BEST HOTELS
Northern Ireland & Scotland
Red Star Hotels
AA inspector recommendations Book directly
BEST HOTELS
AA Red Stars are awarded by our team of inspectors, who have an unrivalled wealth of experience when it comes to recognising top-class hospitality.
Red Star hotels stand out as the very best in the UK. They offer excellent standards of quality, and outstanding levels of hospitality and service. This guide features all the AA’s Red Star-rated hotels in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Our inspectors’ insights feature throughout this guide – you can read more reviews and recommendations on AA RatedTrips.com
- Spa Award This means that this hotel has an exceptional spa delivering outstanding wellness experiences.
o - Breakfast Award This means that this hotel offers a very special breakfast, with an emphasis on freshly prepared local ingredients.
CONTENTS
The Balmoral
Cameron House on Loch Lomond
Cromlix
Crossbasket Castle
Douneside House
Galgorm
Glenapp Castle
The Gleneagles Hotel
Glenmorangie House
Inverlochy Castle Hotel
The Merchant Hotel
Norton House Hotel & Spa
Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
Prestonfield
Rufflets Hotel
The Torridon
THE BALMORAL EDINBURGH
The Balmoral
Prestigious hotel with a castle view and top-notch whisky bar
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1 Princes Street, EH2 2EQ, Edinburgh 0131 556 2414 reservations.balmoral@ roccofortehotels.com www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-andresorts/the-balmoral-hotel/
The Balmoral is an elegant hotel that enjoys a prestigious address at the top of Princes Street, with fine views over the city and the castle. Bedrooms and suites are stylishly furnished, and all boast a thoughtful range of extras and impressive marble bathrooms. Hotel amenities include a Romanstyle health spa, extensive function facilities, a choice of bars and two very different dining options – Brasserie Prince is bustling and informal eating, while Number One offers outstanding Scottish and international fine dining.
Our inspector loves
• The whisky selection includes more than 500 different blends
• Afternoon tea in the elegant Palm Court
• J K Rowling suite – where the last Harry Potter book was completed
Cameron House on Loch Lomond
Beautifully located with fine dining and top leisure facilities
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Balloch, G83 8QZ, Dunbartonshire 01389 312210 reservations@cameronhouse.co.uk www.cameronhouse.co.uk/
Experience the allure of this resort nestled on the serene shores of Loch Lomond, set in 400 acres, surrounded by stunning landscapes and panoramic views of the Trossachs National Park. There are 208 exquisite bedrooms and suites, a variety of restaurants and bars, a spa with a rooftop pool, championship golf courses, a leisure club and a 29-seat cinema. Only 30-minutes from Glasgow and a little over an hour from Edinburgh, this is a perfect sanctuary and escape.
Our inspector loves
• Two championship courses will challenge any golfer
• Picture postcard views of Loch Lomond
• The private cinema is great for a relaxed evening
A lovingly restored hotel that leaves nothing to be desired iiiii rrr o
Kinbuck, Dunblane, FK15 9JT, Stirling 01786 822125 enquiries@cromlix.com www.cromlix.com
Owned by Kim and tennis star, Andy Murray, who was born in nearby Dunblane, this stunning hotel has been appointed to a luxurious standard. Grounds are secluded and ideal for relaxing; among the places of interest are a kitchen garden, a loch stocked with trout, and a tennis court resplendent in Wimbledon colours. Bedrooms have been lovingly restored and include a number of unique suites. The hotel has its own chapel, a number of welcoming lounges and a billiards room. The modern, light dining space has an open kitchen where guests can see some masterful cooking in action. Service is of an impeccable standard.
Our inspector loves
• Outstanding bedrooms; individually designed and furnished
• Vibrant interior design; a mix of contemporary and country house
• Fabulous Art Deco bar offering a great selection of cocktails and more
Dine like royalty and enjoy flawless service
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Stoneymeadow Road, Blantyre, G72 9UE, Lanarkshire
01698 829461
info@crossbasketcastle.com crossbasketcastle.com/
Crossbasket Castle can trace its roots back to the 16th century; the current castle was rescued from ruin in 2011 and retains many original features. With just 9 tastefully designed bedrooms, alongside extensive lounges and beautiful grounds combined with flawless service, this is a wonderful guest experience. The Roux culinary dynasty provide the inspiration for the menus in the restaurant, with its goldleaf ceiling. Weddings making use of the Roosevelt ballroom complete with hammer beam roof.
Our inspector loves
• Riverside location with plenty of gardens and grounds to explore
• The small number of bedrooms means strong dedicated service
• Stay in the Lindsay Tower Suite; four storeys of luxury
Douneside House
Friendly, engaging staff and excellent standards throughout iiii rrr
Tarland, Aboyne, AB34 4UL, Aberdeenshire 013398 81230 manager@dounesidehouse.co.uk dounesidehouse.co.uk/
This country house has been developed to provide an impressive range of facilities, with extensive grounds, fishing, spa and leisure facilities as well as stunningly beautiful gardens. Bedrooms come in a range of sizes, all very well equipped and extremely comfortable. Public rooms reflect the interesting history of the estate, and blend contemporary style with refined comfort. Cuisine is a major feature; exciting and interesting dishes incorporate the best estate produce including ingredients from the splendid kitchen garden.
