A trip to Scotland isn’t just about where you go, it’s about where you stay. The right hotel can turn a good trip into a great one. Picture yourself sleeping within centuries-old castle walls, warming up by roaring fires, sipping fine whisky, and gazing out over the Scottish Highlands. These are the kinds of stays that stay with you.
In this blog, we’ve handpicked 10 unique hotels across Scotland, each offering something a little different. Whether it’s the location, the history, the design, or simply the unforgettable experience, every hotel on this list stands out.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay that’s more than just a place to rest your head, read on. Your next unforgettable Scotland escape could be just a click away.
1. Cally Palace Hotel and Golf Course – Dumfries & Galloway
Cally Palace Hotel sits quietly on the edge of Gatehouse of Fleet, a small village on Scotland’s Solway Coast. Surrounded by 150 acres of parkland and woodland, the hotel feels like a well-kept secret in Dumfries & Galloway.
Built in the 18th century as a grand country mansion, the hotel still carries its old-world charm. Step inside and you’ll find tall marble pillars, a sweeping entrance hall and the Bow Lounge – perfect for relaxing by the fire or enjoying a quiet drink overlooking the lawns. There are 56 rooms, each one spacious and welcoming, and many with views over the
grounds or open countryside.
Guests can enjoy the hotel’s private 18-hole golf course or unwind in the indoor leisure centre with a swim or sauna. What makes Cally Palace special is its peaceful setting and warm, down-to-earth hospitality. It offers a little slice of quiet luxury, far from the crowds, but full of character.
2. Colonsay Hotel – Isle of Colonsay
Arriving on Colonsay has a way of slowing time, whether it’s the sea air, open space, or just the feeling that the modern world is being held at bay. At the heart of the island, just above the harbour, you’ll find Colonsay Hotel — a whitewashed 18th-century inn with stunning views across the water to Jura.
Built in 1750, it still holds the relaxed charm of its origins: a resting place for locals and passing travellers. Inside, you’ll find low ceilings, wooden floors, crackling stoves, and sea- facing windows that create plenty of cosy corners to unwind — whether you’re warming up after a walk or watching the light shift over the bay. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried, with excellent seafood, attentive service, and a tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Colonsay adds a unique touch to your journey. Remote but reachable, it offers a peaceful retreat that stays with you long after the ferry has left.
3. Craigellachie Hotel – Speyside
Deep in the heart of Speyside, surrounded by hills and renowned distilleries, Craigellachie Hotel has become one of Scotland’s most iconic whisky destinations. Dating back to 1893, it’s more than just a place to sleep — it’s a destination for anyone with a love of Highland hospitality and a good dram.
With just 26 rooms, the hotel offers a personal, welcoming atmosphere. Tradition runs through the space, but it’s complemented by comfort and a touch of modern flair. Downstairs, The Spey Inn, dating back to 1703, serves classic pub food in a relaxed setting.
Then there’s the Quaich Bar, regarded as one of the finest whisky bars in the world. With over 1,000 single malts on offer, whether you’re dipping your toe into the world of whisky or you’re a whisky connoisseur, this is a spot that encourages you to relax, sip slowly, and savour the experience.
4. Dalmunzie Castle Hotel – Near Glenshee, Perthshire
Ever fancied staying in a Scottish Castle? Found at the end of a long, winding track in Highland Perthshire, Dalmunzie Castle offers a true escape. Surrounded by mountains, glens, and the soft sounds of nearby rivers, this old Scots Baronial mansion stands in one of the greenest corners of the Highlands.
The estate’s roots stretch back to 1510, and although it’s been updated over the years, the castle still carries the character of its past. Turrets and tall chimneys mark it out against the landscape, while inside you’ll find open fires, cosy corners, and a sense of rich history that you’ll hear all about while visiting. It’s the perfect base for exploring the surrounding hills and glens, with plenty of space to walk, spot wildlife, or simply enjoy the peaceful pace of the land.
5. North West Castle – Stranraer
North West Castle in Stranraer might look like a traditional town hotel at first glance, but step inside and you’ll find a place full of unexpected. Once the home of Sir John Ross, the famed Arctic explorer who helped discover the North West Passage, the hotel now offers a comfortable and welcoming base in south-west Scotland, with a few surprises up its sleeve. Today, the hotel has 73 en-suite rooms, a smart restaurant, and a relaxed Alpine Bar and Lounge, all just a short walk from Stranraer’s harbour.
But what sets it apart is something you won’t find in any ordinary hotel — its very own indoor curling rink. Long associated with Scottish curling, North West Castle regularly hosts both national and international events, as well as relaxed “Try Curling” weekends for beginners.
Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, spa bath, and gym, perfect for relaxing after exploring Dumfries and Galloway’s rugged coastlines, forest trails, and peaceful villages.
