Here are six of the best hotels in Scotland for Christmas and Hogmanay
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When it’s wild and wintery outside, Scotland is one of the best places in the world to get cosy by a roaring fire and spend some quality time with your friends and family over the festive period. And you just can’t beat a traditional Scottish Hogmanay – we’re well known for ringing in the new year with more style and passion than anywhere else.
Here, we’ve hand-picked eight of the best hotels in Scotland for Christmas and Hogmanay, incredible luxury destinations that come into their own at this time of year and will take your festive celebrations to the next level this year.
1, Fairmont St Andrews
St Andrews, Fife
This iconic hotel is situated on the clifftops of St Andrews and boasts elegant and comfortable rooms; its incredible location lands it a place on our list of the best hotels in Scotland for Christmas and Hogmanay.
The grand atrium festooned with decorations provides a magical backdrop for your Christmas tea. Festivities are plentiful for the whole family, with party nights planned throughout the season. Located on a 520 acre estate there is plenty of space to stroll through the crisp winter air and enjoy cliff top views. And, Christmas in St Andrews comes alive with festive lights and Christmas markets and ripe for holiday shopping. The Fairmont St Andrews provides an elegant home base for a festive stay.
www.fairmont.com/st-andrews-scotland/
2, Prestonfield
Originally built as the grand home of Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Prestonfield was designed for impressive entertaining and is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Scotland for Christmas and Hogmanay: the perfect place to celebrate the festive season warmed by blazing fires, surrounded by luscious wreaths and abundant decorations.
Indulge in a festive three course lunch or dinner throughout the whole of December. A decadent afternoon tea is also offered at the hotel from Sunday to Thursday 12-7pm and Friday to Saturday 12-4pm.
You can immerse yourself in Prestonfield’s Winter Wonderland at party nights throughout the month (9th, 10th, 16th and 17th) December). The evenings commences with a welcome cocktail, followed by a three-course dinner and coffee and mince pies. From festive classics to lively cabaret between courses, the entertainment lasts all night before carriages at 1am.
On Christmas day itself there is the option to delight in a three course Christmas dinner or lunch, prepared by award- winning chefs.
At Hogmanay, you can ring in the new year with spectacular food, drink and entertainment in the velvet and gilt splendour of Prestonfield’s Stables at the Hogmanay Ball.
3, The Pierhouse
Situated on the picturesque shoreline of Loch Linnhe, The Pierhouse offers breath-taking views to the islands of Lismore and Mull. The small hotel and renowned Scottish seafood restaurant is one of Argyll’s most idyllic and romantic destinations and one of the best hotels in Scotland for Christmas and Hogmanay.
The hotel along the shores of Loche Linhe is offering their traditional Hogmanay packages to stay for three nights from Friday 30th December. A welcome drinks party on the first evening is followed by a five-course Gala dinner with a Ceilidh and fireworks on Hogmanay Eve, and a complimentary whisky tasting on New Year’s Day all included in the package – along with a dinner allowance for their 2 AA Rosette seafood restaurant on the non-Gala evenings, and of course, a hearty breakfast each morning to help you recover from the festivities of the evening before.
4, Trump Turnberry
True luxury hotels and accommodation effortlessly meet and surpass everyday needs, elevating the mundane events of sleeping and eating into once-in-a-lifetime experiences and offering excursions to fill those fleeting in-between hours with lifelong memories. Trump Turnberry does just that, with characteristic attention to detail and its own Adventures Hub, offering hotel guests and non-residents alike quad-biking, e-biking, paddleboarding, kayaking, archery, rifle target shooting and much more.
On the 3rd, 10th and 17th, Trump Turnberry welcomes guests to their Christmas parties. Three course will be served and followed by a live band performance of Christmas classics.
Festive afternoon tea is also available which includes more than 20 teas to choose from and a delicious menu of bite sized treats.
For information and to book, please call 01655 334 088 or email reservations@trumpturnberry.com.
5, The Gailes Hotel
The Gailes Hotel has put itself on the map as a wellness destination thanks to its luxury spa. If you’re looking to celebrate with family, friends or colleagues this Christmas, Gailes’ Party Nights might be perfect for you.
Prices start at £39.50, including three-course meal and entertainment, and guests can make a night of it by receiving 15% discount on overnight accommodation at the hotel. Book in for 2nd, 3rd, 10th and 16th of December.
A festive ladies lunch is taking place on the 11th of December if you feel like getting glammed up and indulging in three courses and a glass of bubbly. An 80s tribute band, The Rubix Cubes will bring the night to an exciting close.
6, Glenapp Castle Hotel
A five-star hotel boasting all the bells and whistles you might need at Christmas, Glenapp transforms into a winter wonderland for the festive season, a role it plays well, shrouded as it is in charming woodland.
An elegant Victorian castle in the Scottish Baronial style with sandstone battlements topped with turrets and towers, Glenapp hosts lavish three-night Christmas and New Year house parties – and you’ll have to be quick to book them.
At Christmas you can enjoy falconry displays, stargazing, clay pigeon shooting, archery, treasure hunts, open fires and new friendships – so something for all the family.
Meanwhile Glenapp’s New Year House Party is guaranteed to offer you a true taste of Scotland and memories for a lifetime. Luxurious bedroom Suites, Scottish pipers, whisky, fine food, a curling bonspiel, star gazing, champagne and of course a rousing rendition Auld Lang Syne.
This winter, the Castle is adding a range of exciting new activities, providing a host of indoor and outdoor adventures, such as the new in-room massages, Christmas wreath making or the Kitchen Coos and Ewes Tour.
7. Gleneagles
Auchterarder Perthshire
This luxury hotel is opening its doors to guests this Christmas to provide a festive experience for the history books. There is still availability for the days leading up to Christmas and those after so make sure to book quickly.
Gleneagles has two Michelin stars and will be providing decadent dining experiences for you to indulge in this winter. They are offering a 3 night stay including all food and entertainment from £6240. Champagne will flow and pair perfectly with the mince pies made by the pastry chefs. You could enjoy heading into the crisp air for a stroll or even an ice skate before sinking into the beds in the individually designed suites.
The hotel is also open for guests to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere for single meals where they can experience the glittering lights, elaborate decorations and warm fires.
gleneagles.com/offers/christmas-at-gleneagles
8. The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh
Christmas at The Witchery brings a new level of the gothic glamour that the restaurant with suites is known for.
Dine in the rich surroundings of the oak-panelled dining room or among the elegant candle-lit charms of the Secret Garden. Each with its own dramatic theme, the nine theatrical suites are an indulgent treat for those looking to celebrate the holidays in lavish elegance. James Thomson’s Witchery commits to festive decadence with a holiday menu including Scotch beef Wellington and lemon sole meuniere.
https://www.thewitchery.com/christmas
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