Highland hideaway named as Scotland's best boutique hotel with five more praised by judges
From the Highlands to the lowlands, Scotland’s boutique hotels have shone brightly in a nationwide guide.
A Highland hideaway has been named as Scotland’s best boutique hotel on a list of 50 drawn from across the UK.
Six hotels across Scotland have been named in the guide with the The Torridon, in Wester Ross in the Highlands, ranked as the best boutique hotel north of the border, according to a list compiled by 100 influential figures in the hospitality industry, from hoteliers to travel writers.
The Torridon is Britain's most northerly five-star hotel and was praised by inspectors for its attractive bedrooms, stunning views, cosy day rooms and large collection of malt whisky.
Inspectors wrote of The Torridon: “Delightfully set amid inspiring loch and mountain scenery, The Torridon is an elegant Victorian shooting lodge that's been beautifully appointed to make the most of its many original features, and 58 acres of surrounding parkland.
“The attractive bedrooms are individually furnished and most enjoy stunning Highland views; expect to find Egyptian cotton sheets, duck down duvets, satellite TVs plus Victorian-style bathrooms; for complete privacy choose The Boathouse on the loch shore.
“Comfortable day rooms feature fine wood panelling, and roaring fires in cooler months.
“The kitchen teams in 1887 and Bo & Muc create menus based on locally, often estate sourced ingredients; the hotel has its own herd of cattle and a wonderful kitchen garden.”
“The whisky bar boasts over 365 malts and in-depth tasting notes with Torridon having its own gin produced with aromatics from the garden,” they added.
The Torridon dates back to 1887 and was built as a hunting lodge by the first Earl of Lovelace, a distinguished scientist, with parts of the interior dedicated to Queen Victoria. It is now owned by Dan and Rohaise Rose-Bristow.
Meanwhile, making 19th on the list was Foyers Lodge, Loch Ness, which recently came up for sale and is now under offer. Latterly owned by Anna and Phil Low, the hotel was awarded a Michelin ‘one key’ in the inaugural Michelin Guide for hotels in 2024, and retained the accolade this year. Located on the quieter, south side of the loch, judges praised the cosy and tranquil bedrooms and interiors which reflected the heritage of the lodge. No children are allowed at Foyers Lodge, which has an adults-only policy in order to create the perfect escape.
The Fife Arms in Braemar, owned by international art dealers Iwan and Manuela Wirth, came 29th on the list. The hotel was praised for its food and drink - notably Bertie’s Bar and the Flying Stag pub - as well as its 46 bedrooms, each which have been individually designed.
“ A true retreat from everyday life, you will lose yourself in the Fife Arms and won’t want to be found again,” inspectors said.
Others Scottish hotels to make the list include 100 Princes Street, which came in at 33rd on the list, and Links House at Royal Dornoch, which made 36th position.
At number 50 was Andy and Kim Murray’s Cromlix House near Dunblane, which inspectors praised for its individually designed rooms and the quality of food.
READ MORE: Cromlix - first pictures of Andy’s Murray’s new hotel restaurant with opening scheduled for Spring
Inspectors said: “There's a plethora of dining options available and devour Scotland's landscape on a plate. The Glasshouse serves up locally sourced ingredients, prepared in an open kitchen where guests can also feast their eyes on the spectacular views of the surrounding gardens and grounds.
“This warm casual space is adorned with original artwork, botanicals and vibrant fabrics to complement the stunning food served within from the kitchen of executive head chef James Mearing, who joined the team in February 2025.”
Make sure you keep up to date with news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.