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.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search and consider our Gurus picks for the best hotels in the Highlands and Islands
• Check out our recommendations in Aberdeenshire or Inverness-shire
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.