Best 5-Star Hotels in Scotland

As the only five-star hotel on the city’s High Street, there’s no better-placed luxury property for sightseeing the UNESCO-listed landmarks. It’s one of two Radisson hotels in the city centre; guests have access to the facilities (including a pool and sauna) at the other just a five-minute stroll away. Book one of the nine suites if you’re seeking a bold, colour-filled and bohemian aesthetic; each has been individually designed by native artists and designers. Interconnecting and accessible rooms are also available. For onsite wining and dining, there’s the Cucina restaurant and the Epicurean bar. 

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.

Just off the beaten track, but a stone’s throw from the major attractions, this quiet and stunning four-star boutique hotel is a gem for any visitor. Juxtaposing bold colours, rich textures and contemporary art with original features and architecture, their 49 rooms are a blend of historic elegance with modern-day design. Each room, whether standard doubles or junior suite, gives guests a place of serenity and calm in the heart of this beautiful city. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, you must book one of their two executive suites. You’ll be rewarded with plenty of space, beautifully finished modern furniture, stunning bathrooms with period features, Freeview TV and free WiFi. And don’t forget to peek your head out the window for magnificent views over Drumsheugh Gardens.

An independent, family-run establishment, this five-star boutique hotel is set across two heritage buildings. The Victorian townhouses are across the road from each other and have been freshly refurbished to create 35 modern bedrooms, a sunny beer garden and a dining room lounge: the Ba’ Bar. The Roseate Edinburgh takes its interior design cue from the neoclassical architecture familiar to the capital and the owners’ Orcadian roots. Top-end suites come with special features such as roll-top copper baths, four-poster beds, Vispring mattresses, Noble Isle bath products, Chesterfield sofas and a chaise longue. Plus there’s a cute and cosy single room for solo travellers.

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

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.

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.

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.

The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is located 9 km away from Aberdeen Airport. Its 12 five-star rooms offer astonishing luxurious facilities. The lovely surroundings add to the comfort of each spacious room. A comfortable lounge overlooks the beautiful gardens which are very quiet at night. Guests can relax in the amazing spa or work out after enjoying a morning traditional English/Irish breakfast. It’s a fabulous hotel offering great service by well-trained and attentive staff.

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.