Scotland is bubbling with history, culture, and lochs a-plenty, and for those who love exploring the weird and wonderful corners of the world, the Gaelic country doesn’t disappoint.
If you’re planning a trip to the land of all things tartan – and don’t want to rest your head in a Premier Inn – we have whipped up a list of the most unusual places to stay in Scotland.
Table of contents
- Quirky Places to Stay in Scotland
- Unusual Places to Stay in Scotland With a Hot Tub
- Most Unique Places to Stay in Scotland
- Unusual Dog Friendly Accommodation in Scotland
- Unique Places to Stay in Edinburgh Scotland
- Unusual Places to Stay in Scotland: FAQs
- More Scotland Posts
- Free Resources
- Pin Unusual Places to Stay in Scotland
Quirky Places to Stay in Scotland
Check out these cute ‘n’ quirky options, many of which are in rural areas that will require vehicle hire.
Midfearn Cottage, Wester Fearn
Forget hotels, forget B&Bs – a traditional English-style stone cottage is the cosiest way to hunker down after a day of those chilly Highland winds in your hair!
Providing stunning lake and garden views, Midfearn Cottage is the ultimate holiday home for those looking for some peace and quiet – and space! (603 ft). As for nearby attractions, the cottage is 46 km from Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club, 23 km from Carnegie Club Skibo Castle, and 38 km from Dunrobin Castle.
Popular amenities include:
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Family rooms
- Full-equipped kitchen
- Bathtub
- Laundry facilities
Quirky Cottage, St. Andrews
As well as being home to one of the most prestigious universities in the UK, St. Andrews is a golfing haven and a peaceful beachside area.
If you like a little more space than the average hotel suite or hostel can provide, you can revel in all 75 square meters of this traditional stone-built cottage, which sleeps 4 people.
Nearby attractions include the University of St. Andrew’s (4-minute walk), St. Andrews’s Golf Course (11-minute walk), and the St. Andrew’s Cathedral (12-minute walk).
Popular amenities include:
- Pet-friendly
- Fireplace
- Free Wi-Fi
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Outdoor space

Eleven Stafford Street Townhouse, Edinburgh
This boutique-style hotel in central Edinburgh oozes both quirkiness and class – and is a couple of minutes walk from the city’s historical Princes Street, making it ideal for those who want to stay in the heart of the action.
Other nearby locations include George Street (7-minute walk) and Edinburgh Castle (19-minute walk).
Popular amenities include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Virtual front desk
- Great location
Unusual Places to Stay in Scotland With a Hot Tub
Sometimes a hot tub is non-negotiable!
Dollar Lodge, Easter Sheardale
Cosy lodge with Netflix and a hot tub? Err, yes, please! This comfortable 2-bedroom lodge can be found in the quiet Dollar Lodge Park in the heart of the village (making it ideal for stag/hen dos and friendcations).
An ideal spot for lovers of walking and hiking, those visiting can take in the local sights of Dollar Academy, Castle Campbell, and the Knockhill Racing Circuit. Owing to being a fairly rural location, hiring a car is advisable.
Popular amenities include:
- Hot tub
- Pet friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
- Kitchen


Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa, Aberfoyle
The prestigious Macdonald Hotel is the ultimate way to enjoy rural Scotland without sacrificing comfort or glamour – and yes, a jacuzzi awaits at the end of your long day exploring!
Not only is the hotel situated in the quiet countryside, but it features some of the best views of the Scottish hills, lochs, and forest. Nearby attractions include Loch Lomond Trossachs National Park (which is within walking distance). Attractions that are further afield will require a car.
Popular amenities include:
- Restaurant & bar
- Fitness centre
- Spa & indoor swimming pool
Port Glasgow Holiday Home
This ultra-glam super-king lodge, which is just a mere 50-minute drive from Glasgow, adds a touch of 5-star swankiness to cabin life and features a balcony, garden, separate dining area, fireplace, and a private hot tub.
The lodge is also just a stone’s throw away from the coast, just FYI, beach lovers!
Popular amenities include:
- Pet friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities


Most Unique Places to Stay in Scotland
Altido Observatory House, Edinburgh
Feel like resting your head in a real-life castle?! No problem! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to venture far into the Scottish woodland to find the most enchanting chateaus.
This beauty is within walking distance from the city’s historical Palace of Holyrood. And the best part? You get it all to yourself!
Featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a boatload of space, Altido is the only way to enjoy an Edinburgh stay and feel like royalty!
Popular amenities include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Towels & linen provided
Anneth Glamping Pod, Isle of Skye
Scotland is the unsung hero of glamping culture, so anyone wanting to enjoy nature’s bounty with a little style and grace can do so within the walls of this island cabin.
Within walking distance is the Museum of the Isles, Armadale Ferry Terminal, and Armadale Castle. Hebridean public transport isn’t always the most reliable, so it is wise to rent a vehicle.
Popular amenities include:
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi


