Scotland’s Best Lochside Hotels & Lodges

Imagine this: you’ve spent the day exploring the dramatic landscapes of Scotland’s forests, lochs and munros. Now you just want to unwind with your favourite drink beside a roaring fire and with a view over the water. These five lochside hotels and lodges can help you make that dream come true:

Bunchrew House Hotel

Just a couple of kilometres from Inverness, on the Beauly Firth, this turreted hotel has a variety of grand rooms, some with views over the water. Log fires keep the dark-panelled Drawing Room cosy and there is a large range of malt whiskies in the Cocktail Bar. Look out for seals and dolphins in the water, while you stroll around the grounds.

Shieldaig Lodge

A refurbished lodge sitting within its own massive estate, on the shores of Shieldaig Bay. Boutique bedrooms (I particularly like the one that has a stand-alone bath with a view) with beautiful antiques overlook the loch. Explore the lochs, beaches and munros on the 26,000 acre estate, then put your feet up by the log fire before your meal consisting of locally-sourced ingredients.

Glengarry Castle Hotel

Sitting just above Loch Oich, this grand lochside hotel is between Fort William and Inverness. The best rooms have a four-poster bed and extensive views. Relax in the lovely library after some lochside walks.

Glenfinnan House Hotel

The Glenfinnan House Hotel is in a wonderful position at one end of Loch Shiel and the welcoming owners want you to feel as though you’re staying in a friend’s Highland home. There’s a large range of rooms and suites and a restaurant serving cuisine from an award-winning chef.

Loch Ness Lodge

Overlooking the famous loch, you’ll find here not only elegantly-designed bedrooms, but also spacious public rooms and a fantastic spa – perfect after a day of exploring the area. Like all good lochside hotels it comes with a view.