Best Luxury Hotels in Scotland

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.

A Carlton Collection Hotel, Market Street hotel is the first Design Hotels member in Scotland and it is clear to see why. The hotel interior design has been led by award-winning team FG Stjil and showcases a perfect balance of contemporary finishings whilst firmly acknowledging the historic charm and local artistic influences. Market Street hotel is located in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town the hotel boasts 98 boutique rooms and suites and for hotel residents and non-residents Nor’Loft the rooftop Champagne lounge on the seventh floor is THE place to enjoy a sophisticated drink coupled with stunning panoramic views of the city.

Taking up residence in the Old Town’s India Buildings, the Virgin Hotel is homey, plush and contemporary, bedecked in hues of cream. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of pops of red around the place — in the in-room Smeg mini-fridges, on doors and forming the arrival carpet into the lobby. Do stop to look up once inside — the glass cupola ceiling and atrium are quite something when viewed from ground level especially. Dine in the Commons Club for a little old-world glamour, order food and drinks in Eve for a funky feel and spend time in the Victorian Funny Library. Dogs are welcome at the property too and get their own food menu.

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.

Dunkeld House Hotel lies within a 280-acre Perthshire estate beside the River Tay. Once the country retreat of the Dukes of Atholl, the grand baronial mansion is now a four-star country house hotel offering 98 rooms and suites with interiors featuring heritage tones and period detailing. Dining centres around The Stag, where menus celebrate seasonal Scottish ingredients, while the bar serves relaxed lite bites during the day, along with traditional afternoon tea in The Orangery, overlooking the estate gardens. The spa offers ishga treatments inspired by the Hebrides, complemented by an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and gym. With fishing, clay pigeon shooting, cycling trails, and scenic walks, the hotel combines country pursuits with refined relaxation in the heart of Highland Perthshire.

Bursting with individuality and charm, The Scotsman Hotel is an Edinburgh institution. The beautiful Baroque buildings in which this luxury hotel sits was once home to the National Newspaper – which is now the hotel’s namesake. Interiors showcase many original features, including luxurious floor-to-ceiling wood-panelled rooms, grandiose marble staircase and stained glass windows – all combined with modern amenities and unique signature details. Each of its  58 rooms and 14 suites is individual, stylishly appointed and a comfortable sanctuary in the heart of the city. Guests can dine at the hotel’s destination restaurant, enjoy a drink in the bar or seek a moment of solitude in many of the cosy spaces throughout the hotel. And home to a 48-seater classic cinema, guests can enjoy a trip to the Picturehouse with the utmost convenience.

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.

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.

If you want pure decadence and lashings of theatrical opulence for your next stay in Edinburg, look no further. House of Gods’ design is infused with deco-style drama at every turn – velvet cushions and heavy drapes, curtained four-poster beds, mahogany antique furniture, parquet flooring, fringed lampshades, oak panelled walls, gleaming freestanding gleaming Victorian tubs and palms. The colour palette revolves around dark, rich hues of deep red and rooms come full of surprises, like hidden TV mirrors and coffee machines secreted out of immediate sight. Lilith’s lounge features a curated cocktail list that’s inspired by rock n’ roll’s tales of hotel debauchery.

Deep in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre, adjacent to Glasgow’s Central Station, The Grand Central Hotel shines a light on beauty, opulence and luxury. After its £20 million refurbishment and transformation, it is one of Glasgow’s most stylish hotels and the winner of 4 Scottish Hotel Awards in 2015, including the Gold Laurel Award. Whether you choose a Deluxe Double, Standard Twin, Junior Suite or one of their three Executive Suites, your stay will include exquisitely furnishings, large plasma screen TV, fluffy robes and free wi-fi throughout the hotel. More than just the hotel, don’t miss the chance to dine at one of Glasgow’s top restaurants and sip champagne and cocktails at their award-winning Champagne Central.

40 miles from Glasgow (certainly, as the crow flies) is Portavadie Marina, a resort surrounded by rolling West Coast hills and on the banks of Loch Fyne. The hotel itself is a modern and glass-fronted building overlooking the marina full of yachts and boats. The village itself is compact with not much more than a few cottages, but the resort more than makes up for that with its luxury spa and well-being facilities. After a £10 million development, the contemporary spa facility offers a 16-metre pool, fully equipped gym, sauna (with a picture window offering incredible views), Jacuzzi, and a plethora of spa treatments using Ishga products developed in the Outer Hebrides using the pure Scottish seaweed. The star of the show here however is the heated outdoor infinity pool (the biggest in Scotland) which feels like you are swimming in the loch but without the freezing temperatures!

Stroll a mere ten minutes from the centre of Inverness to discover this uber-trendy hotel – the city’s only to have five stars. The sleek, modern Rocpool Reserve, is contained in a Georgian mansion house and overlooks the River Ness. It has its own moody cocktail ‘r bar’ and Chez Roux (part of the wider Roux group) serving everything from amuse-bouche to hearty high-end fare and even special meals for your pooch. Four categories of bedrooms (11 in total) offer delights such as hot tubs, cabin-style saunas, balconies, oversized beds and Tassimo coffee machines, along with dark and dramatic decor. Valet services and beauty treatments are available on request.