Luxury Travel: The Best Luxury Hotels in Scotland : As the Bird flies... Travel, Writing, and Other Journeys

While the world and travel - luxury travel or otherwise - is not what it needs to be for us all to be packing our suitcases and heading off to one of these luxury accommodation in Scotland, I am so very delighted to share this round-up of the best 5-star hotels in Scotland with you. Not least because it's written by, Graham Grieve, a Scotland travel expert and so you can trust that his choices of Scotland's best luxury hotels really is a list worth keeping in your back pocket for when we can indeed travel again.

Regardless, I think part of the allure of travel is the planning and the wishing and the hoping, and so let's all just pretend we're currently stuck in that stage of travel and get dizzy off all that wanderlust! Now over to Graham to take you through these amazing, beautiful and yes, super luxurious 5-star hotels and luxury accommodation in Scotland.

The Best Luxury Accommodation and 5-Star Hotels in Scotland

It’s easy to find a luxury hotel to stay in while in Scotland. Choosing from some of the very best is harder, though. That's why I’ve selected ten of my favourites to share here and I really hope they inspire your next luxury trip to be made in Scotland!

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Fonab Castle Hotel in Pitlochry

This five-star luxury hotel overlooks the River Tummel. The historic castle has a modern glass building attached. You can book a stay in one of the many luxurious rooms or suites. Some have views of the loch, but all rooms offer superior furnishings and luxurious touches.

Best of all at the Fonab Castle House is the Penthouse, occupying the fourth floor of the castle. The penthouse includes vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, and luxury Egyptian cotton bedding.

The famous salmon ladder at Pitlochry Dam is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Alternatively, drive to nearby Tay Forest Park and tackle one of the many trails that wind their way through the trees.

See more reviews and photos here, and find out the cheapest rates here.

For more information about staying in Pitlochry, read My Voyage Scotland’s Guide to Pitlochry Accommodation.

Image Source: Fonab Castle Hotel in Pitlochry

Loch Lomond Arms Hotel at Loch Lomond

This luxury four-star hotel is just off the main A82 scenic road running along the western side of the loch. It's a former coaching inn dates from the 17th century so is definitely one for those looking for luxury hotels with a bit of history, although admittedly most of the luxury accommodation in this post is old!

But back to Loch Lomond Arms! Today, it boasts stunning rooms with many Highland details in the décor. They even have cottages you can stay in for your own slice of Highland luxury.

You can sample classic Highland and Scottish fare in The Library or the Dining Room. Alternatively, settle into a chair in The Bar, enjoy the roaring fire, and sample something from the bar menu. Cumbrae oysters and neeps and tatties await.

Don’t miss a trip to the nearby Loch Lomond Faerie Trail if you’re visiting with the kids. Discover where faeries live on the bonnie banks of the loch.

See more photos and reviews of Loch Lomond Arms, and find the best rates for a booking here.

Ness Walk Hotel in Inverness

The Ness Walk Hotel is aptly named as it is mere paces from the River Ness that flows through the city of Inverness.

Five-star accommodation provides rooms and suites named after trees in the grounds. Bespoke furnishings, amazing views of the river or gardens, and, in some cases, private terraces, are on offer.

You can book their modern version of an afternoon tea or visit the restaurant or bar for sustenance following a day out exploring the city.

A 15-minute walk takes you from the hotel to Ness Islands. They are reached from Bught Road and the Great Glen Way. Explore the islands in the middle of the River Ness to get away from it all without leaving the city.

See more reviews and photos of the Ness Walk Hotel, and here are the best available rates.

Explore more accommodation ideas in Inverness.

Image Source: Ness Walk Hotel in Inverness

Cromlix Hotel in Dunblane

This hotel may soon become more famous than its owner. Sir Andy Murray, twice Wimbledon men’s singles winner, invested in Cromlix and transformed it into a luxurious five-star destination for all fans of luxury Scotland travel.

Well-appointed bedrooms and suites have names such as Barrie, Wallace, and Burns. You can also book the Gate Lodge, set in the grounds away from the main property for privacy.

The hotel also offers the Chez Roux restaurant. The Cromlix menu includes Scottish seafood dishes, local strawberries, and roasted Ayrshire potatoes… are you getting hungry?

While in the area, make sure you see Dunblane Cathedral. Portions of the tower date from the 11th century.

Find more photos and reviews here, and find out the best rates for the Comlix Dunblane here.

Image Source: Cromlix Hotel in Dunblane

The Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder

This Perthshire hotel is just off the A9. It is close to the famous championship golf course it shares a name with, which makes it one of the most famous luxury hotels in Scotland.

Luxury bedrooms, suites, and family rooms all contain furnishings rich in quality and luxury at Gleneagles. If you’re after the best experience, book the Royal Lochnagar Suite with its exquisite four-poster bed.

