RECOMMENDED HOTELS - Insight Guides: Pocket Scotland - Insight Guides

Insight Guides: Pocket Scotland - Insight Guides (2016)

RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Accommodation around Scotland covers a wide spectrum, from the basic B&B (bed-and-breakfast) to modern luxury hotels and ancient refurbished castles. VisitScotland (www.visitscotland.com) publishes many brochures and booklets detailing available accommodation, prices, facilities, etc.

Below you will find a selection of accommodation chosen for its quality and value for money. Prices are based on two people sharing a double room with breakfast in high season. Keep in mind that prices vary according to time of year and availability. All rooms have bath or shower and all establishments take major credit cards unless otherwise indicated. Edinburgh is extremely busy during the Edinburgh Festival (August), so book well in advance if you plan to visit the capital during that period.

££££ over £250

£££ £175-£250

££ £100-£175

£ below £100

EDINBURGH

The Balmoral ££££ 1 Princes St, EH2 2EQ, tel: 0131-556 2414, www.roccofortehotels.com. This grand hotel has long been a legend. In a commanding position at the east end of Princes Street, it has a distinguished

Channings Hotel ££ 12-16 South Learmouth Gardens, EH4 1EZ, tel: 0131-315 2226, www.channings.co.uk. This hotel, in a tranquil residential setting, suggests a Scottish country house. It has a notable restaurant, and is about five minutes by bus or car from the city centre. Also bar serving meals, and a sun-deck garden. 42 rooms.

The Glasshouse Hotel £££ 2 Greenside Place, EH1 3AA, tel: 0131-525 8200, www.theglasshousehotel.co.uk. Situated near the east end of Princes Street, this is a state-of-the-art building where the rooms surround a 2-acre (0.8-hectare) roof garden. The exterior rooms have splendid views to the New Town or across the Firth of Forth. The Observatory restaurant offers great views over Carlton Hill. 77 rooms.

G&V Royal Mile Hotel ££££ 1 George Bridge, EH1 1AD, tel: 0131-220 6666, www.quorvuscollection.com. Perfectly placed on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, this splendid luxurious boutique hotel certainly has the wow factor. Fabulous design and stunning use of bold textiles. 136 rooms.

Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge ££ 77 South Bridge EH1 1HN, tel: 0131-292 0000, www.ibis.com. Rising from the ashes of the Cowgate fire, this is not just another chain hotel. The decor is impeccable and the rooms have extremely comfortable beds Well located close to the Royal Mile. 259 rooms.

The Inn on the Mile ££ 82 High Street EH1 1LL, tel: 0131-556 9940, www.theinnonthemile.co.uk. You’ll find boutique-style bedrooms with attention to detail and comfort in this lovely old pub that’s just a short walk from the castle. You can even join the weekly quiz on a Monday evening. 9 rooms.

Waldorf Astoria - The Caledonian ££££ Princes Street, EH1 2AB, tel: 0131-222 8888, www.waldorfastoriaedinburgh.com. One of the city’s landmarks, this traditional luxury hotel is at the western end of bustling Princes Street, with views of Edinburgh Castle. Modern Scottish cuisine. Some rooms are adapted for disabled visitors. 241 rooms.

SOUTHEAST AND THE BORDERS

Burts Hotel ££ Market Square, Melrose, TD6 9PN, tel: 01896-822 285, www.burtshotel.co.uk. This family-run hotel is housed in a restored 1722 town house near the abbey. Rooms are airy and restful and the dining room serves good traditional Scottish food. Golf and fishing. 20 rooms.

Ednam House Hotel ££ Bridge Street, Kelso, TD5 7HT, tel: 01573-224168, www.ednamhouse.com. This large hotel on the River Tweed is housed in a mid-8th-century Georgian house; rooms have antiques and period furnishings. You can feast on good Scottish food while admiring the view of the river from the dining room. Golf and fishing, cycling paths and walks. 32 rooms.

Greywalls ££££ Duncur Road, Muirfield, Gullane, East Lothian, EH31 2EG, tel: 01620-842144, www.greywalls.co.uk. This attractive Edwardian house was designed by noted architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, with gardens laid out by Gertrude Jekyll. With fine views and an award-winning restaurant, it is a 40-minute drive from the centre of Edinburgh. On the edge of Muirfield championship golf course nearby. 23 rooms.

