Where to stay in Scotland: 12 best areas (+ hotels)

Are your trying to decide where to stay in Scotland?
The choices of towns and accommodations can be overwhelming.
Below is my complete guide to the best areas to stay in Scotland and accommodation suggestions including:

• Where to stay in towns such as Edinburgh, Glasgow
• Where to stay in regions such as Glencoe, Isle of Skye, Orkneys, Highlands…

All my recommendations are independent. I visited the region anonymously, making my own choices, and paying all my bills in full.

Where to stay in Scotland – best areas and towns

Best places to stay around Scotland

For each region you visit you can opt to stay in one of the towns where you will find restaurants and shops or you can opt for farms and guesthouses out in Nature to wake up to beautiful views and feel closer with the Earth.
The main accommodation hubs in Scotland are:

I will tell you more about each one later in the article but here is a summary:

• Edinburgh – most fascinating town with great history and architecture
  see best rated hotel and deals
• Glasgow –  a vibrant city with a mix of modern and historical buildings
  see best rated hotels and deals
• Glencoe or Kinlochleven – to enjoy one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland: Glen Coe
  see best rated hotels and deals
• Portree – to be based centrally and visit the fascinating Isle of Skye
  see best rated hotels and deals
• Inverness – between highlands, Loch Ness and whiskies
  see best rated hotels and deals
• Oban – for an inspiring coastal stay
  see best rated hotels and deals
• Fort William – centrally located, a great stopover as you explore around
  see best rated hotels and deals
• Arrochar for the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
  see best rated hotels and deals

• Ullapool and many other fascinating small towns along the road North 500 around the Highlands
  see best rated hotels and deals
• Kirkwall – to explore the Orkneys and their ancient sites
  see best rated hotels and deals
• Aberdeen for the East Coast
  See best rated hotels and deals
• Jedburgh – to discover the abbeys and rolling hills of the Borders area
  see best rated hotels and deals
  Or Dumfries for the entire Borders area – see hotels
• Tobermory – to explore the isle of Mull
  see best rated hotels and deals
• Stornoway – to explore the Outer Hebrides
  see best rated hotels and deals

Should you stay in one place or do a road trip in Scotland?

If you have only 3 or 4 days and it is your first time in Scotland, you can stay in Edinburgh and do day trips.
However, if you have more, then I recommend that you hit the road and change accommodations every night to be able to cover more road and discover many more of the wonders Iceland has to offer! Learn more about road tripping in Scotland.
Here are some driving times to give you a better ideas:

Best places to stay in Scotland – FAQs

What is the most beautiful part of Scotland

That is such a difficult question. All the regions around Scotland have something special:

• Edinburgh and its historical experience
• The Trossachs surrounded by water 
• Glen Coe, one of the most beautiful roads in Scotland
• The Highlands which are wild and magnificent
• The Isle of Skye, the most famous of all
• The Borders with rolling hills and impressive abbeys
• The Orkneys and their fascinating ancient sites
• … The list is long

My absolute favorite areas in Scotland are Glen Coe, the Highlands, the Isle of Skye and the Orkneys. But it is very hard to choose!

Is is better to stay in Edinburg or Glasgow?

For tourism purposes, I recommend staying in Edinburgh.
It is very easy to explore all around on foot, and it is full of things to do. 
Plus you can easily access castles and abbayes around, or do day trips to stunning scenery.

What is the most beautiful city in Scotland?

Once again, there is no contest. Edinburgh is clearly the most beautiful and interesting city to visit.
I enjoyed Glasgow, Inverness, Stirling and other, but Edinburgh has something extra special
See the best rated hotels and best deals.

Where to stay in Scotland for hiking?

There are many great places for hiking in Scotland. For some of the best areas, I recommend:

• Glencoe or Kinlochleven – to enjoy one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland: Glen Coe, with many munroes.
  see best rated hotels and deals
• Portree – to hike around the Isle of Skye
  see best rated hotels and deals
• Fort William – centrally located, a great stopover as you hike around
  see best rated hotels and deals

Best romantic places to stay in Scotland for couples 

Overall, Scotland is very romantic, even when it is raining.
You can go in 2 different directions:

• Edinburgh with its historical buildings and parks. Stroll around imagining all the stories that have happened before (see best rated hotels)
• Find a place with view of mountains and lochs: for exemple in Arrochar (see best rated hotels), in Glencoe (see best rated hotels)…
• Go the the coast with charming beaches in Mallaig (see best rated hotels)

How are the accommodations in Scotland – what to expect?

