Best Boutique Hotels In Scotland
Sometimes the personal touch is just what’s needed to make your stay somewhere extra special. Boutique hotels can deliver all the luxurious extras you desire whilst thanks to their smaller size, ensure a top-notch service. Fewer guests means a more tailored experience for you. We’ve scoured Scotland to seek out our favourite luxury boutique hotels all across the land. From a converted family farmhouse near Loch Lomond to an urban Victorian delight in Glasgow’s West End, these boutique hotels deliver on all counts.
The Scott
The Scott Hotel provides a sophisticated retreat located within the historic Pollock Estate next to Holyrood Park and is approx. 20-minutes’ walk from Edinburgh’s Old Town. A former 18th-century baronial mansion originally built in the 1750s for merchant Alexander Scott has been meticulously restored to a beautiful boutique hotel within tranquil landscaped grounds. The hotel features 36 individually styled bedrooms and junior suites with striking marble-tiled bathrooms and contemporary furnishings. For guests who desire extra space and privacy, the Gatehouse offers a standalone cottage experience complete with a fully equipped kitchen and lounge.
Dining at the Scott Hotel is a must – the Bonnar’s Restaurant, led by Head Chef Pier Berretta, serves modern Scottish cuisine from an a la carte or tasting menu. Set in a stunning rococo-style ballroom guests can expect a warm and welcoming ambience and the Velvet Lounge is the perfect place for a relaxed drink, where a carefully selected menu of whiskies, wines and cocktails awaits.
Old Town, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
The Witchery By The Castle
Perhaps one of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh, The Witchery, is a boutique hotel which is intimate, opulent and offers an exceptional fine-dining experience with an award-winning wine list. Located at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, in a 16th-century building, the hotel boasts a rich and colourful history that is intertwined into the guest experience. Each of the nine suites are dramatic and theatrical – some with a four-poster bed, some with a roll-top bath for two, some with original portraits and tapestries- and all with flamboyant style. Stay here and be transported to a bygone era.
Kylesku Hotel
Sat right on the water with views of the Kylesku Bridge, this hotel’s location is idyllic. The area of Assynt is a beautiful remote region of Sutherland, but the Kylsesku hotel on its fantastically situated peninsula overlooking Loch Glendhu will warmly welcome any visitors in from the untamed nature outside. Some parts of the hotel date from as early as the 17th century although the complex is now made up of a ramble of buildings built up over the years. Inside the hotel has a contemporary feel. – rooms are airy, comfortable and kitted out in a muted cool palette with touches of Scottish textile here and there, whilst the bar and restaurant serve up delicious local seafood to panoramic sea loch views thanks to huge picture windows. Public spaces are decorated with a modern Scandi-Scottish ethos – think bare wood beams, cool copper lighting fixtures and minimalist wood-burning stoves. Whilst there are no gym or spa facilities here, relaxation and escapism is all around this stunning locale and the hotel runs boat trips to a nearby sea colony or the highest waterfall in the UK for fun day trips.
West End, Glasgow, Scotland
Hotel du Vin Glasgow
Located on a tree-lined street in Glasgow’s West End, away from the hustle and bustle, the Victorian One Devonshire Gardens is a luxury boutique hotel with a class that is part of the Hotel du Vin family. Peaceful and classic, this hotel is a nod to the culture and elegance of centuries past. There are just 49 rooms and suites in the five adjoining townhouses that make up the hotel, and guests can enjoy unparalleled service from some of the world’s best hotel staff.
Prestonfield, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Prestonfield House
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 1950s. 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 showcases 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.
Oban Bay Hotel
Book a room with a view, in this all-Scottish destination hotel, where the traditions of the highlands are blended with contemporary style and amenities. Situated along the tranquil waters of the Firth of Lorn, the Oban Bay Hotel offers a stunning backdrop for a getaway in the west of Scotland. Just a short walk from Oban’s town centre, it’s perfectly located for those seeking a peaceful retreat, yet close enough to explore the local attractions such as Oban Distillery and scenic ferry trips to the Isles. Enjoy the finest Scottish seafood and beef in The Grill Room and book a one-of-a-kind outdoor spa experience in their Thermal Spa.
Knipoch House Hotel
Overlooking Loch Feochan with panoramic views of rugged mountains and tranquil islands, Knipoch Hotel is just a short six-mile drive from Oban. This historic boutique 4-star hotel dates back hundreds of years and it became part of the Sonas Collection in early 2024 following a £1 million renovation. The property has been carefully restored to preserve its original charm, featuring stone walls, fireplaces and wood-panelled interiors while enhancing the guest experience with modern comforts such as super king-sized beds, luxury fittings and a relaxing outdoor hot tub. Knipoch Hotel’s newly launched destination restaurant ‘1635’ offers a seven-course, high-end Scottish dining experience, blending the finest local ingredients with seasonal flavours from across the country. This peaceful retreat is surrounded by stunning highland views and is an excellent base for exploring the local area.
* All the properties and products we feature are independently selected by our editors and contributors. If you buy something we may earn a commission.