Where to Stay in Scotland: Your Luxury Guide
Scotland is a small but mighty country and has no shortage of incredible stays, from farms to castles to modern retreats. When thinking of where to stay in Scotland and crafting an incredible itinerary, you can imagine Scotland as divided in half by the Lowlands and the Highlands.
The Lowlands includes Scotland's major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as the North East and the Scottish Borders; each of these regions is unique but generally speaking, the Lowlands can be characterized by rolling green hills, charming towns and historic castles. The Highlands are a vast region of Scotland that are known for their rugged mountains, deep lochs and majestic coastlines, including those of the Scottish Islands.
The Citrine Compass is here to share our breakdown of the different areas to stay in Scotland (although exactly how to break up Scotland's regions is a matter of opinion) as well as some of our favorite hotels that will add some truly remarkable Scottish hospitality to your adventure.
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THE REGIONS OF SCOTLAND
The Central Belt: Edinburgh + Glasgow
The Central Belt is the most densely populated area of Scotland and offers visitors a vast variety of accommodations and experiences. Most visitors to Scotland will fly into Edinburgh Airport and as the Scottish capital, we highly suggest staying in Edinburgh for the beginning and/or tail end of your visit.
There is no shortage of fantastic places to stay in Edinburgh and you can find some of the top hotels in the country here, whether you want easy access to popular spots like The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and Old Town or are looking for something in the country, just outside of the city. Edinburgh also has a centrally-located train station if you're embarking on train travel as part of your adventuring and acts as a great hub for a road trip around the country.
Glasgow, only an hour away from Edinburgh by car or train, is Scotland's largest city and the city centre is home to Victorian architecture, the University of Glasgow and some fantastic shopping and dining options in the main town. Glasgow makes for a great pit stop as you road trip north from Edinburgh.
North East Scotland
Technically part of the Scottish Highlands but worth noting as its own area of exploration is the northeast of Scotland, which includes the larger cities of Aberdeen, Fife, Perth and Dundee.
Aberdeen, known as the "Granite City" offers visitors an interesting mix of vibrant culture and street art, as well as historical sites, museums and sandy beaches along the coast. Another town gaining visibility is Dundee, which has in recent years gone from industrial drab to uber cool with new galleries and museums.
Visitors might also partake in Speyside's Malt Whisky Trail, explore Cairgorms National Park or relax in St. Andrews, the "birthplace" of golf and home of the University of St Andrews, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world and alma mater of Prince Williams. Unique in their own right are the seaside towns in the northeast coast of Scotland, which offer a wonderful mix of dramatic coastlines, charming fishing villages and ancient castles.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is commonly referred to as a natural divider between the rugged Highlands and the fertile farmland of the Lowlands so we're making space for it to stand alone. Loch Lomond is Scotland's largest freshwater loch (lake) and the largest inland stretch of water in all of Great Britain. It is also part of The Trossachs National Park, Scotland's first national park and home to lush mountains with beautiful views. While there are 22 lochs in Trossachs, Loch Lomond is popular due to it's proximity to the Central Belt and its fantastic country house hotels.
The Highlands
The Highlands are a vast region of Scotland but are often referred to collectively for its rugged mountains, majestic coastlines and deep lochs. The Highlands are also home to some of Scotland's most incredible sights such as Loch Ness, both its legends and Urquhart Castle, the hiking and wild camping in Glencoe Valley, Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th century castle built on an island where three lochs meet, Fort William and Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, Cairngorms National Park and the Callanish Standing Stones, Scotland's Stonehenge.
The Highlands are also home to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the filming location for Harry Potter's Hogwart Express, Inverlochy Castle, Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve, located in the north west highlands and the gorgeous peninsula of Easter Ross. Visitors could easily spend their entire trip in The Highlands due to the amount of things to see and do.
The Islands
Technically part of the Highlands but worth noting are the Scottish islands of the west coast, which are a fantastic place to experience Scotland's more remote and rugged side. The largest and most well-known group of islands are the Inner and Outer Hebrides, located off the northwest coast of Scotland. The Inner Hebrides are the most accessible to travelers and include the Isle of Skye, which is home to some of Scotland's most well-known landscapes like its iconic Old Man of Storr rock formation and The Fairy Pools.
