The Scottish Highlands are a breathtakingly beautiful region, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. With its rugged mountains, sparkling lochs, and picturesque villages, the Scottish Highlands offer a unique and unforgettable travel experience. One of the most important aspects of planning a trip to this region is choosing the right place to stay, as it can greatly impact the overall quality of your trip. In this article, we will explore the best places to stay in the Scottish Highlands, taking into account factors such as location, amenities, and activities.
Get ultimate traveler plannerWhy Choose the Scottish Highlands?
The Scottish Highlands are a nature lover’s paradise, with its vast wilderness areas, national parks, and scenic drives. The region is also steeped in history and culture, with numerous castles, museums, and cultural festivals to explore. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, the Scottish Highlands have something for everyone.
Best Places to Stay in the Scottish Highlands
In this article, we will highlight some of the best places to stay in the Scottish Highlands, including:
- Fort William: A popular base for exploring the region’s mountains and lochs
- Inverness: The capital of the Highlands, with a range of accommodation options
- Glencoe: A picturesque village surrounded by stunning mountain scenery
- Ullapool: A charming fishing village on the west coast
- Aviemore: A popular resort town in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park
We will also provide tips and recommendations for choosing the right accommodation for your needs and budget, as well as highlighting some of the top activities and attractions in the region. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure-filled trip, the Scottish Highlands have something for everyone.
Best Places To Stay In Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are a breathtakingly beautiful region, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting part of the world, finding the right place to stay is crucial to making the most of your experience. From cozy B&Bs to luxurious hotels, there’s a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to stay in the Scottish Highlands, highlighting their unique features and attractions.
Loch Ness and Fort Augustus
One of the most iconic destinations in the Scottish Highlands is Loch Ness, famous for its mysterious monster, “Nessie.” The charming town of Fort Augustus is situated at the southern end of the loch, offering a range of accommodations to suit every need. Here are some of the best places to stay in the area: (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Whistler Canada)
- Loch Ness Lodge: A luxurious hotel with stunning views of the loch, offering comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar.
- Fort Augustus B&B: A cozy and welcoming B&B with en-suite rooms and a delicious breakfast menu.
- Loch Ness Backpackers: A budget-friendly hostel with dormitory and private rooms, perfect for solo travelers and backpackers.
Inverness and the surrounding area
Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and a great base for exploring the region. Here are some of the best places to stay in and around Inverness:
- Glengorm Castle: A luxurious castle hotel with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, offering comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar.
- Inverness Palace Hotel: A comfortable hotel with modern rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar, located in the heart of Inverness.
- Eden Court Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel with comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar, located just outside Inverness.
The Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is a beautiful and remote region, home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the Scottish Highlands. Here are some of the best places to stay in the area:
- The Cairngorm Hotel: A comfortable hotel with modern rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar, located in the heart of Aviemore.
- Macdonald Aviemore Hotel: A luxurious hotel with comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar, located in the heart of Aviemore.
- Glenshee Ski Lodge: A budget-friendly lodge with comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar, located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is a beautiful and remote island, known for its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and vibrant culture. Here are some of the best places to stay on the island:
- The Skye Backpackers: A budget-friendly hostel with dormitory and private rooms, perfect for solo travelers and backpackers.
- The Cuillin Hotel: A comfortable hotel with modern rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar, located in the heart of Portree.
- The Bosville Hotel: A luxurious hotel with comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar, located in the heart of Portree.
Other areas to consider
While the above areas are some of the most popular destinations in the Scottish Highlands, there are many other areas to consider when planning your trip. Here are a few more places to stay:
- Ullapool: A charming fishing village on the northwest coast, with a range of accommodations, including B&Bs, hotels, and self-catering cottages.
- Pitlochry: A picturesque town in the heart of Perthshire, with a range of accommodations, including B&Bs, hotels, and self-catering cottages.
- Dornoch: A charming town on the east coast, with a range of accommodations, including B&Bs, hotels, and self-catering cottages.
Recap
In conclusion, the Scottish Highlands offer a wide range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. From cozy B&Bs to luxurious hotels, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for stunning landscapes, rich history, or vibrant culture, the Scottish Highlands have it all. By considering the above options, you’ll be well on your way to planning an unforgettable trip to this enchanting part of the world. (See Also: Best Places To Stay With Kids In Vegas)
| Area | Accommodation Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Loch Ness and Fort Augustus | B&B, Hotel, Hostel | £50-£200 per night |
| Inverness and surrounding area | B&B, Hotel, Self-Catering | £40-£250 per night |
| Cairngorms National Park | Hotel, Self-Catering, Lodge | £30-£200 per night |
| Isle of Skye | Hostel, Hotel, Self-Catering | £30-£150 per night |
Remember to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and the best rates. With so many amazing places to stay in the Scottish Highlands, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Here are five FAQs related to “Best Places To Stay In Scottish Highlands”:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best areas to stay in the Scottish Highlands for nature lovers?
The Scottish Highlands offer breathtaking natural beauty, with numerous national parks, lochs, and mountains to explore. For nature lovers, we recommend staying in areas like Glencoe, Fort William, or the Cairngorms National Park. These locations provide easy access to hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives.
Can I stay in a castle or historic hotel in the Scottish Highlands?
Aye! The Scottish Highlands are home to many luxurious castles and historic hotels that offer a unique and memorable stay. Some popular options include the Fairmont St Andrews, the Fonab Castle Hotel, and the Ruthven Lodge. These properties often feature elegant rooms, fine dining, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
What are the best towns to stay in for exploring the Scottish Highlands?
The Scottish Highlands have several charming towns that serve as excellent bases for exploring the region. Inverness is a popular choice, being the capital of the Highlands and offering easy access to Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and the Cairngorms National Park. Other great options include Fort William, Aviemore, and Pitlochry, each with its own unique character and attractions. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Prescott Az)
Can I stay in a self-catering cottage or lodge in the Scottish Highlands?
Aye, self-catering is a popular option in the Scottish Highlands! You can find a wide range of cottages, lodges, and apartments to suit all budgets and preferences. Many of these properties are located in picturesque villages or rural areas, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can book through websites like Sykes Cottages, Airbnb, or local tour operators.
What are the best ways to get around the Scottish Highlands without a car?
If you don’t have a car, don’t worry! The Scottish Highlands have a good public transportation network, including buses and trains. You can also use shuttle services or book private transfers. Additionally, many attractions and towns are within walking distance or offer bike rentals. For longer journeys, consider booking a guided tour or using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.
