20 Best Hotels in the Highlands and Islands

The Highlands and Islands is a loose term for the most enormous swathe of Scottish countryside as varied as it is vast! It covers all ground from Inverness to the North and then west from Fort William out towards the rugged but spectacular coastline, then beyond to Skye and Harris. The land is covered with beautiful mountain ranges, magnificent beaches and glorious river valleys. Catch it in the right weather, then you'll be hard pushed to find a more magical place in the world. Many of the best places to stay in the Highlands and Islands have spectacular mountain or sea views, while some have both. Our selection of the best hotels in the Highlands and Islands echoes this variety with choices as diverse as foodie favourites on Skye, and one property set on a golf course!

For the Scrapbook

• Shieldaig Lodge started out as a Victorian hunting lodge, but has been beautifully converted into an elegant feeling traditional Highland hotel, on the shores of Loch Gairloch. The 12 rooms have loch views, from large, wood panelled windows; there’s plenty of tartan upholstery and a vast whisky menu to keep you feeling you’re in a uniquely spectacular spot.
• Located on a particularly dramatic Skye peninsula, the Flodigarry hotel and restaurant is another option with an epic view — on a clear day you can see all the way across the sea to the Wester Ross Mountains. The interiors are designed to complement the wild landscape, which translates to lots of natural materials, think slate and stone, and even pebbles, and plenty of wood. There are eleven rooms and suites, some romantically turned out, with antiques, four-poster beds and private balconies, and some more suited for families.

For a Highland Escape

• Set in 20 acres of Scottish woodland just outside Thurso, Forss House is a charming country house built in 1810, now converted into a 14 room hotel. Elegant and still rather grand, this is the perfect base for all kinds of country pursuits, from mountain biking to walking, to shooting and fishing, and come the evening you’ll be pleased to return to the excellent restaurant and cosy, fire lit bar with its impressive whisky menu.
• Glenmorangie House offers that classic Highlands combination of spectacular location — near the coastline and mountains — opulent feeling decor with a tartan twist, a restaurant with an indulgent traditional menu, numerous open fires, and an impressive whisky menu.

For an Island Escape

• Scarista House is an old, Georgian manse on the Isle of Harris, perfectly positioned to make the most of the spectacular coastline minutes from its door. There are six rooms, decorated in a cosy, comfortable style — with plenty of hot water and fluffy towels. Supper is served in the original dining room, which also enjoys the incredible view, and it’s usually seafood in an excellent format. This is a labour of love for the owners, and you’ll probably love it too.
• Highland Cottage in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, is a charming six room guesthouse with Edwardian decor, two cosy lounges, a very good restaurant, a 24 hour honesty bar, and a complimentary full Scottish breakfast for all guests. There’s also a self catering, three bedroom cottage.

For The Views

• The Machrie Hotel has really made the most of its spectacular setting, with epic expanses of glass all over the hotel, including in the 47 rooms and suites. The decor is a stylish blend of traditional Highland features against a minimal, Scandinavian canvas — and it all makes the very most of the light and the views. The location, slightly out of one of Islay’s towns, means that there’s space for a hotel golf course, and four private lodges. There’s also a small cinema, family suites and babysitting facilities. And you can bring a pet.
• Loch Ness is your classic Scottish destination, and the elegant, intimate Loch Ness Lodge is perfectly positioned for optimum monster spotting opportunities day and night. Its seven rooms are sumptuous — all with magical views — the spa is small but top notch, with a hot tub and sauna, and while there’s no restaurant they do a seriously hearty breakfast and a beautiful afternoon tea.

For a Rural Retreat

• The Torridon is a country escape, surrounded by 58 acres of park and woodlands, at the foot of Ben Damph, and on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon. There’s dozens of outdoor activities you can start right from the hotel’s doorstep, and inside there’s a 3 AA Rosette restaurant specialising in Scottish cuisine, an impressive whisky bar with a list 300 strong, and 18 opulent rooms and suites.
• An elegant Victorian townhouse overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour Mountains — now converted into a luxurious three room guesthouse — The Grange is a welcoming spot to return to after a day’s hiking or exploring. The rooms are traditional yet stylish, with antiques and sumptuous bathrooms. Their breakfasts are a feast.

