Hotels in Scotland

There is a huge range of hotels in Scotland, whether you're after a city break or a mountain retreat...

In a country that is as warm and hospitable as Scotland and with so much to discover, it's easy to find a great hotel, in the right location and for every budget.

Hotels are found in all manner of fabulous locations, from major cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, to converted highland castles and picturesque island retreats; Scotland is an amazingly diverse land. With six cities to choose from, of which Edinburgh and Lanark are World Heritage Sites, and National Parks such as Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, there is a hotel location to suit every taste and for every type of holiday, from honeymoon to family trip or activity weekend.

Edinburgh is an ideal city to base yourself in and it offers a great range of accommodation, including well known hotels as well as boutique hotels and hostels. Highlights of Edinburgh include the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace - residence of the Queen, the parliament at Holyrood and the famous Edinburgh Festival, held each August.

The nearby city of Glasgow is another good place to stay and those heading there for the Commonwealth Games in 2014 will find a full selection of hotels. Glasgow is famous for its excellent nightlife, its cultural scene and the stunning Georgian architecture which nods to its rich industrial past.

To the north lie the cities of Aberdeen and Inverness, both offering modern appeal and industrial heritage. Inverness is a known as the gateway to the Highlands and is an ideal place to stay if you want to be city based whilst exploring the countryside.

The highlands and the lochs are unsurpassed in their beauty and the whole region is awash with B&Bs and self-catering options. There is also a good choice of hotels, from small family-run affairs to lake-side five-star spas, as well as converted castles. Much of Scotland caters for those who enjoy outside adventures, such as fishing, canoeing, mountain biking and hiking.

And, of course, there is Loch Ness, supposedly inhabited by a near mythical monster and perhaps Scotland's most famous destination, and the Shetland Islands with their strong Viking heritage. Scotland is also the home of the famous Scotch whisky. As well as Loch Ness and Ben Nevis, Scotland also boasts miles of both rugged and sandy coastline. At the very extremities lie the Orkney, Shetland and Hebrides islands, which are some of the most unique places on earth, many of these islands too offer self-catering and B&B options.

Across Scotland, hotels include major brands from budget to luxury including Rocco Forte, Travelodge, Macdonald, Britannia, Puma Hotels, Marriott, Best Western, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Mercure, Sheraton and many more. There are also plenty of choices of independently-owned hotels and B&Bs.

How will you fill your time in Scotland? Check out some of the nation's highlights...

With a heap of natural beauty and fascinating, historical cities, Scotland's attractions are diverse and endlessly appealing.

Top five attractions 

Edinburgh Castle

Crowning the capital city is this incredible castle, which draws more than a million visitors every year. There is plenty to see around the site, which forms the backdrop for the annual Military Tattoo.

Loch Ness

Go in search of the legendary Loch Ness monster at this Scottish beauty spot, the second largest loch in Scotland after Loch Lomond.

Ben Nevis

Britain's highest mountain and a major attraction for hikers, Ben Nevis stands at more than 1,300 metres and is a pleasure to behold whatever the season. It stands in the Scottish Highlands, where plenty more natural loveliness lies in wait of visitors.

The Cairngorms

This mountain range in the eastern swathe of the Highlands is well known for the winter sports opportunities it presents. A funicular railway takes those without a taste for extreme sports to extreme heights.

Whisky trail

As well known for its fine whiskies as its tartan, Scotland is a whisky connoisseur's dream. There are a number of trails that take in distilleries and tourist spots. The Malt Whisky Trail in Speyside is one of the most popular.

There's always something happening in Scotland, whenever and wherever you travel...

Every town, city, island and region in Scotland has something to celebrate throughout the year. These are three of the biggest wonders on the national annual calendar:

Highland Games; various dates and locations: While the Cowal Highland Gathering in August is the biggest event, you can catch the exhilarating action at many locations around the country (indeed, around the world). Hear the bagpipes, see the dancing, and hold your breath in anticipation as competitors display brute strength in games such as the caber toss.

Edinburgh International Festival; August-September:People flock to the Scottish capital from across the globe to be a part of the annual festival and its fringe festival. The number of cultural highlights is dazzling - be sure to book tickets and accommodation well in advance as the city is extremely busy during this three-week event.

Hogmanay; December 31; across Scotland: Scots like to welcome in the New Year with style and exuberance and everyone is invited to join the big public parties. If you only ever get to make it to one, many would argue that it would have to be Edinburgh's Hogmanay, where music, dancing, fireworks and general merrymaking in the cold are top of the party agenda.