TOP RATED INDEPENDENT HOTELS IN SCOTLAND

There’s no shortage of quality hotels in Scotland. Whether you’re looking to stay in the heart of the stay or you’re looking to escape the stress of everyday life with a trip to the highlands. Many hotels take advantage of Scotland’s rich history by converting old buildings into luxury getaway destinations.

These hotels become very popular over the last two years as many Scots opted for the staycation due to Covid halting international travel.

KNOCKENDARROCH HOTEL (PITLOCHRY)

One of Pitlochry’s finest houses was originally built for an Aberdonian lawyer in 1880. The Pitlochry Theatre Company subsequently sold Knockendarroch to the McMenemie family who established the house as a hotel.

 Knockendarroch Hotel we still has close ties with the Pitlochry Theatre and many of their guests benefit from our pre-theatre dining. 

Most of their 8 bedrooms benefit from stunning panoramic views of Pitlochry and the surrounding hills of Highland Perthshire. Roaring log fires help to make guest lounge a wonderfully relaxing space to enjoy drinks and canapés before taking dinner in our highly regarded restaurant. They pride themselves on their carefully constructed blend of excellent food, comfortable rooms, wonderful views and friendly service.

In 2019 they won the Good Hotel Guide Scottish Hotel of the Year Award and in 2021 they won Tripadvisor Travellers Best Small Hotel in Scotland and Most Romantic Hotel in Scotland.

CROMLIX HOUSE (DUMBLANE)

This 15^th century house was refurbished as a hotel after being acquired by tennis superstar Andy Murray in 2013. Situated just 3 miles outside of Murray’s home of Dumblane he thought it would help bring visitors back to the area.

 Set in 34 acres of secluded woodlands and garden grounds, with its own chapel and house loch. The hotel boasts a Chez Roux restaurant, offering reasonable priced menus that focus on using seasonal locally sourced produce wherever possible, five suites and ten bedrooms, gate lodge accommodation, reception hall, two drawing rooms, conservatory, dining room, snooker and meeting rooms.

ALAMO GUEST HOUSE (GLASGOW)

This Elegant 1880 Listed Victorian building friendly, family run Guest House was lovingly restored by Emma & Steve since 2005. Located right in the heart of the Glasgow’s West End, outstanding views over Kelvingrove park to Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

They’re happy to provide guests with information about events and things to do while they’re in Glasgow. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning with options including a full Scottish breakfast as well as several gluten free and vegetarian options.

THE COURIE INN (KILLIN)

The Courie Inn is a family run Inn that opened in 2014.Its situated in the picturesque village of Killin, Stirlingshire nestled at the western head of Loch Tay. It was voted Tripadvisor choice in 2020.

They have several room options from a small double room situated to the rear of the house beautiful, spacious hotel suite, designed to accommodate 2-4 people with one king size bed and a hand-crafted bunk bed

All their rooms include tea and coffee making facilities, a smart TV with internet access, access to a hairdryer, iron and ironing board. For pet owners they are willing to accommodate well behaved dogs.

ATHOLL (ABERDEEN)

This is an independently owned, 4-star hotel in the west end of Aberdeen with 34 en-suite bedrooms all offer free WiFi and are comfortable and spacious. Each of our rooms is furnished with all the usual complimentary facilities that you would expect, including Sky TV, tea & coffee, telephone, hairdryer, iron and ironing board and a trouser press.

They work hard to ensure all our guests have an enjoyable visit and have converted two rooms to provide additional comfort for disabled guests, and access via a lift to the first-floor bedrooms and function suites.

They are renowned for their delicious, traditional cuisine with friendly service and are open to guests and visitors alike. With two large function suites they are able to host events such as weddings, media events or business meetings.

THE BONHAM (EDINBURGH)

This hotel occupies a series of Victorian buildings in the West End of Edinburgh.  Having previously been a private clinic and a hall of residents it opened as a hotel in 1998 following a purchase by the Old Town Company. It underwent an extensive renovation in 2018 when new owners took over.

The hotel has 49 individually designed bedrooms, including Townhouse rooms, Superiors and Suites all featuring intricate details and character.

