One of the best things about travelling to hotels in Scotland is that they have the benefits of spectacular grounds and natural beauty to recommend them even before you step through the door.
As we all look ahead to heading out with greater freedom to explore Scotland’s mystical charms, we are also looking forward to finding a tranquil resting place to let the strain of the last few months wash away.
Here, the Good Hotel Guide recommends 10 of the most beautiful hotels in Scotland – that are as glorious on the inside as they are on the outside.
Pool House, Poolewe
An 18th-century fishing lodge run by a dedicated family for more than 30 years, Pool House is a place of genuine warmth and interest.
Brimming with antiques and curiosities, it’s not only surrounded by natural beauty (use the binoculars provided to get the full experience including otter-spotting), it’s also very beautiful inside.
Located in the Scottish Highlands, spend your morning enjoying the best coffee with a view of Loch Ewe.
Ballathie House, Stanley
Originally built in 1880, Ballathie House is a magnificent four-star Scottish country house hotel.
A fairytale setting where you can enjoy AA Rosette dining and total tranquillity, it sits on the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire and provides a wonderful base from which to explore the area, play golf or go fishing.
Despite the peace and quiet, in 1922, a year before she married Albert, the Duke of York, the Queen Mother came here for a party.
Today, nearly 100 years on, Ballathie still welcomes guests to party and celebrate special occasions.
Killiecrankie House, Pitlochry
A luxury country house hotel, Killiecrankie Hotel is small but perfectly formed.
Decorated in traditional and cosy style, with fine linens, fresh flowers and garden views all round, it sits in four acres and is surrounded by natural beauty and blissful walks.
The restaurant has awards for its menu, featuring home grown veg from the kitchen garden as well as traditional local produce.
Meanwhile, local attractions such as The Victorian town of Pitlochry, Blair Castle and the famous House of Bruar are all just a few miles away.
Glenfinnan House Hotel, Fort William
On the idyllic shores of Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan House Hotel is beautifully presented and wonderfully welcoming.
In true country style, you are made to feel like you’re visiting a friend’s home, so no room keys, no television, no telephone (although you can ask for a key if you wish).
Fresh flowers and Jacobite-themed paintings bring the place to life, while dinner is a hearty concoction of local fare.
Trigony House, Thornhill
With ice blue skies and crisp frosty mornings, winter at Trigony House is a magical time of the year for exploring the rolling hills and farmland before settling in by the fire.
Wander around the country byways and footpaths before returning to the hotel for award winning rustic full-flavoured cooking to rejuvenate as you head into a new year.
Forss House, Thurso
On the banks of the Forss River and surrounded by woodland, Forss House is a favourite destination amongst fishermen, and those enjoying country pursuits such as shooting, deer stalking and plenty of whisky.
The country house has a traditional style inside, which adds to the warmth of the welcome. Bedrooms have high ceilings and lovely views, and food has a reputation for excellence.
Knockinaam Lodge, Portpatrick
In a horseshoe of wooded hills, Knockinaam Lodge sits next to a private beach and is an idyllic former hunting lodge where guests have frequently praised the professionalism and attention to detail of staff and management.
The Churchill suite, where the former PM stayed while planning the D-Day landings in 1944, retains original features such as a beautiful fireplace and a 100-year-old enamelled bath, while the grounds make for excellent photo opportunities.
Kilcamb Lodge, Strontian
On the shores of Loch Sunart and surrounded by hills, Kilcamb Lodge is a beautiful whitewashed 18th-century house bookended by Victorian stone extensions.
All gourmet food and spectacular views, this is a place that’s about tranquillity this is a sensory experience.
Enjoy golf, fishing, walking, wildlife, boating and distillery tours, then retire to homely but decadent rooms and suites for an excellent night’s sleep.
Scarista House, Isle of Harris
The setting of Scarista House on the west coast of Harris is natural beauty at its finest, taking in the Atlantic Ocean, mountains and an almost-white sandy beach.
Meanwhile, the whitewashed Georgian property is a warm and welcoming small hotel offering traditional style, elegant food and superb wines.
Kylesku Hotel, Kylesku
Wonderful food, awe-inspiring views, and above all the warm hospitality are what you will remember from Kylesku Hotel.
In one of the wildest locations in Scotland, it’s an opportunity for peace and quiet amongst the roaring fires and watching the boats bob past.
The daily catch, brought from boats on the slipway in front of the hotel informs dinner that evening, and while it’s not glamorous, it really is seafood heaven.
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