Best Luxury Hotels in Scotland

With open views across the golf course to the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock, this is the hotel to choose if you want to be right beside the sea. The Marine has been restored to reflect its grand past, with tastefully chosen furnishings and textiles exuding a sense of old-world opulence and vintage flair, that’s as inviting as the outlook. Dine on local beef, game, and freshly landed seafood at The Lawn and order a cocktail or afternoon tea beneath the glittering chandeliers of the stylish Bass Rock Bar and Lounge. The French skincare brand Caudalie has partnered with the hotel to bring its spa treatments, designed using scientific techniques and active ingredients from the brand’s Bordeaux vineyards.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Located in 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland, just seven miles from Edinburgh city centre, the Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club is a 4-star hotel that offers guests refined accommodation across its 215 rooms and suites. Guests can choose from period rooms and suites within the original manor house or more contemporary rooms in the north wing. There is lots to do at the hotel including a luxurious leisure club, indoor swimming pool, two 18-hole golf courses, and a refurbished driving range. Guests can also enjoy an excellent choice of Scottish gastronomy in a period drama-style setting; from the signature restaurant with views out to Edinburgh Castle and beyond through to an elegant Afternoon Tea and cocktails or a wee dram at the cosy bar. Mary, Queen of Scots is said to have once been a visitor to Dalmahoy in days gone by – so stay and follow in the footsteps of Royalty.

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.

Overlooking the 18th hole and clubhouse of the world-famous Old Course in St Andrews, the 5-star Seaton House provides the famous Scottish golfing town with its most refined hospitality experience to date. Formerly The Scores Hotel, the property has reclaimed its original name, following a sensitive restoration of its two Georgian townhouses which date back to 1864. The Luxury Editor spent a weekend at Seaton House, so read on to discover why this is, without doubt, St Andrews’ most sophisticated new address. Positioned on ‘The Scores’, St Andrews’ most iconic road, Seaton House offers 42 luxurious guest quarters, including expansive garden and terrace suites, destination dining by celebrated Edinburgh’s seafood restaurant Ondine Oyster & Grill, Bar and outdoor alfresco dining terrace and a further all-day dining experience, The Board 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.

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.

Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Course is a unique property located in the centre of Aberdeenshire’s countryside. It offers luxury accommodations with gorgeous customised rooms and sophisticated dining. The Manor House offers relaxation in 10 rooms, each with an amazing style. Each room design maintains the lovely baronial character of the hotel. The New Wing offers a wide selection of 10 Standard Rooms and 18 Club Rooms. The Stables, which is attached to the Manor House, adds a contemporary style to the hotel, offering 13 modern large rooms.