Tried & Tested: The Experts’ Guide to Scotland’s Best Boutique Hotels

Words By Chrystal Webster

Planning a 2026 staycation? Discover Scotland’s standout boutique hotels, handpicked by The Luxury Editor.
Do your plans for 2026 include a little indulgent staycation? In partnership with The Luxury Editor, this bespoke edit brings together Scotland’s very best boutique hotels — all personally tried and tested by luxury travel experts who know what turns a great stay into a truly special one. From beautifully designed city escapes to characterful country retreats, these standout properties champion thoughtful design, warm hospitality and a real sense of place. While travel has taken me far and wide over the years, it’s these exceptional stays closer to home that continue to impress the most — so here are my top tips, just for you.

Seaton House, St Andrews, Fife

Overlooking the 18th hole and clubhouse of the world-famous Old Course in St Andrews, the 5-star Seaton House provides the famous Scottish golfing town with its most refined hospitality experience to date.

Formerly The Scores Hotel, the property has reclaimed its original name, following a sensitive restoration of its two Georgian townhouses which date back to 1864. Part of the Links Collection portfolio Seaton House offers 42 luxurious guest quarters, including six signature suites and three junior suites. The interiors mix contemporary refinement with Scottish character through oak panelling, heritage fabrics and thoughtful design touches. Rooms include rainfall showers, Nespresso machines, smart TVs and complimentary soft drinks, with standout sea view terrace suites overlooking West Sands Beach and the Old Course.

Looking for the perfect culinary experience? Choose dinner at Ondine Oyster & Grill, followed by a dram or two in the whisky-focused Bow Butts Bar.

Work off the indulgences at Seaton' House’s 24-hour fitness suite or take a guided hike along the Fife Coastal path. Other varied local experiences include falconry displays on the beach, behind-the-scenes access at local distilleries (which we loved!) and exclusive boat charters along the coastline and even alpaca trekking.

Seaton House doesn’t shout about its luxury it whispers it with grace, from the discreet and intuitive service to the elegant interiors grounded in Scottish heritage. Whether you’re here for a weekend of golf, a food-led escape, or simply to recharge amid sea air and storied surroundings, Seaton House delivers an elevated and deeply personal kind of hospitality

Prestonfield House, Edinburgh, Lothians

Just a short drive from the Edinburgh’s Old Town stands the resplendent Prestonfield House. This theatrically decorated 5 Star hotel affords timeless elegance, rich history, and sumptuous surroundings and comprises 23 uniquely furnished rooms and suites including themed Lord Provost Suite and the Winston Churchill suite.

Grand architecture is set among extensive manicured gardens where peacocks roam creating the feel of a country estate but on the cusp of central Edinburgh. Inside is a world of opulence and grandeur; a masterful display of period furniture, richly coloured lavish fabrics, antique artwork and flawlessly executed service throughout this hotel really makes a statement.

The boutique hotel is also known for its destination fine dining experience at signature restaurant Rhubarb which is split across a north and south dining room, the spaces are dramatic and romantic with soft classic music playing in the background which really sets the tone for an elegant evening. The restaurant’s name recalls how the Prestonfield estate was the first in Scotland to cultivate rhubarb in the eighteenth century and the plant still features in the kitchen’s culinary creations! Enjoy cuisine with a modern European and strong Scottish influence, showcasing seasonal and locally sourced produce. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion. Prestonfield House has a captivating blend of magic, drama, and romance, unlike anything else you will find near or far.

Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry, Perthshire

Set within 10 acres of tranquil woodland on the edge of Pitlochry in Perthshire, Pine Trees is the Apex Hotel group’s latest rural outpost, having opened in December 2025 following a multimillion-pound refurbishment.

The movement of ‘coorie living’, Scotland’s answer to the Scandinavian concept of ‘hygge’, perfectly describes the atmosphere of Pine Trees. This is exactly where you need to head to disconnect from modern life for a moment and embrace the simplicity of a slower pace. With a stand-alone cottage and 32 beautifully appointed rooms each featuring bespoke furnishings, some with balconies and patios, some have four poster beds or free-standing bathtubs, while others include cosy lounges ideal to ‘coorie’ away in.

Interiors deliver both warmth and intimacy with many of the hotel’s original features retained and restored. Add in a curated mix of mid-century and vintage furniture and contemporary artwork from Scottish artists and you have a true stylish haven. Thoughtful touches flow throughout, from the boot room at the hotel entrance, to the well-stocked Scottish grazing larders packed with complimentary sweet and savoury treats ensure a snack is always on hand.

