Seven must-visit hotels on Scotland's West coast
Rugged coastline. Windswept islands. Majestic mountains… and the magic of beach and sea. You could say Scotland’s west coast has it all – including a diverse and enticing range of properties to explore.
But how to choose just one? Whether your itinerary features dramatic scenery, outdoor adventures, incredible cuisine or absolute escape, there’s a west-coast treasure that fits the bill – and then some. Let’s explore the options…
Seek out seclusion at Knockinaam Lodge
In the southwest corner of Scotland, nestled in a rocky cove encircled by high, gorse-smothered cliffs, you’ll find the spectacular Knockinaam Lodge. With thirty acres of gardens and lawns sweeping down to the seashore, this Victorian country house occupies a wild, serene location on the water’s edge overlooking the Irish Sea.
Its ten romantic bedrooms are individually designed, many with vintage bathrooms and sea views, and foodies adore the hotel for its 3 AA Rosette-awarded restaurant.
Once you’ve explored its extensive gardens and beaches, there’s also fishing, golfing, hillwalks and pony trekking to keep you entertained. Or, take a day trip to nearby Drumlanrig or Culzean Castle for a history fix.
After a day of exploring, the culinary adventure begins. Knockinaam is famed for its fresh, seasonal menus – often sourced from its kitchen garden. Pull up a chair in the intimate restaurant and prepare to be enchanted by a four or five-course tasting menu. Once suitably stuffed, proceed to the drawing room for coffee and petit fours or – if you insist – a nightcap in the Whisky Bar. Perfection.
Check into splendour at Glenapp Castle
Glenapp Castle is a true hidden gem. Set in a spectacular location just a few miles from the coast in Ayrshire, the hotel commands breathtaking views of the sea and 36 acres of gardens and woodlands to explore.
Guests can choose from 17 individually designed guest suites, as well as the newly created Castle Penthouse Suite, offering 4 bedrooms. The suites on the hotel’s ground floor face the garden and woodlands, while those on the first and second floors come with a view of the sea. Decisions, decisions.
You’ll find plenty to get up to at Glenapp when you’re not admiring the view. Explore the Italian gardens and the beaches or play golf nearby. Book a day at the local spa, or charter a boat to the Mull of Kintyre, Isle of Arran or Ailsa Craig - famous for its bird sanctuary and atmospheric castle ruins.
Treat yourself to a decadent afternoon tea throughout the day and in the evening dine out on the tasting menu, which changes daily and offers seven or three courses.
To round off a perfect day, we highly recommend savouring one (or more) malt whiskies while watching the sun set over Ailsa Craig and the Mull of Kintyre.
The Glenapp Castle Hebridean Sea Safari
This unique experience combines a stay in Glenapp Castle with a glamping experience on a remote Scottish island. This five-day, four-night adventure begins with a stay in Glenapp Castle. The concierge team will take you to a nearby port where your Hebridean Sea Safari adventure begins. Some guests were even treated to this view of the Aurora Borealis recently!
Explore the Hebridean Sea by Boat | Glenapp Castle
Feast on seafood at Crinan Hotel
You can’t eat (or sleep!) closer to the sea than at Crinan Hotel - it’s set in the picturesque fishing village of Crinan on the Argyll coastline at the north end of the Crinan Canal. This is where Loch Crinan opens into the Sound of Jura – the gateway to the isles of Islay, Jura and the rest of the Inner Hebrides.
Wonderful food and a warm welcome have made this outpost famous. But it’s not just the destination that dazzles: the scenery from Loch Lomond to Inveraray down the shores of Loch Fyne on the way to the hotel is a spectacle all its own.
There’s plenty to do during a stay, including canal and woodland walks, visits to the historic standing stones at Kilmartin Glen, and boat trips and expeditions to the islands for the adventurous.
Make time to see the spectacular natural phenomenon of the Corryvreckan Whirlpool – also known, rather dramatically, as ‘Scotland’s maelstrom.’ While you’re staring out over the tumultuous waters, you may also spot sea eagles, dolphins or seals if you’re lucky.
When it comes to making dinner plans, take your pick from the Michelin-recommended Westward Restaurant, the popular Crinan Seafood Bar or their very own pub, The General’s Bar.
Seafood is, of course, the order of the day at Crinan, where fresh catches are landed at the pier outside in time for dinner. Savour fresh jumbo prawns, crab, Kintyre lobster, scallops and mussels from the seasonal menu, which also includes locally sourced beef and lamb.
