Scotland is a land where myths and legends intertwine with breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant, enduring culture. From the rugged peaks of the Highlands to the serene lochs that mirror the sky, and the bustling streets of its historic cities, Scotland offers an enchanting blend of experiences for visitors. Whether you’re drawn to the haunting melodies of bagpipes echoing across ancient castles, the allure of the world’s finest single malt whiskies, or the call of adventure amidst untamed landscapes, Scotland welcomes with a timeless charm that is sure to captivate all who venture to its shores. When it comes to finding the best luxury hotels in Scotland, there are plenty to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a five-star hotel in the city or a cosy country retreat, there’s something to suit every taste and desire, read on to discover our favourites.
Prestonfield House, Edinburgh (5 Star)
Prestonfield House is a unique 5-star hotel that seamlessly blends opulence, theatricality, and luxury within one of Edinburgh’s most charming historic buildings and has been operating since the 1950’s. This exclusive haven, presided over by James Thomson, marries the serenity and seclusion of a country estate with the vibrancy of urban Edinburgh. Set within 20 acres of beautiful, manicured gardens, with views across the nearby majestic Arthur’s Seat guests can enjoy the tranquillity of the green open space. Yet just a mere five-minute jaunt from the heart of Edinburgh, those seeking to explore the city can easily do so. Each of the 18 lavish bedrooms and five romantic suites showcase individual features and character, adorned with one-of-a-kind antique furnishings and distinctive feature beds with the antique theme flowing throughout the hotel. The destination restaurant, Rhubarb, presents guests with the choice of private dining rooms, lavish salons, and grand public spaces – not to mention the fine seasonal cuisine they serve. The level of service and hospitality is impeccable, personal yet professional. Read our expert review here.
The Fairmont St Andrews, St Andrews (5 Star)
The Fairmont St Andrews resort is a luxurious five-star destination located on the cliffs of eastern Fife. It offers stunning countryside views and is known as the ‘Home of Golf.’ The resort spans 520 acres and features two Championship golf courses, 212 beautifully furnished guestrooms and suites, and two Manor Homes with scenic views. Guests can enjoy a blend of luxury, wellness, sports, and local charm, with top-notch spa facilities, golfing options, five dining choices (including two AA-Rosette restaurants) and the nearby historic town of St Andrews is a short distance away. The property provides an ideal combination of outdoor adventure and relaxation, making it a perfect getaway for individuals, couples, families, and corporate retreats. Read our expert review here.
Cameron House, Loch Lomond (5 Star)
Cameron House is one of Scotland’s most luxurious hotels. Located on the banks of Loch Lomond, this five-star hotel offers stunning views, world-class cuisine, and an unrivalled level of service. Housed in a recently refurbished, restored and historical 17th-century Baronial mansion, Cameron House Hotel is situated in the heart of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Cameron House’s rooms and suites are some of the most spacious and well-appointed in Scotland and the hotel’s grounds are truly breathtaking. Guests can enjoy a round of golf on the hotel’s championship course, relax in the spa, or take a boat out onto Loch Lomond as well as enjoy a wealth of sporting activities. Cameron House is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a truly luxurious experience. Read our expert review here.
Fingal, Edinburgh (5 Star)
Scotland is home to many fine hotels all of which boast wonderfully unique features; from historic castles, and luxury loch-side hideaways through to iconic city centre icons and Fingal is no exception. Berthed in Leith, Fingal started life as a Northern Lighthouse Board Ship ferrying lighthouse keepers, essential supplies and maintenance staff to lighthouses. Since she retired from service in 2000, the ship has undergone a meticulous and respectful restoration and is now a beautiful luxury floating hotel. The ship boasts 23 high-spec cabins, top-class service and a delightful restaurant where residents and non-residents can enjoy breakfast, Afternoon Tea, dinner a supper menu and (on dry days!) cocktails on the deck. This is a truly unique experience and a place we highly recommend. Read our expert review here.
Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow (5 Star)
A landmark hotel in Glasgow and the city’s only 5-star hotel, the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel is celebrated for its gorgeous Georgian architecture, superior service, recently renovated rooms, incredible spa and fabulous destination restaurant Bo and Birdy. The five-star property continues to define Glaswegian luxury as the only hotel in the city with AA accreditation. And you can’t beat the location right in the heart of the city, with private gardens right outside its doorstep. This is, without a doubt, our favourite hotel in Glasgow! Read our expert review here.
Gleneagles, Auchterarder (5 Star)
The Gleneagles Hotel is an institution when it comes to luxury getaways. Its conception came about in 1910 when the General Manager of the Caledonian Railway Company had the vision to build a large country house hotel built in the style of a palace in the picturesque valley through which his railway line ran. It opened in 1924 and was quickly coined ‘the Riviera in the Highlands” Set in an 850-acre estate with three championship golf courses and an unbeatable array of sporting activities to try. From equestrian and shooting to fishing and off-road driving, there is plenty to keep you entertained or for a more relaxing experience enjoy some time at the ESPA Spa. Whilst there are 232 rooms, the design of each is constructed to feel like a far more intimate, boutique hotel with a mix of traditional and modern interiors. Guests can enjoy dinner in the incredible Andrew Fairlie Michelin-starred restaurant, the only restaurant in Scotland to hold two Michelin stars or for something more casual The Dormy Bar & Grill serves a selection of delicious dishes.