Our inspector loves
• Good selection of malts for whisky lovers
• All-weather tennis court available
• Peaceful grounds and relaxing gardens
Galgorm
The spa facilities are simply fantastic
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136 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, BT42 1EA, Co Antrim 028 2588 1001 reservations@galgorm.com www.galgorm.com
Standing in 450 acres of private woodland and sweeping lawns beside the River Maine, this wonderful resort is set around a 19th-century mansion. It offers luxurious bedrooms with all the little extras that add to a special stay. The Spa is a major draw here, with what may be the most extensive offering in the UK, with 3 thermal garden experiences as well as treatments, leisure and other facilities. Eating and drinking options include Fratellis Ristorante, a cocktail and gin bar and Gillies Grill, a lively and atmospheric locals’ bar. The estate also has an equestrian centre and a conference hall.
Our inspector loves
• The Thermal Suite and other facilities are world class
• Afternoon tea overlooking the river
• With one of the largest gin collections in Ireland.
Glenapp Castle
Professional and attentive service really enhances the overall stay
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Ballantrae, KA26 0NZ, South Ayrshire 01465 831212
info@glenappcastle.com glenappcastle.com/
A truly hidden treasure, Glenapp Castle is an enchanting hotel where you will feel ‘at home’ whether you’re travelling on your own or with a party of friends. This luxury hotel provides an intimate level of service with genuine attention to detail. It has great beauty in its period furnishings and interiors as well as through the breathtaking gardens, forest and the seascapes that surround the castle.
Our inspector loves
• Many activities available, on land or water
• All-weather tennis court
• 36 acres of woodland, ideal for wandering
The Gleneagles Hotel
Internationally acclaimed retreat in glorious countryside
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Auchterarder, PH3 1NF, Perth & Kinrosss 01764 662231 resort.sales@gleneagles.com gleneagles.com/
With its international reputation for high standards, the Gleneagles Hotel is set in 850 acres of glorious countryside, As well as being a peaceful retreat, if offers many sporting activities, including the famous championship golf courses. Bedrooms are appointed to a high standard and offer traditional or contemporary styles. Stylish public areas include the Birnam Brasserie, The Strathearn, and inspired cooking at Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles. Afternoon tea can be taken in the Glendevon Room, and there’s a range of bars around the resort. The spa offers the very latest treatments to restore both body and soul.
Our inspector loves
• World-class golfing opportunities
• Indulge in the fabulous spa
• Relax and wander across 850 acres
Glenmorangie House
A high attention to detail and welcoming Highland hospitality
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Cadboll, ByFearn, Tain, IV20 1XP, Highland 01862 871671
relax@glenmorangie.co.uk www.glenmorangie.com/glenmorangiehouse
Set amongst the rolling barley-fields of Easter Ross, Glenmorangie House is a true Highland hideaway; more of a country house than a hotel. Bedrooms are individual in their style and design, and all have a link to the distillery and its history. Luxury en suite bathrooms include plush bath robes, quality branded toiletries and a miniature Glenmorangie Original as little luxuries – attention to detail is as important as the good old Highland welcome you’ll receive.
Our inspector loves
• A fantastic array of malt whiskies from the Glenmorangie Collection
• Scenic grounds, with stunning flower displays and a tip
• Enjoy a free tour of the worldfamous distillery
Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Imposing castle against a backdrop of Ben Nevis
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Torlundy, Fort William, PH33 6SN, Highland 01397 702177 info@inverlochy.co.uk inverlochycastlehotel.com/
With Ben Nevis as its backdrop, Inverlochy Castle sits amidst extensive gardens and grounds overlooking its own loch. Lavishly appointed in classic country-house style, bedrooms are extremely comfortable and luxurious. The sumptuous main hall and lounge provide the perfect setting for afternoon tea or a pre-dinner cocktail. Dining in Seasgair (Gaelic for ‘calm’ or ‘snug’) by Michel Roux Jr. offers a timeless experience, showcasing the Scottish larder in a lavish baronial setting. A snooker room is also available for guests.
Our inspector loves
• The magnificent views of the Nevis mountains
• Centuries of history, baked into this authentic castle
• Beautiful ‘walled garden’ rooms in a converted stable
Merchant Hotel
Seamless and relaxed service in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter iiiii rr
16 Skipper Street, BT1 2DZ, Belfast 028 9023 4888
info@themerchanthotel.com www.themerchanthotel.com/
Situated in the historic Cathedral Quarter, this iGrade I listed property was once a bank HQ, now sensitively restored to its original Victorian grandeur. Luxurious bedrooms, including five suites, are split between the elegant Victorian wing and art deco inspired designer rooms in the newer wing. All have air-con, modern amenities and wonderful bathrooms. Several dining options are available including the grand Great Room, Berts Jazz bar and the Cloth Ear. Cocktails are something of a signature. Spa and leisure facilities complete the picture.
