Where to Stay in Scotland (A Local’s Guide)

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I’m a Scot who can help you figure out exactly where to stay in Scotland.

Personally, Glasgow is my favourite area as it has no shortage of museums, bars, and festivals to keep visitors busy. The historic voco Grand Central is the best option here, both for its central location and ample amenities.

But if it’s your first time, you probably have your sights set on Edinburgh, which has notable attractions like the National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle. The Witchery by the Castle is unmatched in terms of opulence – travellers who splurge on a stay here are in for a treat.

However, these two cities barely scratch the surface. To help you choose the best place for you, I’ve looked at the top hotels, attractions, restaurants, and bars in towns and cities around the country. 

To begin, let’s look at a summary of the best hotels.

Best Places to Stay in Scotland

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Scotland? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel (in the Highlands) – Fonab Castle Hotel
• 🗺️ Best Location (Glasgow) – voco Grand Central
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel (Glasgow) – One Devonshire Gardens a Hotel Du Vin
• 🛎️ Best Boutique (Edinburgh) – The Witchery by the Castle
• 🏞️ Best Near Loch Ness (near Inverness) – Loch Ness Lodge
• ⛳ Best Golf Hotel (St Andrews) – Old Course Hotel
• 🛏️ Best Budget (Near Dunfermline) – Coorie

Next, we’ll explore the pros and cons of basing yourself in each of the best cities, towns, and areas in Scotland: 

15 Best Cities, Towns & Areas to Stay in Scotland

Scotland is divided into three large areas. The Highlands and Islands lie to the north and west of the country. From coast to coast across the middle of Scotland is the central belt. This is where Edinburgh and Glasgow are located. To the south is the Borders region. 

Glasgow

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Glasgow Hotels: voco Grand Central • One Devonshire Gardens a Hotel Du Vin • Dakota Glasgow

I might be biased as a Glaswegian native, but I fully believe Glasgow is one of the most interesting cities in the world.

If you choose to stay here, I highly recommend staying at the notable hotel voco Grand Central in the footsteps of previous guests John F. Kennedy and Frank Sinatra. There are things to do for all types of travellers, from museums to bars, parks to festivals, and more.

The city has a thriving events scene and is world-renowned for its live music venues, particularly King Tut’s and the Barrowlands Ballroom. Underneath the Barrowlands is the Barras Market, where you can find a huge arts, crafts, odds and ends sale every weekend. 

Glasgow also has a bunch of parks to explore, including the Botanic Gardens and Pollok Country Park. The latter is home to a flock of hairy highland cows. Alternatively, gothic types should head to the historic Glasgow Necropolis cemetery and the nearby Glasgow Cathedral. 

You can make it a luxury break by staying at  One Devonshire Gardens and enjoying their spa facilities in the heart of the city centre.

Pros of Staying in Glasgow:

• A lively city with lots of events throughout the year
• Lots of great restaurants and bars
• Easy to get around by public transport

Cons of Staying in Glasgow:

• Fewer tourist attractions than in Edinburgh

Edinburgh

👉 Best Area For First Timers | ✨ Best Edinburgh Hotels: The Scotsman Hotel • The Witchery by the Castle • The Raeburn

Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh is one of the best places to stay in the country. It’s packed with history, home to the world’s biggest culture festival (the annual Fringe), and is a hotspot for trendy cuisine. 

First-timers shouldn’t miss Edinburgh Castle and horror fans will love a ghost tour in the Edinburgh Dungeon. Near the castle, you’ll find the gothic Witchery by the Castle, with opulent hotel rooms and an air of mystery. 

The Old Town is one of the best areas to stay. Here, you’ll find the famous Royal Mile between the castle and the Scottish Parliament. It’s also the neighbourhood of The Scotsman Hotel, a stunning former newspaper building dating from 1905.

Hillwalkers have plenty of options. Choose between Calton Hill, with its Parthenon-inspired National Monument, the ancient volcano Arthur’s Seat, or the nearby Pentland Hills. 

Pros of Staying in Edinburgh:

• Full of beautiful, historic buildings and attractions
• Home to thousands of comedy and performing arts shows every August
• Access to parks with iconic viewpoints

Cons of Staying in Edinburgh:

• Accommodation can be pricey, especially in August 
• Attractions are often crowded with tourists 

Inverness

👉 Best Area For Nessie Spotters | ✨ Best Inverness Hotels: Kingsmills Hotel • Blackfriars • Redcliffe Hotel

Inverness is a smaller but beautiful city, and it’s the perfect spot to stay while exploring the Highlands — especially Loch Ness with its famous monster. 