6. Polochar Inn – Isle of South Uist, Outer Hebrides
Set at the edge of the Atlantic, with waves gently rolling in and nothing but open sea on the horizon, the Polochar Inn is everything you imagine a Hebridean escape should be. This historic inn, located near Lochboisdale on South Uist, offers a rare mix of wild beauty and warm hospitality.
The Polochar has long been a local landmark, and it’s easy to see why. With the rugged coastline just steps from the door and the moody, ever-changing light over the ocean, the setting alone is worth the journey. Guests can enjoy hearty meals, thoughtful service, and the quiet rhythm of island life. Whether you’re off exploring South Uist’s beaches, lochs, and peatlands or simply watching the sunset with a dram in hand, there’s a calm here that lingers long after you leave.
7. Stonefield Castle – Loch Fyne, Argyll
Stonefield Castle makes a lasting first impression. With its turrets, towers and stone exterior, it rises above the trees like something from another time, full of character. Built in 1837, the castle still carries the elegance of its Scottish Baronial roots, with carved woodwork, high ceilings and marble fireplaces.
Set in 60 acres of woodland and gardens, and with Loch Fyne lapping at its edge, it’s about as secluded as it gets. Although the fishing village of Tarbert is just a short drive down the road, the castle’s peaceful setting feels miles from anywhere — a proper Highland hideaway. The rooms are individually styled and comfortable, some with views out across the loch, others looking onto the greenery that surrounds the estate. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, take a walk among the trees, watch the light shift across the water, or just settle in with a good meal and a glass of wine.
8. Tulloch Castle Hotel – Dingwall, Highlands
On a hillside above Dingwall, Tulloch Castle has watched over the Highlands for centuries. First built in the 12th century, it’s a place full of history and once home to the Bain family, and later Clan Davidson. Walk its halls today and you’ll still get a strong sense of that past. The castle has kept many of its original features, including the striking panelled Great Hall, which dates back more than 250 years. With its open fires and intricate plasterwork, it’s a space that brings the building’s rich heritage to life.
There are just 22 bedrooms here, each one different, giving the hotel a cosy, personal feel. The welcome is warm and unpretentious, and the staff go out of their way to make you feel at home. Dogs are welcome, too (though they’ll need to skip the bar and restaurant), making this a good stop if you’re travelling with your pup.
9. The Bonham Hotel – Edinburgh
Tucked into a quiet crescent in Edinburgh’s West End, The Bonham Hotel offers a calm, refined place to stay — just a short stroll from the heart of the city. Housed within a trio of Victorian townhouses, the hotel blends period charm with a clean, modern touch. It feels both grand and welcoming.
Upstairs, the rooms are spacious and thoughtfully styled, many looking out across Drumsheugh Gardens or north to the waters of the Firth of Forth. Downstairs, light-filled lounges and a relaxed restaurant give you plenty of space to pause, whether you’re easing into the day with breakfast or winding down with a drink after hours spent exploring the city. The Bonham also has a digital concierge service — a handy way to uncover local recommendations, including some hidden favourites you won’t find in the guidebooks.
10. Sligachan Hotel – Isle of Skye
At the foot of the Cuillin mountains and with Loch Sligachan stretching out in front, this historic hotel sits in one of the most breathtaking corners of the Isle of Skye. The setting alone is enough to stop you in your tracks — all open skies, wild peaks, and shifting light. Since 1830, Sligachan Hotel has welcomed climbers, walkers, and travellers drawn to the island’s raw beauty.
It’s more than just a place to rest your head. With its location right at the heart of Skye, the hotel makes an ideal base for exploring Inside, things are warm and relaxed. Fires crackle in the bar, there’s a wide selection of rare whiskies to sample, and the views through the lounge windows are nothing short of spectacular. The hotel has several places to eat, from the more refined Harta Restaurant to the easygoing Seumas’ Bar, both showcasing quality local ingredients.
There’s also a small museum on-site dedicated to Skye’s mountaineering history — a nod to the generations of adventurers who’ve passed through these doors. Still run by the same family who took over more than a century ago, the hotel keeps its roots close while offering the kind of welcome that makes you feel right at home.
Visit Scotland
Scotland is a land of stunning contrasts, from its rugged mountains and windswept coasts to its charming villages and bustling cities. The hotels on this list are more than just places to sleep, they’re an integral part of the experience and a chance to immerse yourself in the unique beauty and rich history of this incredible country.
Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur of a castle, the tranquillity of an island inn, or the charm of a historic hotel, there’s something for every kind of traveller. If you’re looking to plan an incredible adventure through Scotland, consider travelling with Experience Scotland’s Wild. With 10 years of small group and private tours experience, they’ll take you on a Scotland trip you’ll never forget!
If you’re planning a trip with Experience Scotland’s Wild, these handpicked hotels can be built into your itinerary, offering not just a good night’s rest but a deeper connection to the places you’re exploring.
