Can you think of anything more relaxing than a few nights away with no cooking required? With this selection of foodie hotels, you will have everything you need all in one place.
1. Saorsa 1875, Pitlochry, Perthshire
Food at Saorsa 1875 © @saorsa1875
Stay: This Pitlochry hotel, situated in the town centre and just a short walk from the train station, prides itself on its ‘ethical luxury’ philosophy – all of its products and materials are eco-friendly. Keep an eye out for regular yoga retreats too.
Dine: The restaurant’s menu is completely plant-based with a 5-course taster menu made with freshly foraged ingredients. Asparagus and chargrilled artichoke hearts, wood fired sourdough bread and butternut squash risotto are typical dishes on the menu.
2. The Newport, Fife
Mallard Haggis at The Newport in Fife © VisitScotland/2foodtrippers
Stay: Sitting on the Fife side of the Tay looking across the river to Dundee, this restaurant with rooms offers four luxury bedrooms – Scottish, French, Canadian and Nordic – each with décor to suit their name.
Dine: Take your place at The Newport Restaurant by Jamie Scott and pair panoramic views with local flavours and innovative dishes.
3. Parklands Hotel, Perth
Stay: A short walk from Perth’s train station, Parklands is a boutique townhouse hotel with a classic selection of rooms available. For a little taste of luxury, some rooms feature a four-poster bed and a jacuzzi bath.
Dine: Guests here have the choice between two fabulous restaurants. Try the exquisite delights from chef Graeme Pallister’s 63@Parklands Restaurant or sample something from the relaxed No.1 Bank Bistro, where you can enjoy the food with excellent views from the conservatory or outdoor terrace.
Love a great view? Find more incredible rooftop views in Scotland’s cities.
Book at stay at the Parklands Hotel
4. Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness
Stay: Combine high-end luxury along with a top location close to the banks of the River Ness, with views to Inverness Castle. Expect amazing Highland hospitality with a glass of chilled champagne on arrival and a delicious à la carte breakfast.
Dine: The Torrish Restaurant is found in the hotel’s original 19th century drawing room. The name is inspired by the Torrish fly which is used in salmon fishing – of which there is plentiful supply on the River Ness. The creative head chef uses the landscape as inspiration for crafting special dishes.
Book a stay at the Ness Walk Hotel
5. The Dowans Hotel, Aberlour, Moray Speyside
Stay: In the heart of the whisky country, this grand hotel is perfectly placed for whisky lovers to discover the taste of Speyside. There are 16 rooms with cosy and elegant features. With manicured lawns to the front, and grand ornamental gardens in the shadow of the Ben Rinnes peak to the back, all the rooms enjoy a lovely outlook.
Dine: At Spé, you can taste venison and wild mushrooms straight from the local estate, as part of the four course tasting menu. The other dining option is ‘57’ (which sits 57 degrees north of the equator), another fine dining delight famed for its excellent vegetarian options.
6. Links House, north Highlands
Stay: This magnificent Highland retreat is everything you could possibly want from a boutique hotel stay. Just a stone’s throw from the impressive Royal Dornoch golf course and incredible northerly seascapes, this hotel offers the perfect coastal escape.
Dine: Enjoy locally-sourced seasonal menus at the Courtroom Bar, with popular dishes including the confit duck leg or fresh grilled sea bream. You can also enjoy more delicacies in the café, brasserie or outdoor courtyard.
7. The Merkister Hotel, Orkney
Stay: Just 15 minutes from both Stromness and Kirkwall, a stay at The Merkister Hotel is perfectly situated for exploring Orkney, with scenic views of Harray Loch. There are three superior Garden rooms available to book, each with lots of luxury touches and a private terrace overlooking the loch.
Dine: The Skerries Restaurant menu heavily features local Orkney produce, with fresh battered haddock, steak and ale pie and hand-dived scallops served daily. After dinner, make your way to The Fisherman’s Neuk, a small library exclusive to residents with fascinating books about Orkney and comfy places to sit and read.
Book a stay at the Merkister Hotel
8. Busta House Hotel, Brae, Shetland
Stay: Your adventure in Shetland will start when you check in to the Busta House Hotel. This country house offers an ideal mix of modern glamour and Shetland authenticity, as well as amazing chances to watch the sunset. You might even be able to spot the Northern Lights, when conditions are favourable.
Dine: The hotel’s own Pitcairn Room restaurant will not disappoint. You’ll love the kitchen’s unfussy cooking philosophy. Why not order the Busta Voe scallops, locally-sourced haddock and plaice, or the Shetland lamb?
Book a stay at Busta House Hotel
9. Uig Sands Restaurant and Lodge, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides
Uig Sands Restaurant © uigsands
Stay: The jaw dropping views overlooking Uig Bay will be enough to tempt you to stay here whilst exploring the magnificent Outer Hebrides. They have tastefully decorated bedrooms in the lodge and a cosy sitting room with an open peat log fire.
