  • Value chic - Beautifully done contemporary rooms which offer amazing value for money
  • Boutique - Individually designed rooms offer contemporary style alongside period Victorian features
  • Views - Some of the rooms boast excellent views of Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Craggs
from $101 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Written by Sarah Empson

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