The Outer Hebrides are situated further offshore and are more isolated; visitors can expect white-sand beaches, strong Gaelic culture and 130 miles of spectacular scenery; the Isle of Lewis is the largest island of the Outer Hebrides if you need a home base. Less visited but also worth looking into for a unique experience are the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands and the numerous smaller islands in Scotland's firths (inlets) such as the Isle of Arran and Isle of Bute in the Firth of Clyde.
The Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders include the parts of Scotland stretching south of Edinburgh down to the English Border. Although not typically top on the list for a first timer’s visit to Scotland due to its rural location, the Scottish Borders has some hidden gems, especially for the outdoors enthusiast. Due to it being hilly and sparsely populated, many of the accommodations cater to outdoor activities and visitors seeking the great outdoor so one can find stays like self-catering cottages and country house hotels.
OUR FAVORITE SCOTLAND HOTELS
Newhall Mains
High on our list of boutique hotels we love in Scotland is Newhall Mains, set on the sleepy Black Isle just 40 minutes driving from Inverness. This guest house hotel has an elegant yet modern feel and just nine rooms, four of which are suites and five of which are individually-decorated cottages. The service and experience is 5-star but maintains its countryside charm and while it's technically located in the Scottish Highlands (where weather can be rainy and unpredictable), Black Isle has a mild climate and is one of the driest parts of Scotland, which is a plus if you don't want rain to hamper your seaside exploration.
A farmhouse continental breakfast is offered to guests daily and their restaurant offers a seasonally driven dinner seven days a week; this charming little stay even has a Japanese-inspired whiskey bar for guests to relax and unwind.
Speaking of whiskey, the region produces barley for many local distilleries so you'll have the chance to visit whiskey producers like Dalmore, Glenmorangie, Balblair and Glen Ord for tours and tastings. Newhall Mains also encourages its guests to visit the 18th century harbor town of Cromarty to shop, imbibe and spot bottleneck dolphins off shore.
The Fife Arms
The Fife Arms Hotel is a historic institution in Scotland. Located in Braemar amidst the dramatic landscape and great outdoors of the Cairngorms National Park, the hotel was built in the 19th century by the Duke of Fife. The Fife Arms is now owned by two art dealers, who have turned this historic building into a design aficinado's dream with over 16,000 pieces of art adorning the hotel walls by artists like Pablo Picasso, Gerhard Richter and Lucian Freud.
Each of this eclectic hotel’s 46 rooms are uniquely decorated and pay (fabulous tartaned) homage to traditional Scottish fabrics, style and aesthetic. When not spending time on property, guests can visit the nearby village of Braemar or take a guided tour of the mountains and wilderness in the property’s famous Fife Arms Defender.
The Fife Arms Hotel is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout, welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
PLANNING A TRIP TO SCOTLAND?
The Citrine Compass is a boutique travel planning network that helps busy, sophisticated world explorers create curated and authentic travel experiences. The CC plans incredible trips fueled with intel from local tastemakers that have amazing taste and a passion for their region.
Check out our Services to learn more about how our team can help you plan your perfect trip!
Cameron House on Loch Lomond
Set amidst the breathtaking scenery of Loch Lomond National Park is Cameron House, a baronial mansion transformed into 5-star luxury hotel. Cameron House's history dates back to the 17th century when it was built as a private residence for the Smollett family and one can still feel the elegance and Scottish heritage to this day.
There is plenty to do at Cameron House (which boasts a spa, leisure club with a pool and gym and even an on-site cinema) but it's loch-side location is really what makes this hotel so spectacular. Adventurers can explore the loch and park via kayak, boating, hiking or horseback while the leisure travelers can enjoy the scenic views of the loch during afternoon tea in the conservatory.
Whether you're seeking a romantic weekend or a family vacation, Cameron House is a great option for a Scottish getaway.
Cameron House is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout , welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Gleneagles Townhouse
Gleneagles Townhouse is fairly new on the Edinburgh scene and a sister hotel to the famous Gleneagles Hotel and Resort in the Scottish countryside. This welcome addition in Edinburgh is a high end boutique stay in New Town with 33 modern rooms; the 18th-century building was once the Bank of Scotland and has been beautifully restored to its historic grandeur with a dose of contemporary chic.
The hotel is just steps from the St James Quarter and restaurants on St Andrews Square but guests may not want to leave the stunning rooftop bar, which is reserved exclusively for hotel guests and its members.
This is a great option for couples and adult groups that appreciate an air of exclusivity.
