Comprehensive Scotland Private Tour

Though we have never been big fans of large 150-room hotels, we certainly make an exception with the 5-star, 188-room Balmoral. The best hotel location in all of Edinburgh (in the heart of the city at the east end of Princess Street), the property was completely renovated in 2012. Originally opened in 1902, the architecture is quintessentially Victorian. The rooms here are large, with the Deluxe Castle View Rooms being our favorite! Amenities include a five-room treatment spa, nice gym with weights, 50-foot indoor pool, and two restaurants.

Native Glasgow is a stylish aparthotel located in a beautifully restored Edwardian building that once served as the Anchor Line Shipping Company’s headquarters. Inspired by 1920s ocean liners, the hotel features original nautical details, terrazzo flooring, and timber paneling, blending historic charm with modern comfort. We love the size at 64 thoughtfully designed apartments, each equipped with its own kitchen, so guests can enjoy a self-catering experience. While the hotel does not have a spa, fitness center, or pool, its prime location near George Square provides easy access to Glasgow’s best attractions. There are also two in-house dining options, including The Anchor Line Restaurant & Bar, serving local Scottish fare.

Cameron House is an iconic 17^thcentury baronial hotel nestled on the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond. Set within 400 acres of beautiful Scottish countryside, it is a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views over the great loch. A gateway to the Scottish Highlands, here, you are at the heart of the outstanding Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park with access to the beauty of Glencoe and far beyond. Cameron House offers 140 bedrooms, including 24 suites as well as 115 self-catering lodges, cottages and apartments within its extensive grounds. Designed with the surrounding Trossachs in mind, each of the bedrooms feature Scottish artwork and the chance to take in the sweeping views of the grounds and shores of Loch Lomond. Cameron House has six restaurants and five bars with a choice of dining experiences and menus that reflect the seasonal availability of the finest fresh Scottish produce. The new Cameron Leisure Club includes an 18m swimming pool, a family pool complete with a waterslide, steam room, sauna and bubble pool. Fitness facilities include a new state-of-the-art gym, a new fitness studio and separate spin studio with large screens using the latest AV technology.

The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel, situated in the charming village of Luss (part of Luss Estates!) within the Loch Lomond National Park, offers 15 individually styled guest rooms and 5 cottages, each reflecting traditional Scottish design inspired by the picturesque Highlands. Housed in a beautifully restored 18thcentury coaching inn, the hotel flaunts country-chic decor, featuring antique furnishings and cozy fireplaces (our favorite place to end the day!). Guests can enjoy hearty Scottish breakfasts, light lunches, afternoon teas, and tasty suppers featuring locally sourced food. While the hotel does not have a spa, fitness center, or swimming pool, its prime location near the banks of Loch Lomond makes it an ideal base for walking, boating, and golfing, with Luss Pier just a short stroll away and Loch Lomond Golf Club a 10-minute drive from the property. We feel this more than makes up for the lack of wellness facilities!

Inverlochy Castle Hotel, located just outside Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, is a luxurious five-star retreat housed in a beautiful 19th-century baronial mansion with elegant Victorian decor, including wood-paneled walls, ornate chandeliers, and richly upholstered furnishings. The hotel consists of 17 individually designed rooms, each featuring ensuite bathrooms, modern amenities, and breathtaking views of the surrounding grounds and mountains. Our favorite part of the property is the exceptional in-house dining experience, overseen by renowned chefs Albert and Michel Roux Jr., serving gourmet European-inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. While there are no spa/fitness/wellness facilities, the hotel provides plenty of experiences that make up for this, such a s fishing, tennis, and exploring the beautifully manicured gardens. You can also enjoy off-property experiences, like hiking, skiing, and exploring Ben Nevis.

Kinloch Lodge, nestled on the rugged Isle of Skye in Scotland, epitomizes luxury and tranquility amidst stunning natural surroundings. With a total of 18 beautifully appointed rooms, each offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, guests are treated to a serene retreat in this remote island paradise. The lodge features a renowned restaurant, where guests can indulge in exquisite cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the best of Scottish culinary traditions. While Kinloch Lodge does not have a spa or fitness center, its idyllic setting offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting. Whether savoring the flavors of the Highlands, exploring the rugged beauty of Skye, or simply unwinding in the comfort of this historic lodge, Kinloch Lodge promises an unforgettable escape in one of Scotland’s most enchanting locations. *Breakfast and dinner is included each night during your stay.

Monkstadt 1745, located in Linicro on the Isle of Skye, has been lovingly restored to offer luxurious accommodations that amplify its rich heritage. The main house features various suites, each individually designed with four-poster beds, roll-top baths, and modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and indulgent stay. In addition to the suites, you can also choose from several self-catering cottages situated around the estate, some of which have private hot tubs, providing a perfect blend of privacy and luxury. We are big fans of the on-site restaurant that serves delicious Scottish breakfasts and evening meals, highlighting local produce and traditional flavors. Above all, we feel its serene rural setting offers guests the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the incredibly stunning Isle of Skye.

A gem in the area, Ness Walk Hotel is a luxurious 5-star retreat with 47 individually designed rooms and suites, each reflecting the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape with soft, natural tones and textures. Many rooms feature large floor-to-ceiling windows, providing unparalleled views of the gardens, courtyard, or Loch Ness. Our favorite part of the property is the in-house Torrish Restaurant, set within the 19th-century house’s original drawing room, delivering a dining experience with a menu that blends traditional Scottish flavors and global influences, using fresh, local produce. While Ness Walk does not have its own spa, fitness center, or swimming pool, guests can enjoy complimentary access to these amenities at the nearby Kingsmills Hotel, its sister property.