They are able to host wedding ceremonies and receptions for up to 40 guests in our Dean Suite. Guests can also enjoy access to the private Drumsheugh Gardens, which provide the perfect setting for photographs. They know that it’s the little details that make your big day special so a dedicated Wedding Planner will be on hand to provide help and support you during the preparations and on your big day.

MONACHYLE MHOR HOTEL (BALQUHIDDER)

This is boutique loch side hotel can be found at the foot of stunning Scottish mountains.  They have six individual Feature Rooms are our most luxuriously spacious and decadent Each Feature room has its own Mhor identity. There are four individually decorated rooms are in the original Mhor farmhouse with everything else you’d expect, from ensuite bathrooms, TVs, bathrobes, organic toiletries, hairdryer, and tea & coffee tray.

Exec head chef Marysia Paszkowska has been at Monachyle since 2010 cooking exceptional Scottish food, sourced mainly from nearby farms and venison from the surrounding hills. We pick vegetables, fruit, and herbs from the kitchen garden, and forage in all sorts of secret spots.

Weddings and private parties look magical in their lovely big Dutch barn, or if it is a small gathering, our private dining room by the Monachyle Mhor restaurant can be hired for a meeting, tasting, or celebration meal for up to 18 people. 

For an informal party, their dining room at Mhor 84, can host a sit-down dinner for up to 50 people. No matter the event whether it’s indoors or out they are willing to organise everything including live music, DJs, sound, lighting, food, bar and staff.

KINLOCH HOUSE HOTEL (BLAIRGOWRIE)

Built in 1840, Kinloch House is a fine example of a traditional Scottish country house. With an oak-panelled hall, staircase and portrait gallery, the house stands proudly in twenty-five acres of woodland and parkland.

Kinloch House appeals to everyone who enjoys that ‘home from home’ atmosphere and is a special place in which to relax and enjoy some of Scotland’s wonderful countryside with good cuisine.

Their award-winning chef Steve McCallum and his team pay great attention to detail in the kitchen and perfection in the dining room believing in the value of freshness and quality. Local Scottish produce, game, beef, fish, shellfish as well as produce from the garden all feature on their menus.

Kinloch House has eighteen bedrooms including three luxury suites. There are four rooms with ground floor access. These have all been individually decorated with fine furnishings and fabrics.

THE AIRDS HOTEL & RESTAURANT (PORT APPIN)

Originally an 18th century ferry inn, this family run, luxury 4-star hotel in the romantic setting of the west coast of Scotland, is where personal service, luxury and a gourmet dining experience are at the very essence of everything they do. 

They also offer a luxury self catering accommodation in our luxury holiday cottage to rent, Bramble Cottage for those who would like a little more independence but with the flexibility of having hotel facilities right next door. 

Their menu is reputed to be one of the best in Scotland, thanks to the abundance of fresh local ingredients and some of the best shellfish right on our doorstep. All guests are automatically reserved a table in the restaurant where Head Chef provides the very best and freshest Scottish Seafood that the West Coast has to offer, together with local Scottish meat such as Venison, Beef and the best of Scottish lamb. 

Exclusive events can be hosted at the hotel as the intimate atmosphere makes it the perfect venue for that family reunion, celebration event, wedding anniversary and many more of those special occasions.
They have eleven luxury rooms and a two bedroom holiday cottages and can accommodate anything from small intimate gatherings to wedding receptions and house parties up to 22 guests.

CULDEARN HOUSE (GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY)

Culdearn House is a small, privately owned country house hotel in Grantown-on-Spey, on the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail, and close to Aviemore. This beautiful Victorian house, built in 1860, was once the home of Lord Seafield’s family and has retained many of its original period features.

It is now owned and personally run by the Marshall family who have made it their home and small hotel offering a choice of six luxury en-suite bedrooms, a sophisticated drawing room for relaxing by the open fire and a small, intimate restaurant 

Culdearn House is renowned for its excellent food and this is reflected in the numerous awards and accolades received over the years including an RAC Dining Award and recognition by Scottish food critic Wendy Barrie. The AA has also praised their extensive wine selection by awarding us with a ‘Notable Wine List’ designation.

Culdearn House hotel was also recently nominated in the top 10 places to stay in Scotland by the Guardian and Independent newspapers for hotel accommodation 

The hotels mentioned were listed in no particular order. The purpose was to highlight not to rank