Our inspector loves
• The former HQ of the Ulster Bank
• Cocktail Bar has an excellent drinks selection
• Spa with five treatment rooms, a relaxation room and hydrotherapy area
Norton House Hotel & Spa
Victorian mansion with a superb choice of rooms
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Ingliston, EH28 8LX, Edinburgh 0131 333 1275 nortonhouse@handpicked.co.uk www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/nortonhouse
This extended Victorian mansion, set in 55 acres of parkland, is peacefully situated just outside the city. The original building dates from 1840 and was later bought by John Usher of the Scottish brewing family. Today, both contemporary bedrooms and spacious, traditional ones have an impressive accessories including large satellite TVs, and free high-speed internet access. Executive rooms also have ‘tilevision’ TVs at the end of the baths. Public areas take in a choice of lounges as well as dining in the popular brasserie. There is a health club, and a spa with a long list of treatments.
Our inspector loves
• Elegant interiors including William de Morgan tiles
• The Kingdom Suite has a balcony
• Just outside Edinburgh, so ideal for sightseeing or the festival
Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
A must-visit for golfers in search of luxury and comfort
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St Andrews, KY16 9SP, Fife 01334 474371 reservations@oldcoursehotel.co.uk www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk/
Sitting alongside the famous par 4 17th, ‘Road Hole’, on the Old Course in St Andrews, this hotel has 175 luxurious rooms, including 35 stunning suites, and boasts five dining experiences: The Road Hole Restaurant which overlooks the Old Course as does the Swilcan Loft; the Jigger Inn; the Duke’s Clubhouse and Hams Hame Pub & Grill. Whether playing out on the golf course, relaxing in the state-of-the-art Kohler Waters Spa or enjoying a meal, guests are assured a red-star experience.
Our inspector loves
• Great views of the Old Course
• Afternoon tea served in the conservatory
• The first Espuro Foam Experience Steam Room in the UK
Comfortable town house hotel with dramatic furnishings iiiii rr o
Priestfield Road, EH16 5UT, Edinburgh 0131 225 7800 reservations@prestonfield.com www.prestonfield.com/
Prestonfield is a centuries-old landmark that has been lovingly restored and enhanced to provide deeply comfortable and dramatically furnished bedrooms. The building demands to be explored: from the tapestry lounge and the whisky room to the restaurant, where the walls are adorned with pictures of former owners. Facilities and services are upto-the-minute, and carefully prepared meals are served in the award-winning Rhubarb restaurant.
Our inspector loves
• A peaceful location yet still convenient for Edinburgh city centre
• Opulence and elegance; truly stunning interior decor
• Afternoon tea in the Rhubarb Restaurant
Rufflets Hotel
Smart country house a few minutes from St Andrews iiii rr
Strathkinness Low Road, St Andrews, KY16 9TX, Fife 01334 472594
reservations@rufflets.co.uk www.rufflets.co.uk
Built in 1924 for a Dundee jute baron, Rufflets is set in extensive gardens a few minutes’ drive from the town centre. The stylish, spacious bedrooms are individually decorated, and include the Gilroy Suite, The Orchard Suite (which is separate from the main building), and Turret Rooms that have their own seating areas. Public rooms include a bar, a choice of lounges and the delightful Seasons Restaurant that serves imaginative, carefully prepared cuisine based on seasonal produce. Impressive conference and banqueting facilities are available in the adjacent Garden Suite.
Our inspector loves
• Gorgeous mature gardens to explore, including the kitchen garden
• Eggs served at breakfast come direct from the hotel’s own chickens
• Just a short stroll from St Andrews
The Torridon
The perfect getaway set amid loch and mountain scenery
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By Achnasheen, Wester Ross, Torridon,
IV22 2EY, HIghland 01445 791242
info@thetorridon.com www.thetorridon.com
Delightfully set amid inspiring loch and mountain scenery, this elegant Victorian shooting lodge has been beautifully appointed to make the most of its many original features, and 58 acres of surrounding parkland. Bedrooms are individually furnished and most enjoy stunning Highland views; expect to find Egyptian cotton sheets, duck down duvets, satellite TVs, and Victorian-style bathrooms. Comfortable day rooms feature fine wood panelling, and roaring fires in cooler months. The whisky bar boasts over 300 malts and in-depth tasting notes. Outdoor activities include shooting, cycling and walking.
Our inspector loves
• 300 whiskies and 150 gins available
• Enjoy a stroll around the kitchen garden and other trails
• Guests with dogs can book rooms in the stable conversion
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