Rooms With a View: 10 Best Lochside Hotels in Scotland
Scotland’s lochs are a distinctive part of its landscape and the perfect location to relax, reconnect with nature, and recharge from modern life. From legendary Loch Ness to sparkling sea lochs hidden amongst towering Highland mountains, many of Scotland’s lochside hotels take full advantage of their spectacular setting.
With 15 years’ experience of arranging award-winning self-drive holidays in Scotland, Absolute Escapes hand-pick all the accommodation we work with using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.
Read on to discover our favourite lochside hotels across the country …
Kylesku Hotel
Sitting in the beautifully raw Highland region of Assynt, The Kylesku Hotel offers an enchanting, award-winning overnight stop on the North Coast 500. Specialising in ultra-local seafood, the hotel lies peacefully on the shores of Loch Glendhu, where fishing boats catch your dinner and seals play.
The modernised 19th-century building boasts stunning loch views from the dining room, and a lochside terrace where you can enjoy freshly caught lobsters and sip prosecco. If you are thirsty for an unforgettable experience in the remote, mountainous north-west, look no further.
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Isle of Eriska Hotel
A few miles north of Oban on a private island accessible by bridge, the traditional Isle of Eriska Hotel poses elegantly, surrounded by the deep blue waters of Loch Linnhe and Loch Creran. With distant mountain views and an abundance of birdlife, the serene atmosphere is complemented by the hotel’s spa and leisure facilities where you can relax and destress.
Another highlight is the superb restaurant, where you can enjoy a gourmet dining experience with mouth-watering Scottish delicacies on the menu, such as Argyll roe deer, Ayrshire lamb and Loch Fyne crab.
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Kinloch Lodge Hotel
Regarded as one of the most romantic hotels in Scotland, the harmonious tranquillity of Kinloch Lodge Hotel on the Isle of Skye is undeniable. Combining world-class cuisine with Highland hospitality, this family-run establishment aims to feed both body and soul.
Originally a hunting lodge, the interiors are wonderfully Scottish with rooms reflecting Skye’s distinctive landscape, but what really makes this place special is its awe-inspiring location. Sitting on the shores of Loch na Dal in the Sound of Sleat, the views are spectacular! Get seduced by its otherworldly beauty and recharge your batteries.
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Glenfinnan House Hotel
Situated on the green grassy banks of Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan House Hotel has a unique position with views of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and the famous Glenfinnan Monument. The charming mansion dates back to the 18th century and is teeming with history.
A short stroll away, the world-famous Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct springs into view. Time your walk to capture an incredible shot of the Jacobite Steam Train travelling across the tracks, as seen in the magical Harry Potter films – a jealous-inducing photo to bring back home!
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The Torridon Hotel
The luxurious Torridon Hotel stands proudly on the shores of Loch Torridon, in the heart of hillwalker country, surrounded by ancient woodlands, jagged Munros and freshwater lochs. This part of Scotland is famously dramatic and mountainous, so it’s probably not a surprise that the Torridon Hotel offers a variety of outdoor activities like Munro-bagging, kayaking, guided walks and gorge scrambling.
What also sets the Torridon Hotel apart is its brilliant whisky collection, which boasts over 365 different malt whiskies, so if brisk nature walks and Scottish whisky sound tempting, this is the Highland hotel for you.
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Loch Ness Lodge
With incredible views of mysterious Loch Ness, this lodge hotel offers a relaxing retreat in the Scottish Highlands. The bedrooms are individually designed, bringing tradition and contemporary flair together in harmony. Each room boasts scenic views of the loch and surrounding hills, and the modern spa facilities are the perfect place to recharge your batteries.
Located a short distance from the village of Drumnadrochit, the hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle or take a boat trip on Loch Ness.
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Lake of Menteith Hotel
Not technically lochside, the Lake of Menteith Hotel nestles on the banks of Scotland’s only natural lake. The setting is spectacular and the hotel could not have a better position for taking full advantage of it, with special waterfront seating indoors and a glorious outdoor terrace overlooking the water. Many of the rooms also enjoy fabulous views of Lake of Menteith.
Outdoor activities include trout and salmon fishing, hiking and biking, golfing and shooting. The unique location is a safe haven for ospreys, otters, geese, swans and ducks, so remember to bring your binoculars.
Airds Hotel
On the wild Argyle coast, the Airds Hotel sits on the rocky shores of Loch Linnhe in the small hamlet of Port Appin, near Oban. Home to an award-winning seafood restaurant and waterfront conservatory, this whitewashed country house is a hidden gem located off-the-beaten-track.
With dazzling views across the water to the bleak, bewitching Morvern Peninsula and the mountains beyond, the scenery is charged with emotion and wonder. The lochside garden offers comfortable seating and the service is warm and friendly. Tuck into the 7-course tasting menu or order à la carte.
The Three Chimneys & The House Over-By
For a hideaway destination such as the Three Chimneys to have earned itself a reputation as one of the best restaurants in the world, you know it is going to be special. Located on the shore of Loch Dunvegan down on a single-track road on the remote Isle of Skye, the 5-star restaurant with rooms showcase the best of Scottish food.
The accommodation is found in The House Over-By a few steps across the courtyard. The rooms are tastefully decorated, with a modern Scandinavian twist, and have wonderful loch views.
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Monachyle Mhor Hotel
This contemporary hotel is a must-visit destination for foodies. Chic, boutique and modern, Monachyle Mhor sits poised between Loch Voil and Loch Doine in the majestic Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The former farmhouse and courtyard buildings now exemplify the much-sought-after marriage of modern luxury and rustic character.
The award-winning restaurant is managed by the chef-owner, who sources the produce himself from the farmland and hills. Cooked to perfection, the flavoursome dishes are a testament to the effort, which have been recognised by the Michelin Guide.
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Discover Scotland’s Lochside Hotels
If you are inspired to visit Scotland, Absolute Escapes offer award-winning self-drive holidays which are 100% tailor-made to your wishes. We would love the opportunity to help you plan your next holiday and turn your dreams of staying in an incredible lochside hotel into reality.
Send us an enquiry now and start planning your Scottish escape.
Sine Birkedal Nielsen