Classic Scotland Accommodations

• The most classic places to stay in Scotland are the B&Bs (Bed and Breakfast). They are small houses where bedrooms are for guests and where breakfast is served in the morning. Less facilities but a more personalized service
• You can, of course, find hotels in Scotland especially in the major cities. However, it is way easier to find a B&B…
• For those preferring self-catering, Airbnb has great options for Scotland Accommodations. Some regions are poor in Airbnb options, but others are really great. You can get beautiful houses right next to lochs with amazing views…

Camping in Scotland

• Camping is a great way to discover Scotland. If you can, the van or motorhome would be a better option as it gets cold and rainy
• This will allow you to stay in wild areas such as Glen Etive or near Loch Leven
• There are many campsites with all facilities – find a visitor center and ask for the map of campsites
• Check out the Visit Scotland guidelines of Wild Camping

Staying in a Castle in Scotland

• For those with a budget you can also stay in a Castle, the top of Scotland accommodations
• Find out some suggestions of Castle Hotels in Scotland at the end of my article about the best Scottish Castles.

General Tips about Scotland Accommodations

• Book well in advance fo the Isle of Skye, whatever your travelling date
• Book in advance especially for Summer, everywhere in Scotland
• Be ready to have fun with the showers. Most have machines to control hot water.

Option 1 – Where to stay in Edinburgh

About Edinburgh

It is the most fascinating town in Scotland: castles, monuments, beautiful parks, historical buildings…
Plus, it has many stories and secret to discover.
Exploring Edinburgh is an adventure with every turn.
And with 3 hills, you can admire wonderful views!

Famous attractions in Edinburgh

In towns there is lots to do and see:

• Walk the Royal Mile
• Visit the castle
• Watch sunset at Castle Hills
• Explore the tiny streets called Closed
• Have a Harry Potter experience
• …

Learn more in my article about the best things to do in Edinburgh.

Best places to stay in Edinburgh – hotels and accommodation options

• LUXURY and HISTORY – Since 1902, the Balmoral Hotel welcomes guests in Edinburgh
  Check out photos and availability
• LUXURY and BEST VIEWS – The Waldorf Astoria The Caledonian offers rooms with an unobstructed view of the Castle and the old town. Amazing to wake up to see it
  Check out photos and availability
• MID-RANGE – The Inn place will offer you good comfort with a great location in the old town
  Check out photos and availability
• APART-HOTEL – The Princes Street Suites are close to everything but more modern than the old town. A great combination
  Check out photos and availability
• First price – Best rated hostel is the High Street Hostel located in the old town
  Check out photos and availability

==> or Check out the best Rated accommodations in Edinburgh

Option 2 – Where to stay in Glasgow

About Glasgow

Glasgow is a large city but far less touristic than Edinburgh.
It is a vibrant place with a great mix of things to see historical buildings, modern architecture, culture, nature…
Glasgow and Edinburgh are actually very close to each other. So you can stay one more night in Edinburgh and visit Glasgow as a day trip.

Best things to do in Glasgow

• Walk around the majestic university
• Visit the Cathedral and its surrounding area
• Don’t miss the People’s Palace and its museum
• Enjoy modern architecture on the riverside
• Stop the giant street art murals

Find out more with my guide on how to spend one day in Glasgow.

