Scotland Accommodations – Info + 12 Suggestions + Reviews

Wondering where to stay in Scotland?
Below is a list of 12 Scotland accommodations that I used during my road trip around the country.
Discover some Hotels, B&B, Cottages in places such as the Isle of Skye, Glencoe, Edinburgh...

PLANNING TIPS - Scotland Accommodations

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 in advance especially for summer everywhere and anytime for the Isle of Skye
• Be ready to have fun with the showers. Most have machines to control hot water

NOTES ON THE FOLLOWING REVIEWS

• I selected and paid for all my accommodations. Opinions are my own.
• The reviews are based on one single stay
• I personally always use Booking.com and Airbnb this is why I do my recommendations via those websites.

Other Options

Other Options

Review:

• Location: Nothing special. Easy access.
• State: Clean, not very modern, not enough natural light for my liking and decor not to my taste but to stay one night it was fine. Internet OK
• Check-in: Easy no issue - the couple who runs it is very welcoming
• Breakfast: Good breakfast Scottish or Continental.

Other Options

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

The Isle of Skye is considered the gem of Scotland, the best Scottish island. Therefore, you need to book in advance to have a good choice.

Isle of Skye Accommodation Suggestion:

I booked very very late and nothing was left. I really wanted to stay on the island so I splurged and booked a very nice accommodation: Quayside apartment in the heart of Portree where the colored houses are.

Review:

• Location: Right in the center of Portree with views of the magnificent bay
• State: Very nice furniture, many bathrooms, comfy living room. I wish I had had more time to enjoy it but I preferred spending time checking out the island - not good wifi but they were working on fixing it (island issue…)
• Check-in: Keybox with code, easy check-in, good communication with representatives, welcome basket with things to nibble
• Breakfast: N/A - self catering
• Check out more photos and availability

If I had had the choice, I think I would have booked one night either in Portree or more isolated in the North and one night in Elgol to be able to see more of the magic Cuillin Mountains.

Other Options

If you take the ferry to Orkney Islands, it is practical to stay in Thurso, a couple of km from the pier at Scrabster.

Thurso Accommodation Suggestion:

Based on price, location and studio-like room with more space, I opted for a stay at the Station Hotel.

Sorry, I forgot to take pictures...

Review:

• Location: very practical with a parking at the back
• State: Clean, large room with sofa, nice atmosphere at the bar. Wifi only available at the bar not in the room. Not very modern
• Check-in: No special issue
• Breakfast: OK, not as fantastic as in other places with stayed in, in Scotland

Another option is to sleep on the ferry: if you take the 6am departure you can get on board the evening before and book a cabin.

Other Options

Other Options

For other options, check out the

• Best Rated accommodations in Stromness
• Best rated accommodations in Kirkwall

Other Options

Not wanting to stay in the Cairngorm National park, we drove further South to the magnificent Lochs between the park and the Trossachs.

Loch Tay Accommodation Suggestion:

My choice ended up being the Tulloch Cottage in Lawers along Loch Tay where we spent 2 nights. It was one of the places we enjoyed the most. Great for relaxing.

Review:

• Location: Isolated above Loch Tay with great views. Very quiet. 
• State: Not very modern but spacious and clean. No wifi at the moment but they are considering it. (however, I enjoyed the forced break)
• Check-in: Nice couple. They own the house nearby. We had delicious fresh eggs waiting for us.
• Breakfast: N/A - self catering
• The most relaxing of our Scotland accommodations

Edinburgh is a must stop for any trip to Scotland. The very historic city has a lot to offer

Edinburgh Accommodation Suggestion:

There is a large choice on Airbnb for places to stay in Edinburgh. I selected Thistle Street Apartment because I wanted to be able to walk everywhere. Location Location Location.

Review:

• Location: perfect - easy to walk to the castle, the Royal Mile and Castle Hill. (although remember that Edinburgh is not flat at all). Many restaurants around.
• State: Clean - modern bathroom and kitchen. Living room is less modern. Good wifi. The bedroom is nice, however the sofabed was not the most comfortable. As with many places to stay in Edinburgh, the streets are narrow and dark so not much light enters the apartment
• Check-in: Keybox with code at another place nearby. No issues.
• Breakfast: N/A self-catering

Other Options

Or have a look at those amazing other options:

• First price - Best rated hostel is the High Street Hostel located in the old town - Check photos and availability
• FAMILY - want to stay on the Royal Mile. The St Giles Apartments will offer you the flexibility of eating in or out - Check photos and availability
• MID-RANGE - The Inn place will offer you good comfort with a great location in the old town - Check photos and availability
• APART HOTEL - The Princes Street Suites are close to everything but more modern than the old town. A great combination - Check photos and availability
• LUXURY and HISTORY - Since 1902, the Balmoral Hotel welcomes guests in Edinburgh - Check 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 photos and availability
• or Check out the Best Rated accommodations in Edinburgh

Glasgow is not an easy city to get around. The things to do are everywhere.

Glasgow Accommodation Suggestion:

I selected on AirBnB the City Center Suite because of the balance location-price.

Sorry I forgot to take my own pictures.

Review:

• Location: Not too far from the city center (you can walk there). There is a nearby stop for the Hop-on Hop-off bus.
• State: Fine. Good space. Dining table not the most practical. Good if you are 2, not so easy if you are more.
• Check-in: Slightly complicated but we managed
• Breakfast: N/A self-catering

Other Options

For other options, check out the Best Rated accommodations in Glasgow

SCOTTISH BORDER Accommodation

As we made our way South through the Scottish Borders, we stayed right at the border in a small town called Gretna Green.

Scottish Border Accommodation Suggestion:

I selected the Hazeldene Hotel based on reviews and price.

Review:

• Location: practical not far from the highway 
• State: Clean. Simple. Not much space. Sufficient for one night
• Check-in: No issues
• Breakfast: Correct
• Check out more photos and availability