The Hotel Guru
The 20 Best Scottish Country Hotels

The 20 Best Scottish Country Hotels

Scotland offers an enchanting landscape of rugged coastline, brooding peaks, crystal clear rivers, isolated lochs and windswept beaches. For a true feeling of wilderness, it doesn't get much better than a scenic (often remote) Scottish country hotel. However, there is a wide choice from coastal stays to Highland hideaways, which can make choosing a hotel a time-consuming task. This is why our hotel experts have compiled a concise collection of the best Scottish country hotels selected on their location, designs, service, and amenities. Whether you want a luxury hotel complete with a golf course, a converted hunting lodge, a property ideal for a couples' escape, or just something really rural — there are hotels to suit most tastes and occasions here. So why not browse through our list to start planning your next rural getaway.

For a country estate

Carberry Tower is a stunning estate well positioned just outside Edinburgh. Interiors are grand and traditional with antiques, fireplaces, high ceilings, and artworks. An exemplary bistro and sumptuous private dinners are available. A spoiling country escape.

For country glamour

Cromlix is a top of the range country house hotel refurbished with no expense spared. Expect a low key feel, spiced up by a dash of glamour in the bar and restaurant.

For couples

The Fife Arms is a stunning renovation of a Victorian pile in the centre of Braemar, Aberdeenshire. Inside this property is simply breathtaking. Rooms are individually themed and each as opulent and decadent as the next. The walls are hung with glorious original artworks from Picasso to Prince Charles and the food does not disappoint either! A must for a romantic getaway.
Ardanaiseig is a glorious country house hotel set on the shores of Loch Awe. Expect traditional and luxurious decor, stunning views, and wonderful food. For couples, book the Boat House for a secluded and romantic hideaway.
Opulent extravagance comes as standard at Prestonfield, just 5 mins from the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Come for attentive service, divine bedrooms, and spoiling galore. Fine dining is served in an ultra-romantic setting. The concierge has a 'nothing's too much' attitude. Best for a truly indulgent stay.

For foodies

Inverlochy Castle is an elegantly converted castle offering excellent service and a Michelin starred restaurant at the foot of Ben Nevis.
Also with superb food, and a cooking school, Kinloch Lodge, on the Isle of Skye, is surrounded by stunning scenery and is just a short drive from the Skye Bridge.

For a rural hideaway

Cavens House offers sweeping views of the Solway Firth and a down-to-earth atmosphere that’s more home than hotel — if your home was surrounded by 20 acres of beautiful woodland grounds.
Duisdale House is a 19th-century hunting lodge set on Skye's stunning southeast coastline. Cosy interiors mix traditional and contemporary styles. With an award-winning restaurant, this is an appealing rural hideaway.

For a coastal stay

Langass Lodge is a charming lodge set in a beautiful coastal spot in the Hebrides, renowned for its restaurant that serves creative fare using the freshest local ingredients. Interiors are comfortingly traditional, all the family are very welcome (including the dog), and there's a multitude of activities nearby.

For golfers

Gleneagles is a luxury grand dame resort hotel in the heart of stunning Perthshire countryside. With three championship golf courses, a top-notch spa and more activities than you can imagine, this is the perfect resort for all the family.
Machrie Hotel is a unique luxury hotel on Islay. Its top-to-bottom renovation has been a triumph with scandi-chic interiors offering light open spaces. Complete with an 18-hole golf course and a spoiling spa, this is a grown-up choice.
Meldrum House is a stunning historic country house hotel in the heart of Aberdeenshire's whisky country. This luxury stay boasts an 18 hole parkland golf course, an award-winning restaurant, and an atmospheric bar. A real crowd-pleaser.

For outdoor pursuits

Knockinaam Lodge was once a hunting lodge grand enough to play host to Churchill and Eisenhower, with pristine views of the coastline, exceptional fishing opportunities, 38 acres of private land, a Michelin starred restaurant, and just nine bedrooms.
Trigony House Hotel is a pretty country house set in the heart of Borders country which prides itself on its relaxed atmosphere and friendly service. The situation is brilliant for outdoorsy types with fishing, hiking, horse riding, and cycling all easily available. Dogs are positively welcomed too!
The Torridon is a country escape on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon. Pick this property for its 53-acres of park and woodland which provide a host of outdoor activities (think sailing to bird watching). Return to elegant interiors, a seriously good restaurant, and a whisky bar.
Fortingall Hotel is a lovely country house in beautiful Perthshire. Here, rooms are cosy and traditional while the sitting room boasts a roaring fire with deep sofas to sink into, with a whisky, after a day outdoors. Find ample choice of outdoor activities locally from hiking to shooting and biking.
Glencoe House is a handsome country house set in the Highlands overlooking Loch Linnhe. Spacious suites are grand and traditional. A family (and dog) friendly stay with activities including fly fishing and walking.

