Travel: Eight luxury and boutique hotels in Scotland, as chosen by The Good Hotel Guide

Amidst the dramatic landscapes of Scotland sit some of the most beautiful hotels, delivering a particularly special brand of luxury.

Rooted in heritage and combined with contemporary hospitality, from Edinburgh to Inverness, Orkney tweed blankets to Noble Isle toiletries, it’s the details that truly make the difference.

Here, the Good Hotel Guide shares eight of their top recommended luxury and boutique hotels in Scotland to visit this year.

---

Bunchrew House, Inverness

This 17th-century mention by Beauty Firth is surrounded by gardens and woodland. There’s plenty of places to walk, and spotting the local wildlife including brown hares and roe deer, is a favourite pastime.

Behind the turrets, the hotel is all traditional interiors and experiences. Food is an array of Highland favourites and there’s a fine collection of malt whiskies in the clubby bar.

Trigony House, Thornhill

A pet-friendly hotel that was once an 18th-century sporting lodge, is surrounded by mature gardens and woodland and fuses the best of historic details and modern hospitality.

The property includes period details such as open fireplaces and an oak-panelled staircase, while outside there’s a Finnish sauna cabin and hot tub for that extra touch of wellbeing.

Spend days roaming the countryside and return to country style and homemade treats – we’re especially fond of the shortbread.

The Dunstane Houses, Edinburgh

A chic hotel just beyond the city centre in Edinburgh, The Dunstane Houses occupies two recently refurbished Victorian villas.

They offer a range of room sizes, from singles to suites, all of which are elegantly decorated, bringing a sense of luxury through local details such as heritage tweed soft furnishings from Orkney and Noble Isle toiletries.

Favourite details include copper baths and velvet chairs; the bar is a visual feast of monochrome photographs, luxe sofas, and a wide selection of rare and vintage craft spirits.

The Green Park, Pitlochry

A Victorian country house that’s been extended into this spacious hotel, The Green Park sits on the edge of Loch Faskally. Extensive lawns are perfect for strolling in the fresh air, peppered with iron sculptures that add intrigue to the natural beauty of the location. There’s plenty to do – wildlife spotters are encouraged to pick up binoculars, and to jot down sightings in a nature diary that lives on the piano in the main lounge. There’s also a nine-hole golf course, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, Scrabble and creative writing as well as a plentiful supply of coffee. The hotel is decorated with Scottish artwork, and a complimentary sherry before dinner remains a favourite tradition.

Cringletie House, Peebles

A baronial mansion surrounded by sweeping lawns, Cringletie House offers a sense of occasion that makes guests feel truly special.

The secluded location provides a sense of peace, while gorgeous details include log fires, a frescoed ceiling, custom-created tartan, and an old service bell in public rooms.

Roam the gardens, stroll along the nature trail, and play outdoor games by day, and enjoy seasonal Borders produce in the Sutherland restaurant afterwards.

Rufflets, St Andrews

A turreted, 1920s mansion, Rufflets is a grand country house hotel in St Andrews. Today it is run by the grandsons of two of the original founders, and the sense of luxury makes it perfect for a romantic weekend.

Rooms are packed with thoughtful details (home-made shortbread, a hot-water bottle for a chilly night), and some have a private balcony.

Many ingredients used in the restaurant are from the hotel’s own kitchen garden, and the grounds are a treat to stroll in.

Knockderry House Hotel, Cove

A listed baronial building by the shores of Loch Long, Knockderry House Hotel is the stuff that fairytales are made of. All turrets and towers, surrounded by manicured lawns, the dog-friendly retreat is near the Arrochar Alps, and is surrounded by coastal walks and forest paths.

Inside it’s all stained glass, original fireplaces, wood panelling and tartan carpets, while guidebooks, novels and traditional board games are readily available for entertainment.

Dinner is served in a former chapel and music room, overlooking the loch, which is a special experience.

Kinloch House, Blairgowrie

A Victorian house in a peaceful valley, Kinloch House leaves no stone unturned when it comes to superb hospitality.

Fresh flowers and a ready supply of chocolates in the room sit alongside the trademarks of a true country house hotel such as four poster beds, grand fireplaces, and a good cup of tea on arrival.

It is traditional through and through, right done to the wild salmon and home-grown fruit and veg served at dinner.