Hotels to Book in Scotland for the Perfect Romantic Getaway

Atholl Palace Hotel is an alluring destination for a romantic Scottish break
Atholl Palace Hotel is an alluring destination for a romantic Scottish break | Courtesy of Atholl Palace Hotel / Expedia
Mara Curechian

Junior Production Assistant

Fall madly in love with each other – and the landscape – with a romantic hotel getaway in Scotland, all bookable on Culture Trip.

From coast to coast, Scotland’s natural beauty is unrivalled in the UK. You can hike up gentle-sloped Munros, clad in purple heather; dig your toes in white sand beneath towering sea cliffs; discover secret glens and let rushing rivers lead you to hidden waterfalls. This remote beauty lends itself perfectly to romance – and who better to take it all in with than your partner. And if you’d rather trade the hills and the lochs for cobblestones, there are plenty of romantic city sites waiting to charm you. From historic castles and Victorian villas to luxury stays and relaxing spa breaks, these are the best places to celebrate your love in Scotland.

1. The Witchery by the Castle

Hotel, Luxury

The Witchery by the Castle
Courtesy of The Witchery by the Castle / Booking.com

The Witchery by the Castle offers a profoundly romantic experience in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The nine lavishly appointed suites feature four-poster beds, antique furnishings and roll-top baths as well as modern luxuries like light dimmers, Dyson hairdryers, GHD straighteners and Nespresso machines. Eclectically dotted with touches of velvet and silk, the charming rooms each follow a different theme and provide a wholly unique experience. Indulge in the maximalist glamour, sip from the bottle of champagne waiting for you on arrival and dine at the atmospheric Witchery at the Castle restaurant – there’s no better way to spend a romantic weekend.

2. The Dunstane Houses

Hotel, Luxury

A bed and desk with chair in a traditional style hotel room at Dunstane Houses. Large gold-framed mirror on the wall.
Courtesy of the Dunstane Houses / Hotels.com

Only a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh’s Haymarket train station, these thoughtfully restored Victorian villas lovingly preserve original features alongside sleek boutique furnishings. Inspired by both the neoclassical design of Edinburgh Old Town and the owners’ Orcadian roots, the characterful rooms come in different shapes and sizes but all feature small luxuries such as Vi-Spring beds and Noble Isle toiletries. Opt for the Ultimate Romantic Night In package and enjoy a one-night stay complete with a luxury gift, a chilled bottle of fizz on arrival, a three-course dinner for two and a full Scottish breakfast the next morning.

4. The Fife Arms

Hotel

BRAEMAR ABERDEENSHIRE SCOTLAND THE FIFE ARMS HOTEL FROM STEPS OVERLOOKING THE CLUNIE RIVER
© JOHN BRACEGIRDLE / Alamy Stock Photo

Lovingly created by Iwan and Manuela Wirth, co-founders of the acclaimed global gallery Hauser & Wirth, the Fife Arms is a passion project bursting with an eclectic mix of international and Scottish contemporary art. Rooms each follow an individual theme, and whether you go for Scottish Culture, Nature and Poetry or Croft, all are sublimely comfortable, with the romance dial turned up to 11. Celebrating something extra special? Ask the Ghillie team for help organising a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride over the Cairngorms, or a countryside lunch courtesy of a private chef.

5. Cavens Country House Hotel

Hotel

Cavens Country House Hotel
Courtesy of Southern Oaks Inn / Expedia

Cavens Country House Hotel offers boutique accommodation with a personal touch. Set in an idyllic location in southwest Scotland and boasting over 10 acres (4ha) of gardens, this country house will enchant you both indoors and outdoors. Each of the five bedrooms – some are suites and come with a comfortable sitting area – has its own individual charm and will fill you with a sense of serenity. Add delicious, locally-sourced dinners to the mix and you’ve got the perfect romantic setting for a weekend away. Best of all, your pup can come along – just make sure to call before you book as not all rooms are pet-friendly.

6. Blythswood Square Hotel

Spa Hotel, Hotel

Blythswood Square Hotel
Courtesy of Blythswood Square Hotel / Expedia
An iconic Glasgow landmark, the Blythswood Square Hotel blends imposing Georgian architecture, sophisticated contemporary design and classical features for a bespoke luxury experience. Perfect for a relaxing retreat, you only have to step into the hotel’s private gardens to find yourself transported away from the clamour of city life to an oasis of calm. Other hotel facilities such as the award-winning spa, the private cinema and Bo & Birdy restaurant will help you spend some valuable one-on-one time with your partner. An emphasis on relaxation doesn’t mean that romance has to come second. Book a couples massage and then get all glammed up for an intimate, romantic dinner.

