9 Best Luxury Dog-Friendly Hotels Scotland

09/08/2022

The UK has numerous fabulous holiday destinations, and Scotland has incredible areas of natural beauty to explore.

If you are on the lookout for dramatic landscapes that have featured in films and TV shows, beautiful award-winning sandy beaches, or bustling towns and cities, Scotland has it all.

Scotland is perfect for family holidays, and with such a great selection of pet-friendly hotels, you won't need to worry about leaving your furry friend at home.

We will help you find the best pet-friendly hotels in Scotland in the ideal location for you to enjoy the best trips up north.

As well as helping you find the perfect dog-friendly hotels in Scotland, Slingo lifestyle news also has a selection of pet, and dog-friendly blogs and details on the best luxury accommodation the UK has to offer.

1. Forss House Hotel - Thurso

Forss House Hotel is located near the River Forss and sits in beautiful woodland. Dating back to 1810, the historic hotel boasts more than 20 acres of grounds.

There are a number of dog-friendly rooms at the Forss House hotel, and there are great walking trails for you both to enjoy.

Amenities include free high-speed WiFi, free breakfast, complimentary toiletries, and a flat-screen TV.

As well as offering acres of woodland to explore, Thurso's north coast location means you have plenty of beaches to explore. Strathy Bay Beach and Thurso Bay Central Beach are dog-friendly options open to dog use all year round.

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2. Kilcamb Lodge Hotel - Strontian

Finding a luxury pet-friendly hotel is one thing. Being guaranteed its quality is another. Thankfully the Kilcamb Lodge Hotel can do this as it was named the UK's best dog-friendly hotel back in 2017.

Located on Scotland's west coast, the service, amenities, and facilities for guests and their four-legged friends are second to none.

This hotel ticks all the boxes. It is one of the UK's best dog-friendly hotels, but it is also located in an area of incredible natural beauty.

The lochside location and 22-acre grounds are perfect for dog lovers to explore. As well as being at the edge of the water, you also have the Ariundle woodland on your doorstep, and you never have to go far in the highlands for a hill to climb.

The dog-friendly luxury rooms at Kilcamb Lodge Hotel have easy access to the gardens, making it easier for you when your dog needs to go outside.

Dogs are provided with food mats, bowls, doggy bags, treats, towels, and bed covers. The hotel can cater to special diets, and a dog sitting service is available for £15 per hour.

Up to two small dogs can stay in a room for £14 each per night, and one large dog at £20 per night.

3. Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa - Inveraray

The lochside hotel is the perfect location for a relaxing break. The stunning walks around Loch Fyne and nearby woodlands make it the ideal location for families with dogs.

All guest bedrooms are pet-friendly, and well-behaved dogs are welcome to stay and enter all public areas, excluding those involved with the food service.

Rooms are decorated with natural tones to compliment the surrounding landscapes and Scottish confectioners' comfortable beds, teas, coffee, and treats. Tunnocks will make you feel at home straight away.

The spa is the perfect way for guests to enjoy their stay and relax. There is an indoor heated pool, outdoor hot tub, steam room, sauna, and treatments to pamper yourself.

Despite being just a couple of hours away from the bustling streets of Glasgow, the peaceful and relaxing location lets you feel at one with nature.

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4. Loch Leven Hotel & Distillery - North Ballachulish

The Loch Leven Hotel and Distillery are located in North Ballachulish and put you in the heart of Scotland's tourist country with Glencoe, Fort William, and Ben Nevis all nearby.

The family-run hotel offers a charm and warmth that many big chains struggle to replicate, but that doesn't mean you will have to sacrifice quality.

Amenities include free parking, free high-speed WiFi, complimentary breakfast, a games room, kids' entertainment books, DVDs, music, blackout curtains, and allergy-free rooms.

The on-site gin distillery also allows guests to sample the locally produced tipple, and their award-winning bar is welcoming for all.

Nearby walking and hiking trails make it perfect for dog owners that want to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Scottish countryside.

5. Oban Bay Hotel - Oban

Oban is a wonderful coastal town that offers guests everything from mountain exploration to boat trips. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing time sampling the delicious seafood or want a more active weekend exploring the forests, beaches, and nearby castles, there is something for everyone.