Dornoch Station Hotel, located in the small town of Dornoch, is made up of 88 newly renovated guest rooms, each uniquely designed to reflect the region’s deep history with natural colors that blend seamlessly with classic nautical elements. The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar, The Golden Gorse and Bar Ross, which highlight seasonal ingredients and local suppliers, providing guests with an authentic taste of the Highlands. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, a private putting green, golf club storage, free bike rentals, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness room. We prefer this property for a more “peaceful” stay, as it is located right on the water in a scenic region.

Camfield House is considered to be a “luxurious B&B”, made of four individually styled bedrooms, each furnished to a high standard with amenities such as comfortable seating areas and en-suite bathrooms featuring both bathtubs and walk-in showers. The decor pays homage to the property’s 1897 heritage, combining traditional charm with modern touches. While Camfield House has a cozy dining room for guests to enjoy and is conveniently located within walking distance to the town center, where various dining options are available. Although there aren’t any wellness facilities on site, you do have access to a games room equipped with a full-size snooker table and a chessboard, as well as a guest lounge with a log fire. You can also enjoy outdoor activities on the1.6 acres of private walled gardens, including a small pitch and putt golfing green, sand bunker, pond, and summer house.

Castle of Mey, located near Thurso in Caithness, Scotland, was the cherished Highland retreat of the late Queen Mother. While the castle itself does not operate as a hotel, it offers exclusive accommodations at The Granary Lodge, a luxury bed and breakfast situated within the castle grounds. The Granary Lodge has ten individually designed en-suite bedrooms (designed by King Charles!), each carefully decorated to reflect the castle’s royal heritage and the surrounding Scottish landscape. You can enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere, with rooms featuring traditional furnishings and modern amenities. You can also tour the Castle of Mey, stroll through its beautifully maintained gardens, and take in panoramic views of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Islands (the views are undoubtedly our highlight of this property!).

Graemeshall House, built in 1626 by Bishop Graham of Orkney, is situated in a picturesque setting six miles from Kirkwall. We feel this is some of the best luxurious accommodations in Orkney, as it accents guest rooms with views of the sea, the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, or Graemeshall Loch and the surrounding countryside. The property features a beautiful dining room with wood paneling dating back to 1630, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast (although our favorite room is the magnificent library with a roaring 17th-century fireplace!). We feel Graemeshall House can even be considered a retreat, as it boasts two acres of grounds, allowing guests to take leisurely strolls and observe the plentiful wildlife, including unusual species of birds and, occasionally, seals or pods of dolphins in the sea at the bottom of the garden. *Please note that this property offers breakfast but does not serve dinner.

The Lynnfield Hotel, located in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands, is an intimate country-house hotel offering ten uniquely decorated rooms, each furnished with antique beds and modern en-suite bathrooms. The hotel’s decor is of traditional charm, featuring a wood-paneled lounge with comfy sofas and a peat fire, creating a cozy atmosphere (not a bad place to have a night cap!). The highlight of this property is certainly the restaurant – renowned for exceptional food, utilizing the best local produce, including seafood and North Ronaldsay mutton, and boasts a 100-bin wine list—the widest, highest quality choice in all of Orkney. While the Lynnfield Hotel does not have a spa, fitness center, or swimming pool, it has a warm and welcoming environment with stunning views over Kirkwall Bay and the north isles beyond.

The Golf View Hotel & Spa in Nairn, Scotland is made up of 42 spacious rooms, many with panoramic views of the Moray Firth and the Black Isle. The decor combines traditional elegance with modern comforts, providing a relaxing atmosphere. Dining options include the AA Rosette-awarded Hickory Restaurant (our favorite part of the hotel!), which serves fine cuisine with stunning sea views, and the contemporary Links Brasserie for more casual meals. The hotel features a spa(!) and leisure club, complete with a heated indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, and a beauty salon, offering a variety of facilities to ensure guests have an enjoyable stay.

Blervie House, located approximately 20 minutes from Burghead, is a historic 5-star country house offering luxurious bed and breakfast accommodation. The manor houses 12 spacious bedrooms, each uniquely furnished with antique pieces and high-quality soft furnishings, including Hungarian goose down duvets. While Blervie House does not have an in-house restaurant, it provides a hearty breakfast in the mornings and offers informal dinners during certain months, allowing guests to enjoy local cuisine in an elegant setting. While there aren’t wellness facilities, we love this property as it is set within a 300-acre private estate, allowing guests to explore woodland walking and hiking trails, an opportunity to observe local wildlife such as deer and red squirrels.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport is a modern style hotel conveniently located just a half mile from Edinburgh Airport (it offers guests a complimentary shuttle service to/from the airport for convenience!). The hotel features 150 contemporary guest rooms, each designed with comfort in mind, providing all the necessary amenities such as free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and large opening windows that welcome ample natural light. There are dining options available at ‘The Space,’ the hotel’s all-day dining venue that combines a restaurant, bar, and lounge, serving a variety of international and Scottish cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For relaxation and wellness, the hotel offers an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa equipped with a sauna, perfect to use just after a flight, or just before one! Enjoy!