Scotland’s best whisky hotels where you’re sure of an amazing selection of drams

Scotland boasts more than 150 whisky distilleries across its five (or six, if you class Islands as separate from Highlands) whisky regions. And while the historic distilleries continue to produce top notch Scotch, new ones are also appearing each year.

This means that the home of whisky really is a dream for those who love a dram. Travel almost anywhere in the country and you will have several options for seeing how our national drink is made and sampling the ‘water of life’ under expert guidance.

But it’s not just bars and distilleries where you can immerse yourself in the whisky experience. Scotland also offers a selection of incredible whisky hotels – and we have picked out some of the best from each of the five regions.

Dornoch Castle Hotel, Highlands

Let’s start with one of the most impressive-looking hotels. The castle was converted into a hotel in 1947 and boasts its own dedicated whisky bar which features an incredible selection of rare whiskies that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else.

Conveniently located near several leading whisky distilleries in the North Highlands, such as Balblair, Glenmorangie and Dalmore, it even has its very own micro-distillery within its grounds. It’s easy to see why Dornoch Castle Hotel has previously been listed as Whiskybase.com’s Number One International Whisky Hotel.

The Balmoral, Edinburgh, Lowlands

With Edinburgh a hub of tourism, this is one of the most accessible hotels on the list, especially if you are based in or travelling to the Central Belt. It is arguably one of the most famous (and luxurious) hotels in the capital (if not Scotland) and it is an exceptional place to learn about, and savour our national drink.

The Balmoral’s dedicated whisky bar, the aptly-named Scotch, has over 500 whisky bottles and kilt-clad experts behind the bar, who will be delighted to share stories of this iconic spirit or guide you towards the best dram for any palate.

The hotel is located near both the Holyrood and Glenkinchie distilleries as well as the Scotch Whisky Experience, offering plenty of choices for a whisky-infused stay.

Torridon Hotel, Highlands

This former shooting lodge epitomises Highland luxury, nestled against the backdrop of the Torridon hills. Situated near Loch Torridon, it boasts a 3 AA restaurant with a remarkable menu featuring some incredible seafood.

The jewel in the crown of this establishment is undoubtedly its dedicated whisky bar, boasting a selection of 365 single malts and 120 gins, allowing patrons to savour two of Scotland’s most beloved spirits.

Ballygrant Inn, Islay

Situated on an island renowned for its highly sought-after whisky, the Ballygrant Inn is often the first stop for many whisky lovers making a pilgrimage to Islay.

This family-run hotel, bar and restaurant not only helps guests book tours of nearby distilleries, but they also offer over 900 different whiskies from Islay and the rest of Scotland (as well as further afield) to sample in their top-notch whisky bar.

Meldrum House, Aberdeenshire, Highlands

Meldrum House is a stunning country house hotel that offers not only top-notch accommodation but also a remarkable whisky bar. Believed to be nearly 800 years old, according to the hotel staff, the captivating Cave bar exudes an atmosphere reminiscent of a smugglers’ den.

It serves as the ideal spot for enjoying a dram, and with a choice of nearly 120 whiskies, you’ll be spoilt for options. The hotel is conveniently located near the renowned Glen Garioch distillery in the neighbouring village of Oldmeldrum.

The Ardshiel Hotel, Campbeltown

Built in 1877 when the Campbeltown region was a whisky hotspot, the Ardshiel Hotel is a family-run whisky sanctuary that’s the perfect place to stay when visiting this beautiful area.

Located within walking distance of the town centre and Campbeltown’s three working distilleries – Springbank, Glengyle and Glen Scotia – its award-winning bar is stocked with over 700 malts and serves mouthwatering food too.

The Craigellachie Hotel, Speyside

For those in the know, the Craigellachie is one of the first names that comes to mind when thinking of whisky hotels. Originally built in 1893, it is at the heart of Scotland’s most renowned whisky region.

The hotel is within walking distance of the new state-of-the-art Macallan Distillery as well as the Craigellachie Distillery. It is also just a short drive from other big names like Glenfiddich, Aberlour and Glen Grant.

Its Quaich Bar is home to over 900 whiskies and is the ideal setting for a whisky cocktail or two. It even has its own blended malt whisky, the Copper Dog, named after its hugely popular downstairs bar.

Fiddler’s Inn, Drumnadrochit, Highlands

Located near the shores of Loch Ness, the Fiddler’s Bar and Restaurant in Drumnadrochit has been operated by the Beach family for almost 30 years. Not only does it offer a warm Highland welcome and delicious food, the staff are some of the most well-versed in whisky you’ll find.

Relax and explore their renowned whisky library with over 600 bottles (including nearly all the named Scottish single malts) and you’ll quickly understand why they’ve been crowned the Best Whisky Bar in Scotland several times.

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