Nowhere is as magical as Scotland at Christmas time, from the lochs and snow to the Christmas markets, abundant history and quintessentially charming Scottish hospitality.
Celebrating the season in style, the Good Hotel Guide shares 10 of the best hotels for Christmas in Scotland…
Killiecrankie Hotel, Pitlochry
This 1840s dower house at the end of a tree-lined drive is a tranquil escape brimming with tartan. Preparing you for the festive season this year they have a special three night Christmas escape complete with afternoon tea, a Champagne reception and a superb, four-course dinner on Christmas Eve, sherry and a sumptuous lunch on Christmas Day, as well as archery, mulled wine and lunch on Boxing Day.
The Dunstane Houses, Edinburgh
This luxury boutique hotel is a magical place at any time of year, but at Christmas The Dunstane Houses takes on all the charm of this historic city. Visitors will enjoy all the Christmas events that take place in Edinburgh, while the hotel gets you into the festive spirit with a Christmas two night break complete with a Scottish breakfast, luxury gift, afternoon tea, Christmas Eve buffet and cocktail party and a five course Christmas Day lunch.
Shieldaig Lodge, Giarloch
Bringing Victorian style to the Highlands, Shieldaig Lodge goes all out at Christmas time with sparkling trees, mulled wine beside roaring log-fires, traditional games, pulling crackers and festive amidst snow covered gardens. They have a particularly beautiful three-night break over Christmas itself with all the trimmings.
Balcary Bay Hotel, Auchencairn
Settle into a little waterside escapism at Balcary Bay Hotel, a destination that’s pretty as a picture and offers beautiful winter warmer breaks for the festive season. Complete with a four course dinner and a full Scottish breakfast, their seasonal escapes are available all the way through until March on the shores of the Solway Firth.
The Airds Hotel, Port Appin
This cosy Scottish escape brings a West Coast of Scotland welcome to a Christmas break. From 24th to 27th December, the hotel invites guests to roaring log fires, snow-capped mountains and loch views. It’s complete with Scottish breakfasts, cakes, mince pies and plenty of Christmas punch. There’s enough food to last you until Hogmanay and lots of candlelit dining.
Knockinaam Lodge, Portpatrick
A Victorian hunting lodge overlooking the Irish Sea, Knockinaam Lodge celebrates Christmas complete with a traditional Christmas lunch, boardgames, Boxing Day suppers, long walks and plenty of time for a good snooze in cosy surroundings. Drenched in history, this house made a discreet retreat for Churchill and Eisenhower’s D-Day planning in 1944, and today it continues to be a port for rest and reflection.
Prestonfield, Edinburgh
This 17th-century mansion at the foot of Arthur’s Seat was once the grand home of Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, and continues to make you feel like lord and lady of the manor, but with beautiful modern touches for modern luxury. At Christmas it glows with warmth, wonder and tradition. There are abundant decorations, blazing log fires and candles, opulent seasonal dining, Winter Wonderland Party nights and entertainment in the velvet and gilt splendour of Prestonfield’s Stables at their Hogmanay Ball.
The Bonnie Badger, Gullane
This cutting edge, Michelin Starred gastropub has made waves under the guidance of Tom and Michaela, but at Christmas it all goes to a whole new level. On Christmas Day you experience the works with a four course lunch including mince pies like you’ve never had them before. For all its splendour it’s also a family friendly escape where children under four years old eat free on Christmas Day.
Cringletie House, Peebles
A small baronial mansion surrounded by magnificent gardens, Cringletie House adds a real touch of Scotland to the Christmas period. On Christmas Day, that includes Orkney crab and Scottish salmon with butter poached langoustines as well as mini Yule logs, Christmas pudding ice-cream and gingerbread trifle.
The Fife Arms, Braemar
Contemporary artwork alongside taxidermy and objets d’arts, The Fife Arms has an air of excitement at all times of the year, but at Christmas it’s inspired by Victorian style. Spend the holidays here and there will be bauble making and gingerbread decorating for younger guests as well as mulled wine and a local choir to entertain everyone. Roast chestnuts are all part of the festive cheer along with lots of Champagne and plenty to eat and drink.
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