Still not sure where to book?

Refine your search by location and see the best places to stay in the Highlands and Islands or the best hotels on the Inner Hebrides.
Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Scotland.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- The Fife Arms Braemar, Aberdeenshire 46 rooms from $410
  
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  Other Activities  -  Stalking and shooting all available by arrangement
  Artworks  -  Picasso, Freud, Bruegel to name just a few
  Opulent  -  Check out the Royal Suites
  Fishing  -  Fishing on the Dee
  
  High Victoriana meets modern luxury at the miraculously reinvented Fife Arms in Braemar. A destination as much as a place to stay, come here to celebrate and relax, or to walk, stalk or fish. Hotel of the Year, The Sunday Times. See More
  
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- Cavens House by Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway 6 rooms from $231
  
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  Country Escape  -  A charming country house set in 20 acres of woodland and lawns, with excellent walking and warm fires to great your return.
  Romantic Break  -  A cosy hideaway for two in this enchanting part of the country, with charming suites and romantic dining.
  Birdwatching  -  Pack the binoculars as there are two nearby reserves RSPB Mersehead and WWT Caerlaverock.
  Sights nearby  -  Explore the 17th century Drumlanrig Castle and the 13th century Sweetheart Abbey.
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays, Good Hotel Guide
  
  An impressive country house set in a stunning location. Traditional rooms feature large sash windows and tastefully upholstered furniture. Good Scottish cuisine with award winning service. Plenty of country pursuits in the surrounding area. An ideal country escape with all the comforts of home. See More
  
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- Inverlochy Castle Fort William 17 rooms from $429
  
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  Families  -  Plenty of kit for the kids indoors including games rooms, DVDs, playstation plus endless outdoor activities.
  Foodies  -  This fantastic restaurant has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes- utterly delicious!
  Fishing  -  Fishing in Loch Na Marag in the Castle grounds or salmon and trout fishing further afield.
  Great walks  -  Stunning scenery to be explored starting straight from the property.
  Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux
  
  Elegance, romance and old-school service in sublime surroundings at the foot of Ben Nevis. Imposing rooms with heavy curtains, chintz wallpaper, antique paintings and four poster beds. The bathrooms are the height of modernity. Plus there's a fine dining restaurant. The perfect country getaway. See More
  
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- Kinloch Lodge, Skye Isle of Skye 15 rooms from $359
  
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  Foodies  -  Foodies won't be able to resist the stunning award winning restaurant — check out the taster menu with excellent wine pairings.
  Romantic Break  -  A picturesque south Skype romantic retreat offering excellent food, roaring fires, chic suites and long country walks.
  Great walks  -  Venture on a Wild Walk with resident naturalist Mitchell Partridge, packed lunches are provided on request.
  Fishing  -  The area won't dissapoint, keen anglers can fish for salmon, brown trout and rainbow trout.
  
  Stunning scenery, dazzling food and plenty of peace and quiet just a short drive from the Skye Bridge. The elegant and traditional rooms are filled with natural light. A cosy sitting room with an open fireplace is the ideal spot to unwind with a whisky, and the restaurant serves exceptional food. See More
  
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- Knockinaam Lodge Dumfries and Galloway 10 rooms from $365
  
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  Great walks  -  Very close to the hotel begins the coastal Southern Upland Way. Galloway Hills & Glenkens also have excellent walking routes.
  Fishing  -  The hotel has its own fishing equipment. You can catch everything from cod, salmon to dogfish!
  Local markets  -  Art fans will enjoy a visit to Kirkcudbright, otherwise know as the 'Artists Town'.
  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  Steeped in history, this former hunting lodge has hosted Churchill and Eisenhower. Enjoy unspoilt views of the Scottish coastline from your cosy, warm palleted room, many of which have tiled fireplaces. There are 38 acres to explore and a Michelin star restaurant. Haute cuisine in the highlands! See More
  
