The top of the best hotels in Scotland’s Highlands includes highly ranked boutique hotels as well as deal suggestions, based on an analysis of industry awards and user ratings. Relaxing activities, great food and a good rest can all be found in the Highlands.
- Hotel Fort William
Queen Victoria said she ‘never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot’ other than this impressive castle, located at the foot of Ben Nevis, a mile or two from Fort William town. The hotel has got a lot has of character and grandeur due to its great food, waterfall showers and country house style with gilt, brocade and polished wood, combining Jacobite rose wallpaper and French Empire-style ceiling frescos. The rooms are traditional and impeccably furnished with lavish bathrooms and embroidered bed linen, and the valet might dry your jacket and clear the ice from your car in order to make your stay much more pleasant and enjoyable.
Food is set on a delightfully five-course menu with a distinctly Highland accent and a sommelier that is truly devoted to his calling, as well as a full afternoon tea and 24-hour room service. You shall get a great value for your money, although a family-friendly room costs around £450 in high season, with breakfast included as well as free Wi-Fi. At this place of quiet beauty you can arrive by steam train and be picked up by the hotel’s Rolls Royce.
When it comes to service, it is formal and completely seamless, because of the attention and gentle suggestions of the staff, who will encourage you to choose one from the high range of activities, such as white-water rafting, stalking, taking a Roux-designed picnic, mountain-biking, rowing a boat around the pretty loch or read by the drawing room fire.
- Gleneagles Hotel
Nestled northwest of Edinburgh in the lush countryside, it has welcomed guests since 1924 and features 20 protected natural habitats alongside an ESPA-affiliated spa, a family pool, an equestrian school and 232 guest rooms and suites. The beautiful family rooms and suites are upgraded by modern conveniences like mini fridges, daily breakfast and on-site activities such as lawn croquet and games in the teens’ clubs, as well as the participation in the Leaders Club loyalty program. Recent guests recommend the Mediterranean-inspired Deseo at the two Michelin-starred restaurant.
- The Glenfinnan House Hotel
The Glenfinnan House Hotel is actually a Victorian mansion, great for kids, where you will be received with a warm welcome from the managers. At the atmospheric bar you can try smoked venison for breakfast or you can simply explore the Glenfinnan area by boat or a kayak. Built for a veteran of Culloden Jane MacFarlane’s stone mansion is located on the shores of Loch Shiel, has special offers such as 10% discount voucher, and remains open since 23 Mar to 31 Oct. It has a drawing room, a playroom, wedding facilities and 1-acre grounds where children of all ages are welcomed.
Dogs are not allowed in the restaurant or drawing room.