Cromlix Hotel, Cromlix (5 Star)
This stunning 17th-century castle is steeped in history and since its sensitive and thoughtfully executed renovation, Crossbasket Castle has become one of Scotland’s most luxurious hotels. Still boasting many of its unique period features all of which have been restored to their original beauty using traditional craftsmen and materials this hotel is bursting with a romantic aura and grandeur typical of the era in which it was constructed. With nine breath-taking en-suite bedrooms each of which is decorated in a classical style that strikes the perfect balance between traditional character and modern finishing. The crowning glory of this hotel is the four-story bridal tower which dates back to the 16th century. The fairy-tale turret room, built on a hill overlooking the Calder River, is served by a sweeping spiral stone staircase. A short walk from the castle, there is a self-catering lodge available for guests who would like a longer stay or a more home-from-home experience. The fine-dining restaurant showcases a range of contemporary dishes, created by the Roux culinary dynasty, using ingredients from Scotland’s renowned natural larder with an added touch of creative flair from the iconic Roux team. The woodland in which the castle sits is ideal for exploring nature, with majestic waterfalls, wildlife and outdoor pursuits. Read our expert review here
Crossbasket, Glasgow (5 Star)
One of Scotland’s premier hotel and event venues, Crossbasket Castle is steeped in the history of Scotland. Observe the immaculately presented beauty and grandeur of traditional architecture, restored using traditional crafters and materials. Crossbasket offers both peace and tranquillity, striking a careful balance between tradition and modernity. Sumptuous fine dining is offered by the Roux culinary dynasty, showcasing the best of Scotland’s renowned larder. Read our expert review here. Read our expert review here.
Old Course Hotel, St Andrews (5 Star)
Recognised as one of Europe’s leading hotel resorts, this five-star hotel overlooks the famous links courses and offers classical elegance with suites designed by French designer Jacques Garcia. Bordering the stunning Scottish coastline and a mere stone’s throw from the historical town of St Andrews, this prestigious hotel is the perfect vacation resort for golfers and non-golfers alike. Offerings include world-class luxury spas and fine dining experiences, as well as Scotland’s finest malt whiskies, served at the award-winning Road Hole Bar. Read our expert review here.
The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh (5 Star)
If you want to impress with the finest Edinburgh address on your luggage tag then this is the hotel for you. The Balmoral Hotel is an iconic landmark hotel and has been standing proud on Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street for over a century. Now owned by the Rocco Forte Hotel Group the hotel maintains its timeless elegance through tasteful and thoughtful design – with 168 rooms and 20 suites, each of which has been individually designed by Forte family member Olga Polizzi. The warm hospitality, exceptional concierge service and exciting exclusive guest experiences are reason enough to make this your hotel of choice. Couple this with the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant and award-winning spa and you have a match made in city-break heaven.
Glenmorangie House, Tain (5 Star)
One of only a handful of Scottish hotels to boast the Michelin Hotel Guide single ‘Red House’ symbol, this country house is found on the coast, an hour from Inverness. Deeply romantic in setting, Glenmorangie House is surrounded by a walled garden and located beside a ruined castle. And with just nine bedrooms, the intimate atmosphere lends itself to an exclusive couples’ escape. Award-winning menus are served in a dinner party style to provide a sociable element to your stay and camaraderie with fellow guests. As you may expect from a hotel inspired by the national beverage, whisky tastings are frequent – plus you might even be surprised by a spontaneous post-dinner ceilidh featuring local musicians. Read our expert review here.
Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae (5 Star)
Hidden within 36 acres of Italian gardens and woodland outside of Ballantrae, this hotel lies close to the Ayrshire coastline. A late 19th-century baronial castle, it was first intended as the family seat for the Earl of Inchcape and holds a significant claim to fame – Winston Churchill was said to have discussed the D-Day landings while staying here in the 1940s. Pursuits for the well-heeled are a speciality – shooting, fishing and falconry, as well as tennis and croquet. Inside, guests can relax beside log fires, feast on six-course meals and peruse enormous wine lists. 17 bedrooms offer a period feel filled with antiquities and panelled or marble bathrooms include Penhaligon toiletries.
Inverlochy Castle, Fort William (5 Star)
This stunning resort is surrounded by the sparkling waters of the nearby private loch. Impeccable attention to detail will ensure that you experience the vacation of a lifetime. Inverlochy is described favourably by Queen Victoria after her stay in 1873, and it is no wonder as the hotel is situated among the finest scenery in Scotland. A mile from Ben Nevis distillery, Inverlochy Castle Hotel offers stunning mountain views and rooms decorated in the period style, including elaborate furnishings presented as gifts by the King of Norway. Fine dining is available at Albert and Michel Roux Jr, where the finest dishes created from local produce are presented with care and finesse.
