Best Historical Hotels in Scotland

Hotel du Vin offers an exquisite blend of luxury and heritage. Once a poorhouse and later an asylum, this beautifully restored building now houses 47 character-filled rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy custom-made sleigh beds, Egyptian cotton linens, monsoon showers, and in-room roll-top baths. Dine al fresco in the picturesque courtyard during summer or savour classic French cuisine in the Bistro du Vin during cooler months. The hotel also features a Whisky Snug, a heated Cigar Bothy, and versatile function rooms perfect for meetings or celebrations. Located just steps away from iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, Hotel du Vin is the ideal base for exploring the city.

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.

Believe it or not, this boutique hotel was once an Episcopal Church, which lends culture and heritage to the beautiful space. It may have once been a church, but Malmaison is anything but austere. The crowd tends to be young and hip, and each of the rooms are lush and contemporary. Dine at the onsite brasserie for fusion fare or head to the Malbar for an upbeat vibe and wild cocktails that sets the tone for a night of excitement.

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.

Part of a boutique chain with an emphasis on epicureanism, the Hotel Du Vin provides a glamorous yet contemporary place to stay, right in the heart of the city. Just 36 rooms and suites give this Victorian-built hotel a more intimate flair. Each comes with its own custom-built bed with Egyptian cotton sheets, a Lavazza coffee machine, a rainfall shower or rolltop bath and Miller Harris toiletries. The French cuisine served in the onsite bistro is a highlight as are the breakfast pastries (arguably best enjoyed in the hotel’s idyllic courtyard).

Back in the 16th-century, this was a hunting lodge. Now it’s a well respected, family-owned and run hotel in a remote part of Skye (although, most of Skye is by nature remote). Local craftspeople have been employed in the process of decorating this hotel, giving it a distinctly Scottish, yet upscale look. Homely rooms are all individually designed, with views of the nearby loch, fluffy robes and L’Occitane bath products. Guests can go foraging with the lodge’s own ghillie, take part in traditional country pursuits, play board games, dine on menus constructed to include ingredients from the Kinloch’s kitchen garden and drink at the honesty bar.

Dating back to the mid-1800s, this castle overlooks the peaceful Sound of Mull. Its imposing exterior gives way to a cosier interior; glowing fires, wood panelling, country house decor, a complimentary array of whiskies and just five bedrooms. The incumbent owners (Tom and Marjorie Nelson) live in a private wing within the building. But they’re on hand to meet guests’ needs, including the supply of a hearty daily breakfast taken sociably, at a 16th-century trestle table. It’s a great choice for families seeking a more intimate stay, and pet pooches are most welcome to join too.

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.

Dating back to the 18th century, this former coaching inn has taken on a new lease of life as a fine-dining waterfront hotel. Just 11 rooms ensure the boutique feel remains intimate and there are plenty of homely touches, such as bikes, free newspapers, wellies and waterproofs for guests’ use. A croquet lawn at the front provides elegant recreational opportunities, while local excur. The hotel is dog friendly and has self-catering cottages within the grounds, for those preferring a more private retreat. Or if you’re planning a large get-together why not hire out the whole place to yourselves?

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.

This small, popular inn in Argyll offers five en suite bedrooms and five garden suite apartments and is located in Lochawe village presenting stunning views of Loch Awe and Ben Cruachan. It features an award-winning restaurant and a bar with over 100 whiskies, 50 gins, craft beers, and excellent coffee. Enjoy a cosy log fire in the winter or relax on the deck and beer garden overlooking the loch. It is wheelchair-accessible, family and pet-friendly. Perfectly situated for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers easy access to Ben Cruachan, St Conans Kirk, the Hollow Mountain Experience, and Kilchurn Castle. It’s also a prime spot along the A85 route to Oban, making it ideal for exploring Loch Awe by boat and for those travelling by train it’s two minutes from Loch Awe Station on the Glasgow-Oban line.

The Atholl Arms Hotel in Dunkeld was established in 1820 and this family-friendly boutique hotel features 26 individually styled rooms with en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The décor combines traditional Scottish elements with contemporary touches. Key facilities include a riverview restaurant serving local Scottish cuisine, a cosy bar, and a relaxing garden and terrace. Positioned near , it provides convenient access to outdoor activities and scenic walks, making it a distinctive choice for those seeking heritage and comfort in the Highlands.