For Romantics

• Inverlochy Castle sits regally at the foot of Ben Nevis, overlooking a mirror-like loch, and elegant grounds. Its 17 rooms and suites are quite regal too, with antique canopied beds, or four-posters, original art, and luxurious fabrics. The restaurant has 3 AA Rosettes, and it’s worth visiting just for a meal-with-a-view. There’s plenty to do onsite, for kids and adults.

For Foodies

• Kinloch Lodge, just a short drive from Skye Bridge on Skye, is owned by food writer Clare MacDonald, and her husband Godfrey, who’s Clan Chief. So it’s got foodie, and historic credentials, and the result is a spectacularly beautiful, award winning restaurant, with 15 elegant, traditional rooms filled with natural light and beautiful antiques. The cosy sitting room has an open fire and an enviable collection of whisky, and the views are incredible.

For Families

• So many of the hotels on this list have stunning outlooks, but the Summer Isles Hotel, with its views over Badentarbet Bay and the Hebrides is really something. Its restaurant, specialising in local seafood, has incredible views too. The rooms are all bright, white and airy, and there’s a separate cottage that sleeps six. There are so many activities on offer locally too, from sailing, kayaking, fishing and other watersports, to hiking, biking and birdwatching, that it's an ideal destination for all ages.
• The Coll Hotel, on the Isle of Coll, has been run by the same family for three generations, and run with warmth and expertise. In addition to the stunning location, this hotel is cosy and comfortable, with boardgames for rainy days, buckets and spades for sunny ones, and telescopes for the evenings.
• Kilcamb Lodge is a charming country house hotel in a serene spot on the shore of Loch Sunart — boasting ten traditional rooms with large windows overlooking the loch. In addition to the views, the rooms also feature just the right amount of chintz and tartan. The restaurant serves beautiful, award-winning food, and there are cosy lounges. The five rooms with direct garden access welcome dogs, and this is a great pick for families generally, with plenty to do, and babysitting services available.

For Luxury

• Glencoe House is a handsome country house overlooking Loch Linnhe. Now a luxurious hotel with seven rooms-with-a-view, this was once the home of Lord Strathcona. All of the rooms and suites, and have high ceilings and separate sitting rooms, and bathrooms with free-standing baths. You can take your meals, including afternoon teas, in your suite. Some are suitable for families and/or dogs. The location is perfect for exploring the Highlands.

For Outdoors-folks

• Links House is a really charming Highland hotel set on one of Scotland’s most picturesque golf links: Royal Dornach. Feeling distinctly Scottish, with tartan soft furnishings, the odd antler, and oil paintings depicting the changeable beauty of the Highlands, this hotel has just eight rooms and suites, plus a fine dining restaurant known for its local sourcing, and an extensive wine and whisky collection. Also perfect for hunting and fishing.
• The Lime Tree is a stylish and affordable base in “the outdoor capital of the UK”: Fort William. There are just nine rooms, plus an award-winning restaurant and a contemporary art gallery. There are four golf courses in the area, a coast to kayak, watersports hubs, and the Nevis Range Outdoor Activity Centre, one of the best mountain biking centres in the Highlands.

For Great Value

• Glenview is a cheerful B&B is a spectacular spot in the wilds of Skye. It has just three rooms, plus an excellent restaurant known for its local produce — and incredible views wherever you look!
• Langass Lodge is a small, charming lodge in a spectacular, coastal spot in the Hebrides. The lodge restaurant is well known, and appreciated locally, for its fresh local fare, and if you stay you’ll be treated to comforting interiors, stunning surrounds, and lots to do on your doorstep. Great for families, and family dogs, as well as foodies.

Still not sure where to book?

• Nothing here of interest, then expand your search to include our recommendations for the Inner and Outer Hebrides or peruse our Ultimate guide to the best hotels in Scotland.
• Check out all our Wester Ross recommendations
• Or contact one of our Gurus for more advice.

 

Written by Sarah Empson

posted Wednesday, 9th February 2022