The Oban Bay Hotel offers guests the perfect location to enjoy everything Oban and its surrounding areas offer.

The luxurious, pet-friendly rooms and suites are beautifully decorated and extremely comfortable. You will be able to bring up to two dogs with you, and you will be provided with bowls, beds, and biscuits for your four-legged friends.

There are many great walks near the hotel that are perfect for those with dogs, and well-behaved dogs are permitted in public areas of the hotel.

If you intend to enjoy a relaxing break, the Oban Bay Hotel spa will be perfect for you. There is an outdoor hot tub with incredible views, a sauna, a steam room, and a number of excellent treatments to soothe and invigorate you.

Guests will enjoy free WiFi facilities, but it is worth noting that there are no disabled facilities or parking options on-site. On-street parking is available, though.

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6. Holly Tree Hotel & Swimming Pool - Kentallen

North of Oban, you will find Kentallan on the banks of Loch Linnhe, where the Holly Tree Hotel and Swimming Pool are located.

The loch views and rolling hills make this a picturesque setting ideal for any holidaymaker hoping to get away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a relaxing Scottish break.

The fresh, bright decor of the hotel and comfortable furnishings make this welcoming and warm, while the big dining room windows and al fresco dining options make it easy to take in your surroundings.

The hotel has a large swimming pool, Finnish sauna, and hot tub, and with a great selection of dog-friendly rooms for you to choose from, it is the ideal location for a family getaway.

Walks around the loch, hills, and woodlands are great for those that have brought their pet with them, and the room's private balconies are a great place to watch the sunset over the hills.

Amenities include complimentary toiletries, free high-speed WiFi, free breakfast, a kettle, a fireplace, and a TV. Bike rental and boating options are also available, allowing you to explore more of the beautiful countryside.

7. Balmoral Arms - Ballater

The Aberdeenshire village of Ballater is set on the banks of the River Dee in the Cairngorms National Park and is home to the wonderful Balmoral Arms Hotel.

If you weren't sure what area of Scotland to visit, being nearby to where the Queen's summer home, Balmoral Castle, should be recommended enough.

The area is popular among hikers, bikers, and walkers, and during the winter season, skiers and snowboarders.

Dog owners will love the great walks and areas of natural beauty that they will be able to explore. For £20 per dog per evening, you will be able to bring as many as two dogs to stay with you in your room at the Balmoral Arms Hotel.

Dogs will be able to visit all public areas, excluding the hot tub and pool, and you need to give a little bit of notice for when you want to eat, and they will provide you with a table that gives your dog room to lie down with you.

The beautifully decorated rooms combine the comfort and convenience of contemporary hotels with the charm and elegance befitting the Victorian heritage of the hotel.

Ghillies Bar and The Kitchen provide the ideal place to eat, drink, and be merry, with the chefs taking advantage of fresh, local produce.

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8. The Lovat - Fort Augustus

No trip to Scotland is complete without even a cursory glance for Nessie. The Lovat in Fort Angus, Loch Ness, gives you that opportunity.

The fresh, contemporary hotel boasts great modern amenities to make you feel at home but also holds the traditional charm. Another great selling point for this beautiful hotel is its environmentally friendly, green credentials.

The loch views make it easy for you to relax in the comfort of this excellent location while keeping your eyes peeled for that elusive monster.

Guests will enjoy free parking, high-speed WiFi, a TV, and a room with a mountain or landmark view.

Dog owners will be delighted that their canine companions are also welcome, and with lots of great walks around the loch and nearby hills, there are lots to see and do for everyone.

Inverness is just a short drive away for anyone looking to enjoy a busier atmosphere with lots of great pubs and restaurants. Alternatively, you will be able to enjoy the hotel's well-stocked bar.

9. Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa - Craigmure

The Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa is an excellent base for anyone visiting the Isle of Mull. The stunning sea views and relaxing spa make it perfect for anyone looking for a laid-back trip.

The dog-friendly luxury hotel allows dogs at a charge of £20 per night, and with so many wonderful walks and trails, they will have the holiday of a lifetime.

