aileenhome

What is the most beautiful/best hotel in Scotland? Price no object. My mother (who lives in Scotland) will be 70 in September and I want to surprise her and my dad with a special weekend.

rex

This kind of question is part of what makes this forum fun, and I will be quite interested to read the replies.

On the surface, the question seems a bit ludicrous to me. Are you saying that the logistics of getting there make no difference to you? And that you would interchangeably accept city, heath or highlands? Fascinating.

I make no claim to being able to answer the question, as I have barely spent one day in Scotland ever (hoping maybe to return this fall, while our daughter is in university at Stirling) - - but I will be very interested to see how the knowledgeable replies stack up against - - what if you had to rely solely on internet searches? Are the places you would find "real" contenders?

In that spirit, here are three that immediately popped up from a search of "luxury hotel Scotland" - - forgive me for hijacking (minimally) your original question - - I wonder if (any of) these are as good as they (surely do) look to be:

http://www.thehoward.com - - in Edinburgh

http://www.rufflets.co.uk - - outside St Andrews

and

http://www.inverlochycastlehotel.com - - a good deal further off, to the north, much more remote from the major cities. By their own website's description... they "really are easier to find than you think" - - and "were awarded ... The Scottish Luxury Hotel of the Year 2004", by <<"Hotel Review Scotland">> (don't have any idea how prestigious or objective this might be).

Hope you have a great trip. Look forward to reading more.

Best wishes,

Rex

rex

Bringing your message back up "to the top" since it is yout first question here ever...

and anyhow... as you can tell from my reply, I thought this would generate more interest!

Diego13

I can only speak about Edinburgh, in that city I stayed at the Scotman hotel, it combines good location (few steps from the royal mile), good service, lovely surroundings and very nice interiors.

Dont really know in what place is among the other hotels in Scotland.

Across the bridge (from the Scotman hotel) you will fin the Balmoral Hotel, I know that is expensive, and it looks luxurious. Their resutaurant is good though.

jody

Check out the Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle. Non-members can only stay there 1 time after that you have to be invited to be a member.


If it's not the best it's right up there!

aileenhome

Just to further explain my question regarding a hotel for my mum's 70th birthday - I grew up in Scotland but now live in New Jersey. My parents live about 45 minutes west of Inverness so although I know Scotland I never stay in hotels as I always stay with them. I thought that those of you who do stay in hotels in Scotland would probably have some great ideas.
In Scotland you can drive anywhere in a day if you are not a tourist which is why I did not specify a particular area. However, they are really country folk so a country hotel would probably suit them better.
Thanks Rex, I had heard that both Rufflets and The Howard are lovely so I will check into those. I think they may have already been to Inverlochy but I will find out. It does sound fabulous. Skibo is also a great idea which I will check into. Thanks everyone for your input.

dannyyoung

I agree with Rex...Inverlochy Castle is awesome...also Gleneagles Hotel..never been to Skibo

Fodorite018

The Kildrummy Castle Hotel is wonderful! We had a gorgeous suite which overlooked the old ruins. The staff were very accommodating, setting up a private breakfast for us the day we left since we had to leave at a very early hour. We had dinner there one evening and it was very good...food, wine ,and service...just perfect! They have you begin with appetizers and drinks in a lounge area, and they take your dinner order there. When they are ready they bring you into the dining room. After the meal you retreat to the drawing room where they bring you coffee and chocolates. It was a very memorable stay!

m_kingdom2

If you want to do Edinburgh then The Balmoral which is the traditional Grand hotel will be the one for you.

However, if you are going to do something more rural: The Old Course Hotel at St. Andrews is on a par with the most famous hotel in that country - Gleneagles. I'd book Gleneagles, the surrounding area is picturesque, the service is usually excellent, and book a suite so you can't complain about small rooms!

sgaston

We just returned from Scotland yesterday, stayed at Skibo, The Balmoral in Edinburgh, and The St Andrews Old Course Hotel. All were fantastic, but nothing can compare to Skibo Castle, although it is beyond expensive, it is worth it. An incredibly beautiful castle, impeccable service and food. I have traveled alot, and Skibo was the most incredible place we have every stayed.

amelie

The Ardoe House - Aberdeen

aileenhome

Thanks for all the great suggestions. They have already stayed at Gleneagles and Kildrummy Castle and yes, Skibo is beyond expensive, but it does look fabulous!! Will let you know what I decide and how it turns out!

Gariem

Aileen, I bicycled in Scotland a cold rainy June in 1997. I have stayed at both Inverlochy Castle and the Howard, but my favorite luxury hotel by far is "Kinnaird" in Perthshire. Check it out at the "www.relaischateaux.com" website to see if it suits your style. The hotel is a huge country estate close to the River Tay. You can walk up to the high sheep pastures - absolutely delightful. There was a large community room with a roaring fire that I never wanted to leave. I can still picture it in my mind. The meals were excellent. And we could watch all the bunnies come out on the lawn at dusk from our seats in the elegant dining room. Just enchanting!

Nettie

Gleneagles.....without a doubt !! www.gleneagles.com
I spent my 40th there with my family and it was wonderful. My husband surprised me with a birthday cake at dinner and it was delivered to me by a piper in full dress playing Happy Birthday on the bagpipes ! Fantastic.
Enjoy ! and Happy Birthday to your mum!

sheila

What's a great hotel can be quite subjective. OBjectively, I'd pick Gleneagles and Inverlochy Castle. SUBjectively, I wouldn't personally fancy either.

We just spent the weekend at the Ardeonaig on Loch Tay and it was fabulous.

If you could get them in, the experience of the Three Chimneys and the House Over By on Skye would be pretty terrific.