The hotel’s restaurant and bar, Flora and Fauna, offers a contemporary Scottish culinary experience, celebrating locally sourced ingredients while Flora Bar serves an extensive selection of whiskies and cocktails offering the perfect place for a pre, post-dinner or entire evening of indulgence!

Reconnect with nature and feel at one with yourself. Pine Trees Hotel offers the perfect escape in the heart of rural Perthshire, and we can confirm first-hand once you check in you won’t want to leave!

Cromlix House, Kinbuck, Stirling

A quaint and countrified gatehouse with ancient stone piers marks the entrance to Cromlix Hotel. Set in 34 acres of roaming Scottish woodlands and landscaped gardens, in Stirlingshire, this is a beautiful intimate 15-room hotel, including 10 bedrooms and five suites all individually designed. The boutique hotel was once a private residence to the Drummond family with a storied history dating back to the 1800’s. Now owned by British tennis star ]Andy Murray and his wife Kim, the couple have transformed the Victorian mansion into a romantic retreat that pops with colour, vibrant style with accents that respect its location and heritage.

Destination dining is also a part of the offering at The Glasshouse at Cromlix, aptly named after its design, which boasts panoramic views across the gardens and estate. The menu is seasonal with many of the ingredients grown in the Cromlix kitchen garden or sourced from local suppliers, and the quality of the ingredients really shines through, presentation is beautiful and portion sizes are plentiful too. The open kitchen adds to the hustle and bustle of the restaurant’s energy.

And for entertainment be sure to master your ‘ball skills’ as the Championship tennis court and billiards room are the places to be for competitive types! Or if you fancy something more tranquil don a pair of complimentary wellies and take a stroll in the glorious grounds.

Cromlix Hotel is a POB hotel – a collection of the very best independent hotels across the British Isles.

Knipoch House Hotel, Argyll & Bute, Oban

Knipoch Hotel, with its 26 beautifully designed rooms, offers a refined and cosy escape just six miles south of Oban, in the dramatic landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Overlooking the peaceful Loch Feochan, the hotel is surrounded by rolling hills and shimmering waters, creating a perfect backdrop for those looking to unwind and immerse themselves in Scotland’s natural beauty.

Dating back to 1592 it began life as a private home before being transformed into a hotel. In early 2024, Knipoch Hotel became part of the Sonas Collection following an extensive £1 million renovation. This thoughtful restoration has maintained the hotel’s original charm with features like stone walls, fireplaces, and wood-panelled interiors while adding a fresh contemporary interior design colour palette and enhanced luxuries.

1635 is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant menu that showcases the very best of Scottish produce and offers a high-end dining experience that immerses your senses in the flavours and history of the region. Led by Chef Andrew Engledow, 1635 presents a seven-course fine dining ‘Taste of Scotland’ menu, blending the finest local ingredients with seasonal flavours from across the country.

Set in a beautiful location, there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy, and of course a round of golf or two!

The Leddie Hotel, Aberlady, East Lothian

Located in the small Scottish coastal village of Aberlady in East Lothian, The Leddie is a short drive from Gullane Bents beach, North Berwick and Muirfield. Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve is a few minutes’ walk from the front door and the surrounding area forms part of East Lothian’s “Golf Coast”, with over twenty courses nearby.

Now part of The Marram Hotel Collection the hotel has undergone a major refurbishment and brings fresh energy to a centuries-old coaching inn. Its 27 individually designed bedrooms are matched by confident interiors, warm hospitality. Interiors take guidance from the surrounding landscape, using soft greens, reds and grey tones layered with natural textures, and wool throws. Given the age of the building, each room’s footprint is slightly different. Some rooms look out onto the high street, others overlook the courtyard, and some feature pitched ceilings. Bathrooms include rainforest showers, green tiled walls and L’Occitane toiletries, and homemade shortbread adds a thoughtful touch on arrival.

The restaurant is led by Head Chef Lewis Lane, whose culinary pedigree includes time in some of Scotland’s most respected kitchens, including 21212, Restaurant Mark Greenaway, Timberyard and Borthwick Castle. His cooking leans into Scotland’s natural larder, with a clear focus on sustainability and locality, with suppliers largely drawn from within a short radius of Aberlady. Dishes are built around simple flavours, often with a Scandinavian twist.

The Leddie offers a modern take on the classic village inn, rooms are design-led, the restaurant is a destination in its own right, and the setting suits everyone from golfers to families and couples looking to relax

The Luxury Editor is a leading digital destination for luxury travel, hotels, interiors and lifestyle inspiration, curating exceptional experiences from around the world since 2013. This bespoke Hood edit has been curated by Chrystal Webster, Co-Founder, Editor and Brand Director, The Luxury Editor.