The level access and modified guestrooms make the hotel fully disabled-friendly, including the spa area.

You will be able to dine and drink at the Oran na Mara Bistro and Sea Deck Bar, and you can enjoy afternoon tea as a relaxing way to enjoy a sweet treat.

The Driftwood Spa is another great way for guests to relax, thanks to the incredible treatments on offer. As well as being able to pamper yourself with treatments, you can also visit the swimming pool, Rasul Mud Room, or enjoy the incredible views from the outdoor hot tub.

There are 75 suites and bedrooms that have been redeveloped to reflect the quality and comfort of the hotel.

Bespoke wooden furniture, tartan throws, and state-of-the-art bathrooms make a stay at the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa a special one.

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Are there good dog-friendly beaches in Scotland?

You might not automatically think of Scotland as being home to some of the world's best beaches, but you would be surprised. You won't be guaranteed the weather you do in some countries, but the stunning sandy beaches and crystal clear water are still worth visiting.

The highlands and islands, East and West coast of Scotland all have some excellent beaches to offer, many dog-friendly.

The North Sea has incredible beaches, and Balnakeil is one of the best. The dog-friendly beach offers a wide sandy stretch for your dog to enjoy.

Island hoppers should check out Big Sand on the Isle of Skye, Tarbert on the Mull of Kintyre, Currie Sands on the Isle of Islay, or Mellon Udrigle Beach in Wester Ross.

If you are visiting the capital, Edinburgh's Longniddry Beach is an excellent option that will let your dog stretch its legs.

The West Coast has loads of great options, and dog walkers will love the promenade in Largs and Saltcoats and Ardeer beaches, where your dog can get off the lead and into the water.

Are there good dog-friendly attractions in Scotland?

There are lots to see and do for dog owners in Scotland. No matter where you are visiting, you should be able to find a dog-friendly hotel and some excellent attractions nearby.

We have already mentioned the great beaches in Scotland, and with over 3,000 miles of coastline, you won't struggle to find one. Another place for your furry friends to get wet and wild in Scotland is the Lochs.

With more than 30,000 to choose from, the Scottish lochs are great for paddling, swimming, watersports, and walking, and you will often find dog walkers around them. Loch Lomond and Loch Ness are probably the most famous, but you will find some great locations all around the country.

Many castles and stately homes have grounds and ruins to explore, with lots offering access to well-behaved dogs on leads. Culzean Castle and Country Park is a great option, but you should always check their rules to find out where dogs are permitted on the grounds.

Hillwalking is a big thing in Scotland, and it is rare that you will climb a hill or mountain in Scotland without seeing someone with a dog on the way. Why not see how many Munro's you can bag on your trip with your canine companion?

Other great places to explore with your dog in Scotland include the many glens and woodland areas. If you are looking for a day out the family can enjoy, why not try Inveraray Jail, Balmoral Castle, or even the Dundee Museum of Transport?

There are many dog-friendly attractions around Scotland, so exploring your options when you book your hotel will help you plan your trip.

Are there any rules for taking your dog on the West Highland Way?

The West Highland Way is a famous Scottish walk that runs from Fort William to Glasgow for 96 miles.

The walk can be split up into shorter, more manageable walks, allowing visitors to get a unique experience and perspective.

Dogs are permitted on the West Highland Way, but you will be expected to control it and adhere to the Outdoor Code. The code advises that dog walkers have access rights but must ensure their dog is controlled and can't attack or worry farm animals.

People with dogs should not enter fields containing young animals; the dog should be kept on a short lead when around other animals.

Dogs should not be taken through crop fields unless there is a designated path, and dogs should be kept on a short lead in certain areas during the breeding season for ground-nesting birds, which runs from April to July.

Dog waste should be bagged and removed. If possible, it can be binned in the bins provided. If there are no bins, they should be carried and removed, never discarded along the way.

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Final Thoughts

Scotland is a wonderful place to visit with warm, friendly locals, incredible scenery and natural beauty, and excellent places for families with dogs to explore.

Whether you are looking for a country house hotel, boutique hotel, or city centre hotel, finding a dog-friendly room will allow you, your family, and your four-legged friend to make the most of your trip.