Dine: With its tall windows looking out to the ocean, the Uig Sands restaurant is famed for its incredible location and also the quality of its seafood, just a short walk or drive from the lodge. Salmon, langoustines and lobster regularly grace the themed tasting menus and mouth-watering specials board.
10. Hotel Eilean Iarmain, Isle of Skye
Stay: The Sleat area is one of Skye’s most breathtaking spots, overlooking sparkling seas and distant mountains. This enchanting 19th century hotel promises an unforgettable stay.
Dine: Cosy up by the roaring fire, or enjoy a more formal dining experience in the candlelit restaurant, Birlinn. Taste the delectable Eilean Iarmain venison served with Skye-grown salads, or hand-dived scallops and other seafood treats, and finish it off with cranachan with fresh raspberries. Delicious!
Book a stay at Hotel Eilean Iarmain
11. Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh
Stay: The Kimpton Charlotte Square’s location is a fantastic base for a few nights in the capital. This hotel consists of seven combined Georgian townhouses, with colourful, vibrant décor throughout.
Dine: There are three restaurants to choose from, each with a different style and ambience. Head to Aizle for seasonal tasting menus, BABA for Scottish-Mediterranean tapas cuisine or The Garden for classic cocktails in amongst lush leafy plants.
Book a stay at Kimpton Charlotte Square
12. Bonnie Badger, Gullane, East Lothian
Stay: A perfect spot for exploring the East Lothian coastline, follow a day on the beach with a stay at the Bonnie Badger. This restaurant-with-rooms is owned by the Edinburgh Michelin-star chef, Tom Kitchin. There are deluxe, superior and loft bedrooms available as well as two cottages, named Hazel and Honeysuckle.
Dine: Tom Kitchin’s coastal gastropub is a very exciting place to be indeed and, of course, the food is unmissable. Enjoy the rustic, gorgeous indoor space or head out to the fabulous garden BBQ grilling area for some al fresco dining.
Book a stay at the Bonnie Badger
13. Hotel du Vin Glasgow
Stay: Formerly the smart town house of a wealthy Glasgow merchant, the iconic Hotel Du Vin Glasgow boasts many of its original Victorian features. These include beautiful stained-glass windows, oak panelling and roaring log fires.
Dine: Relax in the snug with a whisky or wine tasting experience and enjoy fine dining with fresh, local produce and knowledgeable staff.
Book a stay at the Hotel du Vin Glasgow
14. Trigony House Hotel, Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway
Stay: This Dumfries & Galloway family business is a perfect getaway whatever the occasion – you can even bring the dog! Activities such as classic car excursions and horse riding can be arranged by the hotel to complete your countryside retreat.
Dine: The small walled garden provides vegetables, herbs and fruit from summer to autumn, which grace the menus throughout the year. Try the local Galloway smoked salmon or guinea fowl for a taste of the local produce.
Book a stay at Trigony House Hotel
15. Windlestraw, Walkerburn, Scottish Borders
Stay: The Edwardian manor of Windlestraw isn’t short of accolades, including a prestigious 5-star gold Quality Assurance rating. The building was originally built in 1906, as a wedding gift for the future wife of the Scottish cashmere mill owner, John King Ballantyne.
Dine: In Windlestraw’s two AA Rosette awarded restaurant you can sample sumptuous classic dishes with a modern twist. Ingredients such as Borders lamb and vegetables from the kitchen’s garden frequently feature.
16. The Douglas Hotel, Isle of Arran
The Douglas Hotel © thedouglashotel
Stay: Book a stay here for some of the best views over Arran’s Brodick Bay and Goatfell. The hotel has a real ‘home away from home’ feel, and prides itself on its welcoming service, local knowledge and modern luxury. Just metres from the ferry, this hotel is perfect for those exploring the island on foot or by bike.
Dine: The bistro is one of the island’s top dining spots, with clever use of local produce to construct tasty, straightforward dishes packed with flavour. The terrace is ideal for ferry-spotting!
Book a stay at the Douglas Hotel
17. Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine by Oban, Argyll
Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine
Stay: Two hours from Glasgow, this country house hotel has stunning sea views. It’s also pet friendly, and with views of Jura and Islay from most rooms, it’ll be hard to drag yourself away! The house is surrounded by the stunning Arduaine Gardens and is just a short stroll to the beach.
Dine: Choose between the two AA rosette restaurant and the informal bistro. The restaurant is famed for its amazing fresh seafood and carefully selected wine list. And, again, the views!
Book a stay at Loch Melfort Hotel
18. Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire
Glenapp Castle © glenappcastle
Stay: This Ayrshire gem is, simply put, an absolute stunner! Discover true romance inside the Scottish Baronial castle with luxurious rooms and suites, either overlooking the gardens or the sea.
Dine: Fine dining at Glenapp Castle’s award-winning restaurant will be an unforgettable part of your stay. Whether you choose the six-course dining experience or the ‘Taste of Glenapp’ three-course menu, you’ll be seriously wowed by the flavoursome flair of the cuisine.
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