Only a 20-minute drive to the east, you can explore Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last pitched battle in Britain, and the 4,000-year-old burial place, Clava Cairns. Within the city itself, visit Inverness Castle, recently reopened after an extensive renovation, before a drink at the unforgettable Johnny Foxes.

Despite being close to the city centre, the 4-star Kingsmills Hotelfeels like an oasis, complete with relaxing spa facilities. 

Blackfriars is right in the heart of the city, making it easy to carry back a book haul from Leakey’s Bookshop, Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshop.

Pros of Staying in Inverness:

• The starting point for many tours of Loch Ness
• Small and walkable city
• Charming streets

Cons of Staying in Inverness:

• Distant from international airports
• Fewer restaurant and bar options

Dundee

👉 Best Area For Museums and Galleries | ✨ Best Dundee Hotels: The Clarendon • Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa • Fishermans Tavern

Dundee is an often overlooked city for tourists, but it’s undergoing a major cultural regeneration which makes it well worth a stay. Museum lovers will be spoilt for choice in Dundee. 

The landmark V&A design museum is an unmistakable marvel on the waterfront, and Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa is a stone’s throw away. Next to the V&A, you can find Discovery Point, which hosts a ship from 1901 and Antarctic expedition artefact collections. McManus Galleries is the place for archaeological and art exhibitions.

For a view over the whole city, climb Dundee Law, a volcanic peak used as both a prehistoric graveyard and an Iron Age hillfort. 

On the shores of the River Tay is the trendy area of Broughty Ferry, with plenty of bars and restaurants to try out. When on the Ferry, stay at the charm-filled Fishermans Tavern, which is within walking distance of Broughty Castle Museum and the beach.

Pros of Staying in Dundee:

• Booming cultural scene through a major regeneration project
• Accommodation is affordable
• Close to many top-quality golf courses

Cons of Staying in Dundee:

• The city has no international airport 

Stirling

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Stirling Hotels: Fletcher’s Restaurant Bar & Rooms • Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston’s Inns • Stirling Highland Hotel

Stirling is a city with a lot of interactive history that kids and adults can enjoy. 

Stirling Castle has been restored to 16th-century conditions and gives an idea of what life was like way back then. For a more immersive experience, visit the Battle of Bannockburn experience, which uses 3D technology to re-enact warfare. 

Both Fletcher’s Restaurant Bar & Rooms and Stirling Highland Hotel are within walking distance of the castle and have facades grand enough for royalty. 

Just on the outskirts of the city, the National Wallace Monument dominates the landscape. This 220-foot tower contains the two-handed sword of the warrior William Wallace. Climb the stairs to see the valleys where he fought the English. 

Animal lovers will also enjoy a drive around Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park to see the lions, tigers, and other exotic animals that roam the grounds. 

Pros of Staying in Stirling:

• Picturesque streets and views of the countryside
• Frequent train services to Glasgow and Edinburgh
• Home to the National Wallace Monument, one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks

Cons of Staying in Stirling:

• Some attractions are only easily accessible by car
• Tourist spots can be crowded

St Andrews

👉 Best Area For Golfers | ✨ Best St Andrews Hotels: Old Course Hotel • Rooms at the Saint • The Albany

St Andrews is the home of golf. The Old Course is the oldest golf course in the world, and it has an accompanying Old Course Hotel with views over the greens.

It is still possible to play on the public course, but it’s costly and tricky to secure. Alternatively, tee off from 9 other golf courses and take a guided tour of the Old Course’s first and last holes. 

Outside of golfing, explore the beautiful seaside ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle. You can also stroll down West Sands Beach and take a dip in the North Sea if you’re brave enough. St Andrews Aquarium and its mob of meerkats make for an exciting day out.

If you don’t want golf courses right on your doorstep, Rooms at the Saint offer charming accommodation in the town itself. 

Pros of Staying in St Andrews:

• Unparalleled golfing
• Beautiful coastal views
• Full of history

Cons of Staying in St Andrews:

• Accommodation can be pricey
• Not directly accessible by train

Dunfermline

👉 Best Area For Royal History | ✨ Best Dunfermline Hotels: Auld Mill House Hotel • Garvock House Hotel • Pitbauchlie House Hotel

Dunfermline was once the ancient capital of Scotland, although you wouldn’t guess it based on the city’s size. 