The Isle of Eriska Hotel and Spa, Isle of Eriska (5 Star)
There is something extremely romantic and magical about escaping to a private island for a holiday and the 300 acres of stunning land that is the Isle of Eriska certainly does not disappoint. This is the setting and the perfect backdrop for those guests choosing to stay at the Isle of Eriska Hotel and Spa. For over four decades the Buchanan-Smith Family worked hard on developing and nurturing this hotel which has flourished into a luxury destination offering guests peace, tranquillity, outdoor pursuits and much more – all with a touch of luxury. The hotel comprises of 34 bedrooms with 16 bedrooms in the main house, 5 spa suites located in the gardens with private hot tub, 2 garden cottages and 6 hilltop reserves along with a self-catering house option which is a short drive from the main hotel. Fine dining in the Hotel Restaurant or something more casual on The Deck can be enjoyed by residents and non-residents.
Boath House Hotel, Nairn (5 Star)
This beautiful Georgian mansion was built circa 1825 by one of Scotland’s most prominent architects of the time Archibald Simpson, however, sadly was on Historic Scotland’s ‘endangered list’ until the early 90s when husband and wife team carefully and meticulously restored the building back to its former glory. Set in 20 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and woodland the elegant house comprises of nine rooms and spacious suites and two stand-alone cottages for guests who wish to stay for longer periods or want a more home-from-home experience. Service is relaxed and friendly and there are several exquisite dining options for both residents and non-residents to enjoy.
Greywalls Hotel, Gullane (5 Star)
Stay in one of the upscale rooms or cottages (the largest of which sleeps 10) in this Edwardian Arts and Crafts country manor. The decor is classic and homely with antique furnishings, designer floral wallpapers, rolltop tubs, hanging tapestries and original fireplaces. Its 6 acres comprise a walled garden, an alfresco terrace, tennis courts, a croquet lawn and a putting green, all perched beside the Muirfield championship golf course. Inside you can sample elegant cuisine in the first Chez Roux Restaurant in Scotland, read a book from the library in a wood-panelled drawing room, get a massage in the spa and take tea in the garden room.
Fonab Castle Hotel, Pitlochry (5 Star)
Perched on the edge of Loch Faskally in Pitlochry, this Baronial castle was built in 1892. Created for the port and sherry merchants, Sandeman, it has since been turned into a glamorous hotel and spa. Family owned and run (by the Clark family) the castle houses 42 bedrooms, four treatment rooms, a pool, a sauna and two restaurants. Eating and drinking can be both an exquisite and unusual experience here, with mood-lit pod dining, a unique gin bar and triple AA Rosette-awarded cuisine accompanied by waterside views. And as the town’s only five-star hotel, it’s the fanciest address at which to stay in town. Read our expert review here.
Kinloch House Hotel (5 Star)
25 acres of pastoral Perthshire countryside envelop this ivy-clad mansion house hotel. It dates back to 1840, with a grand oak-panelled staircase, log fire, portrait gallery and rumoured resident ghost. 18 bedrooms and suites sport a baronial and chintzy style, befitting a family-run country estate. Chef Steve MacCallum prepares feasts of game, wild salmon, shellfish and leafy produce from the onsite kitchen garden, all served in the intimate and homely candlelit dining room. While whisky tastings take place in the comfort of a plush sofa, fireside, in the bar lounge. 4×4 adventures, world-class golfing, fishing and shooting outings can all be arranged close by.
The Fife Arms (5 Star)
This opulent 19th-century period mansion house features both grand and cosy rooms, well placed for exploring the local Braemar area and Aberdeenshire beyond. The suites have a baroque Scottish style, while Croft rooms exude plenty of rustic hygge and the Artist’s Studio serves as a delightfully bohemian haunt with hand-painted walls and views of the Cairngorms. The Clunie Dining Room, Elsa’s cocktail bar, Bertie’s Bar (inspired by Queen Victoria’s eldest son), The Flying Stag, The Drawing Room and The Fondue Hut are its drinking and dining venues, with The Cellar hosting wine tastings.
SCHLOSS Roxburghe, part of Destination by Hyatt (5 Star)
Boasting one of few year-round outdoor heated pools in Scotland, this newly renovated country house hotel (on the Duke of Roxburgh’s former estate) is a top spa destination. The gleaming light-filled, glass-walled, hydro-spa is absolutely a highlight, with its indoor to outdoor, swim-through pool. But there’s so much to do beyond; a top-tier golf course, a fly-fishing centre, a shooting school, a croquet lawn and a driving range. 60 new lodges have been erected on the grounds, giving a self-contained alternative to the more traditional main house bedrooms. Or you can opt for a room in the modern wing.
Glencoe House (5 Star)
This property began life in 1895 as a home to Lord Strathcona, before serving as a military and maternity hospital. Nowadays the highland mansion, and its ten acres of land, offer a refined Highland base with views of Glencoe. Some of the suites and lodges have hot tubs and maxi bars and you’ll be served breakfast in bed, setting the scene for a romantic escape. Seasonal meals can be served in the restaurant, with drinks in the living room beside an open fire, or during the day, the staff will pack you a luxury picnic to enjoy in the great outdoors.
