Travel 2 minutes 30 January 2025

The Best Hotels in Scotland: All the Michelin Keys

Explore every Key hotel in Scotland selected by our Michelin Inspectors.

The MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland Ceremony 2025 is fast approaching, so with Glasgow being the host city this year, what better time is there to celebrate Scotland and its 790+ Isles? Whether you're after the vibrant bustle of its cities or the serene wilderness of its Highlands and islands, this is a country that really does offer something for everyone.

There are plenty of stunning Scottish hotels to choose from within The MICHELIN Guide selection, but here we take a look at the-best-of-the-best, those that were awarded Michelin Keys at the inaugural Great Britain & Ireland Michelin Key release. Put simply, the Michelin Key is the hotel version of the Michelin Star – and Scotland received 15, in the form of 1 Three Key, 2 Two Keys and 12 One Keys.

Read on to discover the country's top places to stay when booking your next trip.


© The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder
© The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder

Three Michelin Keys

Known by every golfer around the world, not to mention most of the general population, The Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder is considered by the Michelin Inspectors to be Scotland's top hotel. One of just 14 Three Keys in Great Britain & Ireland, it's currently the only Scottish hotel to hold this honour.

Whether you choose to arrive by train, the hotel's chauffeur-driven car or land your helicopter in the grounds, Gleneagles is easy to access, being just 50 miles from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Its four golf courses, particularly the 1919 King's Course, draw golf-enthusiasts from far and wide, but there's plenty more to love about this hotel.

Traditional through and through, it has the air of a private country club, albeit one that's fully accommodating to non-members thanks to its warm and welcoming staff. This cosy 'home-from-home' feel extends into the bedrooms, which feature muted colours, antiques and rich fabrics. Among the wide choice of restaurants and bars is Two-Michelin-Starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie.

When it comes to leisure, there's all manner of activities on offer, from the tranquil spa to lawn games and a Sporting Club with tennis, padel and climbing facilities. Outdoor pursuits include everything from salmon fishing, archery and shooting to guided hill walks, 4x4 off-roading and an Equestrian School with 50 acres of hacking and cross-country courses.


© The Balmoral, Edinburgh
© The Balmoral, Edinburgh

Two Michelin Keys

It wasn't just Gleneagles that impressed our inspection team, two Scottish hotels have also been recognised with Two Michelin Keys. These hotels couldn't be more different: one is bright and modern, while the other is dark and moody; one sits on Edinburgh's bustling main shopping street, while the other takes up residence in the heart of the Cairngorms, the UK's largest National Park.

The Balmoral in Edinburgh opened in 1902 and remains to this day a majestic Edwardian landmark, its entrance flanked by doormen dressed in full Highland regalia. Situated at No.1 Princes Street it occupies an enviable position and affords stunning views over the city and Edinburgh Castle. The surprisingly spacious bedrooms take on a contemporary style, with soft creams, greens, blues and purples designed to reflect the Scottish countryside – and the three-bedroom, 198-square-metre Scone & Crombie Suite is truly palatial. Dining options include Michelin-recommended Number One with its red lacquered walls and richly upholstered banquettes, and don't miss the SCOTCH bar, which boasts over 500 Scottish whiskies.

90 miles north in Braemar, deep in the Scottish Highlands, you'll find The Fife Arms. Once a Victorian coaching inn, it's now the passion project of two Swiss gallery owners (the 'Wirth' half of Hauser and Wirth), which makes sense when you see the impressive 14,000-strong art collection that includes some special commissions from resident artists. Here, dark hues and bold designs lead the way, with all rooms sharing a luxuriously ornate feel, but each one uniquely styled. Bedrooms range from cosy Croft Rooms with cabin beds hand-painted by local artists to Royal Suites furnished with antiques and objects belonging to historic figures. There's a choice of Scottish-themed bars, along with the Michelin-recommended Clunie Dining Room, which sees many dishes cooked over a wood fire.


© Kinloch Lodge
© Kinloch Lodge

One Michelin Key

12 Scottish hotels are also the proud recipients of One Michelin Key. These range from golfing and tennis-led hotels to those in castles and mansion grounds; those in the city to those set beside lochs, nestled in the Highlands and located on islands.

With interiors ranging from traditionally tartan to bright and contemporary, and atmospheres ranging from private members' clubs to tranquil retreats, our One Michelin Key selection for Scotland offers something for everyone.

Click below to find out more and book directly with The MICHELIN Guide.

Ballantrae: Glenapp Castle
Cumnock: Dumfries House Lodge
Dornoch: Links House at Royal Dornoch
Edinburgh: 100 Princes Street
Edinburgh: Gleneagles Townhouse
Edinburgh: Prestonfield Edinburgh
Foyers: Foyers Lodge Loch Ness
Grandtully: The Grandtully Hotel by Ballintaggart
Isle of Skye – Sleat: Kinloch Lodge
Kinbuck: Cromlix Hotel
Resolis: Newhall Mains Dingwall
Tain: Glenmorangie House

© Glenapp Castle
© Glenapp Castle

Hero Image: © Glenapp Castle

Travel

Keep Exploring - Stories we think you will enjoy reading

Select check-in date
Rates in EUR for 1 night, 1 guest