With wild hills, sprawling greens, beautiful lochs, and the dramatic coast and sea, Scotland is second to none when it comes to natural beauty. Add to that vibrant cities and towns, historical monuments, and delicious cuisine, and you get a heady mix that makes it an excellent romantic destination. Furthermore, you have no dearth of options when it comes to choosing the country’s most romantic hotels. The most romantic hotels in Scotland range from castles-turned-into-hotels to manor homes and country house hotels. Whether your idea of a romantic sojourn is outrageous opulence or snug seduction, Scotland’s hotels have you covered. However, one thing that they all promise is serenity, privacy, and long lie-ins with your significant other in your arms. The best bit is that some of these romantic love nests lie in isolation, surrounded by the stunning views of the uninhabited countryside.
What’s more, there’s so much to see and do around Scotland, especially if you want to step out of your cozy nest for a few hours. If you’re here during winter, don’t miss the Up Hella Aa that celebrates Scotland’s Viking past and is one of the world’s most amazing Annual World Festivals Worth The Trip. Aside from Edinburgh Castle, the country is also famous for the widely-recognized Eilean Donan Castle, which is one of Europe’s Most Famous Castles. And if you’re a lover of everything wild about the sea, then check out Old Man Of Hoy, which is amongst the World’s Most Spectacular Sea Stacks. After exploring all these, romantic hotels with soothing spas, hot tubs, sumptuous décor, and secluded settings sound just like what you need. So, leave your heart in the Highlands by staying at one of these 11 most romantic hotels in Scotland.
Where to Stay in Scotland?
With centuries-old structures, country houses, and castles at every turn, there is no dearth of uniquely romantic places to stay in Scotland. If you’re able to visit just one city in the country, make it Edinburgh. The country’s capital is home to excellent cultural events, such as the important art festival of Edinburgh Fringe. And, of course, the city is home to the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, one of the World’s Largest Castles. Secondly, there’s the gorgeous Glasgow, which has transformed into a major European cultural center. It’s also where lies George Square, one of Europe’s Most Beautiful Squares. What’s more, it’s an excellent city to explore on foot since it has so many lovely green parks. Additionally, you’ll also find festivals, art galleries, and museums.
The pinnacle of Scotland’s beauty is the majestic Scottish Highlands, and smaller yet charming cities such as Inverness and Aberdeen are great bases for exploring it. The garden city of Inverness lies on Scotland’s rugged east coast and is closest to the incredible Loch Ness. Legendary for being home to Nessie, the famed Loch Ness Monster, the lake is also known for the stunning ruins of Urquhart Castle. Equally attractive is the North Sea port city of Aberdeen, which is also a delight to explore on foot. Culture enthusiasts will also love the quaint coastal Dornoch, which has a cathedral and old castle ruins.
Finally, outdoor enthusiasts should definitely stop by Aviemore, which is a popular outdoors destination in both summers and winters. During summers, you can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and fishing, while winters turn this place into a ski destination.
Ardanaiseig
11
Tucked on the banks of Loch Awe in Western Scotland is Ardanaiseig Hotel, one of the most romantic hotels in Scotland. The hotel is set in a 19th-century country house in complete seclusion and is the perfect romantic hideaway to get away from the world. Discerning couples will love the place, which is peppered with unique pieces from the owner’s personal collection. For instance, two golden thrones and an intricate wood-inlay piano sit in the capacious chaise longue. Moreover, the walls feature oil paintings with a twist (check them out yourself) and are painted in a vibrant array of hues. While there’s no spa, there are motorboats that you can rent and take out on the loch – just the two of you. If you’re here in spring, take long walks along the winding pathways surrounded by blossoms and verdant greenery.
The restaurant serves excellent meals, but don’t miss trying out the dark chocolate pot with beetroot jam – it’s truly sensual. The eccentric design continues into the rooms, which feature hand-picked antique furniture and vibrant walls. Aside from the oh-so-comfiness of the beds, they also see the turndown service tuck hot water bottles between the sheets. Deep-soaking bathtubs right in the middle of blue-walled bathrooms are the perfect place to unwind with a bubble bath for two.