Explore Skye from Kinloch Lodge
Kinloch Lodge sits on the southern tip of the Isle of Skye, nestled at the foot of Kinloch Hill, and surrounded by natural splendour. This little oasis of hospitality punches well above its size, with exquisite dining, roaring firesides, whisky on tap and ridiculously comfy beds.
The island is an adventure playground, especially for hill climbing up the Cuillins, the dramatic craggy mountain range that dominates the landscape. If it sounds a bit energetic for your speed, there are gentler nature walks near the hotel along a waymarked drovers’ path through woodland and lochside to the ruins of a former village, Leitir Fura – look out for eagles, birds and wildlife along the way.
The Lodge is steeped in heritage and exemplifies all the traditions of warm Highland hospitality. Bedrooms are individually decorated in colours and textures chosen to reflect Skye’s distinctive landscape. The elegant drawing rooms at Kinloch Lodge provide an ideal setting for afternoon tea or pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap to complete the perfect day.
Food is the crowning glory of the Kinloch Lodge experience. Chef Jordan Webb has cooked in kitchens across the world, but on Skye, he has access to the unprecedented flavours and ingredients yielded by the surrounding landscape.
What’s more, there’s a carefully considered wine list that includes organic and biodynamic wines, with 122 different whiskies.
Escape to the Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island
On a private island on Scotland’s west coast sits the Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island.
This impressive 19th-century mansion, built in Scottish baronial style, is set in 300 acres of serene west highland scenery, on a private tidal island at the entrance of Loch Creran. It’s just a short drive from the mainland over a little bridge, but it couldn’t feel further from the outside world.
It has 16 luxury bedrooms and five spa suites, as well as two garden cottages with their own hot tubs. If you’d prefer even more space, Hilltop Reserves have large balconies and hot tubs overlooking Loch Linnhe. There’s also Arnott’s House, Eriska’s three-bedroom self-catering option.
You’ll find loads of dining options at Eriska, including an à la carte menu in the Main House restaurant and a Small Plates menu at The Deck, boasting panoramic vistas of rolling mountains, tranquil waters, and stunning sunsets.
Experience true luxury at Inverlochy Castle
Just north of Fort William, the outdoor capital of the world, you’ll find Inverlochy Castle Hotel. This romantic 19th century castle is nestled in the foothills of the mighty Ben Nevis and surrounded by some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery.
Each of Inverlochy’s 17 bedrooms has its own individual design and character, and many have splendid views of the grounds and surrounding mountains. The recent addition of walled garden rooms brings a further eight rooms into the mix, all echoing the same character of the hotel rooms.
At Inverlochy, dinner is served with a sense of occasion at 7pm sharp, with cocktails and canapés to kick things off. Then, guests proceed to the cosy dining room to experience five dishes crafted from local, seasonal produce in an intimate, convivial setting.
It’s not all about formal wear, though – there’s plenty of opportunity to get out into the wilds for some fishing, rafting, mountain biking or indeed, to climb Scotland’s highest peak if that’s your mission.
Make your great escape at The Torridon
The Torridon enjoys one of the most spectacular and idyllic locations in the Scottish Highlands, nestled between towering mountains and a glittering sea loch. Escapes don’t get much greater than this.
On arrival, expect the warmest welcome, a cosy atmosphere laced with the smell of woodfire, and gorgeously styled surroundings. Choose to stay in one of 18 beautiful en-suite bedrooms, all with spectacular views, or in the converted stable blocks.
The friendly team at Torridon Outdoors can help you explore the surrounding land and sea at your own pace – whether that’s scrambling through a tumbling gorge, hiking a craggy Munro, or kayaking on the still waters of the sea loch.
Then, after a day in the great outdoors, head to the whisky bar to sample one of the 365 available whiskies – one for every day of the year. Or, if gin’s more your thing, try a glass of Arcturus, Torridon’s very own creation made from highland botanicals. Blended with pure Scottish loch water, it is distilled and bottled by Luxury Scotland partners Dunnet Bay Distillers to produce an aromatic, crisp, clean gin with a dry finish.
For dinner, choose from the Bo & Muc brasserie, where freshly sourced produce sings out from the plate in a medley of flavours, and 1887, a 3 AA Rosette restaurant, where ingredients are sourced from the Torridon Farm and Kitchen Garden.