Hundalee House £ Jedburgh, TD8 6PA, tel: 01835-063011, email: sheila.whittaker@btinternet.com. This charming house is set in 15 acres (6 hectares) and perfect for touring the Borders region and just a mile from Jedburgh. You are guaranteed a warm welcome from the owners who have run this B&B for some 30 years. 4 rooms.

Knockinaam Lodge ££££ Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway, DG9 9AD, tel: 01776-810471, www.knockinaamlodge.com. Chic hunting-lodge-style Victorian hotel set in beautiful parkland. Fine sea views, excellent cuisine, fishing, superb walking. 10 luxury rooms.

GLASGOW

Angus Guest House £ 970 Sauchiehall Street, G3 7TH, tel: 0141-357 5155, www.angushotelglasgow.co.uk. Near Kelvingrove Park and the art galleries, this small, friendly hotel is a good budget option where the staff are very helpful. 18 rooms.

Carlton George £££ 44 West George Street, G2 1DH, tel: 0141-353 6373, www.carlton.nl/george. A modern, luxurious, state-of-the-art hotel in the heart of Glasgow. The Windows rooftop restaurant offers excellent Scottish cooking and great views. 64 rooms.

Grasshoppers Hotel ££ 87 Union Street, G1 3TA, tel: 0141-222 2666, www.grasshoppersglasgow.com. Penthouse rooms above an office building close to the historic Glasgow Central station give great city views. It’s surprisingly quiet here for its central location, and friendly staff and a wholesome breakfast make this a unique city experience. 30 rooms.

Malmaison ££ 278 West George Street, G2 4LL, tel: 0141-572 1000, www.malmaison.com. Modern and trendy with beautifully decorated rooms, this former Greek Orthodox church still manages to preserve its important historical character. Restaurant serving British and French influenced cuisine. 72 rooms.

Hotel du Vin & Bistro £££ 1 Devonshire Gardens, G12 0UX, tel: 0141-339 2001, www.hotelduvin.com. In a leafy district west of the centre, this luxury boutique hotel occupies a stunning Victorian terrace and offers beautifully decorated rooms and impeccable service. 49 rooms.

CENTRAL SCOTLAND

Apex City Quay Hotel and Spa £ 1 West Victoria Dock Road, Dundee, DD1 3JP, tel: 01382-202404, www.apexhotels.co.uk. Located in the heart of the new City Quay development and overlooking the River Tay, this striking hotel is stylish and contemporary. Good food, plus spa, sauna and treament rooms. 151 rooms.

The Caledonian ££ 10−14 Union Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1WE, tel: 0871-376 9003, www.thistle.com. Centrally located Victorian building with modern facilities and elegant public rooms; restaurant and café/wine bar. 83 rooms.

Dalmunzie Castle Hotel £££ Spittal o’ Glenshee, Blairgowrie, PH10 7QG, tel: 01250-885224, www.dalmunzie.com. A mountain laird’s mansion with splendid views, situated 18 miles (29km) north of Blairgowrie on the A93. Good home-cooking as well as fishing, golf and tennis. Conveniently located for the ski slopes. 17 rooms.

Easter Dunfallandy Country House ££ Pitlochry, PH16 5NA, tel: 01796-474031, www.dunfallandy.co.uk. Just 2 miles (3km) south of Pitlochry, this Georgian house overlooks the town and has stunning views of the Tummel Valley. Self-catering accommodation with use of kitchen, utility room, dining room and extensive gardens. 4 rooms.

The George Hotel £ Main Street East, Inveraray PA32 8TT, tel: 01499-302111, www.thegeorgehotel.co.uk. The George has been sensitively restored, with fine antiques and paintings a star feature. The pub part, with cocktail bar and conservatory restaurant, has stone floors and beamed ceilings. 17 rooms.

Kildrummy Castle Hotel ££ Kildrummy by Alford, Aberdeenshire, AB33 8RA, tel: 01975-571288. Victorian country house in baronial-castle style near the old castle ruins and Kildrummy Gardens. Fine dining. 16 rooms.

Killiecrankie House Hotel £££ Killiecrankie, Pitlochry, Perthshire, tel: 01796-473220, www.killiecrankiehotel.co.uk. This country-house hotel, in a scenic setting, is a good base for touring the area. Excellent meals cooked by an award-winning chef. 10 rooms.

The Old Course Hotel ££££ St Andrews, Fife KY16 9SP, tel: 01334-474371, www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk. Modern luxury hotel bordering the historic golf course with good restaurants, indoor swimming pool, health spa and beauty salon. 102 rooms and 32 suites.