Gleneagles Townhouse is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout , welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Ballintaggart Farm + Grandtully Hotel
This stay is a bit of a two-for-one as Ballintaggart offers two different accommodations in the Scottish Highlands. Set in the rolling hills of Perthshire is Ballintaggart Farm, which can host up to 18 guests across three stays, the Farmhouse (5-bedroom), The Steading (2-bedroom) and East End Cottage (2 bedrooms).
The Farm is an absolute haven for foodies, with a fine-dining restaurant on-site that offers an ever-changing menu reflecting the seasons and the countryside's local produce. The Farm is also home to a charming courtyard cafe that offers light bites and afternoon tea. Since food is the focus on Ballintaggart Farm, guests can also attend the hotel’s renowned Cook School to learn the tricks of the trade and delicious recipes from Scottish cuisine.
For guests looking for a more traditional hotel stay, Ballintaggart also own The Grandtully Hotel just five minutes driving from the farm. This luxury boutique hotel has eight rooms, a restaurant with the same mission of serving up local, seasonal fare from their own and surrounding farms and a quaint library where you can take your evening cocktail.
We love Ballintaggart for groups and families looking for luxury, a focus on food and some fresh air out in the Scottish Highlands.
Boath House
Situated in a 19th century Georgian Mansion in Nairn, near Scotland's North Coast, is the luxury sanctuary that is Boath House. This quaint, art-infused bed and breakfast has ten bedrooms and a four-bedroom lodge, with some of the rooms located in private cottages with wood-burning stoves. Guests can enjoy time or tea in the 400-year old walled gardens, relaxing in their wood-fired sauna, shopping in the hotel’s boutique or dining in the restaurant cafe led by a team of Michelin-rated chefs.
What truly makes the Boath House unique is its homage to the arts and artist residency program, where creatives are invited to come and spend time on property painting, writing and using the recording studios to stay inspired. This is a wonderful option for those travelers that need a reprieve from city life and want a quick infusion of creativity.
The Witchery by the Castle
The Witchery is a iconic stay at the gates of Edinburgh Castle for those who have a flair for the opulent. Steeped in rich tapestries, leather upholstery, dark wood antiques and candles, this hotel has a rich history dating back to the 1500s and pays homage to the witches that were burned on Castlehill during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Witchery is known for their Scottish cuisine fine dining options, including the oak-paneled, candlelit Original Dining room, their more contemporary Secret Garden Dining Room and their indulgent afternoon tea.
Each of The Witchery's nine suites are draped in floor to ceiling in silks, velvet and gothic lavishness and are best for couples (double beds only here) looking for something incredibly unique they won't forget anytime soon.
The Balmoral
We would be remiss to not highlight The Balmoral as a fantastic place to stay in Edinburgh, centrally located where old town meets new town and a short walk to Edinburgh's finest sights. Originally opened in 1902, this landmark hotel has 188 stylish rooms and is a wonderful option for couples, families and groups looking for amazing service, a prime location and fantastic amenities.
The hotel boasts an award-winning spa, a Michelin-rated restaurant, a champagne bar and one of the best afternoon teas in Edinburgh served in their elegant, glass-domed Palm Court. They also have a scotch bar that has over 500 bottles in their reserve. The hotel and its rooms are contemporary but hint at Scotland’s Victorian heritage and historic grandeur. We love this hotel for those spending time in Edinburgh.
The Balmoral Hotel is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary room upgrades, hotel amenity credits, early and late checkout , welcome gifts and more. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
Prestonfield House
Prestonfield House, a sister property to The Witchery, is charming boutique hotel set just outside of Edinburgh's historic city centre. Built in 1687 by Sir William Bruce (the King's architect at the time), Prestonfield has been converted from a wealthy rural estate to a 23-room luxury hotel that gives guests access to many of Edinburgh's main sights without having to stay in the hubbub of the city. The decor is rich (think whimsical touches of tartan fabric and leather wallcoverings) and each room is decorated to a unique theme, so guests can choose whether they want a Japanese room, Gothic room or even a disco-themed room.
While the hotel's decor is quirky, it is a luxury experience for those that stay and everything from the expectational service to the 20 acres of landscaped gardens are 5-star. Their restaurant Rhubarb has classic Scottish dishes and 800 bottles on their wine list and guests can wander over to the hotel's Whisky Bar for a nightcap of rare whiskey.