This charming city packs a lot of historical punch, which you can see with a visit to Dunfermline Abbey and Palace. Under the rebuilt medieval abbey lie the remains of many of Scotland’s kings and queens, including the legendary Robert the Bruce. Even the hotels are old, with Auld Mill House Hotel dating back 250 years.

Garvock House Hotel is within easy walking distance of the Abbey and offers some quality peace and quiet in a historic country house. 

The 19th-century industrialist Andrew Carnegie was born in Dunfermline, and you can explore his impact on the city and the wider world at the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum.

Pros of Staying in Dunfermline:

• Easy to reach Edinburgh
• Accommodation is more affordable
• Explorable on foot

Cons of Staying in Dunfermline:

• There are limited tourist attractions
• Hotels can be basic 

Oban

👉 Best Area For Seafood | ✨ Best Oban Hotels: The Manor House Hotel • The Perle Oban Hotel and Spa • No17 The Promenade

If you’re a connoisseur of seafood, Oban is the town for you. This popular spot on the coast has some of the freshest fish available. Go to EE-USK and Oban Seafood Hut to savour your meals. You can water that down with a drink at Oban Distillery, which offers tours and whisky tastings. 

While on the waterfront, I would recommend staying at No17 The Promenade, which has beautiful and characterful rooms as well as an outdoor terrace for good weather days. 

For a view over Oban Bay and out towards the Hebrides archipelago, climb McCaig’s Tower and Battery Hill and enjoy the tranquillity of the inner garden. Or stay at The Manor House Hoteland enjoy views from their terrace.

Pros of Staying in Oban:

• Fresh and delicious seafood
• Acts as a launch pad for some island-hopping
• Peaceful town with breathtaking scenery

Cons of Staying in Oban:

• Poor weather may make travel more difficult 
• Limited dining options

Skye

👉 Best Area For Water Sports | ✨ Best Skye Hotels: Edinbane Lodge • Bracken Hide Hotel • Greshornish House Hotel

The Isle of Skye is the most accessible Scottish island, with a land bridge connecting it to the mainland, making it the perfect spot for a road trip. 

Feel at home in nature by staying in a cabin with views of the hillside at Bracken Hide Hotel, which also offers sauna facilities. 

Combine history with nature with a trip to Dunvegan Castle. It’s the oldest continually inhabited castle in Scotland nearby to a seal colony on the shores of Loch Dunvegan. Around the island, you can try sea kayaking, coasteering, paddle boarding and more adventure sports. 

Hikers will enjoy the trails around Edinbane Lodge. For some more top-class hillwalking, head to the Cuillins mountain range, Sligachan Waterfalls, and the Fairy Glen. Even on the dullest of days, the landscapes are dazzling. 

Pros of Staying in Skye:

• Easily accessible by car
• Plenty of adventure sports on offer
• Rugged landscapes

Cons of Staying in Skye:

• You’ll need a car to get around
• Extreme weather can impact on sightseeing

Shetland

👉 Best Area For Viking Heritage | ✨ Best Shetland Islands Hotels: St Magnus Bay Hotel • Scalloway Hotel • The Brae Hotel

The archipelago of the Shetland Islands is small and remote – the most northern part of the UK. That remoteness has led to a distinct Shetlandic culture, with strong Norse traditions dating back to the Viking invasions in the Middle Ages. 

These traditions are best experienced in January through March when the Up Helly Aa fire festivals are held. Locals march in torchlight processions wearing costumes to burn an imitation Viking galley and mark the end of Yule. 

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland, if not the world, can be found in the Shetland Islands. St Ninian’s Isle is connected to the mainland of Shetland by only a thin stretch of sandy beach. It is remarkably untouched and beautiful. 

Only a 25-minute drive from this beach you can find Scalloway Hotel, which boasts impressive seaside views. Arguably just as stunning landscapes can be seen from the  St Magnus Bay Hotel – you can’t lose!

No trip to the Shetland Islands is complete without a trip to the Island Larder, a local business that makes traditional fudge and marshmallows by hand. 

Pros of Staying in the Shetland Islands:

• Strong local traditions
• Incredible wild landscapes 
• Locals have a unique cultural identity 

Cons of Staying in the Shetland Islands:

• Travel is trickier due to the remoteness of the islands
• Hotel options can be limited

Orkney

👉 Best Area For Prehistoric Ruins | ✨ Best Orkney Hotels: The Sands Hotel • The Kirkwall Hotel • Lindisfarne Bed and Breakfast

The Orkney Islands lie just north of the UK’s most northerly spot on the mainland. The archipelago of 70 islands is accessible by plane or ferry and contains some of the most incredible prehistoric ruins in Scotland. 

