15 whisky hotels and self catering locations to enjoy in Scotland

Whisky fans can look forward to a dram-filled staycation at one of these locations.

Published 23rd Feb 2023
Updated 21 st Sep 2023

These whisky  locations are ideal for those that love a good dram or two and are visiting Scotland.

If you’re a whisky fan, make sure to check out some of these hotels and self catering accommodations all situated in amazing locations in Scotland.

Ardshiel Hotel

Picture: Ardshiel Hotel

Situated in Campbeltown which was once a thriving Mecca of whisky production, the Ardshiel Hotel was originally built in 1877, for one of the many whisky barons resident in the town at that time.

The hotel’s Usquebaugh Bar and Lounge, which offers a superb choice of over 200 malt whiskies including a fine selection of Springbank, Cadenhead, and Islay malts, is the place to go for whisky lovers.

The Balmoral Hotel

Picture: Marcin Mazurkiewicz

The five star Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh is an ideal spot for whisky lovers thanks to its award-winning Scotch bar.

Scotch’s kilted whisky ambassadors are on hand to navigate through the bar’s exciting 500-strong whisky list and will tell a tale or two about Scotland’s national drink.

Borthwick Castle

Picture: Tony Marsh

This exclusive use venue near Gorebridge is an ideal spot for those looking for a decadent stay. Bespoke menus can be arranged from the castle's chef, Derek Johnstone.

When it comes to drinks, Borthwick Castle has an extensive wine cellar, an impressive collection of fine single malt whiskies, small-batch Scottish gins and local craft beers.

CopperBroc

whisky locations scotland

Picture: Copperbroc

This newly renovated three bedroom cottage is located in Moray, that has a whisky snug and offers guests a tailored whisky retreat package for a staycation.

The package includes: two nights accommodation, tours with exclusive tastings at some of the world’s most highly regarded single malt distilleries, an industry expert host with 20 years experience for the duration of your trip, a three course Whisky Dinner at the Dowans Hotel, transportation and personalised guided tour around Speyside and all meals.

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Find out more and book here.

The Fiddichside Inn

Whisky locations scotland

Picture: Fiddichside Inn

Located in Craigellachie, Speyside, the Fiddichside Inn is an institution for whisky fans from near and far.

Now you can book to stay on site in the Inn's two bedroom, self catering cottage.

In 2017 the Inn sadly lost its landlord, Joe Brandie, who had been serving drinks and entertaining guests with his stories for almost 60 years.

Considered to be one of the area’s most famous traditional pubs, tourists and residents alike flocked to the Fiddichside to be served by Mr Brandie and to hear his stories of his previous jobs as a cooper and a ghillie on the Spey, as well as to receive some of his renowned hospitality.

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The Fiddichside Inn closed for more than two years following Mr Brandie’s death but was reopened by new owners Ali Hunter and her son Guy in early 2020.

The inn is now being run by new owners, but still maintains its popularity and charm.

Dornoch Castle Hotel

whisky locations scotland

Dornoch Castle Hotel situated opposite Dornoch Cathedral in Dornoch, Sutherland. Picture: Contributed

Located in Sutherland, Dornoch Castle Hotel is within easy reach of a number of leading whisky distilleries in the North Highlands, such as Balblair, Glenmorangie and Dalmore, and also has its own award-winning whisky bar.

The hotel is a previous winner of the Scottish Licence Trade News Whisky Bar of the year, the bar at Dornoch Castle Hotel is home to one of the best collections of vintage and rare whiskies available to buy by the dram anywhere in Scotland.

Meldrum House Hotel

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This historic hotel is close to the Glen Garioch distillery in the nearby village of Oldmeldrum.

It also has a charming cave bar that has over 100 whiskies to try by the roaring fire.

At nearly 800-years-old, the bar is wonderfully atmospheric and feels like a smugglers’ den, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a dram.

Book the Turret suite for a luxurious stay.

The Highlander Inn

whisky locations scotland

Picture: The Highlander Inn

Another Speyside institution, also located in Craigellachie, the Highlander Inn has an impressive selection of whisky behind the bar.

Its owner Tatsuya Minagawa, is truly an icon in the industry and to some people is as big a draw as the bar’s collection.

With 400 different whiskies, including a large number of single cask malt whiskies –  it is a must see.

For accommodation, they have eight en-suite bedrooms available to book.

The Dowans Hotel

Picture: The Dowans hotel

Another of Speyside’s famous whisky hotels, The Dowans Hotel lies just off that famous whisky road, the A95, close to Aberlour Distillery and the river Spey.

The Still Room bar offers an expertly curated selection of over 500 whiskies from Speyside and beyond.

The Torridon

Picture: The Torridon

This luxurious Wester Ross hotel is a favourite stop on the North Coast 500 and the restaurant serves some truly excellent Scottish cuisine.

But it’s the whisky bar and its 300 strong whisky collection that is the true star of the show.

The Station Hotel

Picture: The Station Hotel

The Station Hotel, which is situated in Rothes, has rooms that have all been designed with whisky in mind - with many of the suites being named after Speyside distilleries.

The hotel’s bar, the Spirit Safe has a great selection of whiskies and the hotel's location means it's ideal for visiting the Balvenie, Aberlour and Glenfiddich distilleries.

The Bowmore Hotel

Picture: Google

The family-run Bowmore Hotel on Islay, currently stocks over 700 malt whiskies, making this an ideal place to stay for whisky fans visiting the island.

The hotel has eleven bedrooms, and the restaurant has a menu full of local and seasonal produce.

In normal times, barbecues are held on a Sunday throughout the spring, summer and autumn, and also at Guy Fawkes and New Year’s day (weather permitting).

The Whisky Room

Picture: Cottages and Castles

The Whisky Room, which is located near Pitlochry and sleeps two, is a cosy escape perfect for whisky lovers and walkers.

Visit the Edradour Distillery, just a few hundred metres from the property, explore the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park, or enjoy the picturesque village of Pitlochry.

The Craigellachie Hotel

whisky locations Scotland

Picture: Till Britze

The Craigellachie Hotel is one of the best known hotels in Scotland and a firm favourite with whisky fans.

First built in the 1800s, the boutique, dog-friendly hotel has two bars - the Copper Dog and the Quaich bar (pictured).

The latter is where whisky lovers should head, to admire and try some of the amazing collection of whiskies.

Isle of Raasay Distillery

Picture: Isle of Raasay Distillery

One of Scotland's newest distilleries, the Isle of Raasay Distillery released its first whisky in 2020.

When it's safe to do so, visitors can book to stay in Borodale House.

This Victorian-era villa at the distillery has been restored into a luxury whisky hotel, executive lounge and visitor centre.

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Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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