With all of its historic areas and incredible landscapes, there are plenty of unique places to stay in Scotland. From castles to treehouses, this list has some inspo for everyone.
If you want to visit the United Kingdom and see its natural beauty in all its glory, Scotland is one of the best places to do so. Grab a glass of the famed Scotch whiskey and enjoy the marvelous sights of the lakes, plains, mountains, and old Scottish towns.
Whether it is a planned vacation or spontaneous romantic getaway, booking a hotel or an Airbnb is one of the most crucial elements of any travel itinerary. Lucky for everyone visiting Scotland, there are hundreds of unique and cool hotels and Airbnbs that can be booked for every vacation!
Le Monde Hotel – Themed Rooms in Edinburgh
Location: 16 George St, Edinburgh
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland because: It’s a chic boutique hotel with different city-themed rooms and amazing design
A four-star hotel with Georgian architecture located in the heart of Scotland’s capital, the Le Monde Hotel is the perfect place to stay if you are in Edinburgh.
This unique and boutique hotel has bright and modern rooms themed after different cities around the world, as well as a nightclub, fine dining restaurants, and bars.
The hotel is located amongst shops and restaurants on George Street and is less than a 20-minute walk from the famous Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and more local attractions. Don’t miss the best things to do in Edinburgh while you’re there!
Dairsie Castle – Large Scotland Castle Airbnb
Location: Near Cupar, Fife
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland because: It’s an entire historic 12th century 6-bedroom castle you can rent out! Cooooool!
If you ever dreamed of living in a beautiful ancient castle, the Dairsie Castle is the perfect realization of your wildest childhood imaginations. The stunning Scottish castle located in Fife is one of the most famous local Airbnbs.
It offers a capacity of up to fourteen guests with six bedrooms, ten beds, and five baths. With ancient portraits on the walls and a rustic English decor to match, the 12th-century medieval castle does its best to make the guests feel like royalty.
Sea View Snugs – Modern and Trendy Cottages at Laggan
At the Sea View Snugs, you can expect what’s in the name: a sea view! Located in Southern Scotland along a remote shoreline, the Sea View Snugs are a way to escape in comfort and style. If you happen to be on a roadtrip or simply want a getaway, the Sea View Snugs at Laggan are the spot to stop for a night or three!
The property offers a variety of cottages, so you can choose whats fit for you, including hillside and woodland accommodations. From there, you can pick your perfect ‘snug’ly cottage, which usually sleep up to two guests. The unique Scotland lodging though does offer a few that can sleep up to four people!
All the units have a terrace and seating, large windows, and a private bathroom. For an extra touch of luxury, you can book a cottage with a hot tub!
The Alexandra Lifeboat – Unique Lifeboat Camping Experience
Location: Cuan Ferry, Oban, Scotland
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland because: It’s a 110 year old lifeboat moored up on a rocky beach with a view of a neighboring island and kayaking locations
When it comes to unusual Scottish Airbnbs, the Alexandra Lifeboat takes the cake. The one-bedroom Airbnb is situated in a 110-year-old lifeboat along the shoreline of Cuan Sound. The lifeboat that saved hundreds of lives now functions as a fully furnished cabin where six guests can share one bedroom. The charm of this unique Airbnb lies within its peaceful location, whereby you can explore the beautiful ferry on kayaks or walk along the shore on a romantic date for two.
Washington House Unique Boutique Hotel in Nairn, North Scotland
Location: Nairn, Scotland
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland because: It’s a cute boutique bed and breakfast in a historic building near the Nairn Central Beach.
What we love the most about the Washington bed & breakfast is well…everything! The exterior is old and charming while the interior is modern and creative, yet still blends with the old architectural design.
The rooms are fitted with large windows, a seating area, and a spacious bathroom with a bathtub — ideal for soaking after a long day of exploring the North Coast of Scotland.
Aside from being 600 meters for the beach, guests rave about the daily homemade breakfast. With little to no complaints in booking.com reviews, this bed and breakfast is a must-stay if you come to Nairn!
CitizenM Unique Boutique Hotel in Glasgow
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland because: It’s edgy and eccentric hotel with modern boutique design in the center of Glasgow
The CitizenM is located in the heart of Glasgow, providing its guests the perfect spot to explore the city and enjoy the amazing sights and sounds of Scotland.
The stunning modern rooms come equipped with the latest technology to make your stay more comfortable, and the famously large beds ensure a good night’s sleep after days of exploration. The funky design and the beautiful city views from the stunning glass windows are perfect for a warm Scottish getaway.