UNESCO has declared the Neolithic ruins in Orkney as a World Heritage Site, and it’s not hard to see why. The settlement of Skara Brae dates back 5,000 years, and the nine intact buildings were only rediscovered after a storm in 1850. 

During the three weeks before and after the winter solstice, the light of the setting sun illuminates the inside of Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, a tomb built with gigantic sandstone slabs. Close by, you can find the Stones of Stenness, 4 upright stones up to 20 feet tall, which were originally part of an ancient circle. Both are within easy driving distance of Lindisfarne Bed and Breakfast.

The final ruin of the site is the Ring of Brodgar, which has 36 standing stones and 13 prehistoric burial mounds. 

The beachfront Sands Hotel lies closer to a more recent historical landmark – a beautiful chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during World War 2. 

Pros of Staying in Orkney:

• Unparalleled prehistoric ruins
• Breathtaking landscapes
• Plenty of sailing opportunities 

Cons of Staying in Orkney:

• Difficult to reach
• Food and drink options are limited

Aberdeen

👉 Best Area For Dolphin Spotting | ✨ Best Aberdeen Hotels: Atholl Hotel • Ferryhill House Hotel • The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa

Aberdeen is known as the “Granite City” due to the materials used to make many of the city’s grey buildings. 

Despite this, there are many architectural gems including St Machar’s Cathedral and the University of Aberdeen’s King’s College campus. Atholl Hotel sticks with the grey theme, and its turrets make it a characterful place to stay. 

For a bit of greenery, make sure to visit Duthie Park and the extensive winter gardens – one of the largest indoor gardens in Europe! Cultural types will appreciate a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery. This impressive gallery contains Scottish artwork from the 18th to 20th centuries, and the building itself is a work of art. 

Aberdeen sits on the shore of the North Sea, making it easy to catch a boat ride out to watch dolphins hunt or simply walk to Torry Battery for some sealife spotting.

Pros of Staying in Aberdeen:

• Accommodation is affordable 
• Has a very active alternative nightlife scene 
• Surrounded by golf courses for keen players

Cons of Staying in Aberdeen:

• Much of the architecture is grey
• Distant from other Scottish cities

Arran

👉 Best Area For Hikers | ✨ Best Arran Hotels: The Douglas Hotel • The Corrie Hotel • Kinloch Hotel

The Isle of Arran is a dream for outdoors enthusiasts. Hikers will love the 65-mile-long Arran Coastal Way, which follows the stunning coastline all around the island. It takes around a week to walk if you’re not too distracted by side trails and other attractions. 

For a shorter but still challenging walk, climb up to Goatfell, the tallest point on the island. The views here are spectacular. Rooms at The Douglas Hotel have views of Goatfell, to be enjoyed with a glass of some local malt whisky. Goatfell also towers over The Corrie Hotel on the coast.

Fans of Jurassic Park should visit the Dinosaur Footprint, made by a giant reptile 240 million years ago when Europe and North America were still attached. 

Pros of Staying in Arran:

• Stunning geographical diversity 
• Home of renowned local whisky
• Well-established paths for hikers

Cons of Staying in Arran:

• The ferry to Arran can be unreliable in bad weather
• Smaller roads are sometimes in poor condition 

Dumfries

👉 Best Area For Book Readers | ✨ Best Dumfries Hotels: Cairndale Hotel • Caledonian Hotel • Holiday Inn Dumfries

Peter Pan fans shouldn’t miss a trip to the town of Dumfries, where JM Barrie first thought of the boy who never grew up. There’s a centre for children’s literature at Moat Brae, and Robert Burns House showcases the place where Scotland’s national poet wrote some of his best poetry.

The town is relatively small and Cairndale Hotel is right in the centre. The hotel also hosts cabaret nights, meaning you don’t even have to venture out of the front door to be entertained.

If you’re travelling to the town by train Caledonian Hotel is also a good option, as it’s very conveniently located near the train station.

Just outside of Dumfries lie a number of significant historical landmarks. Caerlaverock Castle is the only triangular castle in the UK and comes complete with a surrounding moat. The castle dates back to the 13th century and still bears signs of sieges over the centuries. 