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Isle of Eriska Hotel
10
Exclusive living doesn’t get any better than Isle of Eriska Hotel, which is poised between loch and land at Loch Creran. The 19th-century Scottish baronial mansion-hotel is set on a private island off Scotland’s central-western coast. Surrounded by glorious west highland scenery, it’s accessible only via a bridge and is one of the most glorious love nests in the country. The entire hotel radiates Victorian-era opulence with fireplaces, deep sofas, oak-paneled walls, and piles of wellingtons. There are a ton of activities on offer, right from clay pigeon shooting to putting. What’s more, concierges can arrange cozy boat trips from the private pier. After a day of traipsing around, a massage at the acclaimed ESPA spa sounds just perfect. The best bit is that it even has a swimming pool for a refreshing and romantic dip.
Foodie couples will love the four-course lunch and dinner menus that change every day, all paired with cheese trolleys and matching wines. All rooms and suites exude comfort and a countryside lifestyle. They’re decked out in soft, neutral hues and feature chic bathrooms with Molton Brown toiletries. For the ultimate romantic stay, go for the hilltop reserves with hot tubs on open decks or spa suites with outdoor hot tubs in private gardens!.
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The Torridon
9
Right in the very heart of the Scottish Highlands sits one of the most romantic hotels in Scotland, The Torridon. The captivating country house enjoys one of the most beautiful coastal settings in the country, with the Upper Loch Torridon and mountains all around. The forest-shrouded 19th-century hotel is perfect for couples who enjoy solitude and serenity and effortlessly melds original features with mod-cons. Service is as attentive and unobtrusive as it’s informal and friendly, and there is a litany of amenities. The cozy bar, for instance, is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet nightcap with your partner. During the day, active couples will love the activities such as kayaking, archery, and even mountain biking. If you like relaxing, amble along the shorelines of the loch and spot local fauna such as herons and otters.
What discerning couples will love is that the on-site restaurant emphasizes ever-changing menus with produce right from their very farms and gardens. With just 18 rooms and suites, staying here is as exclusive as an intimate experience. The best of them all is the loch-facing rooms that have huge ceilings and Victorian oil paintings that inspire amour. Nevertheless, all rooms are plush sofas, Cowshed bath products, and standalone bathtubs for unwinding with your partner, champagne in hand. Do you want to splurge? The Torridon Suite has a marble bathroom with a double bath.
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Prestonfield House
8
Do you want to stay in seclusion and yet near civilization? Welcome to Prestonfield House, a swoon-worthy country house hidden in verdant grounds just a short drive from Edinburgh’s city center. So, all the Top Things To Do In Edinburgh are less than 10 minutes away. Rooms at Prestonfield have been described to inspire “bodice-ripping” romance, so if you’re planning a second honeymoon, then this is where you should be. Think shades of ebony, old gold, and wine-dark velvet, oil paintings, and silks and brocades. Romantically dim lighting adds to the mood, as do the plump beds. Hopelessly-in-love couples will fall in love with the Owner’s Suite, which has a deep silver chariot bath.
The rest of the hotel is impressive as well, right from the golf course and croquet space to the lush gardens. Food and drink is a particularly decadent affair here, for you have two lounges to choose from to enjoy a drink. Afternoon teas are a thing here, while the main restaurant has a wine list of whopping 800 bottles. The real glory, though, is the breakfast, where you can enjoy a Scottish fry-up with a buttery croissant. It’s no wonder that Prestonfield is considered one of the Best Hotels in Edinburgh too.
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Inverlochy Castle
7
In 1873, Queen Victoria mentioned that she’d never seen a spot more romantic or lovelier than Inverlochy Castle, and it remains true to this date. This castle-hotel is one of the most romantic hotels in Scotland and lies in a place of quiet beauty at the foothills of Ben Nevis surrounded by highland peaks. The castle might be 19th-century, but its style is innately modern; think Bang & Olufsen appliances and waterfall showers. It all melds beautifully with polished wood, sparkling crystal, French Empire-style ceiling frescoes, Venetian chandeliers, et al. Since these are the Scottish Highlands, after all, outdoor activities are dime-a-dozen, and adventurous couples will have a ball. You can indulge in everything from hill-walking and mountain biking to a wildlife photo tour and whitewater rafting.
