Ullapool
Opposite the Ceilidh Place, which runs it, this annexe offers no-frills accommodation for walkers, journeyers and staff. A big building, it has hostel…
Must-see hotels in Scotland
Dumfries & Galloway
Showing its age but still an enjoyable time-warp experience, this was formerly the home of Arctic explorer Sir John Ross. Rooms are quaint but comfortable…
Edinburgh
An unusual hostel housed in a converted church. Although some have complained about noise – there are only thin partitions between dorms, and no ceilings …
Kirkwall
Guests come first here, but the wee folk – a battalion of garden gnomes and clans of dolls with lifelike stares – are close behind. Some of the good-sized…
North & West Coast
Set in countryside about a mile west of central Bettyhill, this modern cottage enjoys a lovely situation overlooking hills and the river. Lots of windows…
Borders Region
Genteel, Georgian Ednam House, touched with a quiet dignity, contains many of its original features, with fine gardens overlooking the river. The old…
Glasgow
Right by the train station, this affordable budget hotel has soft tones in its compact rooms, located above a bar-restaurant serving Indian food. Large…
Glasgow
Especially suiting people wanting a nightlife base, this is in the heart of Merchant City. Rooms blend minimalism and rich, sexy colours. Compact and…
Shetland
There are four spacious berths in this cute wee stone böd, 3.5 miles northeast of Eshaness, with its challengingly low door. It’s very basic, with no…
Shetland
The former home of famous Scottish poet Hugh MacDiarmid is now a simple camping böd. It has no electricity or shower, but there is fuel for sale. Prebook…
Mull
Just a mile from Tobermory, but with a very peaceful rural feel, this farmhouse has cosy rooms (two share a bathroom) tucked in under the eaves. It's got…
Caithness
Easy to find, and easy to park outside, this welcoming budget guesthouse offers rooms of varying sizes with good en suites – try for one of the renovated…
Arran
A mile outside Brodick but a world away in deep countryside, these six luxurious, tastefully decorated cottages sit on the grounds – patrolled by a…
Oban
Welcoming Heatherfield House occupies a converted 1870s rectory set in extensive grounds. It has six spacious rooms that are very elegant and beautifully…
Edinburgh
Describing itself as Edinburgh’s most stylish and funky hostel, the Hostel is located right opposite Haymarket station, and offers female-only as well as…
Borders Region
This popular option near Melrose Abbey is solid and comfortable. The bright rooms have a well-cared-for feel, and the twin room has great views. Breakfast…
Glasgow
A range of smart serviced apartments offering a modern, polished stay in a very appealing Merchant City location. They come in various sizes and sleep up…
The Cairngorms
Glenmore Lodge's comfortable B&B accommodation is available to all, even if you’re not taking a course, as is its indoor climbing wall, gym and sauna. The…
The Cairngorms
This independent hostel provides accommodation in bright, modern six- or eight-bed dorms, each with private bathroom, and one twin/family room. It has a…
Loch Lomond
Originally an 18th-century drovers’ inn, the Rowardennan has two big bars (often crowded with rain-sodden hikers) and a good beer garden (often crowded…
St Andrews
Laid back and central, this hostel is the only backpacker accommodation in town. Occupying a stately old building, it has high corniced ceilings,…
Islay
Now modernised, this traditional building is off the main road 3 miles from the Port Askaig ferry. Rooms are on the compact side, but are smart and…
Ullapool to Kyle of Lochalsh
The principal selling point of this unassuming modern house is a patio with a stunning view over the sea to Skye – a view you can also enjoy from your…
North & West Coast
This working croft provides comfortable rooms with good space in a traditional B&B atmosphere with a sheepdog theme. Apart from the handy central location…
Perth
A 20-minute stroll from the centre, this summer-only hostel is set in a student residence at Perth College. The rooms are all en-suite twins and four-bed…
Arran
In a lush glen 2 miles from Brodick, Glen Rosa offers picturesque but basic camping in a large grassy riverside meadow, with cold water and toilets only…
Islay
The Lochside has had a thorough makeover, and bedrooms are looking coolly stylish, with attractive Scottish fabrics, firm mattresses and excellent showers…
The Trossachs
Nothing is too much trouble for the friendly hosts at this guesthouse right in the heart of Aberfoyle. It has three compact, comfortable ground-floor…
Orkney
This solid 19th-century house sitting right on Pierowall Bay is a very comfortable B&B with unusual extras, such as original artworks on the walls and a…
East Coast
Handy for the ascent of Ben Bhraggie and the mountain-bike trails, this characterful Victorian villa with its turret and step gables offers warmly…
West Highlands
This pretty, whitewashed coaching inn, draped in colourful flower baskets, makes a great place for a lunch break or an overnight stop. The restaurant …
Dumfries & Galloway
On the main road, this central accommodation option has large rooms, a friendly owner and big sink-in-and-smile beds. There's a good room if you're…
East Coast
The Royal Hotel really is the heart of town – the main street has to detour around it. It has a few quirks but the good-sized rooms are comfortable enough…
Holyrood & Arthur’s Seat
This modern student complex belonging to the University of Edinburgh has 2000 rooms (500 with en suite bathroom). It's busy and often noisy, but it's…
Skye
The Broadford Hotel is a stylish retreat with luxury fabrics and designer colour schemes. There’s a formal restaurant and the more functional Gabbro Bar,…
Southern Highlands & Islands
To get to this hostel, housed in a comfortable, modern bungalow, go through the right-hand one of the two arched entrances on the seafront. Small bunk…
Central Highlands
This tiny, one-room bothy, a 15-minute walk from the pier, has space for four people in one double bed and two bunk beds. It’s a real Hebridean experience…
Shetland
This is a simple and comfortable hostel run by the Shetland Amenity Trust, with fridge, peat fire (£5 a bag), power and decent hot-water bathrooms. It was…
Oban, Mull & Tiree
Balinoe is a sheltered campsite with full facilities in the southwest of Tiree island, near Balemartine, with great views of Mull. There are campsites…
Borders Region
A restored Victorian inn situated in the heart of town, the Station makes a solid base. Rooms are spacious and have some stylish decorative touches and…
