Scottish Icons Worth the Stay

Scotland is home to countless luxury hotels, but a select few have achieved legendary status, the kind travelers talk about for years.

The Balmoral in Edinburgh, the Fife Arms in Braemar, and Gleneagles in Perthshire are three of the most iconic Scotland hotels.

These aren’t just beautiful places to stay, they are experiences in themselves. For travel advisors crafting Scotland itineraries, recommending these properties instantly elevates your expertise and gives clients the kind of journey they’ll rave about.

The Balmoral Hotel: City Chic Luxury in Edinburgh

One of the most famous luxury hotels in Edinburgh, The Balmoral is hard to miss. Its clock tower rises above Princes Street, famously set a few minutes fast so travelers never miss their train at Waverley Station.

Inside, Rocco Forte’s mix of Scottish tradition and modern elegance shines. Guests enjoy:

• Spacious, airy rooms with iconic city views

• A whisky bar stocked with more than 500 bottles

• Michelin-starred dining at Number One

• A world-class spa

The Balmoral’s location allows easy access to Edinburgh’s Old Town, but many guests are tempted to linger inside and indulge in its timeless charm.

Why travel advisors love it: The Balmoral has built-in prestige. Suggesting this property in your Scotland itinerary immediately reassures clients, whether it’s their first trip or a repeat visit.

The Fife Arms: An Art-Driven Highland Retreat in Braemar

Located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Braemar is known for its Highland Games. But today, it’s also home to one of the most unique luxury hotels in Scotland, The Fife Arms.

Originally a Victorian coaching inn, this property was reimagined by renowned gallerists Hauser & Wirth. It now houses over 16,000 works of art and antiques, including a Picasso. Highlights include:

• Eclectic interiors blending Scottish heritage with modern design

• Seasonal Highland-inspired dining

• Cozy fireplaces and warm gathering spaces

• Easy access to the Cairngorms National Park

Why travel advisors recommend it: The Fife Arms offers surprise and delight. Clients who think they know Scotland find themselves in a hotel that feels part-gallery, part-country lodge, and entirely unforgettable.

Gleneagles: Scotland’s Classic Sporting Estate

Opened in 1924, Gleneagles is perhaps Scotland’s most famous luxury resort and golf destination. Often called the “Riviera of the Highlands,” it offers a wealth of activities and experiences for couples, families, and groups.

Guests enjoy:

• Three championship golf courses, including the PGA Centenary Course designed by Jack Nicklaus

• Outdoor pursuits such as falconry, horseback riding, clay shooting, fishing, and archery

• A world-class spa and leisure facilities

• Fine dining at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Scotland’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant

Why travel advisors recommend it: Gleneagles provides endless choice. It’s a playground for golfers, outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and families. Few properties in Scotland deliver this balance of activity and luxury.

More Than a Place to Sleep: Why These Scottish Hotels Matter

Each of these iconic properties can anchor an entire Scotland vacation. For many travelers, checking into The Balmoral, The Fife Arms, or Gleneagles becomes the defining moment of their trip. These hotels aren’t just accommodations, they’re part of the story clients will tell their friends and family for years.

FAQs About Planning Scotland Itineraries with North & Leisure

• How can advisors include these hotels in a client’s trip?
  We manage the reservations, secure the right room categories, and time the stays so everything feels seamless. You receive a client-ready proposal that makes it look like you’ve handled it all yourself.

• Are The Balmoral, Fife Arms and Gleneagles right for everyone?
  No hotel is, no matter how iconic. But honestly? They all work for a pretty wide range of guests. Balmoral works  great for couples or families, and in Edinbugh can work as the start or end of a trip. Fife Arms appeals to art lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, luxury travelers, couples and families. Gleneagles delivers for golfers, spa fans, and families. But really, you don’t have to worry about it because we will help you match the right hotel to the right client.

• What else can be added around these hotel stays?

  That depends on your client. Think whisky tastings, castle tours, private drivers, distillery stops, or additional tee times. We stitch those experiences into the trip so the hotels feel like part of a bigger story.

• Why use a DMC instead of booking direct?

  Because it’s not just about a room. It’s about the full trip.. With us you get insider relationships, quick turnaround, and on-the-ground support. Your client enjoys the flawless experience, while you take the credit.

Plan Your Clients’ Scotland Luxury Travel with North & Leisure

From the luxury hotels of Edinburgh to Highland retreats and sporting estates, Scotland offers unforgettable experiences. Partner with North & Leisure to design bespoke itineraries that highlight the very best of Scottish luxury travel.