Do you want to unwind at the hotel? Read a book by the drawing-room fire or sip whisky while playing billiards. The Great Hall with a fireplace is where lunches, afternoon teas, and hearty dinner spreads happen. With just 17 rooms, including three suites, the stay here is intimate to the highest level. What’s more, they’re all impeccably kept and traditionally furnished. The bathrooms are particularly lavish with Penhaligon toiletries and deep baths. Order champagne from the 24-hour room service and enjoy a glass of bubbly in a bubble with your beloved.
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Cromlix
6
You’d be forgiven for thinking that you’ve just arrived at Hogwarts when you set foot on the grounds of Cromlix, a hotel that radiates romance from every stone and brick that it’s made up of. The dreamy hotel is set on acres of grounds and woodlands and even has its own loch! Every inch of the hotel recaptures the romance and glamour of grand country house living, including its accommodations. There are just 15 rooms here, which speak to the height of personable service. All of them are as inviting as they’re grand and come with televisions disguised as mirrors, befitting a luxe hotel. Bathrooms are particularly romantic, with freestanding and deep-soaking tubs sitting right next to windows with sunlight pouring in. Topping it off are Penhaligon products in the bathrooms.
The rest of the hotel is nothing less than the decadent lifestyle that the Lairds of Cromlix once enjoyed but brought into the 21st century. Begin your day with a freshly prepared full Scottish breakfast, accompanied by local smoked salmon. If you want to lie in, the staff will even bring it to your rooms! Enjoy afternoon tea with your partner after a day of enjoying on-site activities such as falconry and archery. Don’t miss booking an in-room couples spa treatment with your love.
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Nira Caledonia
5
Couples looking for sensuous luxury will love Nira Caledonia, one of the sexiest romantic hotels in Scotland. Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, the hotel is perfect for couples who intend to enjoy a very unique staycation. For instance, it has Romance Packages that include champagne on ice and romantic turndown service with chocolate-covered strawberries, candles, and rose petals! Go for the most luxurious Jacuzzi Suites, which have a special Valentine’s package with an aphrodisiac tasting menu. Think couple’s massages paired with whiskey or wine. The showstopper is the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’-like goody bag that comes with every room and has a plethora of kinky curios. Think fluffy handcuffs, blindfolds, masks, feather ticklers, and a spanking ruler! Phew!
The rest of the hedonistic hotel exudes the same pleasurable aesthetic. Set in two gorgeous Georgian townhouses, the hotel offers a litany of unusual amenities such as breakfast in bed and private charters. Dig into delicious Scottish and international meals at the in-house restaurant. Above all, breakfast is the nicest affair with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, black pudding, and more. If you’re tired from last night’s amorous activities, they’ll even bring it to you in bed.
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Hotel Dakota
4
Lovers of modern minimalism will love Hotel Dakota in Glasgow. The luxurious hotel is frequently featured on lists of the best places to stay in Scotland due to the relaxed mood lighting and design-led interiors. Even standard, entry-level rooms feel like you’ve stepped into absolute luxury. Rooms are all decked out in soothing grey hues, but the best of them all is the suites that come with free minibars, plush robes, and slippers. Monsoon showers and bathtubs add to the romantic ambiance, as do the different couple packages that the hotel offers. Plus, the beds are so plush and cloud-like that you’ll feel like lying in them in your partner’s arms all day long.
The rest of the hotel is equally indulgent, especially the seductively lit bar that’s the perfect place for a pre-dinner aperitif. Begin your day with a full continental breakfast that includes hot dishes such as crushed avocado with poached egg and smoked haddock. Bibliophiles will love the private library lounge, while couples can go for in-room massages. For those couples who want to explore the city, the concierge is extremely knowledgeable about the sounds and sights of the city.
