If you are looking for the best places to stay in Scotland? Then you’re lucky because we’ll share all tips. We made a 3 week trip through Scotland and visited many different places. For each destination we provide tips that you can follow when traveling by car through Scotland but also by camper.
Tip: if you are traveling by car and need to reserve accommodations, it is good to know that you need to do this as soon as possible. In Scotland, accommodations sometimes can get fully booked quickly in certain places/periods and therefore you need to make reservations 6/12 months in advance.
Tip: for each accommodation we share a link to Booking that you can easily use to immediately reserve your accommodation. If you want to save time, you can book our recommended accommodations which will save you a lot of research.
Use the map below, based on our itinerary of Scotland, to see where all the accommodations are located. You can zoom in on the map for more details and save this map to your Google Maps account by clicking on the star symbol.
Where to stay in Scotland
Cairngorms National Park
Comfortable & location
High Range Lodge Hotel
High Range Lodge Hotel offers comfortable rooms that come with a TV and private bathroom. There is also an on-site restaurant offering traditional Scottish fare and daily specials. The hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool, gym and sauna.
Budget & traditional
The Balavoulin
The Balavoulin is the perfect place for a cosy stay in Aviemore. This traditional Scottish cottage is located in a quiet spot by the river, with stunning views of Cairngorms National Park. The cottage has its own garden and private hot tub, as well as two bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
Tip Campervans: we stayed two nights in Cairngorms and stayed the first night at The High Range Touring Caravan Park. You pay £26-34 per night (depending on which season) for electricity. The campsite has a new visitor area with new showers and other facilities. On the second night, we stayed at the parking lot Loch an Eilein which is £10 per vehicle + £2 per person (no electra). It was a great spot because it is next to the lake.
Do you want to read more about Cairngorms National Park? Read here the best things to do in Cairngorms National Park.
North Coast 500
If you follow our 3 week Scotland itinerary, we traveled from Loch Ness to Black Isle. We arrived in the afternoon and stayed at Fortrose Bay Campsite with our camper home. When traveling by car you can stay at Hillhaven Bed &Breakfast. The next morning you are ready to start this North Coast 500 itinerary of 5 days.
Day 1 accommodation B&B: we recommend staying at MacArthur House Bed & Breakfast. It offers comfortable rooms with all amenities included. The guests can enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast every morning. The Clachan B&B is another good option. In this B&B you can enjoy the big garden, comfortable rooms, and a nice breakfast.
When both accommodations are fully booked Harbour House Bed & Breakfast – Wick and Mackays Hotel good options.
Day 1 accommodation motorhome: you can stay in the Wick area by, for example, going to North Keiss B&B and Camper Site or driving a little further and stay at Windhaven site (this is where we stayed). Windhaven site was great because you have a beautiful view over the sea.
Day 2 accommodation B&B: we recommend staying at Durness Youth Hostel. The hostel is situated on a cliff edge overlooking Smoo Cave and is simply one of the few options to stay where you have a chance that there is a place. Wallaby’s is another option where you rent a three-Bedroom House for an affordable price.
When Durness is fully booked what happens often is you have to stay in Tongue. In that case, The Tongue Hotel is a really good alternative. After a long day of driving and sightseeing, you deserve the luxury that this hotel offers. When The Tongue Hotel is fully booked you can stay at Northern Lights which is great for families.
Day 2 accommodation motorhome: We stayed at Sango Sands Oasis. Here you pay £22 for a place and £7 extra for electricity. You can also stay overnight for free in the area by driving towards Balnakeil Beach and then parking along the road.
Day 3 accommodation: The Arch Inn is a good accommodation to stay. This inn is furnished with modern interiors and provides comfortable rooms for a good price. Caledonian Hotel ‘A Bespoke Hotel’ is another option where you can stay for your North Coast 500 trip. This hotel is located near the harbor and provides excellent views of Loch Broom as well as stunning interiors and comfortable rooms.
When both places are fully booked Harbour House is a good option. Harbour House is a family-run guesthouse with comfortable rooms.
Day 3 accommodation motorhome: when you travel with a motorhome, we recommend driving to Gairloch. We stayed at a viewpoint parking lot above Gairloch where 6 campers can be parked, from there you have a view over the whole bay.
Day 4 accommodation: you are most likely to stay at Torridon Youth Hostel, as they have a lot of rooms. If you’re looking for a cost-effective stay, this is the perfect place to be! When the hostel is fully booked, you can try to stay at Torridon Estate. Here you can stay in one of the nine cottages located on the estate. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you. Not only are the views breath-taking, but the facilities and services provided by this estate make it a unique North Coast 500 experience.
Day 4 accommodation motorhome: we stayed the 4th night for free near Attadale in a parking lot along the road because we were not going to do the Appelcrose Road. If you want to do the Appelcrose Road you have to stay close to Shieldaig.
Day 5 accommodation Isle of Skye: we recommend staying at The Skye Inn. This inn offers luxurious rooms as well as excellent facilities and services. The Rosedale Hotel & Restaurant is a fantastic choice with glowing reviews and offers stunning views of the nearby harbor.
Day 5 accommodation Inverness: when you are looking for a place to stay in Inverness Heathmount Hotel is a good place to stay. This hotel offers comfortable, modern rooms and excellent facilities. Heathmount Hotel is conveniently located in Inverness city centre.
Day 5 accommodation motorhome Isle of Skye: if you need electricity you can stay at Skye Camping and Caravanning Club Site. If you want to stay for free, we recommend reading our article about Isle of Skye for all the detailed information.
Day 5 accommodation motorhome Inverness: Beauly Holiday Park is a good option.
