Best Historical Hotels in Scotland

The century-old Perthshire spa resort brings its famous quintessential Scottish luxury to the heart of Edinburgh. In 2022 the brand completed the refurbishment of the iconic former Bank of Scotland HQ, a Grade A-listed building on St Andrew Square. The boutique property has a small number of bedrooms decorated in a modern style, but reflecting a timeless Georgian townhouse elegance. Guests and the general public can mingle in The Spence, an art deco all-day dining establishment, or in the rooftop bar. The bank’s old vault accommodates the wellness area, including a cryotherapy chamber and infrared sauna.

Crossbasket Castle, located in High Blantyre just 12 miles south of Glasgow, offers 40 Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites in its new hotel along with, nine historical rooms in its castle. Designed to blend early 20th-century elegance with modern luxury, featuring unique dining experiences such as Foveran’s, a light-filled space serving breakfast and lunch, and Trocadero’s, an energetic, Roaring Twenties-themed restaurant with live entertainment. Guests can enjoy rooms with luxurious amenities like marble bathrooms, underfloor heating, and Penhaligon’s toiletries, as well as expansive historical suites. The castle is set within 14 acres of landscaped gardens, with easy access to Glasgow, Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs National Park, making it the perfect base for both relaxation and exploration.

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 O.B.E DL, 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.

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.

Built in 1887 by the then Earl of Lovelace, this 18-bedroomed baronial hunting lodge is filled with original features. While the hotel’s design certainly harks back to the building’s former life, the decor has splashes of bright accented colour. A kitchen garden supplies a multitude of organic produce, along with local meats and fish. And Highland cows can often be spotted wandering past the grounds. If travelling with kids, or those seeking some thrills, Torridon Outdoors is conveniently located on the doorstep, providing a range of outward-bound activities. Be sure to take a peek at the hotel’s drawing room, with its unusual zodiac-designed ceiling and to sample the hotel’s own Arcturus gin.

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.

Located on a tree-lined street in Glasgow’s West End, away from the hustle and bustle, the 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.

Elegance and grandeur have long been associated with this historic hotel that is located on George Street in Edinburgh – a convenient setting to explore the great city. Set over five townhouses that date back to 1881, the hotel presents a range of rooms and suites (240 in total) all of which are relaxed, warm and welcoming. Destination restaurant Le Petit Beefbar at InterContinental Edinburgh The George marks the brand’s first-ever foray into Scotland, here guests can experience some of the best cuts in the world, surrounded by the classically chic décor of the magnificent dining room. For a light bite or caffeine fix Burr & Co is the perfect pitstop. Extensive meeting, conference and event spaces along with private dining facilities makes this hotel a popular choice for a great variety of business and leisure occasions.

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.

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.

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.

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.