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The Witchery by the Castle
3
Located right on the Royal Mile, The Witchery by the Castle is one of the most gothic-like romantic hotels in Scotland. Just like the enchanting city that it lies in, this hotel, which sits right next to Edinburgh Castle, exudes a mysterious yet historic and romantic vibe. The gothic glamour is evident at every turn, especially in the nine indulgent suites. Each of them has its own persona, but they all have flamboyant gold and red decor, velvet-lined walls, huge four-poster beds, and gothic touches. Alone time is the sole focus here, so the hotel even serves an indulgent breakfast hamper in your room each morning. And candlelit suppers go on late into the night, with the action shooting to the bathtub in the low-lit bathrooms at night.
The service in the rest of the hotel is just like the digs – perfect. Service is efficient and virtually invisible, complete with a bottle of champagne on ice waiting when you arrive. The Witchery restaurant indulges meals as well as whatever you fancy to take back with you to your suite. Not only is there afternoon tea, but also the other restaurant with its arched French windows that overlook a hidden terrace make for a great romantic spot to spend time on a summer evening.
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The Dunstane Houses
2
Can you possibly find the heights of romance in the middle of a bustling city? At The Dunstane Houses, you certainly can. Located close to Haymarket and Edinburgh, this utterly romantic hotel that sits in two Victorian villas drips with amorous charm. The piece de resistance in the larger rooms here is the extremely Instagrammable copper rolltop feature baths which sit right in the room next to the huge bay window. Four-poster beds, oversized sofas, Scottish tea and coffee, minibars, and Nespresso machines are the epitome of luxury. Moreover, they’re the perfect concoction for a romantic staycation in the city.
There’s a lot more to like about this Victorian mini-mansion. Ride in a vintage Rolls Royce or Daimler from the airport or head out on a chauffeur-driven tour of the county. Whisky fans should check out the Ba’ Bar, which has a special cabinet of vintage blends and single malts. Sink into the Chesterfield sofa next to the big bay window and tuck into a cozy breakfast of haggis and duck egg or an Orkney kipper. It’s also a great place to enjoy a quiet afternoon tea with your beloved.
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Kimpton Blythswood Square
1
Few hotels are as romantic as Kimpton Blythswood Square, one of the most romantic hotels in Scotland. Tucked in the heart of Glasgow, this tranquil place overlooks a leafy square in the city and feels like a private members club. Think autumnal tweeds and rich velvets, a huge chandelier over a grand staircase, and Doric columns. Choose from 114 spacious rooms and suites, all of which have gleaming marble bathrooms stocked with Elemis products. All done up in black marble, the bathrooms are sexy to boot, with the deep-soaking bathtubs by the window making them all the more sensual. Go for the Junior Suites that overlook the gardens for the best staycation with your beloved.
There’s a lot more that makes this hotel one of Scotland’s most romantic hotels. The star of the show is the dimly lit sexy spa with a range of Ishga treatments and a hydrotherapy pool. Catch a classic movie with your partner in the cozy cinema and enjoy afternoon tea at the restaurant. The elegant restaurant is the perfect place for enjoying a fine-dining meal before retiring to your rooms, but do enjoy a nightcap at the aphrodisiacal Salon Lounge.
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Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Scotland:
- The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience: A chocolate tour is one of the most romantic experiences that you can indulge in with your partner. This amazing chocolate tour in Edinburgh not only takes you through how chocolate is made but also allows you to make your own Scottish-themed chocolate and take it home!
- No. 1 The Grange: This award-winning Edinburgh gastropub is one of the most intimate spots for a date night in all of Scotland. During Valentine’s day celebrations, they introduce Valentine-themed cocktails as well as a delectable aphrodisiacal menu of sharing specials. All this with lovely music playing in the background.
Recommended Activities in Scotland:
- Romantic tour in Inverness: Helmed by an expert local guide, this tour takes you to the most romantic places in Inverness. Right from the best sports for lovely photos to the spellbinding Greig Street Bridge to the city’s best date spots, this tour covers them all.
- Loch Ness Urquhart Castle Round-Trip Cruise: There’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of Loch Ness on a water cruise with your sweetheart by your side. Take in the stunning views of the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness on a boat cruise that takes you to Urquhart Castle and back to Clansman Harbour. Sip drinks with your significant other from the bar onboard.