Best places to stay in Glasgow – hotels and accommodation options

• The Clayton Hotel Glasgow city
  Good location, modern room and views of the city
  See photos and availability
• The Maldron Hotel Glasgow city
  Very central and modern, light and space
  See photos and availability
• The Native Glasgow
  Located in an Edwardian building, a very romantic option
  See photos and availability
• The Alamo Guest House
  A little outside the center, experience a unique stay in a 19th century Victorian Building
  See photos and availability
• Rental: West George Street Apartment – great for family or 2 couples
  See photos and availability
• The Glasgow Youth Hostel
  See photos and availability

==> or Find the best Rated accommodations in Glasgow

Option 3 – Where to stay around Glencoe Valley

About Glen Coe

Glen Coe is a protected area around the town of Glencoe. Road A82 enables you to cross it.
It is one of those grand landscapes, a must-see when traveling in Scotland, easy to add to your itinerary (see my examples).
The Munros (mountain in Scotland with a height over 3,000 feet) and peaks that surround the road were formed by volcanic activity and shaped by glaciers.
What remains for our pleasure is magnificent… Learn more about Glen Coe

Best areas to stay around the Glencoe Valley

My 2 favorite options are:

• The village of Glencoe with its charming houses, loch-front properties and surrounding beauty
• Kinlochleven, out of the tourist way (although where you can find many hikers), it is at the end of Loch Leven (the one in Glencoe), one of my favorites in Scotland. This area is narrower with magnificent mountain views.

Best places to stay in Glencoe – hotels and accommodation options

• The Glencoe House in a historic building – check out pictures and prices
• The Beechwood cottage B&B for a homy feeling – check out pictures and prices
• The Boathouse, right by the lake – check out pictures and prices
• The guesthouse Highland Getaway in Kinlochleven, where you can enjoy beautiful views – See photos and availability

==> or Check out the best rated Glencoe accommodations

Option 4 – Where to stay on the Isle of Skye – Portree

About the Isle of Skye

Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides (North West of Glasgow).
The isle of Skye is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. And it deserves its spot as one of the top Scotland tourism destinations.
The island has a mountainous center and rocky slopes. The landscapes are quite dramatic and surprisingly varied, considering it is an island. Here it is all about nature.

Best things to do on the Isle fo Skye

There are many ‘classics’ to visit on the isle of Skye and, if you need info, they are included in my full list and map of things to do on the isle of Skye. But my favorites are not among them.

• Fairy Glen is a small area off the beaten track where you find a miniature loch, small conic hills and miniature mountains. It really feels like fairies could be appearing.
• Loch Langaig is up to the North. This small loch is in front of an interesting layer of mountains. The bonus is that coaches cannot reach it, so no herds of tourists!
• Loch Coruisk can only be reached by boat from Elgol or hiking. This wild loch is niched in the Cuillin Mountains.

Best places to stay in Portree and on the Isle of Skye – hotels and accommodation options

The most practical town to reach all the best places to see on the Isle of Skye is the town of Portree.
The island is bigger than you think and Portree is very centrally located to explore all corners.
But if you are looking to be closer to nature, there are also many options off the central area. But then it means more driving to reach all areas of the island.

• In the colorful houses
  The Quayside apartment is beautiful and right in those famous colorful houses. We (py parents and I) have enjoyed the views.
  See photos and availability
• Portree with style
  Heatherfield House B&B is one of the best rated accommodation on the Isle of Skye. Great location, stylish decor and wonderful views, it has a lot for everyone
  See photos and availability
• Luxury and views
  The Cuillin Hills Hotel offers views across the Portree Harbour especially enjoyable during breakfast. Slightly out of town, but worth it to get the views
  See photos and availability
• Unique
  The Skeabost view pods skye are centrally located but offer an experience more in nature
  See photos and availability

==> or Check out the best rated accommodations in Portree

Option 5 – Where to stay in Inverness & Loch Ness

About Inverness

Largest Scottish city in the North, Inverness is a quiet and enjoyable town to discover.
Built around River Ness it offers streets, pedestrians areas and a great walk along the river.
It is the gateway to the famous Loch Ness.

Best things to do in Inverness

• Stroll along the river
• Visit the Inverness Castle, a Victorian building made or red sandstone and today the tribunal
• Discover the cathedral and many churches around the city
• Head to the Loch Ness for a boat tour
• Visit the ruins of the Urquhart castle

Best places to stay in Inverness – hotels and accommodation options

• The Best Western Inverness Palace right in the center opposite the castle
  See photos and availability
• The Kingsmills Hotel a little outside, with a lot of charm
  See photos and availability
• Consider a stay at the Kilcumin Guesthouse. My mum insists that I tell you how great it was. She really enjoyed it.
  See photos and availability

==> or Check out the best rated accommodations in Inverness

For other options, check out the Best Rated accommodations near Loch Ness

Option 6 – Where to stay Oban

About Oban

Between mountain and sea, Oban is an idea seaside retreat town.
On the west coast, you can access many castles, lochs, villages.
Plus it is the gateway to many islands: Iona, Mull and Staffa.