7. Ardanaiseig Hotel

Hotel

Ardanaiseig Hotel
Courtesy of Ardanaiseig Hotel / Expedia

Quietly overlooking the banks of Loch Awe, this unassuming 19th-century country house doesn’t so much as hint at the lavish, flamboyant decor within. Having been refurbished by antique dealer Bennie Gray, brightly painted walls throughout the house serve as a background for eclectic clutter and unique antique pieces. For a characterful stay, Ardanaiseig Hotel should be at the top of your list. It’s most romantic in the winter months when everything is covered by a glittering blanket of snow and you can be warm and cosy by the fireplace, sipping a dram of local whisky.

8. Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Boutique Hotel

A four-posted bed with pink bedspread, and a pink armchair next to a bottle of champagne on ice in a hotel room at Iverlochy Castle
Courtesy of Iverlochy Castle / Expedia
In 1873, Queen Victoria reflected on her stay at Inverlochy Castle Hotel noting she “never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot”. With such credentials, it’s impossible to think that a stay here could be anything less than spectacular. Simple traditional furnishings – think polished wood and crystal glassware – can be found alongside opulent Venetian chandeliers and ceiling frescoes, but that’s not to say the hotel feels outdated. Modern touches, such as waterfall showers and Bang & Olufsen audio systems, have been seamlessly integrated to enhance the guest experience. The Ghillie team will assist with any outdoor activities you want to take part in and will help you discover the beauty of the area.

9. The Torridon

Hotel

The Torridon elegant room with traditional flourishes and orange accents
Courtesy of The Torridon / Expedia
In a wild tangle of trees, this elegant 19th-century country house sits proudly at the edge of Loch Torridon. The idyllic setting is only the beginning when it comes to The Torridon – its contemporary interiors are bright, stylish and infinitely comfortable. Though there are 18 rooms and suites in the main house, couples might enjoy renting out the Boathouse, right on the edge of the water, for a more intimate experience – the view from the conservatory is unbeatable. For something truly special, book the Stargazing Experience for two which includes a three-course seasonal menu as well as a stargazing presentation and excursion with astronomer Stephen Mackintosh as your guide.

10. Isle of Eriska Hotel

Luxury

Isle of Eriska Hotel
Courtesy of Isle of Eriska Hotel / Expedia

This 19th-century mansion is located on a private island overlooking Loch Linnhe and offers exclusivity and luxury in spades. Radiating warmth, the hotel is decorated in soft, neutral tones and celebrates its Victorian heritage in oak-panelled halls and elegant drawing rooms filled with plush sofas, crackling fireplaces and leather-bound books. Modern luxuries, such as Molton Brown toiletries and outdoor hot tubs in the three spa suites, seamlessly integrate with the hotel’s more traditional furnishings. Choose to stay in one of the six hilltop reserves for added privacy and enjoy the hot tub, open deck and seemingly endless views.

11. The Three Chimneys and The House Over-By

Boutique Hotel

The Three Chimneys Restaurant, Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK
© Kay Roxby / Alamy Stock Photo

You’re in for an especially delicious stay at The Three Chimneys and The House Over-By. The Three Chimneys, led by Head Chef Scott Davies, is perhaps the star of the show – celebrating fresh, local ingredients from the Isle of Skye – but The House Over-By does not pale in comparison. The suites are spacious, elegantly simple and beautifully decorated in hues of white, navy and grey while modern amenities and Temple Spa toiletries are small added luxuries. On arrival, you’ll be greeted with tea and home-baked cakes after which you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the lounge and head over to The Three Chimneys for the main event: a romantic dinner you won’t soon forget.

12. Atholl Palace Hotel

Hotel

Atholl Palace Hotel
Courtesy of Atholl Palace Hotel / Expedia

It’s safe to say Atholl Palace is a romantic haven in any season. The gardens burst with colour in the summer, whilst in winter the snow-capped mountain backdrop adds to the allure. This 19th-century Victorian mansion has been carefully refurbished and its luxurious rooms are both elegant and comfortable. Guests also have the option to stay in a self-catered private lodge if they are looking for more privacy. For the ultimate romantic day, start off with a lunch picnic with a view and then head off to the Lavender Spa for some well-deserved relaxation.

Looking for more beautiful hotels in Scotland? Check out our guide to incredible places to stay in Highland Perthshire, bookable with Culture Trip

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