Best Places to Stay in Scotland
Looking for the best places to stay in Scotland? Skip the endless browsing - we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve curated Scotland’s most popular destinations, from historic city stays in Edinburgh and Glasgow to scenic escapes in the Highlands, islands and national parks. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, spa break or countryside retreat, this guide brings together some of the best places to stay across Scotland, all in one place.
Best places to stay in Scotland:
3. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Best for: Scenic escapes, outdoor adventures and peaceful lochside breaks.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is one of Scotland’s most picturesque regions, known for its dramatic landscapes, tranquil lochs and charming villages. Just a short distance from the Central Belt, it offers an easy escape into nature without feeling remote. From gentle walks to water-based activities, it’s an ideal destination for a relaxed yet active Scottish break.
Things to Do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
- Loch Lomond Cruises: Take to the water on a boat or cruise to enjoy panoramic views of the loch, surrounding mountains and forested shores.
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore well-marked trails through woodland, hills and glens, with routes suitable for all fitness levels.
- Distillery Visits: Discover nearby whisky distilleries such as Glengoyne, offering tours and tastings close to the national park.
- Water Sports and Outdoor Activities: Try kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding on the lochs, or enjoy cycling and wildlife spotting across the park.
Best places to stay in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs - Hotels and Accommodation Options
- Buchanan Arms Hotel & Leisure Club: Set in the conservation village of Drymen within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, this countryside hotel offers a classic lochside escape with a leisure club featuring an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and gym, and is close to Buchanan Castle and Glengoyne Distillery.
- 4* The Inn on Loch Lomond: A TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award winner located in Inverbeg, this pet-friendly hotel is well placed for exploring Loch Lomond, Loch Long, Loch Fyne and Glen Douglas, with live music at weekends and family-friendly stays for younger children.
- The Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel: Positioned on the beachfront at Luss, this dog-friendly hotel boasts panoramic loch views, a waterfront restaurant, AmberRose Spa facilities and its own jetty, with access to activities such as speedboat trips, yacht cruises, wakeboarding and canoe safaris.
- The Beach House Loch Lomond: Tucked away in a secluded spot at Inverbeg, this peaceful retreat offers eight individually styled luxury bedrooms directly on the banks of the loch, with a complimentary thermal spa experience at the AmberRose Spa at The Lodge on Loch Lomond included with each stay.
5. Scottish Highlands and Islands
Best for: Remote escapes, dramatic scenery and outdoor adventure.
The Highlands and Islands showcase some of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, from rugged mountains and sweeping glens to windswept coastlines and peaceful islands. This vast region is ideal for travellers seeking space, nature and a slower pace of life. Whether you’re exploring famous routes or discovering quieter corners, it offers a truly immersive Scottish experience.
Things to Do in the Highlands and Islands
- Scenic Road Trips: Travel along iconic routes through glens, coastal roads and mountain passes, with unforgettable viewpoints at every turn.
- Hiking and Outdoor Activities: Enjoy walking, cycling, kayaking and fishing across varied terrain, from lochs and valleys to coastal paths.
- Island Exploration: Visit islands such as Skye and Arran to experience distinctive landscapes, wildlife and local heritage.
- Whisky and Heritage Sites: Discover historic castles, distilleries and cultural landmarks scattered throughout the region.
Best places to stay in the Highlands and Islands - Hotels and Accommodation Options
- MacDonald Hotel & Cabins: Situated on the north-east edge of Kinlochleven, this welcoming hotel and cabin stay is perfectly placed for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the West Highland Way, Loch Leven and a wide range of Highland activities including hiking, mountain biking and kayaking.
- The Onich Hotel & Beach Pods: A privately run lochside hotel located between Glencoe and Ben Nevis, offering rooms with stunning views and unique self-catering beach pods with direct access to Loch Linnhe from the hotel’s gardens.
- Glenisle Hotel: Set in the coastal village of Lamlash on the Isle of Arran, this award-winning boutique hotel overlooks Lamlash Bay and the Holy Isle, combining historic charm with one of the island’s most scenic settings.
- Hame Hotel: Located in Roskhill on the Isle of Skye, this TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award-winning hotel offers a peaceful Hebridean escape, with easy access to iconic sights including the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Fairy Pools, Talisker Distillery and Dunvegan Castle.
6. Cairngorms National Park
Best for: Wildlife encounters, outdoor activities and peaceful Highland scenery.
Cairngorms National Park is the UK’s largest national park, known for its vast landscapes, ancient forests and mountain ranges. It’s a year-round destination offering everything from gentle woodland walks to more adventurous outdoor pursuits. With traditional villages and wide open spaces, the area is ideal for nature-led breaks in the Scottish Highlands.
Things to Do in Cairngorms National Park
- Hiking and Walking Trails: Explore a wide network of trails through forests, glens and mountains, suitable for all abilities and seasons.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot native wildlife such as red deer, red squirrels and rare bird species in their natural habitats.
- Outdoor Sports: Enjoy activities including cycling, skiing, canoeing and climbing, depending on the time of year.
- Explore Local Villages: Visit charming towns such as Ballater and Grantown-on-Spey for independent shops, cafés and local history.
Best places to stay in Cairngorms National Park - Hotels and Accommodation Options
- Howe of Torbeg: Set near Ballater in Royal Deeside, this scenic countryside escape offers bespoke glamping accommodation including wooden pods and an off-grid shepherd’s hut, surrounded by open farmland and birch woodland, just a short drive from village amenities.
- The Garth Hotel: Located in the heart of Grantown-on-Spey, this welcoming hotel features a cocktail bar, restaurant serving local specialities and pet-friendly rooms, with a central position close to the high street, museum, golf course and leisure centre.