Hotels in Isle of Bute

Best Hotels in the Isle of Bute

Our top recommendation for short breaks and longer stays on the Isle of Bute is the Glenburn Hotel. Situated in the Victorian seaside town of Rothesay, this hotel is great for summer holidays and winter escapes alike. 

The Glenburn Hotel boasts incredible views over Rothesay Bay and the Cowal Peninsula from its prime position atop terraced gardens. It’s a grand, elegant hotel which was originally built as a 19th Century hydrotherapy retreat – and has since been transformed into the ultimate seaside accommodation for Bute getaways. 

There are plenty of choices when it comes to accommodation at the Glenburn Hotel. Guests can take their pick from classic and superior rooms, and there’s an option to upgrade to a sea view (which we’d heartily recommend!).

For a truly luxurious stay, why not opt for the Glenburn Suite? The best room in the house is reserved for extra special breaks and comes complete with all the amenities of the superior rooms, along with a separate lounge area and truly incredible views over the bay. 

There are two dining options within the hotel. The bright and airy Ettrick Restaurant seats 200, serving a varied menu using locally sourced ingredients from top artisan suppliers. 

The smaller Patterson’s Grill is perfect for special occasions. Here, guests can dine overlooking the bay, enjoying everything from light bites to indulgent feasts designed to refuel weary visitors after a long day’s sightseeing. 

The bar and terrace set the scene for pre-dinner cocktails made all the more decadent thanks to those views over Rothesay and Cowal. 

The Isle of Bute is easy to reach, thanks to the two ferry crossings that serve it. The main ferry crossing, Wemyss Bay to Rothesay, is just an hour from the centre of Glasgow. Alternatively, there is another short crossing from Colintraive on the Cowal Peninsula to Rhubardoch. 

Stay at the Glenburn Hotel, and you’ll be surrounded by moments of the island’s best attractions, from sandy beaches and nature reserves to world-class restaurants, museums, and galleries. 

Housed in Rothesay’s famous 1924 Winter Garden, the Isle of Bute’s Discovery Centre immerses visitors in the spirit of the island – and it’s a great place to start your island adventures. Head to the Discovery Centre for a showcase of top Bute attractions using multimedia, games and graphics. 

The hotel is within easy reach of Mount Stuart, an iconic Bute house built in the Gothic Revival style. Wander its vast gardens or head inside for exhibitions, events and performances that showcase the diversity of arts on the island.