Have three nights and 4 days for play in the Highlands. Want to stay in a central location so that we can take day trips and try to see it all. Spectacular scenery is probably the most important to us. Can you recommend any 4-5 star really special places to stay? Willing to pay the extra $$ for places that are special. Work hard and save hard for these special trips. Also have to spend a night in Stranraer for business before we go to the Highlands. Know of a nice place there? Thanks for your insights.

Hi.

Try www.host.co.uk.

You're welcome.

B.V.

OK. A couple of things. One, Scotland south of the Great Glen has a range of mountains that splits it north/south. This makes being central hard.

Two; that said, there is only one place in that league anyway and that is Inverlochy Castle Hotel at Fort William.

There is also Skibo castle, but it's very odd.

If someone offfered me 3 night, all expenses paid inthe Highlands, I'd probably opt for the Three Chimneys for food; Loch Melfort Hotel for the view and Ardanaiseig for the all round experience

The Culloden Manor in Inverness is one of the nicest hotels in which I've ever stayed. It is mentioned here if you want to do a search.

Unfortunately, can't say anything very promising about Stranraer - one of the most depressing places I have ever been.

Highland gateways I have been too are:-
Dunkeld(they have a Hilton hotel)
Dunblane(Hydro hotel) just outside of Stirling, right off motorway easy to get too.
Pitlochry has a variety of accomodation and is quite central for most highland trips.
Crieff(also a Hydro hotel) is another choice.
Haven't stayed at any of the above mentioned establishments but you can check the websites. Hydro hotels have an established name for being luxury destination.