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- Glencoe House Glencoe 7 rooms from $436
  
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  Suites  -  The elegant suites with high celings and stunning views have separate sitting rooms and free standing baths
  Private dining room  -  Exquisite meals are served in the comfort of the guests suites, including afternoon tea
  Views  -  Wonderful views over the stunning countryside and lochs
  Back to Nature
  
  Once the home of Lord Strathcona, this handsome country house is set in ravishing Highlands scenery overlooking Loch Linnhe. Family and dog friendly, comfortable, spacious suites, some with open fires and superb in-suite dining. There is plenty to entertain the hearty from fly fishing to walking. See More
  
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- Langass Lodge North Uist 11 rooms from $122
  
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  Foodies  -  One of the best restaurants in the Hebrides - the chef uses the fantastic produce to create creative and delicious dishes
  Families  -  With large family rooms, plenty of activities for everyone and even the dog welcome - this is a perfect family escape
  Country Escape  -  Set in wild and rugged countryside, beside the coast, this is the perfect place to escape for a tranquil rural break
  Active Holiday  -  Fishing, shooting, stalking, surfing or cycling - you name it, they've got it
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  
  A charming lodge set in a beautiful coastal spot in the Hebrides. Renowned for its restaurant that serves creative fare using the freshest local ingredients. Interiors are comfortingly traditional, all the family are very welcome (including the dog), and there's a multitude of activities nearby. See More
  
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- Gleneagles Hotel Perthshire 233 rooms from $448
  
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  Child friendly  -  Great facilities for children of all ages with organised activities and childcare available.
  Restaurant  -  Andrew Fairlie Restaurant is the only establishment in Scotland with two Michelin stars.
  Other Activities  -  Shooting, fishing, falconry, gun dog training, off road driving to name a few!
  Golf  -  Three championshire courses and PGA National Golf Academy on site.
  Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection
  
  Luxury grand dame resort hotel in the heart of stunning Perthshire countryside. With three championship golf courses, top notch spa and more activities than you can imagine, this is the perfect resort for all the family. See More
  
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- Ardanaiseig By Taynuilt, Argyll 18 rooms from $140
  
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  Romantic  -  Book the 'away from it all' boat shed.
  Restaurant  -  Award winning food with 3 AA Rosettes.
  Fishing  -  Superb angling for trout, salmon, sea trout and perch
  Views  -  Fabulous views across Loch Awe
  
  A glorious country house hotel, touched with eccentricity and a little bit of magic. Luxurious decor, stunning views and wonderful food on the banks of Loch Awe. See More
  
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- Cromlix Nr Dunblane, Stirlingshire 15 rooms from $320
  
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  Country House
  Restaurant  -  Superb food in the Chez Roux conservatory restaurant with open kitchen.
  Fishing  -  Trout fishing in the hotel's loch
  Tennis  -  Two courts on site
  Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels, CN Traveller
  
  This top of the range country house hotel in Dunblane has been refurbished with no expense spared. A low key feel, spiced up by a dash of glamour in the bar and restaurant. Family-friendly with lovely personal touches such as homemade shortbread from Andy's granny. 5-star luxury and 5-star service. See More
  
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- Trigony House Hotel Dumfriesshire, Dumfries and Galloway 10 rooms from $141
  
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  Country Escape
  Fishing  -  Both trout and salmon fishing close by. A ghillie can be arranged for the day.
  Restaurant  -  Highly regarded rustic cuisine
  Great walks  -  Lovely walks on the doorstep
  
  Country house hotel in the heart of Borders country which prides itself on its relaxed atmosphere and friendly service. The situation is brilliant for outdoorsy types and dogs are positively welcomed! A charming country escape with award winning rustic cuisine. See More
  
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- Prestonfield Edinburgh (Prestonfield) 23 rooms from $323
  
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  Romantic Break  -  This hotel oozes glammour, romance and seduction, with its wildly opulent canopied beds, rich fabrics and roaring fires.
  Local exploring  -  The best of both worlds- set in 20 acres of spectacular parklands, yet within spitting distance of Edinburgh.
  Great walks  -  Don't forget your welly boots, there are 20 acres of parkland to explore.
  Restrictions on children  -  Adults only
  Recommended by  -  Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection
  