The Penny Black Apartment, Slamannan
A stylish apartment decked out in twinkle lights and with a minibar?! Where do we sign up?!
This one-bed apartment comes with a hot tub, fully-equipped kitchen, and a housekeeping service, and is ideal for those wanting accommodation a little more edgy and rock ‘n’ roll (but still super swanky!).
Popular amenities include:
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Hot tub
Unusual Dog Friendly Accommodation in Scotland
Eden Locke, Edinburgh
Dubbed an ‘aparhotel’, meaning you get the best of both worlds: the privacy and space of an apartment and the luxury and convenience of a hotel.
Also, what looks like a trad Georgian townhouse on the outside is the lovechild of Greek revival and contemporary chic on the inside. And the best part? You can start each day by heading down to the chic café for fresh coffee and bagels!
Popular amenities include:
- Pet friendly
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Restaurant


The George Hotel, Inveraray
Blending modern and traditional decor, with a dash of gothic romanticism, the George Hotel is ideal for a loved-up weekend away with your sweetheart.
This 3-star hotel, which is perfect for lovers of the Great Outdoors, features evening entertainment, a buffet/continental/á lá carte breakfast, and a peaceful garden to enjoy your morning coffee.
Popular amenities include:
- Restaurant & bar
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Unique Places to Stay in Edinburgh Scotland
The Raeburn, Edinburgh
Featuring some of the most beautiful decor you ever did see – as well as bathrooms with traditional claw-foot tubs – The Raeburn in the historical Old Town is one of the most comfortable ways to enjoy the city.
As well as a brasserie-style restaurant that features freshly prepared food from local produce, there is a bar area where you can enjoy a tipple in front of a warm fire. On sunny days, why not take your meal outside and dine under a parasol?
Popular amenities include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Family rooms
- Room service
- Facilities for disabled guests


Unusual Places to Stay in Scotland: FAQs
There is no shortage of incredible places to visit in Scotland, and just some of our favourites include:
– Edinburgh Castle
– Cairngorms National Park
– Isle of Skye
– Glasgow
– Glencoe
– Shetland
This really depends on your personal preference. Are you a city slicker or a country bumpkin? Either way, there are so many options. For cities, we recommend:
– Glasgow
– Edinburgh
– Inverness
For rural options, take a peek at:
– Loch Lomond
– Trossachs National Park
– Ben Nevis
– Isle of Staffa
– Arthur’s Seat
– Loch Ness
Perhaps Voyaging Herbivore is a tad biased here, as it is our home turf, but we have the biggest soft spot for Edinburgh. The history, architecture, vegan food scene, cocktail bars, and shopping options make for the best city to enjoy a vacay in.
We recommend visiting during the months of April to October, as this is when you will be able to visit all the locations you want. Some places, such as the Three Lochs Forest Drive, aren’t open during the winter, so bear that in mind when planning a trip.
Also, because Scotland is in the far north of the Northern Hemisphere, the weather can be particularly unpleasant during the colder months.
Scotland is one of the safest countries to visit – especially the more rural areas, such as The Highlands. Crime is generally low, food and sanitation are exemplary, organised crime and corruption are virtually nonexistent, and you won’t see anyone (even the police) with a gun.
You most certainly can! And you are more than spoiled for choice as to where to stay. Many of the castles offer accommodation, and you can even tie the knot in them!
More Scotland Posts
- Glen Etive Road: Mountains, Ravines, Ancient Battle Grounds, and, er, James Bond?!
- Victoria Street Edinburgh: A Guide to Auld Reekie’s Most Magical Road!
- Castles Near Edinburgh: 8 Scottish Palaces You Can Spend the Night In
- Achnahaird Beach: A Guide to Northern Scotland’s Best-Loved Seaside
- Corrieshalloch Gorge Viewpoint: A Complete Guide (+ The Best Hikes!)
- Cockburn Street Edinburgh: History & Hidden Gems (+ Places to Stay)
Free Resources





And as always, you can find more sustainable travel content on Instagram @VoyagingHerbivore, Youtube, and TikTok and to get updates straight to your inbox, enter your email below.
If you found this guide helpful and want to help us keep these resources free,
please consider making your next Amazon, Expedia, Hostel World, Etsy, Trivago, and Booking.com purchase through our links (just click right on those words – you can do it right now and unless you clear your cookies before your next purchase, it will remember). It costs you no extra and gives us a small commission. Thank you!
Pin Unusual Places to Stay in Scotland

Leave a Reply