This post contains one or more references to our advertisers. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. For our full advertising policy, click here.
Scotland’s welcoming nature is rooted in its people. Whether clinging to the bar in an old pub or ushering you through the door in a high-end restaurant, you can expect a friendly arm around your shoulder (the other passing you a drink, naturally). You can count on them to extend that hospitality to their hotels in spectacular fashion. Some of the best hotels in the world call Scotland home, owing in no small part to each of their unique histories, traditions, and standards built over what could be centuries. From historic urban oases to modern experiential stays, these are some of the best hotels in Scotland.
The Balmoral
Location: Princes Street, Edinburgh
Price: $$$
Vibe: Luxury, tradition, and history perfected
The rundown: No hotel is as much a part of Edinburgh as The Balmoral. Originally built as a railway hotel for nearby Princes Street Station, its magnificent clock tower is an integral piece of the city’s skyline. In a hark back to its railway roots, the clock still runs three minutes fast, ensuring its guests never miss their train.
Inside, guestrooms are sprawling and bright, commanding views over the city in all directions. Thoughtful flourishes like binoculars and local chocolates add to the experience, but the on-site gems steal the show. SCOTCH, its immaculate whiskey bar should be the first stop for any dram lover; the secretive Number One, a Michelin-starred restaurant, hides in the basement; and the tea room offers an unforgettable afternoon tea.
The Balmoral is special, and should surely be on your list of the best hotels in Scotland.
House of Gods
Location: Cowgate, Edinburgh
Price: $-$$
Vibe: Dialed up debauchery—tongue firmly in cheek
The rundown: House of Gods has garnered a hefty amount of attention in the past year. Its experiential nature is overwhelmingly geared towards adults, so leave the kids at home for this one.
Best for a one-night decadent stay, rooms are inspired by the opulence of the Orient Express and the Palace of Versailles, while cocktail butlers mix up drinks in your guest room, buttons on the wall summon your prosecco butler, and even drop off milk and cookies at midnight. If you want to explore Edinburgh, book a different hotel for the next night. You’re not going to want to leave your room. House of Gods wants you to misbehave.
The Fife Arms
Location: Braemar
Price: $600+
Vibe: A royal retreat
The rundown: Just 9 miles from Balmoral Castle, the late Queens favorite getaway, The Fife Arms is a decadent art-focused property designed to enchant its guests with even the smallest details.
The expansive hotel is one of the best hotels in Scotland, and is a delight to explore. Experiential luxuries like stone foot massages and art tours (there’s a Picasso in the drawing room) take center stage, but don’t overlook the joy of nestling down in the sumptuous lounges and bars, taking in the atmosphere.
Ballintaggart Farm
Location: Grandtully
Price: $$-$$$
Vibe: Gastronomic getaway
The rundown: The cooking masterclasses at Ballintaggart aren’t mandatory, but what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than learning to cook something magnificent in the Scottish countryside?
The farm has only two rooms, opening out into sprawling views of Perth and Kinross, making it a quiet escape from the trappings of everyday life. The service of the two hosts is what sets it apart, however. Unfailing in their efforts, they’re always on hand to lend some local expertise or hand you a cup of tea.
Gleneagles Hotel
Location: Auchterarder
Price: $$$$
Vibe: A glorious playground
The rundown: If you or your partner are golf fans, Gleneagles is a required visit. Home to three iconic courses, the only thing better than the golf is the hotel itself.
Comfort is at the core of everything the property offers. Rooms are spacious, the beds are decadent, and the spa is everything. For outdoor pursuits in the surrounding countryside, there’s an unparalleled selection of activities, including game hunting, falconry, clay shooting, polo, and nature photography. You’ll quickly understand why it’s nicknamed the “Glorious Playground.”
Malmaison Glasgow
Location: Central Glasgow
Price: $
Vibe: Simple and design-forward
The rundown: While Glasgow certainly lags behind Edinburgh’s breadth of hotels, it boasts some gems. Malmaison, a wonderfully designed property that punches well above its price point, is a tremendous option for some Glaswiegan exploration.
Set in a former Greek Orthodox church, the transformed hotel has taken on an edgy design, with framed pop art adorning the walls and American-style bars filling the larger spaces. Despite having 72 rooms, each is decorated slightly differently, speaking to the keen eye of those behind the place. The vault-like basement restaurant serves classic French cuisine. All for under $100.
Glencoe House
Location: Glencoe
Price: $$$$
Vibe: Victorian Highland splendor
The rundown: Built in the 1800s by a Canadian baron trying to impress his wife, Glencoe House is a sight to behold. The eponymous valley is obviously the star attraction, with rooms boasting lake or mountain views, but the interesting draw for the house is the privacy.
Lacking any major communal area, the hotel is room service only—not that it dulls the experience. Three-course meals are brought when asked for to your suites, as well as breakfast the next day, gifting an odd sense of intimacy not found in many hotels. It’s one to remember.
The Pier Hotel
Location: Portree, Skye
Price: $-$$
Vibe: Bare bones but brilliant
The rundown: When you first stumble across pictures of Skye, it’ll be the scenery that steals your attention. The next thing to stir you will be Portee’s heartachingly quaint harbor. The colorful fishermen’s homes lining the dock wall are picturesque to a fault but are the perfect place to stay in town.
While Portree’s growth stifles the fishing village feel it once had, The Pier Hotel and its neighbors keep that image alive. Rooms are basic, but the service is delightful, evident in the warm welcome and excellent Scottish breakfast served up each morning.
Peel yourself out of bed for sunrise. You’ll never see anything like it.
by travelers, for travelers.