The Park Lodge Hotel £ 32 Park Terrace, Stirling, FK8 2JS, tel: 01786-474862, www.parklodge.net. An elegant hotel in a part-Victorian, part-Georgian mansion overlooking the castle and park. Rooms are furnished with antiques, some four-poster beds. 9 rooms.

The Royal George Hotel ££ Tay Street, Perth, RH1 5LD, tel: 01738-624455, www.theroyalgeorgehotel.com. Beautifully located on the banks of the River Tay, The Royal George has been receiving visitors for over 230 years. Enjoy a traditional breakfast in the conservatory with fine views of the river. 45 rooms.

HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

The Arisaig Hotel ££ Main Road, Arisaig, Inverness-shire, PH39 4NH, tel: 01687-450210, www.arisaighotel.co.uk. Arisaig Hotel dates back to the Jacobite era, and was originally built as a coaching inn around 1720. The hotel looks across Arisaig Bay towards the Isles of Eigg and Muck. Varied menu. 13 rooms.

Bosville Hotel ££ Bosville Terrace, Portree, Skye, IV51 9DG, tel: 01478-612846, www.bosvillehotel.co.uk. Stylish accommodation with views of Portree Harbour and Cuillin Hills; outstanding bistro (for more information, click here). 15 rooms.

Craigmonie Hotel ££ 9 Annfield Road, Inverness, IV2 3HX, tel: 01463-231649, www.craigmoniehotelinverness.co.uk. Situated in the heart of Inverness with the feel of a country dwelling, Craigmonie offers luxurious leisure activities and a delicious à la carte menu. 40 rooms.

Culloden House Hotel ££££ Culloden, Inverness, IV1 7BZ, tel: 01463-790461, www.cullodenhouse.co.uk. Georgian house close to the site of the 1746 battle, and 3 miles (5km) east of Inverness on the A96. Bonnie Prince Charlie slept here before the battle. Extensive gardens and parkland; facilities include tennis, sauna and solarium. Restaurant. 28 rooms.

Inverlochy Castle ££££ Torlundy, Fort William, PH33 6SN, tel: 01397-702177, www.inverlochycastlehotel.com. Luxury Victorian castle 3 miles (5km) northeast of Fort William on A82. Set in 50 acres (20 hectares) of woodland with splendid views of the loch and mountains. Fine cuisine, fishing, and boat trips on the loch. 17 rooms.

Kinloch Lodge ££££ Sleat, Skye, IV43 8QY, tel: 01471-833333, www.kinloch-lodge.co.uk. This is the home of the chief of Clan Macdonald and his wife, who is a notable cook and cookbook author. The manor has been expanded from a 1680 hunting lodge and contains family portraits and possessions. The wonderful food is based on traditional Scottish cuisine made with local ingredients. 15 rooms.

The Moorings Hotel ££ Banavie, Fort William, PH33 7LY, tel: 01397-772797, www.moorings-fortwilliam.co.uk. By the Caledonian Canal, the hotel has views of Ben Nevis. The pleasant bedrooms are nicely decorated. Award-winning restaurant. 27 rooms.

Scarista House £££ Isle of Harris, Western Isles, HS3 3HX, tel: 01859-550238, www.scaristahouse.com. This Georgian manse is set in a remote area overlooking a beach - perfect for getting away from it all. It has an outstanding restaurant. 6 rooms.

Summer Isles Hotel ££ Achiltibuie, Ross-shire, IV26 2YG, tel: 01854-622282, www.summerisleshotel.com. Open Easter-October. Over the years the hotel has established itself as an oasis of civilisation hidden away in a stunningly beautiful, but still wild and untouched landscape. Nearly everything you eat here is home produced or locally caught. 7 rooms, 2 suites and a cottage.

Tiroran House £££ Mull, PA69 6ES (off the road to Iona on the B8035), tel: 01681-705232, www.tiroran.com. This lovely country house is set in beautiful grounds with spacious lawns and gardens on the shore of Loch Scridain. Its public rooms and comfortable bedrooms are more like those in a home than a hotel. Good food is served in an elegant setting. Telephone for directions before you go or you’ll run the risk of getting lost. 10 rooms plus self-catering cottages.

Western Isles Hotel ££ Tobermory, Mull, PA75 6PR, tel: 01688-302012, www.westernisleshotel.co.uk. A welcoming atmosphere greets the visitor to this traditional hotel that has spectacular views over the Sound of Mull and Tobermory Bay. The food is excellent and served in the formal dining room or charming conservatory. 26 rooms.