Best things to do in Oban

• Stroll along the sea at sunset
• Take the ferry to explore the Isle of Mull, or Iona
• Climb to the Victorian Folly to enjoy the views
• Visit the local distillery,
• See the ruins of Dunollie Castle and the sandy beaches

Best places to stay in Oban – hotels and accommodation options

• The Manor House Hotel with sea views and beautiful gardens
  See photos and availability
• The No17 The Promenade Hotel with perfect location, a lot of character in the decor and beautiful sea views.
  See photos and availability
• The Barcaldine Castle – 11km from the center of town, but you can to stay in a castle!
  See photos and availability
• The Gramavin B&B – close to the center with great views of town and the sea
  See photos and availability

==> or Check out the best rated accommodations in Oban

Option 7 – Where to stay in Fort William

About Fort William

Fort William is not the most iconic place to stay in Scotland, but it sure is the most centrally located.
From there you can reach:

• Glencoe in 25min
• Glenfinnan in 25 min
• Mallaig in 1h
• Eilean Donan in 1h30

And it is the perfect stop if you are driving from Edinburgh or Glasgow to the Isle of Skye.

Best things to do in Fort William

• Enjoy the views of the Ben Nevis
• Take the Road to the Isles drive with a stop in Glenfinnan
• Stop and see the boats go through the Neptune’s staircase on the Caledonian Castle
• Taste the fudge

Best places to stay in Fort William – hotels and accommodation options

• Clan Macduff hotel, away from the center for a quieter stay
  See photos and availability
• The Cruachan Hotel with sea views and a great location
  See photos and availability
• The Westcourt Bed and Breakfast – on the edge of town with sea views
  See photos and availability
• The Whinburn Guest House – charming rooms with lake views
  See photos and availability

==> or Check out the best rated accommodations in Fort William

And keep track of your own trip!

Option 8 – Where to stay in Arrochar for Loch Lomond and Trossachs

About Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is one of the most visited places in Scotland because it is very close to Glasgow and Edinburg. And also, because it is located in the beautiful Trossachs Park: lochs, mountains, waterfalls, steamboat…

Best things to do in the area of Loch Lomond

• Drive all around Loch Lomond – see my best stops
• Check out the castle in Balloch
• Take a ride on the steamboat of Loch Katrine
• Take a day trip to see the green castle of Inveraray…

Best places to stay around Loch Lomond – hotels and accommodation options

Because of its popularity, all the accommodations around Loch Lomond are expensive and fill up quickly. 
And there are not many accommodations right on the loch

• You can stay in Tarbet, in the middle of the loch
  See options and availability
• Or you can stay in Balloch, in the South of the lochs – where you can find the most options
  See options and availability
• But my favorite place to stay is on the neighbouring Loch Long. The town of Arrochar is charming and has a great choice of accommodation with views of a magnificent loch.
  See options and availability

Option 9 – Where to stay in the Scotland Highlands around North Coast 500

About the North 500 Road

The North Coast 500 road is one of the most beautiful road trip you can do in Scotland. It is over 500miles long.
It leads you around the Scotland highlands to stunning rugged mountains, deep loch, fascinating geological formations, coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, remote fishing villages…

My favorite Part is the west coast with Wester Ross and the Loch Assynt reserve.

