What makes a hotel romantic? Is it the location, the food, the decor, the service?
Scotland’s hotels have all of these elements in abundance. Whether you’re a nature lover seeking peace and quality time with your loved one, or you fancy Michelin Star food and opulent surroundings, Scotland has everything you could ask for to celebrate romantic weekends, special occasions, or even Valentine’s Day in style.
Here, the Good Hotel Guide shares 10 of its top romantic hotels in Scotland.
Cringletie House, Peebles
This traditional Scottish country house hotel has all the makings of a fairytale castle. Its turrets, its red brick exterior, and its impeccable location all create the perfect backdrop for a romantic weekend.
It’s little wonder that it’s a favourite for weddings. The historic 28 acre estate comprises a hotel, restaurant and gardens.
Order a bottle of Champagne, tuck into Rosette award-winning food and stay in one of 15 rooms and suites, all of which have their own characteristics from romantic turrets to feature fireplaces.
Rufflets, St Andrews
Since 1952, this enchanting hotel has been welcoming guests to enjoy its potent blend of rest, relaxation and luxury.
Re-opening in February, after a month of updates (just in time for Valentine’s Day), it offers home grown ingredients in the restaurant and carefully designed rooms to stay in.
Couples can spend their time exploring the gardens, enjoying yoga, golf or cycling around the pretty surroundings. Tuck into afternoon tea or take a cooking class together – it’s the ultimate destination for quality time together.
The Dunstane Houses, Edinburgh
This sophisticated city escape is a five-star boutique hotel that brings the spirit of Orkney to Edinburgh. Multi-award-winning, it’s created from two Victorian townhouses and has 35 beautifully decorated rooms.
A favourite room for romantic retreats is the one with a freestanding roll-top copper bath. Food is elegant, there’s plenty of space in which to sit and enjoy a drink, whether it’s a dram from the vintage whisky cabinet or one of the artisan gins before dinner.
Knockderry House Hotel, Cove
An enchanting country house hotel on the banks of Loch Long, Knockderry House Hotel is in the heart of rural Argyll and Bute. There are 15 rooms and suites, ranging from the wood panelled Library Suite and romantic Master Rooms to contemporary Cosy Rooms.
Spend your days walking, cycling and enjoying the magnificent landscapes. It’s peaceful, elegant and perfect for popping the question or celebrating special occasions.
Knockinaam Lodge, Portpatrick
Located in Dumfries and Galloway, Knockinaam Lodge is a 19th century country house turned luxury hotel. Named Editor’s Choice Historic Hotel by the Good Hotel Guide in 2021, it featured in John Buchan’s The 39 Steps, was the boyhood home of Royal Navy submarine ace, Lieutenant Commander Malcolm David Wanklyn VC, and was the secret meeting place for Churchill and Eisenhower as they planned the D-Day landings.
Just three miles from picturesque Portpatrick, rooms look out onto 30 acres of landscaped grounds stretching down to the beach and the Irish Sea. Rooms are equipped with luxury toiletries and linens, and food is Michelin starred.
Kilcamb Lodge, Strontiam
A tranquil hideaway, surrounded by 22 acres of meadow, mountains and woodland, Kilcamb Lodge is a four-star boutique hotel on the beautiful Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Days here are spent cycling, boating and watching local wildlife including seals, eagles, dolphins, whales, otters, pine martens, wildcats, red squirrels and red deer.
Retire in the evening for award-winning food including fresh fish and shellfish, Scottish beef and venison, and a variety of single malt whiskies to finish off the evening. If you’re looking for quality time with a loved one, this place is hard to beat.
Scarista House, Isle of Harris
On the west coast of Harris, Scarista House is surrounded by natural beauty. Wake in the morning to views of the Atlantic Ocean, heather-clad mountains and a white sandy beach before setting off on walks to explore the landscape or fishing, playing golf, painting, cycling, climbing, surfing, or diving.
The Georgian hotel is small, traditional and welcoming. There’s a library and a drawing room, each with open fires, there’s plenty of local fare to tuck into and resident dogs Maud and Brodie are sure to come and make sure you have everything you need during your stay.
Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye
Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye is a former hunting lodge on the shores of Loch na Dal, with views of the spectacular Cuillin mountains in the distance. Known by Queen Victoria, it has everything in place to make you fall in love with the natural world.
There’s an old fashioned sense of charm to this place – for example, there’s an honesty bar in the lounge and cookery courses available. The hotel’s own ghillie will guide you if you want to go fishing or stalking. Alternatively, you can spend your time exploring ancient castles, wild swimming and watching the sea eagles fly by.
Prestonfield, Edinburgh
Prestonfield is a 17th-century mansion and a five-star hotel in Edinburgh. The beautiful grounds are filled with peacocks, which definitely add an air of decadence to the already opulent hotel. Grand interiors are complete with rich fabrics and deep colours. Rooms look out over Edinburgh’s iconic hill, Arthur’s Seat, or Royal Holyrood Park or to the ruins of Craigmillar castle.
Romantic getaways are very much the name of the game here, where they favour candlelit dinners. For truly special occasions, you can even stay in the Owner’s Suite, which has its own private turret staircase, private porter and concierge.
The Three Chimneys and the House Over-By, Isle of Skye
Famous for its restaurant, The Three Chimneys and the House Over-By is an understated hotel in the most spectacular of natural landscapes. For more than 35 years, this hotel has been dedicated to making the absolute most of the rich natural bounty which Skye has to offer.
For foodies, it’s a real treat, serving up some of the world’s freshest ingredients in the form of ancient Nordic and haute Scottish cuisine. The House Over-By is the hotel part of the destination, offering six peaceful and modern rooms to stay in, next door to the restaurant.
Wake to views of Loch Dunvegan and pamper using luxury toiletries from Temple Spa.
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