Top 6 Castle Hotels in Scotland

If you enjoy unrivalled peace, seclusion, historical luxury and a home away from home check out these top 6 castle hotels in Scotland. All make for a perfect stay when enjoying golf in Scotland.

The Best Castle Hotels in Scotland for Golf Trips

Dalhousie Castle Hotel and Spa

Edinburgh

Dalhousie Castle is located near the town of Bonnyrigg, just 8 miles from Edinburgh’s city centre. The castle was the seat of the Earls of Dalhousie, the chieftains of Clan Ramsay. They held possession of Dalhousie longer than any other family has retained possession of a castle in Scotland. The present structure essentially dates from about 1450.

There are 35 bedrooms in the estate, 29 individually designed bedrooms are within the castle walls. Rooms have soft Egyptian cotton bed linen, fluffy towels, robes, slippers and Molton Brown toiletries. These are decorated in Scottish design fabrics such as tweed, tartan and twill. Period furniture, rugs and carpets combine to create a richly warm and luxurious feel.

There is a unique dining experience in the ancient barrel-vaulted dungeons which has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes, The menu is a modern interpretation of classic Scottish dishes cooked and prepared in a classic French cooking style, whilst using locally sourced produce. The Spa combines relaxing and beneficial treatments intended to revitalize and regenerate your body and mind.

Golf at: North Berwick, Dunbar, Muirfield, and Roxburgh.

Airth Castle Hotel & Spa

Stirlingshire

The hotel is set in beautiful parkland near Stirling and Falkirk. It is entered through a pretty courtyard, adjacent to the 14th Century Castle that was once owned by Robert the Bruce. There are 125 rooms with, 22 rooms & suites in the original Castle. The size & style of the rooms & suites vary, with a mix of period charm & others with a more contemporary feel. All are equipped with every modern convenience. Facilities include a Grill Room, Piano Bar, Leisure Club and Spa.

The Grill Room, set under a unique pyramid of glass, is renowned for its food, serving locally inspired dishes complemented by classics with an innovative twist. It’s all about seasonal, fresh, high-quality ingredients served with style.

In the grounds, you’ll discover central Scotland’s most luxurious spa and fitness club which is open to residents of the hotel. It features six indulgent treatment rooms, a relaxation area, tanning salon, an indoor heated swimming pool with poolside terrace, a Jacuzzi, steam room and solarium. There is also a gym with the latest state-of-the-art equipment

Golf at: Gleneagles, Blairgowrie, the Carrick at Cameron House

Dalmunzie Castle

Highlands of Perthshire

Dalmunzie Castle is a stunning example of a Lairds mansion turreted in the Scots Baronial style. It is located on an estate dating back to 1510. With a backdrop of splendid mountain scenery, it is a classic country house hotel located in a hidden part of Highland Perthshire. Activities include a 9 hole golf course, tennis court, hiking trails, fishing and mountain bikes are available.

The seventeen bedrooms are all individual in style, decoration and theme and all enjoy an aspect of the stunning mountain scenery, golf course or surrounding lawns. Dalmunzie has been recommended in the Michelin guide for the last eight years demonstrating a high consistency of product. Dinner is a priority event of the day, with lunch menu is relatively simple and deliberately designed as the support act.

Dinner is an important old-fashioned occasion at Dalmunzie. The wine list is constantly under review and offers the discerning guest old favourites and new surprises from premier wine-producing regions. For the whisky enthusiast, there are 100 single malts to choose from.

Golf at: Blairgowrie. Montrose and St Andrews

Dalmunzie golf course is amongst Britain’s highest and is enveloped by stunning mountain scenery. The views in all directions are simply superb. Its design is open to some conjecture. Dalmunzie’s golf course was probably originally designed by Dr Mackenzie of Augusta fame and later added to or changed by James Braid. Although only 9 holes and par 30 for gents, the course is deceptively difficult.

Fonab Castle Pitlochry

Highlands of Perthshire

Fonab Castle is an exceptional five-star hotel. It has a historic past and stunning surroundings with views near Ben Vrackie. It benefits from a unique loch-side location alongside awesome Loch Faskally.

The hotel was originally built as a home for the Sandeman family, the sherry and port merchants. Stylish bedrooms with all modern amenities are found in the main castle building and more modern annexe. From the contemporary Woodland Rooms through to the decadent Castle Penthouse, each bedroom and suite has been individually designed.

The Brasserie and lounge with 3 AA Rosettes, offer panoramic views from the hotel’s elevated position and provide a wide choice of quality produce cooked to the highest standard.

Impressive spa, pool and gym facilities are available on site.

Golf at: Blairgowrie and Gleneagles

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

West Highlands

Inverlochy is Scotland’s finest luxury hotel and restaurant. It is close to Ben Nevis and just 4 miles north of Fort William. The hotel is uniquely located amongst the glens, lochs and mountains of the West Highlands. Each of the 17 bedrooms, all with private bathroom, has their own individual design and character, along with splendid views of the grounds and surrounding mountains. Room facilities include 30 inch Phillips mirror televisions, personal safe, cd player, radio, iron/ironing board. DVD players are available upon request.

Dining at ‘Albert and Michel Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle’ is a culinary experience to savour, with the legendary father and son taking the helm of the kitchen and offering the finest dishes using local produce. Dining is in any of three dining rooms, each decorated with period and elaborate furniture presented as gifts to Inverlochy Castle from the King of Norway, creating a unique experience in unrivalled surroundings.

The menu features modern British cuisine with French influences which is internationally recognised by all major guides. The restaurants have been awarded AA 3 Red Rosettes.

Dornoch Castle Hotel

Northern Highlands

The Castle was probably built in the late 15th century. It is almost certainly on the site of the original Bishop’s Palace of St. Gilbert. He founded the Cathedral in the early 13th Century. The building was modernized in 1922 when it passed into private hands and in 1947 when it became a hotel. Great care has been taken to maintain the character of the Castle as a stately, historic and comfortable residence.

All bedrooms are tastefully decorated with a strong emphasis on comfort and tranquillity. There are deluxe rooms, including The Old Courtroom with a four-poster bed, open fire, LCD TV, Jacuzzi bath and Champagne on arrival. Superior rooms are in the older part of the Castle and Standard rooms form the easterly wing of the Castle…

There is a fine dining restaurant with several awards including its first Rosette in 2005. Have a special candle-lit dinner in the Garden Restaurant; or a more informal meal in front of the roaring log fire in the 11ft fireplace that was formerly the Bishop’s kitchen in the 1500s. Castle dining provides an excellent choice of dishes.

To experience the historical luxury of these top 10 castle hotels in Scotland, check out our Scotland Golf Tours.

If it's castle hotels that you're after, take a look at our Top 5 Castle Hotels in England.