Food is well catered for too. You can enjoy afternoon tea in the Glendevon restaurant, with views across the grounds. Andrew Fairlie offers fine dining for those with French tastes along with two Michelin stars.

Of course, no visit would be complete without trying your hand at some golf. The Wee Course is ideal for beginners. Confident golfers can experience the King’s Championship course, the Queen’s Championship course, or the PGA Centenary course.

Find more reviews and photos of The Gleneagles Hotel here, and look up the best rates here.

Image Source: The Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder

The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa in Aberdeen

This hotel offers the chance to stay in a Victorian manor house on the outskirts of Aberdeen. Rooms adopt either a traditional style befitting the original property or a modern take on it.

You can enjoy a luxurious experience in several ways at the Marcliffe. Its on-site spa offers a full range of treatments and massages. You can purchase a package that includes lunch if you wish.

Keen golfers should head into the heart of Aberdeen to explore three golf courses, all facing the sea. Sandwiched between two of the courses is the Donmouth Local Nature Reserve, taking its name from its position by the River Don.

See reviews and photos of The Marcliffe here, and find the best available rates online here.

Image Source: The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa in Aberdeen

Hotel Fairmont St Andrews

The Fairmont St Andrews is a five-star golf resort set within the Saint Andrew’s Bay golf course. The sprawling estate provides the chance to stay in a guest room, a suite, or even your own villa. Coastal views are superb.

It is far from a hotel just for golf enthusiasts though. The Fairmont Spa offers a pool, various treatments, and a fitness suite.

Top of the list for luxury though must surely be the backpack picnic. The resort is open for exploration by guests, so request a backpack picnic and explore at your leisure.

Nearby, you can explore the ruins of the cathedral and St Andrew’s Castle, which boasts its own frightening bottle dungeon.

If you are in the area check out My Voyage Scotland’s guide to St Andrews.

Find the best available rates for Hotel Fairmont St Andrews, or see other photos and reviews here.

Image Source: Hotel Fairmont St Andrews

Glenegedale House on the Isle of Islay

Hotels are hard to come by on an island measuring just 239 square miles. However, Glenegedale House offers a luxurious guest house experience you won’t want to miss.

Five-star touches are found throughout the four pristine rooms on offer. When you arrive, complimentary tea, coffee, and home-baked goods are provided. The perfect way to unwind after your journey.

Don’t miss the Museum of Islay Life during your stay. It reveals more about the island’s history and traditions.

See more photos and reviews of the Glenegedale House, and look up the best rates here.

Image Source: Glenegedale House on the Isle of Islay

Inverlochy Castle Hotel in Fort William

This unique and special hotel, one of Scotland's most luxurious castle hotels, is just off the A82 north of the heart of Fort William. Set in glorious Highland countryside, it offers stunning bedrooms and suites. All have views of the loch in the grounds or the surrounding hills and mountains.

Three dining rooms are available to explore menus created by Albert and Michel Roux. Afternoon tea at the castle is also available, offering a selection of sandwiches, scones, savoury items, and cakes.

Don’t miss the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, just 10 minutes’ drive from the hotel. There’s no need to walk up the Ben to get amazing views either. One of the best walks in the area is in Nevis Gorge, accessed from the visitor centre. You can see Steall Falls and attempt to walk across a wire rope bridge!

See more photos of this cool castle hotel, and find the best available rate here.

Image Source: Inverlochy Castle Hotel in Fort William

Glenapp Castle in Ballantrae, Girvan

Glenapp Castle is a very memorable five-star luxurious castle experience and award winner and is another one of Scotland's famous luxury castle hotels. No two rooms are identical, yet all offer stunning furnishings, refined touches, and offer views of the sea, the gardens, or the woodland.

During the summer, tea rooms open in the walled garden. Sample some classic scones and afternoon treats while exploring the grounds.

Local produce underlines many of the available dishes on the restaurant menus. Choose from three or six courses to experience another side of Glenapp Castle.

While in Ballantrae, spot the atmospheric ruins of Ardstinchar Castle. You can also pick up the local section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path – ready to return to the castle for dinner.

Look up more reviews and photos here, and you can find the best available rates for Glenapp Castle.

Image Source: Glenapp Castle in Ballantrae, Girvan

About the Author

Graham Grieve is a Scottish blogger who spends his time travelling up and down the country seeking out Scotland’s beauty, which he passionately believes doesn’t lie in the busy central belt, but in the small towns and villages which litter rural Scotland. Graham loves to occasionally splash out and stay at some of Scotland’s top 5-star hotels, as mentioned here - but he is also more than happy camping! Follow Graham's travels and Scotland travel tips on Facebook and Instagram.

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