Scotland, like the rest of the UK, is a fantastic place for a holiday — as long as you pack clothes for every weather eventuality. Depending on the time of year you come, you really could be sunbathing one day and in waterproofs the next. So choosing the best places to stay in Scotland takes on an additional significance...

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

Scotland's ingredients of dramatic coast and sea, still lochs, sprawling fields and wild hills and mountains 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. A great resource for finding the best places to visit and things to do is Visit Scotland.

Our Guru's recommendations for the best places to stay in Scotland sit in a huge range of seats, from remote coastal eyries to the heart of the capital — but first you have to decide which Scottish highlights you want to be closest to.

Topped by its castle and 16th century heart, most of Edinburgh is elegantly Georgian — and a famously beautiful capital at that. On the other hand, Glasgow is lively, young, buzzy, arty and even bordering on stylish these days. Some of the best places to stay in Scotland can also be found in Perthshire, where you can see examples of Scotland's wild moorland and lush farmland in close proximity. The islands on Scotland's west coast have some of Scotland's best beaches, and Skye, one of the larger islands also has a range of hills, the Cuillins, which are incredibly popular with walkers. Foodies will be drawn to the Highlands and Islands, the remote regions with a wide range of food sourced locally from the land or sea.

What Not To Miss

• Boasting an impressively imposing location overlooking the city, Edinburgh Castle is one of the country's most iconic landmarks. Head off on a tour and learn all about its rich history before visiting the National War Museum of Scotland, located in its grounds.
• Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Scotland's most visited free attraction, houses a splendid collection of over 8,000 objects in 22 themed galleries. A must visit spot for any culture vultures!
• Hike through the stunning Glen Coe and marvel at the breathtaking scenery all around.
• The Isle of Islay is the place to go for whisky lovers - home to eight distilleries which all offer splendid tours of their facilities and tasting sessions afterwards, of course!

This beautiful and diverse country is an increasingly popular tourist destination especially in the summer months, so if you want to guarantee a bed in one of the best places to stay in Scotland, get organised and plan ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Scotland

For historic highlights

• Loch Ness Lodge is a brilliant property for groups. It has seven sumptuous rooms plus a highly skilled chef who provides creative and contemporary "Franco-Scottish" cuisine. On top of all this it has a top-notch spa and great views over Loch Ness.
• Located just a ten minute walk from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, 21212 is a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms boasting sleek and stylish accommodation. With just four rooms it's also nice and intimate.

For a city break

• B+B Edinburgh is one of the best places to stay in Scotland if you're planning a city break. It's in a great central location, but certainly won't break the bank.
• If luxury in Glasgow is your aim, then book a room at Blythswood Square. Once the home to the famous Automobile Club, the traditional exterior is not echoed inside where you'll find up to the minute contemporary interiors plus top-notch spa.
• Finally for complete over the top decadence it'll have to be a night at the Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh — think gilded ceilings, panelling and swathes of jewel-coloured velvet.
• Malmaison Dundee is a sleek city break spot, with tastefully decorated rooms in atmospheric dark hues and gleaming bathrooms. Enjoy an evening tipple in the bar.
• The centrally located Bauhaus Hotel is ideal for those wanting to see Aberdeen. With stylish accommodation featuring large TVs and en suites, you really can't go wrong with staying here.
• Hip and stylish, CitizenM Glasgow is perfect for young travellers offering comfortable, simple rooms with a 24 hour bar and a large lounge area to boot.
• The Balmoral is a top-of-the-range stay in the heart of Edinburgh. With a gourmet restaurant, comprehensive bar and smart bedrooms, you're bound to love the experience.

To explore Scotland's wildness

• One of our favourite places to stay in the wild moorlands of Perthshire is Monachyle Mhor Hotel near Balquidder. It is a perfect union of rustic warmth, funky sophistication and excellent food, much of it so local that it has been grown on the farm surrounding the hotel.
• For a real taste of Argyll with its miles of jagged coastline, the Royal An Lochan hotel in Tighnabruich is an ideal place to stay. The village overlooks a classic sea loch of the Kyles of Bute from which delicious shell fish is plucked for the restaurant.
• Get to know Scotland's Lowlands with a stay at the sumptuous Glenapp Castle. Their dreamily indulgent rooms are wonderfully romantic, with rich fabrics and plenty of antiques, whilst you can also tuck into award-winning cuisine. A top all-round spot!
• The coastal Knockinaam Lodge boasts warm and cosy rooms with unspoilt sea views. Spend your days exploring their 38 acres of grounds before enjoying terrific Michelin-starred food from the restaurant.

For the Highlands and Islands

• Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye is owned and run by the well-known Scottish cook and food writer, Claire Macdonald and her husband. Expect informal comfort in homely country-modern rooms and delicious food.
• The Pool House in Poolewe is a romantic retreat stuffed with antiques and curios from around the world and is owned and managed by the Harrison family whose attention to detail is exemplary.
• The Royal Hotel in Comrie serves great grub and is an ideal base for bagging a few Munros.
• Forss House, set in 20 acres of woodland, is the ideal spot for those looking to get stuck into outdoor pursuits. The rooms are smart and traditional, whilst you can get back after a day out to enjoy a whisky by the fireplace.
• The 5-room Woodbine House is a homely B&B on the Isle of Skye. Unfussy, decent value and has self-catering options available.
• Links House, Highlands is a quintessentially Scottish experience - and not just because it's set on a golf course! Their smart rooms feature tweed headbords and tartan quilts, whilst there's also a lovely fine dining restaurant.
• For something a little different, how about the 3-room Hillstone Lodge — offering modern and stylish accommodation in the midst of Skye's wild beauty. A charming getaway.
• Boasting a truly stunning setting at the foot of Ben Nevis, Inverlochy Castle offers luxurious rooms with chintz wallpaper, antiques and four-posters. What's more, their spendlid restaurant's received no less than one Michelin Star and 3 AA Rosette awards.

Prefer An 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

• Whilst hardly exactly balmy, Scotland's nicest in the summer months - the average temperature rises to 15°C in July.
• Be sure to remember a jacket though just in case as Scotland's always partial to the odd rain shower!
• This however is peak season, so if you fancy a bit more peace and quiet consider coming in spring or autumn.
• Visitors can fly into Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport, Aberdeen Airport, Dundee Airport or Inverness Airport. All of these are well served by public transport links to the surrounding areas.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Scotland.
• Consider our Guru's lists of 10 Scottish Country Escapes? or 20 of Scotland's Most Romantic Hotels? or 17 of the Best Hotels with Hot Tubs in Scotland?
• Or you could widen your search to include our recommendations across the border in Cumbria?
• Or feel free to contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.