The Most Luxurious Hotels to Book in Scotland
With historic houses, medieval towers and royal buildings, no two luxury hotels in Scotland are the same. No matter what corner of the country you visit, from Inverness to Muirfield, it is possible to stay in total comfort, with restaurants of the highest quality and local attractions that appeal to all tastes. Here are ten of the most luxurious Scottish hotels – bookable on Culture Trip.
The Chester Hotel, for locavore cuisine in a Victorian villa in Aberdeen
Boutique Hotel
One of the best luxury hotel choices in Aberdeen, the Chester Hotel is sharply stylish. It’s housed in a traditional-looking Victorian villa, but the rooms are decorated with outstanding flair, in soft, sexy greys, with Scandi-style monochrome textiles and artful lighting. The beds are massive, and there are Nespresso machines and immaculate grey-tiled bathrooms. Downstairs, the bar has a warm, speakeasy vibe and you can dine on dishes using locally sourced ingredients, or enjoy an afternoon tea featuring creations by the hotel pastry chef.
Glenapp Castle, for views of Isle of Arran and Mull of Kintyre in Ballantrae
Hotel
Dakota Glasgow, for contemporary luxury
Boutique Hotel, Chain Hotel, Hotel, Luxury
With monsoon showers, roll-top bathtubs and rooms featuring king-size beds and floor-to-ceiling windows, Dakota is a sophisticated luxury hotel in Scotland, and the kind of place that makes you wish you could extend your holiday indefinitely. This is a five-star with a Manhattan loft-style vibe, decorated in grown-up shades of grey and brown. Cuisine is equally sumptuous, with lots of Scottish produce, and dishes including lobster thermidor, monkfish curry and steaks flamed at the Dakota Grill.
Prestonfield House, for proximity to Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh
Hotel, Luxury
James Thomson’s Prestonfield House is a grand white-walled mansion, once a private home, and is now one of the best luxury hotels in Scotland. Set in 8ha (20 acres) of gardens, next to the mountain of Arthur’s Seat, you’re nevertheless within easy reach of central Edinburgh. Staying here, you will genuinely feel as if you’ve pitched up in a palace. Rooms have a truly baroque splendour, with ample silk wall coverings, tapestries and antique four-posters piled high with velvet cushions and bedspreads in rich colours.
The Balmoral Hotel, for on-site Michelin-starred dining in Edinburgh
Hotel, Luxury
The Torridon, for a superlative whisky bar in Wester Ross
Hotel
Culloden House, for award-winning dining near Inverness
Hotel
Inverlochy Castle, for sleeping like royalty in Fort William
Hotel, Luxury
Greywalls Hotel, for world-class golfing in Gullane
Hotel
Gleneagles, for outdoor pursuits in Auchterarder
Luxury
Crystal glassware, polished silver trays, regal headboards, antiques and rich upholstery: Gleneagles is a grand country house retreat surrounded by magnificent Scottish countryside, and the most renowned luxury hotel in Scotland with good reason. Here, you can try horse riding, golfing, shooting, falconry and fishing: all the pursuits essential to a certain type of traditional British country life. Alternative indulgences include an indoor pool, spa, gym and theatrically splendid places to eat and drink.
Alexander Crow contributed additional reporting to this article.
Visiting Balmoral Castle? Discover where you can stay nearby and book now on Culture Trip.