Scotland these days is lucky enough to be replete with first class hotels that come dotted around from the urban centres right up into the very depths of the remote Highlands. Here InsiderScotland give you an insight into some of Scotland’s finest hotels.
Blythswood Square
Kicking off with a brace of the finest hotels in Scotland’s two largest cities new kid on the block, Blythswood Square, is making serious waves in Glasgow. This luxury haven is spectacularly housed in the old RAC Headquarters. The lobby is stunning, guestrooms are lavish (with great baths) and their restaurant is top notch too with an immaculate cote de boeuf, as good you’ll find outside France. Their spa is spot on too with the hot stone therapy the highlight
Cameron House
Just to the north of Glasgow on the famously bonnie banks of Loch Lomond is another of Scotland’s finest hotels. Hotel is maybe underselling the revamped Cameron House. These days this five star is very much the fully-fledged international resort with a choice of dining options, plush bedrooms (some with a terrace overlooking the water), its own golf course and a top-notch spa. You can enjoy a wide range of treatments and then savour a dip in their outdoor infinity pool.
There is enough in the resort grounds these days to stop you ever having to leave. The leisure pool is great for kids with a water slide and separate areas for adults and families, while outside crazy golf and chess await. Another highlight is Martin Wishart’s Cameron House restaurant. The six course tasting menu is a real special occasion treat, awash with fresh Scottish salmon and crab, but also infused with exotic twists and spices.
Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh
Down the M8 in Edinburgh the old money swings it at the near faultless Balmoral Hotel. In a city renowned for the cut throat nature of its hotels the Balmoral works hard to stay at the top of the tree. This first rate five star is a city icon and boasts a Michelin starred restaurant, a great spa, a harp player with afternoon tea and Scotland’s only Bollinger Bar.
Dalhousie Castle & Spa
On the outskirts of the capital is Dalhousie Castle & Spa, a lovely old pile that feels more like a Highland retreat. At Dalhousie they are really switched on to families with their child friendly restaurant, the Orangery. They can also arrange for qualified babysitters so that mummies and daddies can enjoy the high life too and descend to their romantic Dungeon Restaurant for a French influenced meal that is up there with anything available in Edinburgh itself. Throw in a health spa, acres of grounds to wander around and both falconry and archery on site and Dalhousie is an ideal luxury family hotel.
Ardanaiseig
Pushing back west into Argyll the shores of Loch Awe are home to the sublime Ardanaiseig. It is easy to see why this grand old dame has been hailed as Scotland’s most romantic hotel. It may be fairly close to Oban, but it feels a million miles from anywhere. For a really special occasion book the Boat Shed, a deluxe split-level nest for two on the very edge of Loch Awe.
Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island
To the north of Oban lies the totally unique deluxe escape of the Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island. There are many luxury retreats in Scotland, but few that can boast their own island. Eriska enjoys a stunning location on its own private island where the real world seems very far away indeed. Public areas are lavish and the restaurant is first class, while the chic modern spa is an indulgent highlight.
Coul House
Moving north into the Highlands Coul House is a fine family run hotel tucked in the hills above Contin in Ross-Shire. Stuart and Susannah Macpherson are the hands-on couple at the helm at this gem that lies within touching distance of Inverness. The 21 bedrooms are comfortable and cosy at this eminently affordable option. Head chef Garry Kenley has worked with Stuart Macpherson for a quarter of a century and it shows with a refined, well thought out menu that draws on the likes of west coast lobsters and scallops sourced from a supplier just along the road in Dingwall. Kenley even smokes his own meat and fish on site.
The Torridon
The Torridon, for years one of the Highlands’ finest hotels, just keeps getting better and better under the assured stewardship of Daniel and Rohaise Rose-Bristow. As well as the stunning Torridon view rooms in the main hotel they now also have a cheaper inn option, a plush self-catering lodge and a first rate activities manager in the shape of the highly capable Chris Wilson. The hotel’s head chef Bruno Birckbeck works wonders with the stunning fresh produce that fills the local waters and roams the surrounding glens.
Inverlochy Castle
If that great lover of all things Scottish Queen Victoria was picking her finest hotel in the country it would undoubtedly be Inverlochy Castle. You can follow in the footsteps of the monarch and enjoy the palatial public spaces and bedrooms at one of Europe’s grandest luxury hotels. You’ll pay for the privilege of sitting in Queen Victoria’s old room soaking up the hulking view of Ben Nevis, but Inverlochy is a real treat. Dinner is sublime too at a hideaway where you will leave feeling every bit like royalty, as you should do when you are staying at a luxury hotel in a country whose finest accommodations are up there with anything else available in Europe and beyond.