Old Mill Modern Rustic Converted Mill Airbnb in Lauder
Location: Lauder, Scotland
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland because: It’s an old converted stone mill on beautiful open land that has been renovated entirely on the inside
This modern, rustic bolthole served as a watermill, dating back to the 1700s. The stunning redesign of the space featuring modern decor, beautiful facilities, and a rustic exterior is perfect for a summer vacation or a weekend getaway with your loved one.
The picturesque rustic oak interior is perfect for spending your vacation in peace, overlooking the surrounding greenery and peaceful atmosphere. The Old Mill comes with all the modern inn facilities and more with the fully furnished and stocked kitchen space with artisan-made crockery. There’s also a lot to do in the Scottish Borders area around the property.
Sherbrooke Castle Hotel
Location: Pollokshields, Glasgow, Scotland
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland because: You can stay in a stunning old baronial castle only 20 minutes from Glawgow!
Set in the leafy suburb of Pollokshields, Glasgow, this elegant castle is a beautifully designed and decorated luxury hotel, perfect for family vacations or honeymoon staycations.
The rich red sandstone exterior beautifully complements the modern interior, making for a convenient experience every time. Whether it is a peaceful wedding event or a corporate retreat, the Sherbrooke Castle Hotel is one of the best spots to enjoy the sights Glasgow has to offer.
Four Sisters Boatel – Unique Houseboat Stay Near Edinburgh Castle
Location: Edinburgh Quay, Edinburgh, Scotland
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland because: you’ll have the cool experience of renting a full home on the water right by Edinburgh attractions such as the Edinburgh Castle and Princess Street!
Yes, you heard that right…a house boat! Or ‘Boatel’ as they call it here. There are a variety of multi-bedroom stays to choose from, each fitted with a a kitchen, living room, and a patio.
All in all, the accommodations can host from 5 to 8 people, making this the perfect unique place for groups to stay.
If you want to stay in the center of Edinburgh in a one of a kind hotel that is walking distance to everything, this is an amazing pick.
Iona Pods Remote Cabins Near the Beach
Location: Isle of Iona, Scotland
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland because: It’s a tiny cabin-style pod getaway by the ocean on the Isle of Iona.
These beautiful compact pods are the ideal location to escape from the stresses of modern life. The pods, located on the Isle of Iona, feature green mountain views and are only a short walk to the beach.
While the pods are a remote escape, they offer modern amenities including a kettle, kitchenware, electric stove top, and fridge. Outside the pod, there’s also a picnic table and fire pit. Imagine a night under the stars here while making smores? Sounds too good to be true but it can be!
This unique Scotland airbnb is truly the perfect getaway. It’s on a remote island and would be great for an artist’s retreat or solitude.
The Scotsman Hotel – Unique Amazing Hotel Edinburgh
Location: 20 North Bridge, central Edinburgh
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland because: It’s an old newspaper building-turned-boutiwue hotel, in the absolute center of Edinburgh with AMAZING views and a cinema.
The luxurious Scotsman Hotel features stunning architecture, including oak wood-paneled rooms, a marble staircase, and beautiful stained-glass windows.
The hotel provides exquisite views of The Mound, The Princes Street Gardens, and Calton Hill, and is located between the New Town and Old Town in just the right spot to explore the beauty of Edinburgh.
With all the nearby tourist attractions within walking distance, the Scotsman Hotel is the perfect spot for a peaceful staycation in the heart of Edinburgh – or just stay in your room and marvel at the views!
The Roseate – Victorian Houses
Location: 4 West Coates, Edinburgh, Scotland
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland because: They are two 5-star 1852 Townhouses with Victorian decor and amazing food/drink.
Providing one of the best boutique hotel experiences in Scotland, the Dunstane Houses are beautiful Scottish houses with an elegant Victorian character.
The two houses serve as parts of one hotel, each having a beautiful contemporary decor, providing the perfect mix of antique design and modern convenience. They also have hundreds of kinds of whisky an gin, and a high-end restaurant on-site.
Whether it is a winter getaway or a summer vacation, the Dunstane Houses hotel is the perfect location to explore Edinburgh.
The Five Turrets – Historic Castle Exterior, Contemporary Interior in Selkirk
Location: Selkirk, Scotland
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland because: The castle is perfect for group getaways, offering a unique contemporary design twist.
Located in a hub for outdoor activities such as canoeing and cycling, the Five Turrets Castle offers a spacious retreat in a castle offering mountain views. On the outside, it appears to be like many of the historic castle accommodations in Scotland, but inside, the interior design is modern, colorful, and playful.
With a kitchen, garden, four bedrooms, and two bathrooms, Five Turrets is one of the most cool places to stay in Scotland for group escapes.
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.