Scottish Stays

It’s that time of year when you just want to hibernate in the warmth and relax after the manic festive period. So why not treat yourself to a night or weekend away. Escapism is always the key and I have given you my ~#high5 of hotels and accommodation in Scotland from Edinburgh, Glasgow and beyond where you can relax and be pampered. From contemporary to rustic whatever your taste Scotland truly has some amazing gems out there, so what are you waiting for?

#Opulence

 Photos provided by Hotel Du Vin

Appearing as a row of lavish Victorian houses on a tree lined street you would be forgiven to think that this was not an actual hotel but as you enter you are transported into a somewhat Scottish country house like interior. With thick plush carpets, candles, carved wooden furniture and stained glass windows it has an opulence that pulls you in to experience its charms. As we entered we were welcomed with a warming nip of Scottish Whisky and some fudge which was a beautiful touch to the beginning of the stay.

This hotel boasts 49 rooms and its unusual layout is rather quirky with many different nooks and crannies to discover. I have stayed in one of the Grand Rooms and Duplex suites and the lavish charm certainly doesn’t falter in either. The Duplex suite however definitely pulls out all the stops and has an array of beautiful deep hues of reds, plums and black and is surprisingly cosy for being such a large room.

 Photos provided by Hotel Du Vin

The wooden clad walls, large carved wooden bed and fire place again add to the whole country house feel and an unusual red tartan roll top bath is situated in the corner adorned with Jo Malone products. In the separate seating area the indulgence continues with velvet seating and cushions, heavy rich curtains and artwork by the famous Scottish artist Jack Vettriano. It doesn’t stop there though, walk down the suite stairs and you are provided with double sinks and a deluxe twin monsoon shower.

 

The lounge area of the hotel is particularly comfortable with its fireplace and a scattered array of newspapers, the restaurant again echoes the old world aura with its wooden walls and the breakfast room is dark and elegant serving a beautifully cooked breakfast with exceptional service. I can’t help but recommend this hotel especially for autumn/winter, as its dark lustrous undertones like a toasting warm fire welcomes you in from the cold into it’s cosy opulent dwelling.

 Photos provided by Hotel Du Vin

 

 

#Contemporary

 Photos provided by Town House Company

This impressive building situated minutes from the centre of Glasgow on the quiet Blythswood Square promises not to disappoint when it comes to luxury accommodation in Scotland and with 100 contemporary rooms boasting state of the art features you definitely won’t be disappointed.

Each room is designed to provide guests with a unique accommodation experience, with different features such as hand crafted marble bathrooms, four poster beds and the most up to date in-room technology.

Walking into the marble clad entrance hall of this hotel I couldn’t help but be impressed by the service. The door man advised us that there was a delay in checking in and offered to take our bags while we waited. The receptionist staff apologised profusely for the delay and efficiently checked us into the room with a relaxed but professional approach.

 Photos provided by Town House Company

The rooms certainly don’t disappoint with their contemporary furniture, lighting and accessories in different hues of greys against the crisp white of the surrounding walls. The large luxurious bed adorned with beautiful delicate toned throws and the soft mood lighting provided a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Additional upholstered seating at the foot of the bed provide an adequate place to sit and read the newspaper, watch the TV or simply relax with some food delivered straight to your door.

 Photos provided by Town House Company

At certain times and included in the price of your room, guests are invited to try the spa which exudes an ultra-contemporary look . With a thermal suite containing a space age Jacuzzi and other experiences, 9 luxury treatment rooms, two relaxation pools and lounge area, it is a definite perk while staying at this hotel. I spent most of the evening using these facilities and specifically enjoyed the Jacuzzi and steam room and the spa to me was one of the best I have seen in the city and it wasn’t over crowded.

 Photos provided by Town House Company

Although I haven’t eaten at the hotel’s restaurant I did opt for breakfast in the room, it was delivered at the correct time, was warm and selection was great.