  Opulent extravagance at the Prestonfield just 5 mins from the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Come for attentive service, divine bedrooms and spoiling galore. Fine dining is served in an ultra romantic setting. The concierge have a 'nothing's too much' attitude. Best for a truly indulgent stay. See More
  
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- Meldrum House Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire 51 rooms from $224
  
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  Golf  -  Meldrum House has its own superb 18 hole parkland golf course, and there are others nearby
  Local exploring  -  The ideal base for exploring Aberdeen's Whisky country
  Restaurant  -  Pineapple boasts 2 AA Rosettes and offers the freshest local seafood and meat.
  Great walks  -  There are fabulous walks for all abilities in the surrounding countryside.
  
  A stunning historic country house hotel in the heart of Aberdeenshire's whisky country. Smart rooms and suites: some traditional, others in the new wing totally contemporary. Atmospheric cave bar and 2AA Rosette Pineapple restaurant. Plus a highly recommended golf course. Simply superb! See More
  
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- The Torridon Ross-shire 18 rooms from $282
  
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  Bar  -  Over 300 Malt Whiskies available in the Whisky Bar not forgetting their very own Arcturus Gin and Cushie Doos Tonic.
  Restaurant  -  3 AA Rosettes
  Sailing  -  Sailing tours on S/Y a 13 m sailing yacht both within the loch and to the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides.
  Sights nearby  -  Boat cruises available off the west coast for dolphins and if you're lucky whale watching.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
  
  Country escape on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon. 53 acres of park and woodland provide many outdoor activities. Scottish country house opulence twinned with contemporary designs. Seriously good restaurant and whisky bar. See More
  
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- Carberry Tower Edinburgh (Near Musselburgh) 30 rooms from $242
  
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  Country Escape - A rural escape of grand proportions - an imposing 15th century mansion set in glorious parkland.
  Sights nearby - Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Edinburgh Castle.
  Full of character
  Opulent
  
  A stunning mansion and estate perfectly positioned just outside Edinburgh. Elegant rooms are spacious and individually styled. Pick a suite and enjoy four posters, chandeliers and open fireplaces. An exemplary bistro and sumptuous private dinners are on offer. A spoiling country escape. See More
  
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- Duisdale House Sleat, Skye 18 rooms from $215
  
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  Traditional  -  A nineteenth century hunting lodge that has been converted into a hotel
  Great walks  -  Skye is renowned for its fantastic walking for all abilities.
  Restaurant  -  The fine dining restaurant boasts two AA Rosettes
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  
  Escape to this rural nineteenth century hunting lodge on Skye's stunning south-east coastline. Explore the extensive gardens and local beauty, before retreating back to cosy four poster beds in surprisingly modern interiors. Look out for statement wallpaper. Great for a romantic weekend away! See More
  
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- Machrie Hotel Islay 47 rooms from $224
  
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  Golf  -  Featuring its own 18-hole course along with a Wee course of 6 par-3 holes. Suitable for all abilities
  Country Escape  -  Modern facilities in a spectacular rural setting
  Great walks  -  Set off directly from the property and explore the island's dramatic landscapes
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  
  A chic property set in the dramatic landscapes of Islay. A recent renovation is a complete triumph with scandi-chic interiors offering light open spaces and maximising the epic views from large expanses of glass. Tee-off on the property's own golf course or simply unwind in the spa. See More
  
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- Fortingall Hotel Aberfeldy, Perthshire 10 rooms from $487
  
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  Active Holiday  -  At the gateway to Scotland and with ample choice of outdoor activities right on the doorstep from hiking to shooting and biking.
  Country Escape  -  Cosy up by the fire, eat hearty traditional fare, venture into the great outdoors and collapse onto your cosy bed.
  Fishing  -  Salmon fishing on the Rivers Lyon and Tay, and trout fishing on Loch Farleyer and Loch Kinardochy can be arranged.
  Great walks  -  Endless choices of walks whether it be an amble around Fortingall or a day excursion covering four Munros.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  
  Lovely country house in beautiful Perthshire. Traditional cosy rooms with large sash windows and oh-so comfortable beds. A sitting room with a roaring fire to sink into, with a whisky, after a day outdoors. Stunning cuisine with the emphasis on local produce. The perfect country escape. See More
  
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