Do you want to read more about the NC500? Read here our north coast 500 itinerary of 5 days.
Isle of Skye
The Skye Inn: is a guest house that is perfect for budget travelers. The Skye Inn offers comfortable accommodations and is clean, neat, and welcoming. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of Portree Harbor from some of the rooms. There is also free parking available at the Inn.
Portree Youth Hostel: this is a good option for those looking for more of a hostel vibe and the cheapest place to stay. The Portree Youth Hostel is located close to the city center, making it easy to explore Portree and its surrounding area. The hostel is also conveniently equipped with laundry services and is family-friendly.
Rockview: is a luxury boutique hotel that is perfect for travelers looking for something more luxurious. The Rockview is located in central Portree and is surrounded by stunning views of the Isle of Skye. It features modern rooms with all the necessary amenities, as well as a restaurant serving delicious cuisine from local ingredients.
Bracken Hide Hotel: this is the option for those looking for a special stay. It is one of the few hotels in Isle of Skye that is located directly on the waterfront. Bracken Hide Hotel is situated at the foot of Ben Tianavaig Hill, offering breathtaking views of Portree Bay and nearby hills from every room.
When traveling with a motorhome, you can stay at a campground. When you visit the Isle of Isle during high season (July and August), you need to make reservations for the campsite. In other months this is not needed.
Skye Camping and Caravanning Club Site is the best campsite. The reason is that it is located between the sights you visit during the first and second day, so it’s very convenient.
If you want to go wild camping, this is possible. We stayed next to the B885 road which is centrally located, you can see the exact location on our map. The last night we stayed in the south of the Isle of Skye close to the water to enjoy all the peace and quiet and so that we can be at Eilean Donan Castle faster the next morning. Use the park4night app to easily find (free) camper spots.
Do you want to read more about the Isle of Skye? Read here our 2 day itinerary of Isle of Skye.
Fort William
Ben Nevis Inn Rooms: Ben Nevis Inn Rooms offers luxury suites that have been recently renovated. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the town and surrounding mountains from their private balconies. Also, you can enjoy the evening food, drink, and music in the Ben Nevis Inn restaurant. Plus, the guest house is only a short distance away from Ben Nevis, making it an ideal base for exploring the mountain.
The Garrison: the Garrison is a 4-star guest house located in the center of Fort William. It offers cozy rooms with en suite bathrooms. The guest house also features a garden and terrace area where guests can relax and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
Distillery Guest House: when Ben Nevis Inn Rooms and The Garrison are fully booked you can stay at Distillery Guest House. For travelers who are looking for an authentic and traditional experience, we recommend the Distillery Guest House. This guest house is a charming 18th-century building offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
When traveling with a motorhome we recommend staying at the parking lot of Ben Nevis Inn. The condition is that you have eaten or drunk something at the Ben Nevis Inn.
Do you want to read more about Fort William? Read here the best things to do in Fort William.
Glen Coe
when traveling to Glen Coe with a car, the Clachaig Inn, Glencoe Youth Hostel, and The Glencoe Inn all offer comfortable accommodations for those looking to explore the stunning scenery of the region.
The Clachaig Inn is a traditional inn located in a tranquil spot amidst breathtaking mountains – offering cozy guest rooms, and an excellent restaurant for visitors.
The Glencoe Youth Hostel is situated in the heart of Glen Coe and provides a great setting for groups looking for an affordable place to stay. It offers single and double rooms as well as dormitories, perfect for those traveling on a budget.
The Glencoe Inn is another great option if you’re looking for something more luxurious. Located right beside Loch Leven, it offers four-star accommodation with stunning views across the loch and beyond.
When traveling with a motorhome there are unfortunately not many choices for free accommodation. Many parking spaces are along the road and may not be overnighted. One of the few spots is Loch Achtriochtan Car Park. Here you are just along the road, so it is relatively quiet, the big advantage is that you are also at all the highlights.
Do you want to read more about Glen Coe? Read here the best things to do in Glen Coe.
Loch Lomond
Oak Tree Inn offers luxurious rooms with stunning views of the loch, as well as a range of fabulous amenities such as an onsite restaurant and a bar. The friendly staff provides top-notch customer service and ensures that all guests have an enjoyable and relaxing stay.
Loch Lomond Waterfront Luxury Lodges has some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland, nestled between the loch and the mountains, these luxurious lodges provide an elegant and comfortable atmosphere. With good beds and modern amenities, these lodges offer the perfect base for a restful getaway.
Birchwood Guest Lodge has elegant rooms for budget travelers. It provides an ideal base for exploring the area or just relaxing in comfort. Enjoy superior hospitality with friendly staff who strive to ensure your stay is an enjoyable experience.
When traveling with a motorhome: If you’re looking for a way to park without spending any money, your options are limited. The best places to stay is xx
Do you want to read more about Loch Lomond? Read here the best things to do in Loch Lomond.
Edinburgh
Budget & Breakfast
Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket is located in the West End, the hotel is a super location from which to explore Edinburgh. It offers comfortable rooms at good prices. The breakfast is very generous and delicious which is included in the price. Rooms are neat, clean, and equipped with all basic amenities. The value for money is excellent for this hotel.
Great location & modern
YOTEL Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh is a great place to stay in the New Town. Rooms are modern, functional, and affordable. The hotel has 24-hour reception & check-in service and offers a free shuttle service from the nearby airport. YOTEL Edinburgh is a great choice for those looking for an affordable and stylish place to stay in Edinburgh.
Do you want to read more about Edinburgh? Read here the best things to do in Edinburgh.
