AA Hotel of the Year Scotland - through the years

The best AA-rated hotels in Scotland

Scottish Tourism Month (2nd-27th March) is a celebration of Scotland’s tourism businesses and organisations in recognition of how much they contribute towards the Scottish economy. Scotland’s beautiful, rugged landscapes, historical sites and buzzing cities are a huge draw for visitors every year, and with all the scenic sites and exciting attractions to see, it is important guests have a place to relax and unwind.

Each year, the AA celebrates the best hotels in each region, and we’ve compiled a list of the AA Hotel of the Year Scotland award winners throughout the years for your guide to some of the best places to stay during your visit.

Cromlix

Cromlix hotel won AA Hotel of the Year Scotland in 2016 and 2024.

Located in the Scottish countryside just 3 miles from Dunblane, the Cromlix hotel, owned by Kim and Andy Murray, is a hidden gem situated among beautiful woodland and expansive grounds. After an extensive refurbishment in 2023, guests can unwind in luxuriously appointed bedrooms and suites, engage in a game of tennis, fish in the loch, play a game of billiards, or cosy up with a book in one of the welcoming lounges. Be sure to sample the excellent cuisine at The Glasshouse restaurant.

Fingal Hotel

Fingal Hotel won AA Hotel of the Year Scotland in 2023.

The Fingal is permanently moored in Leith and owned by The Royal Britannia Trust, but it was originally built on the Clyde and has a rich history of service as a support vessel for the Northern Lighthouse Board. After a 2-year conversion involving hollowing out the ship to create 14-bedroom cabins on the main deck, and 8 larger cabins and a presidential suite on the lower deck, this luxury hotel offers a truly unique floating hotel experience. Meals at The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar promote Scottish produce from land and sea.

The Balmoral

The Balmoral won AA Hotel of the Year Scotland in 2022.

Enjoying a prestigious address at the top of Princes Street with views over the city and castle, The Balmoral is a sophisticated hotel with stylishly furnished bedrooms and suites, boasting a thoughtful range of extras and impressive marble bathrooms. Guests of the hotel can indulge in the Roman-style health spa, a choice of bars and dine at Number One restaurant, an excellent option for some Scottish and international fine dining.

The Gleneagles Hotel

The Gleneagles Hotel won AA Hotel of the Year Scotland in 2019.

Situated in 850 acres of scenic Scottish countryside, The Gleneagles Hotel is a luxury hotel, spa and golfing destination, including famous championship golf courses. Ideal for sports lovers, the new Gleneagles Sporting Club is home to tennis, climbing and padel, the increasingly popular racquet sport. Guests can dine in the The Strathearn restaurant and Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, relax with a cocktail in the American bar or unwind in the award-winning spa.

Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa won AA Hotel of the Year Scotland in 2018.

Sitting alongside the famous 17th, 'Road Hole', on the Old Course in St Andrews, the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa has 175 luxurious rooms, including 35 stunning suites, with panoramic views of the golf course and West Sands Beach. An ideal setting to relax and reset, guests can play out on the golf course, unwind in the state-of-the-art Kohler Waters Spa and enjoy a meal at the excellent Road Hole Restaurant.

Douneside House

Douneside House won AA Hotel of the Year Scotland in 2017.

Located in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, with an interesting history and plenty of character, Douneside House offers guests a range of facilities including fishing, the spa and beautifully manicured gardens. Guest rooms have a classic, contemporary style and the public rooms give an insight into the history of the estate. The Library at Douneside House features appetizing dishes that use the best estate produce, including ingredients from the kitchen garden.

Rufflets Hotel

Rufflets Hotel won AA Hotel of the Year Scotland in 2015.

Rufflets Hotel, built in 1924 for a Dundee jute baron, is set in beautiful gardens close to the town centre. The hotel has plenty of cosy spaces and peaceful gardens for guests to relax and unwind. Rooms are individually decorated, including the Gilroy and Orchard Suites, as well as Turret Rooms with private seating areas. Indulge in a meal at Rufflets St Andrews, which serves imaginative, seasonal cuisine.

Cringletie

Cringletie won AA Hotel of the Year Scotland in 2013.

Situated in the scenic Scottish borders just 35 minutes from Edinburgh, Cringletie hotel resembles a fairytale castle with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The hotel has distinctive towers on the top floor, a painted ceiling in the drawing room, and elegant bedrooms in keeping with the opulent setting. Guests should take full advantage of the beautiful outdoor areas, including the 350-year-old Walled Garden, from which produce is also used in dishes in the Sutherland Restaurant.

The Torridon

The Torridon won AA Hotel of the Year Scotland in 2012.

Set in a landscape of lochs and mountains, surrounded by 58 acres of enchanting parkland, The Torridon is an elegant Victorian shooting lodge with breathtaking Highland views, ideal for exploring. The bedrooms are individually furnished, and cosy day rooms feature fine wood panelling and roaring fires. Dine at the 1887 Restaurant, with meals based on locally sourced ingredients and enjoy a drink at the whiskey bar, which boasts over 300 malts.

Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel

Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel won AA Hotel of the Year Scotland in 2011.

Built in 1821, Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel is celebrated for its traditional Georgian architecture and picturesque, private gardens. Recently renovated rooms fit perfectly within the traditional design of the hotel and offer a comfortable, relaxing stay. The ‘iasg’ seafood restaurant, set in the old RSAC ballroom, offers diners a delicious meal in a magnificent setting, and the luxurious spa is the perfect complement to any stay.