Best hotels in Scotland: From castles to cottages

Isle of Eriska, Oban, Argyll, Scotland. Best hotels in Scotland
Main house on the Isle of Eriska

Yearning to escape it all? We’ve found some of the best hotels in Scotland to indulge in some serious down time

Forget the Scandinavian trend of hygge; this year is allabout còsagach – a Gaelic word meaning to feel cosy and sheltered. Having realised that the things that is does well (whisky, lambs wool blankets, cashmere and Fair Isle knits) lend themselves to this idea of snuggling up somewhere homely and inviting, Scotland is hoping to show the world that nowhere does home comforts as well as here. With this in mind, we’ve found some of the best hotels in Scotland to snuggle down in.

The Torridon Hotel and Inn makes our list of the best hotels in Scotland due to its dramatic views, luxury rooms and first-class restaurant
The Torridon is a luxury hotel with splendid views

The Torridon Hotel & Inn, Wester Ross, Western Highlands

This luxury hotel in a former Victorian shooting lodge once owned by Lord Byron’s daughter, Ava Lovelace, also has a very comfortable inn next door and is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Scotland. The 3AA Rosette 1887 restaurant serves up delicious dishes and the acres of grounds include loch-side walks and views of three mighty peaks.

Read our full review of the Torridon

Airds Hotel, open fire in the lounge. Port Appin, Argyll, Scotland | Best hotels in Scotland
Rest up after your journey by the fire in the lounge at the Airds

Airds Hotel, Port Appin, Argyll

This west coast hideaway offers a good restaurant, games by the fireside, and a whisky bar, but the real highlight is the view, including a glimpse of the nearby castle.

Read our full review of the Airds

The Isle of Eriska, near Oban in Argyll, Scotland, has a golf course, spa and its own island | Best hotels in Scotland
The Isle of Eriska has a spa, golf course…even its own island

Isle of Eriska Hotel, Near Oban, Argyll

Set on its own island, most people come to this hotel and spa to unwind, spot wildlife or play a few rounds of golf.

Aldourie Castle, Loch Ness, near Inverness, Scotland | Best hotels in Scotland
Like something out of a Disney film, Aldourie is a fairytale setting for a special get together

Aldourie Castle, Loch Ness, Near Inverness

Splash out on a once-in-a-lifetime castle stay at one of the best hotels in Scotland, or opt for one of the more economical and very homely cottages in the castle grounds.

The Dungeon Restaurant, Dalhousie Restaurant, near Edinburgh | Best hotels in Scotland
Eat in the Dungeon Restaurant at Dalhousie Castle, for an eerie experience

Dalhousie Castle Hotel & Aqueous Spa, near Edinburgh

Winding staircases and hidden passageways abound in this castle hotel near Edinburgh, which once hosted Queen Victoria.

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