Best Historical Hotels in Scotland

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.

For the quintessential turreted fairytale castle experience, book a stay at Barcaldine, on the outskirts of Oban. Beams, wood panels, a great hall, a turnpike staircase, a secret passage and a bottle dungeon below stairs all contribute to the sense of stepping back in time here. The decor is traditionally Highland, with plenty of tartans, tweed, brown leather and claw-footed roll-top tubs. Accommodation is offered on a bed and breakfast basis, with friendly hosts Liz and Ronnie serving a full Scottish and an optional afternoon tea. If you don’t fancy an evening picnic, dinner can be served at the nearby restaurant.

Located in what was once home to renowned surgeon Joseph Lister, the beautiful townhouse now boasts a beautiful boutique hotel, a fashionable bar, The Huxley and a gourmet steak restaurant, Kyloe. With twelve individually designed guest rooms, you’ll find yourself surrounded by opulent luxury. From free WiFi to Bluetooth audio connectivity, wall mounted flat screen TVs, a fully stocked mini bar, complimentary daily newspapers and shortbread on arrival. More than day-time comforts, you’ll be bedding down with quality goose-feather pillows and duvet, the finest Egyptian cotton bedding and access to luxury toiletries to wash the day away.

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.

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.

The Scott Hotel provides a sophisticated retreat located within the historic Pollock Estate next to Holyrood Park and is approx. 20-minutes’ walk from Edinburgh’s Old Town. A former 18th-century baronial mansion originally built in the 1750s for merchant Alexander Scott has been meticulously restored to a beautiful boutique hotel within tranquil landscaped grounds. The hotel features 36 individually styled bedrooms and junior suites with striking marble-tiled bathrooms and contemporary furnishings. For guests who desire extra space and privacy, the Gatehouse offers a standalone cottage experience complete with a fully equipped kitchen and lounge.

Dining at the Scott Hotel is a must – the Bonnar’s Restaurant, led by Head Chef Pier Berretta, serves modern Scottish cuisine from an a la carte or tasting menu. Set in a stunning rococo-style ballroom guests can expect a warm and welcoming ambience and the Velvet Lounge is the perfect place for a relaxed drink, where a carefully selected menu of whiskies, wines and cocktails awaits.

Located on the edge of Pitlochry in Perthshire and set within 10 acres of peaceful woodland, Pine Trees is Apex Hotels’ newest rural property, following a multimillion-pound refurbishment. This boutique hotel has already been named ‘Boutique Hotel of the Year’ at the National Hotels of the Year Scotland 2025, thanks to its inviting blend of comfort and Scottish charm inspired by the concept of ‘coorie living’. With 32 individually styled rooms—some featuring balconies, patios, four-poster beds, free-standing bathtubs or private lounges—the hotel encourages guests to slow down and unwind. The décor throughout is warm, contemporary and rooted in natural tones, with bespoke furnishings and thoughtful touches. Key facilities include the ground floor restaurant and bar, Flora and Fauna, which showcases modern Scottish cuisine using locally sourced produce, and the adjoining Flora Bar, home to a wide selection of whiskies and cocktails ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring the surrounding Highlands.

Standing proudly above storied golf links and the rugged Ayrshire coastline, Trump Turnberry provides modern Edwardian opulence and attention to detail along with 800 rolling acres of countryside where legendary King Robert the Bruce once had his castle. The property has been a landmark since 1906 and not only is it a renowned golf destination, featuring the famous Ailsa course it also offers a large destination spa and a wide range of outdoor pursuits including equestrian activities and clay pigeon shooting. Dining options include its signature 1906 restaurant, Grand Tea Lounge and Bar, and the Duel in the Sun, a golf-inspired eatery each overlooking its famous golf courses.

Taking the aparthotel to another level, Cheval Old Town Chambers takes advantage of all of the 15th-century charm found within its tenement homes across three buildings. But this is offset by clean contemporary lines and modern Scandi-inspired furnishings. Choose a studio, an apartment with a mezzanine, a private outdoor terrace, or a four-bedroom townhouse. You’ll have access to a concierge to assist you around the clock, a gym and a lobby with comfortable seating for a little fireside reading, as well as Luckenbooths restaurant for a touch of trad. Cheval Old Town Chambers welcomes pets and families and has several accessible apartments.

Cheval Abbey Strand Apartments at Holyrood, located at the foot of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. These nine boutique apartments, designed with inspiration from their historical past, range from open-plan studios to two-bedroom units, all featuring fully equipped kitchens, free WiFi, and access to a complimentary gym. Guests enjoy the independence of self-check-in with a four-digit access code, while support is available 24/7 from the nearby Cheval Old Town Chambers. Pets are welcome, and nearby attractions include the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Park.

Glasgow’s maritime history – past and present – is pretty legendary and visible around the city. This is especially the case at Native Places, once HQ for the Anchor Line Shipping Company. Stepping inside feels much like boarding an art deco era cruise liner. Look out for the original safes, terrazzo flooring, timber wood panelling and fireplaces dating back to the 1900s. 24-hour reception, onsite breakfast and weekly housekeeping provide the benefits of a hotel, but you’ll also have access to washing and cooking facilities in your suite. And if you don’t fancy cooking your own dinner, the gorgeous Anchor Line Bar and Restaurant is on the ground floor.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s new town, on the iconic George Street, the boutique Righ Residences is the perfect place for guests looking for more spacious accommodation in the centre of Edinburgh. The hotel’s 25 luxury serviced apartments are all bathed in natural light and are exceedingly comfortable. The apartments all feature kitchenettes, climate control, en-suite bathrooms, and high-quality linen. The apartments also have a high-tech flair with in-room tablets which have room controls and local guide services available. The hotel’s signature penthouse boasts some of the best views of the Castle to be found anywhere in the city. It also has three floating beds, a freestanding bath, three private roof terraces and a private living room. Whilst the Righ residence does not have its own restaurant, it is only a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s best restaurants.