Best Luxury Hotels In Scotland

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rufflets Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland, is a luxurious retreat set in ten acres of stunning gardens. Founded in 1924, this family-owned hotel boasts a rich history and a welcoming atmosphere. Accommodation options range from classic rooms and suites to charming gatehouse lodges, all furnished to provide comfort and elegance. The on-site restaurant, Seasons, offers farm-to-table dining with produce sourced from the hotel’s own gardens. Guests can indulge in activities such as golf, located just a short distance away, and explore the historic town of St Andrews.

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.

The 269 rooms at this Grand Hotel overlooking Festival Square, feature Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds and marble bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs. Set right in the commercial heart of Edinburgh, close to financial institutions, the shops of Princes Street and walking distance from the Old Town, this hotel suits all types of travellers. But many (including locals) come here purely for its remarkable spa. At the very top is an outdoor infinity hydropool with stunning views, while inside, there’s an upscale thermal suite, a large swimming pool and treatment rooms. Also onsite is the One Square restaurant and One Square Bar.

The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, located in the city’s historic New Town, combines classic Georgian architecture with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including a fitness centre, spa, and Tesla chauffeur service. The hotel features eclectically styled rooms and suites with luxurious details and innovative technology. Dining options include The Garden for cocktails and light fare, BABA for Levant-inspired dishes, and Aizle for seasonal tasting menus. The hotel is also pet-friendly and offers unique experiences like sound therapy suites and personal shopping services.

A Carlton Collection Hotel, Market Street hotel is the first Design Hotels member in Scotland and it is clear to see why. The hotel interior design has been led by award-winning team FG Stjil and showcases a perfect balance of contemporary finishings whilst firmly acknowledging the historic charm and local artistic influences. Market Street hotel is located in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town the hotel boasts 98 boutique rooms and suites and for hotel residents and non-residents Nor’Loft the rooftop Champagne lounge on the seventh floor is THE place to enjoy a sophisticated drink coupled with stunning panoramic views of the city.

Taking up residence in the Old Town’s India Buildings, the Virgin Hotel is homey, plush and contemporary, bedecked in hues of cream. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of pops of red around the place — in the in-room Smeg mini-fridges, on doors and forming the arrival carpet into the lobby. Do stop to look up once inside — the glass cupola ceiling and atrium are quite something when viewed from ground level especially. Dine in the Commons Club for a little old-world glamour, order food and drinks in Eve for a funky feel and spend time in the Victorian Funny Library. Dogs are welcome at the property too and get their own food menu.

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.

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.

Ultra boutique with just 15 rooms, Links House has a prime location, just steps away from the Royal Dornoch’s first tee and a short walk to the beach. Clubs are available to borrow if you’re unable to bring your own, along with a range of other activity supplies. Play the neighbouring course ranked #2 in Scotland and #4 in the world by Golf Digest, as well as a further four championship courses nearby. It’s not only golf that’s the highlight of a stay at Links House – the two AA Rosette-awarded restaurant offers some of the finest food in the region. The 19th-century hotel also benefits from two honesty bars and sumptuous furnishings.