Best Luxury Hotels in Scotland

Found close to Culloden Moor, this was the place used by Bonnie Prince Charlie as lodging and battle HQ in Jacobean times. Now its 40 acres are given over to leisure and pleasure, with guests able to explore the expansive woodland and walled garden, fine dining on the best local produce at its Highland restaurant, sip rare whiskies in the traditional library and sleep in four-poster beds within the grand ivy-clad mansion house. You’ll be surrounded by an air of history in its 28 bedrooms, with large fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, tartan drapes, baronial architecture and antique furnishings from bygone eras.

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.

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.

Haar Rooms, situated in the heart of St. Andrews, offer an exquisite blend of modern luxury and traditional Scottish charm. The six individually designed rooms are equipped with king-size beds, Smart TVs, and ensuite bathrooms featuring indulgent rain showers. Each room boasts stunning views of the iconic Old Course, West Sands, and the North Sea, providing a serene and picturesque setting. Guests at Haar can start their day with a delightful breakfast at the acclaimed Haar Restaurant, which is renowned for its innovative culinary creations. For a truly memorable dining experience, guests can opt for the Michelin-recommended tasting menu, showcasing the best of local and seasonal produce. The hotel’s proximity to the Old Course, just 50 metres away, makes it a perfect retreat for golf enthusiasts, offering easy access to one of the world’s most famous golf courses.

Rusacks St Andrews offers a luxurious retreat that honours the sport’s rich heritage. This iconic hotel, established in the 1800s, provides breathtaking views of the Old Course Links and West Sands Beach, making it a haven for golf enthusiasts. The 123 exquisitely designed rooms and suites blend traditional charm with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Each room is thoughtfully decorated to reflect the history and spirit of golf, featuring plush furnishings, luxurious linens, and contemporary conveniences like high-speed Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Culinary delights await at the hotel’s three dining venues. The 18 Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with panoramic views of the 18th hole, where guests can indulge in dishes crafted from the finest local ingredients. The Bridge provides a more casual setting with a menu full of hearty favourites, while the One Under Bar is perfect for relaxing with a drink and enjoying classic pub fare. For those seeking relaxation beyond the greens, Rusacks St Andrews offers a range of amenities, including a fitness centre and a library stocked with golf literature. The hotel’s prime location also allows easy access to the historic town of St Andrews, with its charming shops, cafes, and cultural sites.

Found beside a canal, in a little fishing village where the sea meets Loch Fyne, it follows that this hotel would be the go-to place for seafood. Freshly caught shellfish is served at the relaxed Crinan Seafood Bar (don’t miss the huge local prawns and Colonsay oysters ). Guests can also eat in-house at its L’Assiette Michelin fine dining establishment, The Westward, Lock 16 Restaurant on the top floor and a cafe laden with home-baked goods. The hotel itself is family-run, with a total of 20 bedrooms – each themed on a Scottish artist, and all with ocean views. Any visiting artists have access to an onsite studio and there’s a magical secret garden at the rear.

Once an 18th century Highland Sporting Lodge, this building in tiny Kinloch Rannoch village was converted into a hotel during the Victorian era. The design-led five-star boutique establishment received a full makeover, reopening in 2017 with 32 rooms and suites with kitchenettes. The hotel boasts two restaurants; Monadh, an all-day fine dining restaurant without the fuss serving residents and locals alike. Meanwhile, The Library is an exclusive dining destination serving a seasonal seven-course tasting menu – a treat for avid gourmands. Dunalastair Hotel sits in the shadow of the majestic Schiehallion mountain and is a five-minute walk to the loch. This relatively remote setting is ideal for those wishing to experience the wilderness while sleeping in luxury.

Douneside House is located in Tarland, not very far from Aberdeen. With upscale amenities, fine dining and an exquisite location, it guarantees a chic and classy holiday. Each room has a customised design, including high-end media entertainment technology and top-of-the-line Wi-Fi access. A few rooms have a private garden and guests can admire the gorgeous surrounding landscape. The lodge’s restaurant offers a large range of food varieties all made with local products. Fruits and vegetables which are grown organically in the gardens of the property add exquisite flavour to the food. Guests can play either tennis or mini golf at the hotel’s Sports and Health Club. Sports enthusiasts can work out using modern equipment of the Fitness Club. For a bit of relaxation, the lodge offers specially designed yoga classes.

The superb Scottish mansion and lodge is situated at the heart of the Trump International Estate in Aberdeenshire. The lodge is surrounded by mountain ranges, rivers and lochs. The property’s secret stairways, extensive whiskey collection, and traditional log fires maintain and offer an authentic Scottish cultural experience. Charming and luxurious rooms have great entertainment amenities and free wi-fi access. The property’s restaurant offers fine dining and special diet menus on request. Traditional Scottish breakfast is served in the mornings including haggis, Stornoway black pudding etc. The elegant dining room is great for special cocktail events.

Murrayshall Country Estate, a luxurious haven in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland, invites you to escape to its 365-acre countryside retreat. Built in 1664 by Sir Andrew Murray, the estate served as the family home for over 260 years before its transformation into a hotel in 1973. The hotel offers 40 beautifully designed rooms and suites, some featuring period details and all inspired by the stunning natural surroundings. 22 pod-style cabins will open in 2025 which will mark a new form of luxury accommodation for the resort. Guests can experience exceptional fine dining at the award-winning Eolas Restaurant, enjoy relaxed dining in Cairns, and start the evening with cocktails at the stylish Barossa Bar – in the comfort of a roaring log fire. Golf enthusiasts will be in their element with two immaculate parkland courses, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy spa treatments using Ishga products at the Gate Lodge. Murrayshall Country Estate is conveniently located near Scone Palace and Perth and is approximately an hour and a half drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

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.

Sitting at the crossroads of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town and Georgian New Town, The Balmoral meaning ‘majestic dwelling’ in Gaelic is more than just a hotel, it’s one of the Scottish capital’s most iconic landmarks.A true masterpiece of Scottish Baronial design, its exterior is a romanticised interpretation of medieval Scottish castles brought to life through its warm sandstone façade. While intricate carvings along with decorative turrets, gables and ornate columns, all add to its sense of history and grandeur. A masterpiece outside is equally matched inside, including 187 rooms, suites and one-of-a-kind signature suites including the J.K Rowling Suite where the novelist herself finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Experience award-winning fine dining at Number One, sophisticated Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court, stylish brasserie dining and bar Brasserie Prince, and an exceptional whisky collection at SCOTCH. The Balmoral Spa adds to the experience with indulgent treatments, making the hotel a true resort-like escape in the heart of the city.