Scotland's ingredients of dramatic coast and sea, deep lochs, rolling fields and rugged hills and mountains are second to none when it comes to natural beauty. Added to that are historic monuments, colourful towns, vibrant cities and a slew of very excellent restaurants — some in the least likely of places — creating an often heady mix. Scotland has castles (some of which have been converted into hotels) and beautiful manor houses turned country house hotels, with their promise of peace and privacy. Some of Scotland’s most romantic hotels are isolated, surrounded by stunning views and miles of uninhabited countryside, while other top picks are right in the thick of the action in Edinburgh and Glasgow. We all have a different idea of the romantic idyll but our Gurus have done a great job assessing decor, sampling menus, trying out four-poster beds and testing the water in roll top baths and hot tubs, and have come up with some seriously special properties. Perfect for just the two of you.
For a City Break
- Edinburgh's The Witchery by the Castle is superbly located right by the gates of the castle, on the Royal Mile. It’s an intimate, nine room hotel with Gothic details — think wood panelling and plenty of velvet and candlelight. The food is Scottish and the restaurant is highly recommended.
- The Dunstane Houses is ideally located just a short walk from Haymarket and yet only 15 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. Book the Dunstane suite for truly romantic time and luxuriate in the copper bath with a view!
- The Balmoral is sophisticated and stylish, with a 4AA Rosette fine-dining restaurant, a comprehensive spa and wonderful views of Edinburgh. There are 168 rooms, and the location is unrivalled, you’re close to everything.
- Prestonfield is an opulent option just five minutes from the Royal Mile, yet surrounded by 20 acres of parkland. Glamorous and romantic there are 23 divine bedrooms (each different) ready to spoil you. There’s also a fine dining restaurant and the hotel is adults only.
For a Romantic Rural Escape
- The Fife Arms is located in Braemar (famous for its royal Highland Games), Aberdeenshire and what might look like an austere Victorian pile on the outside has been transformed into a luxury hotel which is dripping with glamour and opulence. Individually themed rooms are decadent to stay the least and the walls are covered in fabulous artworks from Picasso to King Charles. A stunning find and perfect for a really special romantic getaway.
- Surrounded by stunning scenery, Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye, is a cosy, 15 room escape filled with natural light and benefitting from a superb restaurant. Book this one for understated elegance, a fantastic friendly atmosphere and glorious views.
- Also on the Isle of Skye is 19th century hunting lodge Duisdale House, whose surprisingly modern decor includes four poster beds and eye-catching wallpaper. Expansive gardens and stunning local sites make for lots of romantic exploring.
- Overlooking the idyllic Loch Glendhu in the depths of the Scottish Highlands, Kylesku Hotel boasts excellent rooms, delicious food and a bar with real atmosphere. One for those looking for a remote, romantic getaway.
- A 17th century coaching inn has been transformed into The Inn at Loch Tummel, located in the heart of Perthshire. Impossibly scenic hill walks and glorious views can be followed by drinks in the cosy bar and delicious dinners of locally sourced fare. Cosy and intimate.
Scotland’s Most Romantic Country House Hotels
- Cavens Hotel is an impressive country house in a stunning location, surrounded by 20 acres of lawns and woodlands close to Dumfries. There are eight traditional, homely rooms with open fires, chintz fabrics and beautiful views. There’s also an excellent Scottish restaurant. Perfect for lovers of the great outdoors.
- Located on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon is The Torridon, a grand Scottish country manor set within 53 acres of park and woodland. When you're not enjoying the scenery, or the luxurious accommodation, the 300-strong whisky bar makes for a superb visit and the fine dining restaurant is the icing on the cake.
- Not just a country house but an actual 17th century turreted caste, Barcaldine Castle can be found in a beautiful location on Loch Creran's shores. Think roaring fires, Victorian antiques and suitably dramatic scenery.
For a Weekend of Outdoor Activities
- The picturesque cottages of the Meikleour Arms are a stone's throw from the river Tay, and fishing, boating, horse riding and golf can all be enjoyed during your stay. Cosy and full of character, it's a great choice for an active couple.
- With incredible sea and island views, The Pierhouse Hotel is a place to make the most of its west coast location, with sailing, kayaking, mountain biking, birdwatching and more nearby. Don't miss the extraordinarily good seafood either.
- Foyers Lodge is a beautifully restored 19th century hunting lodge overlooking the iconic Loch Ness. It's surrounded by amazing countryside, perfect for hiking, biking and loch based activities. Return to your boutique bolthole for cosy dinners, open fires and a very grown-up, romantic vibe — no kids allowed here!
- Another West Coast favourite, Airds is situated on the shores of Loch Linnhe, in the pretty village of Port Appin. After days on the water or exploring the countryside on foot or two wheels, you can expect luxurious rooms and suites decorated in a range of designer fabrics and wallpapers (the best with stunning views of loch or mountains), boasting Bulgari toiletries and Frette linens as standard. The highly acclaimed restaurant champions local seafood.
Romantic Scottish Hotels with Hot Tubs
- Blythswood Square in Glasgow’s West End is a landmark building and luxury, five star hotel and spa. There are a hundred rooms and suites, including vast, glamorous penthouses. The award-wining basement spa has hot tubs, saunas and even a mud chamber.
- If you’re looking for your own private hot tub you can head north to Inverness and the Rocpool Reserve, which offers two ‘extra decadent’ rooms both of which have their own hot tubs. This stylish ‘modern townhouse affair’ in the centre of town has 11 guest rooms with carefully chosen decor and views over Inverness and the river. There’s also an award-winning restaurant.
If those properties appeal to you why not check out our Gurus' full collection of 17 of the Best Hotels with Hot Tubs in Scotland.
Scotland’s Most Affordable Romantic Hotels
- If you’re searching for an affordable escape it’s hard to go past the Ardanaiseig, a glorious country house hotel with stunning views, remotely located on the banks of Loch Awe. The restaurant has a 3 AA Rosette rating and there’s superb fishing. For total privacy book the boat shed.
- Banchory Lodge is a gorgeous retreat overlooking the River Dee in Banchory. As well as being a great spot for keen fisherfolk (you can literally cast your fly from the bottom of the garden), it's a perfect for romance and certainly won't break the bank, especially if you choose to visit off-season. Rooms are individually designed and elegantly dressed, however romantics should book one of the Top Notch ones — some have four poster beds and all have indulgent bathrooms.
For a romantic B&B
- No 26 By The Sea is a boutique B&B with stunning interiors and equally amazing sea views. Located on the outskirts of Oban, it's a good base for anyone wanting to explore Scotland's Western Isles, or simply a couple wanting an intimate getaway in a beautiful property with luxurious extras like clawfoot tubs and fluffy towels — some rooms boast four posters and a private terrace.
Still not sure?