Possible stop 1 – Ullapool

There are other charming seaside villages before reaching Ullapool, but it is well located to stop of the night.
The small town is located on a flat land along loch Broom. You can enjoy splendid views in all directions.
See best rated hotels and availability

Possible stop 2 – Durness

Once you reach the Northern shore, you could consider Durness next to the Smoo Caves.
A beautiful area with cliffs, beaches and black rocks.
See the few options

Possible stop 3 – Thurso

Also on the north coast, if you take the ferry for the Orkneys, you can stop at Thurso for the night, to take the first boat early in the morning.
See the few options

Option 10 – Where to stay in the Orkneys

About the Orkneys

With iconic Neolithic sites to visit, Mainland Orkney is one of the top Scottish Islands to explore: with the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness, Skara Brae… Take the ferry and spend one night!
No mountains here but a feeling. There is a place where people have settled for thousands of years. It is the home of well-preserved archeological sites in stunning coastal landscapes.
Plus, there is such a peaceful feeling brought by island life. As soon as we started driving on Mainland Orkney, I felt a wave of relaxation.

Best things to do on Mainland Orkney

• The Unesco World Heritage Neolithic Sites – my favorites being the Ring of Brodgar and the village of Skara Brae (which is older than the Egyptian pyramids!)
• Other evidences of settlements but more recent such as the Broch of Gurness located near a stunning white sand beach
• Wildlife – birds and more especially in the smaller islands but also near cliffs (such as Yesnaby) and lagoons.
• The pink cathedral in Kirkwall

See our guide about the Orkneys.

Best places to stay in the Orkneys – hotels and accommodation options

Most Orkney accommodations are in the main towns

Option 1 – Stromness

• small, close to the ferry and charming 
• Good choice if you have an early ferry
• You find lots or rentals here
• Check out the accommodations in Stromness

Option 2 – Kirkwall

• Kirkwall is bigger and more lively
• You have a better choice of accommodations and restaurants
• You find lots or rentals here as well
• Check out the accommodations in Kirkwall

But you can also find accommodation more isolated in guesthouses and farms if you want a more peaceful experience – check out all accommodations on the Orkney islands.
For example, the Sands Hotels offers a peaceful retreat by the water – see photos and availability

And 4 other places to stay in Scotland

Option 11 – Where to stay in Aberdeen

Fishing ports, seafood, lush pastures and a unique look of grey granite, the region of Aberdeen seems to stand still in time.
If you are looking for a relaxing place to stay with fresh cuisine and great museums, go stay a couple of days!

Check out the best rated accommodations in Aberdeen.

Option 12 – Where to stay in the Scottish Borders region

You can explore the region of the Borders easily from Edinburgh.
But if you are looking for a peaceful place to stay, Jedburgh, Melrose and the others offer charming little towns away from the city crowds.
Surrounded by rolling hills and history, it is a great options for a few days.

You can stay in the middle of the abbeys in Jedburgh for example.
See best rated accommodations

Or you can head more central to also explore the south west coast of Scotland and its castles.
See best rated accommodations in Dumfries

Option 13 – Where to stay on the isle of Mull

Mull is an island for the whole family with history and nature.
And, its neighbour, Iona is in continuity of its South peninsula and is considered the cradle of Scottish Christianity.
It can be visited in 1 or 2 days.
It offers easy hikes, waterfalls, castles, standing stones…

The main town on the isle of Mull Tobermory on the northern shore.
see best rated hotels and deals

Option 14 – Where to stay in the Outer Hebrides

Lewis is the largest island in the Outer Hebrides. It is famous for its pristine white sand beaches and the best prehistoric site in Scotland.
You can enjoy white sand beaches, standing stones…
Stornoway is the main town to explore the Isle of Lewis.
see best rated hotels and deals
Otherwise, Tarbert is closer to the ferries, more central.
See best rated hotels and deals

Want to see more of the best Scotland has to offer?

• Most beautiful landscapes in Scotland – read article
• Best things to do in Scotland – read article
• Best Scotland destinations – where to go? – read article
• Best Scottish Castles – read article
• Most beautiful lochs in Scotland – read article
• Most scenic drives in Scotland – read article
• The magnificent Isle of Skye – read my best-of guide
• The magnificent Wester Ross region – read article
• The Borders Abbeys including Melrose Abbey and the photogenic Jedburgh Abbey

Planning a trip to Scotland? 

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

And keep track of your own trip!

PREVIOUS: 

DRIVING IN SCOTLAND

NEXT: 

SCOTTISH ISLANDS LIST

Inspired? Share it on your favorite platform!