 

#Luxury

I don’t usually like chain hotels but this one seems to retain individuality without exuding a corporate feel and after its recent £24 million renovation this 241 roomed hotel certainly doesn’t disappoint.  The exterior of the hotel is beautiful and its warm colour stands out against the grey stone usually associated with Edinburgh. As you walk into this former Victorian railway hotel you are greeted with a very plush entrance hall and reception area with marble flooring and a beautiful central feature light.

Attached to the entrance is a large lounge and bar area called Peacock Alley which was formerly the station concourse and ticket office, with its exposed walls and glass roof filling the area with light, it’s as if you are sitting outside. Also attached is restaurants, The Pompadour by Galvin and Galvin Brasserie de Luxe both from the legendary Michelin-starred chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin.

Leading to the rooms, its imposing staircase is again adorned by a beautiful light and the surrounding mirrors creates a glamorous luminosity. A delicate floral fragrance floats through its extensive hallways and leads you to your room.

I stayed in one of the castle view rooms which had beautiful hues of cool blues and sand. The tall ceilings and the large sash windows made this room particular grand and full of light, especially the glimpse of the castle in the background. The bathroom was large and well lit and had an array of Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries which was a lovely luxurious touch.

In the morning, I opted for breakfast in bed. The breakfast choice was very extensive and overall was very good quality.

#Charismatic

 Photos provided by Craigatin House

Around an hour and half drive from Edinburgh and nestled in a small side road leading out of the town of Pitlochry is the beautiful bed and breakfast, Craigatin House. As you travel down its small drive you begin to catch a glimpse of this stunning Victorian house. The charming exterior looks like something from a fairy tale yet when you enter you are completely surprised with its modern and chic interior. Often the word modern conjures up images of cold, stark, and empty spaces with no character, yet this place manages to balance a contemporary feel with the homely warmth of Scottish charm.

 Photos provided by Craigatin House

You are welcomed straight away by one of the owners who always greet you by name and give you that welcoming smile you need after travelling. The hallway carpets are thick and plush and lead to the beautifully appointed rooms which echo the contemporary style yet each have a very individual look. You can opt to stay in the main house or they also have a courtyard with rooms resonating the same charm as the house itself. If you are at the front of house and on the top floor, looking out of the window you feel like you are nestled in the trees that encase this property and further afield the view of the green rolling hills makes you feel like there is no one else around.

 Photos provided by Craigatin House

In the morning as you walk down the stairs gorgeous smells resonate from the kitchen in time for breakfast. The breakfast room is warm and welcoming and further through you can sit in the very contemporary extension which is surrounded by glass looking out onto the properties garden. As well as a table selection of cereals, juices and condiments there is an extensive breakfast menu. You must not leave this property without trying the porridge and the full Scottish breakfast, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed and I personally feel that Craigatin serves one of the best breakfasts in the area. This bed and breakfast rivals some five star hotels I have stayed in. From fantastic service, beautifully appointed accommodation and a gorgeous breakfast what more can you ask.

 Photos provided by Craigatin House

#Rustic

Along the road from Craigatin House past Pitlochry is a short drive to the beautiful village of Killiecrankie  where you will find yourself at the Old Faskally Lodges. Directly across from the Killiecrankie visitor centre, a long winding road takes you up to the beautiful site on which these chalets are located. With only five properties and surrounded by woods and hills you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere and a sense of calm washes over you.

These wooden clad chalets are not the most luxurious around but they certainly possess everything you need for a tranquil and relaxing stay in this part of Scotland. With two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen area and living area what more can you ask for? The furnishings and fixings are a tad dated but this somehow adds to the unspoilt charm of the place but don’t worry it does have efficient heating and constant warm water.

Outside is a full length balcony that looks upon farmland and the beautiful every changing landscape of the mountain, Ben Vrackie, where you can sit back, clasp your hot chocolate and relax till your hearts content.

You can wander down the road and walk the full length of the Pass of Killiecrankie, full of forests, rivers and wildlife or for the more energetic you can tackle the walks over Ben Vrackie into the town of Pitlochry and back. By car you can visit the local Blair Athol Castle, Queens view which has an amazing view of the river and valley below or a scenic trek around the Bruar Falls.

“We each devise our means of escape from the intolerable.”
― William Styron, A Tidewater Morning