Moray

Photo of Moray
Photo of Moray
Credit: Flickr user Peter Glenday
Photo of Moray
Credit: Flickr user Peter Glenday
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About Moray

Moray is a spectacular part of the Scottish Highlands, extending north from the Cairngorms, and along the Spey River to the Moray Firth in the county’s north. Elgin is the colourful capital of the region, a market town since the 13th century, with a wonderfully enduring medieval street layout. There are certainly some great places to stay in Elgin, but our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Moray is more focused on gorgeous Highland country house hotel escapes, historic harbour-side charmers, and hotels with fantastic whisky bars.

Moray has a very high ratio of whisky distilleries per capita, and there are some incredibly beautiful routes between them. This region is known for its fly fishing too, and there are plenty of fantastic restaurants serving up fish and other local ingredients. So Moray is a good destination for foodies and fisherfolk, as well as walkers and golfers. The golfers probably know Moray because of Lossiemouth, five miles north of Elgin, and home to some beautiful, sandy beaches and two excellent golf courses. Spey Bay has an impressive course too. And walkers will love the sheer array of trails on offer from gentle woodland strolls to Munro bagging in the Cairngorms National Park.

The best places to stay in Moray trace an ideal path around the region for explorers too. There’s lots to see for anyone with an interest in history or architecture, with a number of carefully preserved castles and kirks, and Pictish stone monuments and ruins.

The Best Places to Stay in Moray

For a highland escape

  • The Craigellachie Hotel has been converted from a rather charming, Victorian house in the little village of Craigellachie, Speyside, close to the River Spey, Drummuir Castle, and the Lochpark Adventure Centre. The hotel has 26 rooms and suites, with fancy features like four-poster beds. There’s also an elegant library, a seriously impressive whisky bar, and an excellent restaurant. Perfect for fly fishing on the Spey, whisky tastings, or walking in the Cairngorm National Park.
  • Dowans Hotel is a stunning Victorian mansion overlooking the Spey Valley, turned luxury hotel. Lovely terraced gardens surround the mansion’s grey stone exterior, and inside are 16 rooms and suites, all individually designed and decorated, in classic contemporary style, with a hint of tartan, and a muted colour scheme that complements the wonderful views. The whisky room is seriously impressive, and you can choose from two restaurants, one serving a Scottish taster menu of local produce, and the other is a more relaxed affair but still focused on locally sourced goodies. Dowans also has two bars.

For sea views

  • The Seafield Arms sits above Cullen harbour, overlooking the sea and pretty Cullen. Its main building is a 19th century inn, but around it are a collection of modern, self-catering cottages, sleeping up to eight. The decor is classic contemporary, and there’s plenty of space and light everywhere. The restaurant takes pride of place in the Georgian building, and at the rear is the Findlater Lounge, with its vast, original hand-sculpted fireplace, and collection of more than 70 malt whiskies and 50 gins.

For great value

  • Upmarket and well positioned on Rothes High Street, The Station Hotel is a surprising affordable choice. Especially considering its carefully designed and decorated rooms and suites — nine bedrooms and six suites — with just the right amount of tartan. Our favourite room is the Caperdonich Suite, which has double aspect windows and a view of Ben Aigan. The hotel also has a stylish restaurant serving excellent modern Scottish cuisine, and a wonderful whisky bar. Expect a warm welcome and exceptional service.

Prefer a private apartment or cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel information

  • The closest international airports to Moray are Inverness Airport and Aberdeen International Airport. Inverness Airport has good connections to London, but also Ireland and Amsterdam. Inverness Station may be the closest major rail station too, though you can also reach Morary via Aberdeen or Edinburgh.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Moray is magical in the summer months, when the light seems to last and last — from late June to early July it doesn’t get dark until about 11pm! As with most Scottish destinations, come prepared...you can sometimes see four seasons in one day.

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The best hotels in Moray

The Station Hotel
The Station Hotel

Moray

The Station Hotel is the perfect base for exploring Speyside. Rooms and suites are superbly appointed with luxury mattresses, smart contemporary en suites and all are done in modern classic style. Great restaurant serving modern Scottish Cuisine and wonderful whisky bar! A hidden Highland gem.

  • Local exploring - The perfect base for anyone wanting to explore Speyside, with its huge range of whisky distilleries and great golfing
  • Value chic - With smart double rooms from as little as £99 including breakfast, it's excellent value for money.
  • Sights nearby - Rothes is situated on the North East 250 route, a beautiful 250 mile circular driving route through North East Scotland.
  • Great walks - There are lots of superb walks for all abilities in the surrounding countryside.
from CA$176 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Craigellachie Hotel
Craigellachie Hotel

Moray

Set in magnificent Victorian house, Craigellachie is a stunning hotel in Speyside. Lovely rooms, an extensive whisky bar and an excellent restaurant all come together to create a formidable establishment. Perfect for those looking to cast a fly on the Spey.

  • Fishing - The Craigellachie salmon beat is directly opposite the hotel on the river Spey.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the nearby Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre.
  • Great walks - Go walking in the nearby Cairngorm National Park.
  • Romantic
from CA$222 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Dowans Hotel
Dowans Hotel

Moray (Moray)

Stunning Victorian mansion turned luxury hotel, surrounded by lovely terraced gardens, in the heart of Speyside. Sixteen individually designed rooms are contemporary classic in style and all boast superb views. Delicious cuisine featuring locally sourced produce and a whisky bar to die for!

  • Traditional - Supporting local businesses; Scottish Fine Soaps, Speyside Micro Greens and the Cairngorm Leaf and Bean Coffee Co.
  • Views - Both the property and grounds enjoy stunning views over the surrounding beautiful countryside.
  • Bar - Whisky afficionados must check out The Still which features over 500 single malts.
  • Great walks - This region of Scotland is renowned for its excellent walking from munroes to more gentle strolls
from CA$267 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on LateRooms
The Seafield Arms
The Seafield Arms

Moray

Genteel 19th-century inn with an aristocratic pedigree set above Cullen's harbour. Choose from chic stylish rooms and spacious modern cottages which sleep up to eight and boast sleek kitchens. Expect hearty Scottish cuisine and an impressive whisky and gin collection. Suits families or couples.

  • Families - The three self catering cottages which sleep up to eight are a convenient option for families
  • Weddings - The Grand Ball Room provides an intimate space for a wedding
  • Great walks - Enjoy beautiful coastal walks starting straight from Cullen
  • Sights nearby - Walk along the coast up to the ruins of Findlater Castle
from CA$267 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms