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According to latest Scottish tourism statistics, more than 16 million people visit the coasts of Scotland every year.
And, in my opinion, the west coast of Scotland has by far the most to offer.
It was our favourite part of the country during our 2 month road trip. During which we ventured from the most southerly point to the most northerly point of the entire western coast.
Experiencing the full beauty of the Southwest Coastal 300, the Isle of Skye, and the western portion of the North Coast 500.
It’s no surprise you’re choosing a holiday there, you are in for a real treat!
And to help make the most of your time there, here is a rundown of what we believe to be the 15 best hotels on the west coast of Scotland.
As well as a few Airbnb properties which you will no doubt love just as much!
Let’s get stuck in ...
Price Range - $$$
Ideal for - Couples
Location - Ballantrae
Price Range - $$
Ideal for - Couples/Families
Location - Troon
Price Range - $$
Ideal for - All travellers
Location - Aldgirth
Price Range - $$$
Ideal for - Couples
Location - Benderloch
Price Range - $$
Ideal for - Families/groups
Location - Portpatrick
Fancy staying in a castle? Well, this one is located just 35 minutes from the Galloways National Park and offers you celebrity treatment at a beautiful castle.
Located in Ballantrae this castle is set on 36 acres of gardens and woodland and dates back to 1870.
All rooms here offer all the luxuries you’d expect, including, seating area with tea and coffee facilities, bathrobes, complimentary toilets, baths, and more.
Rooms will come with a view of the sea or gardens.
There’s even an award-winning restaurant on-site which offers 6-course gourmet dining and afternoon tea.
Special features:
Just a 15-minute drive from the beautiful Culzean Castle and gardens, this 4-star hotel is a fantastic build that offers beautiful views towards the Isle of Arran, over the Firth of Clyde, and overlooks the Royal Troon Golf Course.
This hotel also has fitness and leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, steam room, and fitness center.
Seriously, who wouldn’t want to stay in a hotel with a pool!?
There’s also an on-site restaurant and an on-site bar, both of which offer beautiful views.
Special features:
Located just 3 miles outside Kirkcudbright, this family-run bed and breakfast dates back to the 18th-century and boasts its own restaurant and bar.
There’s even an outdoor seating area within a garden.
All rooms come with en suite bathroom facilities with complimentary toiletries.
There are also tea and coffee facilities in the rooms.
You’re in a great location with this property as it’s only 8 miles from the Galloway Forest Park, and historic Dumfries is only 40 minutes away.
Special features:
This beautiful budget hotel on the west coast of Scotland offers amazing views across to Loch Ryan.
It’s one of the most beautiful places anywhere in Scotland, and is perfectly situated close to the ferry ports for connections to Ireland!
There are two spacious on-site bars and parking is complimentary.
All rooms at this property are en-suite and offer all the typical amenities you’d expect.
The on-site restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and a range of restaurants and shops can be reached within a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Special features:
Located on a 45 acres estate boasting beautiful woodland that stretches to the banks of the River Nith. This beautiful 19th-century Scottish country house hotel offers bedrooms and cottages strategically situated only 6 miles from the town of Dumfries.
Guests can enjoy the spacious lounge with an open fire, overlooking the gardens and river. Rooms here offer everything you’d expect including tea/coffee making facilities.
There is also an on-site restaurant producing meals with locally sourced and seasonal produce.
Special features:
In search of accommodation on the west coast of Scotland with a hot tub?
Look no further.
This beautiful lodge offers accommodation for 2 people, situated only 11 miles from the Galloway National Park.
It includes an en-suite shower, toilet, and sink, double bed, with a kitchen that has a fridge, microwaves, sink, and toaster.
There’s also a dining area and it even has underfloor heating throughout to keep cosy in the evenings!
Relax in the evenings with the wood-burning hot tub. This is definitely one of my favourite Airbnbs in Scotland!
Special features:
This beautiful 3-bedroom terraced cottage overlooks the harbor in the picturesque coastal village of Maidens.
It’s a perfect place for families looking for a seaside break, you can even bring your pets along with you too!
You’re right next to the world-famous Turnberry Championships golf course and the Culzean Castle and Country Park.
The cottage comes with 4 TVs, a fully equipped kitchen, gas central heating, and an outdoor garden/dining area.
Special features:
This is the most unique place to stay on the west coast of Scotland.
It’s the chance to stay at a lighthouse keeper’s cottage!
We actually stayed in something similar on the Isle of Skye, and this one looks just as cool.
Located near the picturesque fishing village of Portpatrick, this 3 bedroom cottage is perfect for a large family or group of friends and offers amazing views across to the Irish sea.
You’re close to Killantringan Beach which is considered a hotspot for wildlife.
The conservatory dining area offers views onto the beach and is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine.
Special features:
The Retreat is a converted field shelter that is perched on the side of the hill above a farm.
It offers spectacular views of the Ayrshire countryside below it which you can enjoy from the comfort of the private hot tub outside! All making for arguably one of the most romantic hotels in Scotland.
This is a self-contained, contemporary studio that comprises one large main living/bedroom area with a king size four-poster bed, dining area, fully equipped kitchen, an en-suite bathroom with a monsoon shower.
This is a self-service property, so you won’t need to worry about mixing with other people.
Special features:
This beautiful hotel is located on Girvan’s picturesque coastline, just 2 miles south of the town.
It offers magnificent sea views.
The rooms are bright and attractive and come with tea, coffee making facilities and include a self-catering kitchen complete with microwave, fridge, convection oven, and more.
The surrounding Ayrshire countryside is a perfect location for those who enjoy scenic coastal walks, fishing, or bird watching.
The hotel even offers a luggage collection service for guests embarking on the Ayrshire Coastal Path walking route.
Special features:
This uber-modern hotel offers free Wi-Fi and free parking. Located next to Kilmarnock F.C Rugby Park stadium, it’s a perfect place to stay if you’re catching a game.
The Kilmarnock Rail Station is less than 1 mile away putting you in a great position to explore the surrounding area.
All bedrooms at the Park Hotel come with a large en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, and you can request rooms that have a view of the pitch!
There is an on-site restaurant and a coffee shop available.
A stay here also means you’ll have access to the facilities of the Galleon Centre which includes a swimming pool, steam room, and gym.
Special features:
Situated on the northwest coast of the beautiful Rhins of the Galloway Peninsula, this beautiful Scottish cottage has been thoughtfully renovated.
It includes two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a living area, and a spacious walk-in bath. There is even a games room with a TV, pool table, table tennis, and dartboard.
Just outside, there’s a stream to enjoy, and the Galloway coastline offers an abundance of beautiful beaches and rocky coves to explore.
You can even go dolphin spotting.
This shed is located on a working farm and it’s in a perfect location to explore nearby walks, fishing, and all the gorgeous nature that the Scottish countryside has to offer.
Special features:
Located high up on the Isle of Skye, this former 17th-century hunting lodge offers luxurious accommodation on the shoreline of Loch Na dal.
Its location offers an array of natural beauty and quiet surroundings.
Rooms feature an en suite bathroom with L'Occitane toiletries and guests can take advantage of facials, massages, and reflexology at the treatment room.
There’s also an on-site restaurant serving up traditional and modern meals.
Special features:
Located on a private island on Scotland’s west coast, this fantastic hotel offers a unique experience.
The 19th-century mansion is built in Scottish baronial style and is set in serene west highland scenery, on its own private tidal Island.
Set in just over 300 acres, this property has everything you desire for a truly relaxing stay, including one of Scotland’s top restaurants, and an award-winning spa.
The rooms at this hotel come with the finest bed linen and warm, contemporary décor, and 24-hour room service.
Special features:
This hotel is located on the seafront in Portpatrick and features a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge, and garden.
This property features a variety of rooms including family rooms.
All rooms come with everything you’d expect including an en-suite bathroom, wardrobe and some have sea views.
The rooms even come with their own terrace for relaxing in the evenings.
There is an on-site restaurant at the property and an outdoor dining area.
Special features:
If you need some inspiration on what to do whilst you’re visiting the beautiful west coast of Scotland then here are a few ideas!
This is truly one of the most beautiful castles we visited on our road trip through Scotland.
Culzean Castle is managed by the national trust, so it’s very well maintained.
There are lots to do on a visit here, you can check out the castle, walk around the grounds, head to the beach, and even grab a bite to eat.
This is located deep south west of Scotland, and actually, it’s the most south westerly point you can get! But, it’s totally worth a visit.
Not only is the lighthouse beautiful, (and there’s a lovely tea room), but a visit here will give you views across to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the Isle of Man!
Just try to visit on a clear day.
There are lots of beautiful beaches dotted along the west coast of Scotland, and it’s a popular area to discover dolphins and whales.
A great beach for dolphin spotting is Dally Bay and Camusdarach Beach offers beautiful blue waters.
The Isle of Harris is located just off the west coast of Scotland and it’s famous for its crystal clear waters and snorkel opportunities.
The Isle of Skye is located just off the west coast of Scotland and it offers a wide range of epic views and hikes.
You can visit for the day, or you can spend a few days exploring all the island has to offer.
Some of our favourite activities on the Isle of Skye include the Old Man of Storr hike, a visit to the magical Fairy Glen, and Kilt rock!
So there we have it, my guide to the best hotels on the west coast of Scotland.
Hopefully, this helps make planning your Scotland itinerary a little easier.
My only advice is to book in advance, lots of these hotels and properties are extremely popular, and book up for the peak season (June to September) in advance!