Sweetheart Abbey was founded around the same time by Lady Dervorguilla in tribute to her husband, John Balliol. Their son went on to become King John I of Scotland. 

Even more historical is the Holy Chambered Cairn, the site of two tombs dating back 2,400 years.

Pros of Staying in Dumfries:

• Frequent trains from Glasgow
• Close to beach towns in southern Scotland 
• Charming historic architecture 

Cons of Staying in Dumfries:

• There are fewer hotel options
• You’ll need a rental car to explore more of southern Scotland

Aviemore

👉 Best Area For Skiers | ✨ Best Aviemore Hotels: High Range Lodge Hotel • Cairngorm Hotel • The Balavoulin

Aviemore is one of the best bases for skiers in Scotland. The town of Aviemore is within the Cairngorms National Park, close to ski trails on the Cairngorm Mountain. The Cairngorm Hotel is on Aviemore’s main street, making it easy to walk to from the train station.

In summer, Rothiemurchus Estate is a serene spot for some wilderness exploring – you may even be able to spot an elusive red squirrel. The High Range Lodge Hotel is within walking distance of the estate, so the hikes can start right from the front door. 

Options for some adventure activities include quad biking, pony trekking, rope-swinging, and fishing. 

Pros of Staying in Aviemore:

• A range of year-round adventure activities on offer
• Strategic base to explore the Highlands
• On the train network

Cons of Staying in Aviemore:

• The ski season is increasingly restricted and unpredictable 
• You’ll need a car to get to all the best hiking trails

Tips for Staying in Scotland

Check public transport before traveling 

Scotland has a well-established network of trains and bus services between cities and towns, but there are often delays. Check services are running before travelling and be aware that there are fewer trains running on Sundays and holidays. This is one of my top tips for visiting Scotland.

📚 Related Reading: Driving in Scotland

Bring cash and cards

More and more shops, restaurants, and bars in Scotland are switching to card-only payments, but some businesses just accept cash. To be on the safe side, bring both!

Try the food!

Scottish food might not have the best reputation internationally but it’s seriously underrated. If haggis is a bit intimidating, why not try classic steak pies? For a sweet treat, you can’t beat some locally-made tablet. Be open and give it a try! Mocking the local food is a faux pas you should avoid in Scotland.

Consider staying in hotels in rural areas

Many remote and rural places in Scotland are struggling with depopulation and rising housing costs. Tourist accommodation rentals are contributing to the shortage of housing. Instead, consider staying in hotels to help the local economy.

And of course, prepare for the weather

Scotland’s weather is infamously rainy, but can also sometimes be snowy, windy, and very rarely sunny. It’s best to add waterproof layers, a good jacket, and an umbrella to your Scotland packing list.

Want More? Listen to My Scotland Podcast Episode!

If you liked this post, you’ll love my Scotland episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Scotland”). 

I talk about where to stay in Scotland at minute mark 14:14. Here are the hotels we mention in the episode:

• voco Grand Central
• The Scotsman Hotel
• Kingsmills Hotel

The host, Laura, and I also discussed my ideal 7-10 day itinerary for Scotland (05:40), festivals & cultural events (46:17), travel tips and etiquette (41:50), why more people should visit Scotland (02:21) and all the other common questions about travel to Scotland.

Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Scotland.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Scotland

What are the best areas to stay in Scotland for first-timers?

Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness are some of the best places to stay in Scotland for first-timers. Edinburgh is a tourist hub for its castle, comedy festival, and other exciting things to see. Glasgow has a cool factor, with a thriving music scene and busy nightlife. Inverness is a picturesque city, close to Loch Ness and other beautiful landscapes in the Highlands. 

What are safe areas to stay in Scotland?

There are many safe areas to stay in Scotland, and crime rates are generally low. Rural communities in particular are welcoming to visitors. Pickpockets do exist in cities so be aware of your surroundings. The emergency phone number is 999. For more info, see my Scotland safety guide.

What are the best parts of Scotland to stay in for a long stay? 

Edinburgh is one of the best parts of Scotland for a long stay, with plenty of attractions to see and events throughout the year. As a major city, there are also lots of accommodation options. Many tourists decide to stay longer during the Fringe festival in August, although prices rise significantly during summer. 

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I hope this guide has helped you decide where to stay in Scotland! This country has lots of variety, so I’m certain you’ll want to come back to explore more of it on return trips. Next up, see my perfectly planned 10-day Scotland itinerary.