The Best Boutique Hotels in Scotland

You can’t go wrong with citizenM. Every inch of this Scottish hotel is the epitome of trendy, without being sickeningly pretentious – while the affordable rates are a welcome surprise. The high-tech rooms are controlled with iPads, the endless list of free films is a fab touch and the rainforest showers are a little slice of heaven. Arty accents infuse all the communal areas and details such as international plugs go down a treat with seasoned travellers.

Monachyle Mhor is the boutique hotel in Scotland of your dreams. The whole get-up is as spellbinding as its surroundings on a large estate in the vicinity of bonnie Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, with each and every detail destined to turn heads. The 15 striking rooms demonstrate serious design goals, with each more stylish than the last. Some have exposed beams and steam rooms, others have serene whitewashed walls and slick abstract finishing touches. All are the very definition of hip and arty. Foodies can flock to the award-winning restaurant, while diehard adventurers can explore the many Munros and lochs right on the doorstep. Serenity-seekers can stay inside and revel in the first-class feature rooms.

Hotel du Vin is the cherry on the top of a trip to St Andrews. This expertly furnished hotel comes with delightful Scottish sea views and state-of-the-art touches such as designer toiletries, bespoke handmade sleigh beds, Nespresso machines and super-luxe fluffy bathrobes. The playful wallpaper depicting life’s little pleasures such as books and old-school suitcases shows there’s no expense spared. The same goes for the food and wine, which is most certainly up to par and then some. Whether you’re coming for a golfing extravaganza, a pampered weekend getaway or a uni visit, let Hotel du Vin supply that extra dose of sparkle.

The Witchery, with its magical cinematic qualities and dramatic essence, is a true fairy-tale hotel offering an unrivalled accommodation experience. Strategically placed at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, next to the Castle, this esteemed institution is without doubt the crème de la crème of all boutique hotels in Scotland. Between the nine opulent bedrooms, each draped in a distinct gothic flair, and the award-winning restaurant and secret garden, the place is faultless. It’s the little things that make a difference – think sumptuous breakfast hampers, lavish décor and seductive roll-top baths. Sinfully enticing and exclusive, the Witchery captures a quintessential Scottish charm and old-world feel.

Head to the city’s West End – near Haymarket station – to find these two Victorian townhouses combined to form an intimate hotel that reflects the Orkney roots of the owners. A vintage whisky cabinet holds an amazing collection of single malts, while the restaurant serves Orkney scallops, haggis bonbons and other northern Scottish delights. The elegant rooms are decorated in pared-down traditional style.