Nestled along the banks of the River Tay, Perth in Scotland beckons travellers with its enchanting blend of historical allure and contemporary vibrancy. This charming city, often hailed as the “Gateway to the Highlands,” boasts a rich tapestry of heritage, stunning landscapes, and a warm Scottish welcome. As you traverse the cobbled streets and discover centuries-old landmarks, it becomes evident why Perth is a destination worth exploring.

From the medieval splendor of Scone Palace to the verdant expanses of Kinnoull Hill, Perth offers a diverse array of experiences. And when it comes to accommodation, the city’s hotel scene is as diverse as its attractions. From boutique establishments exuding old-world charm to sleek, modern retreats, Perth’s hotels cater to every taste and preference. In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover the best hotels in Perth, each providing a unique vantage point to soak in the area’s captivating ambiance and ensure an unforgettable stay in this Scottish gem.

Be sure to check out our guide to the best luxury hotels in Abergavenny, Wales, too!

Best places to stay in Perth, Scotland 2023

The Gleneagles Hotel

Tucked away in the heart of Perth, the Gleneagles Hotel stands as a testament to luxury, seamlessly blending the opulence of a 1920s railway resort with the charm of a Scottish Baronial country estate and the elegance of a French château. Aptly dubbed ‘the Glorious Playground,’ this magnificent luxury hotel in Perth, Scotland, exudes both grandeur and relaxation, offering a meticulously designed escape from the ordinary. Following a multi-million-pound refurbishment, this effortlessly marries its storied history with a modern aesthetic, maintaining its Scottish Baronial and French château influences while embracing an Art Deco homage that adds a touch of style to its timeless allure.

Beyond its visually captivating interiors, this Perth hotel offers a level of service that is both old-school and infused with contemporary convenience—charming and professional, yet never stuffy. The hotel boasts a mini-Burlington Arcade of shops, providing everything from diamond necklaces to jars of jam. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a plethora of activities, from traditional country pursuits like riding, shooting, and fishing to more adventurous options like falconry and off-road driving. For those seeking relaxation, this 5 star hotel in Perth features two swimming pools, an outdoor hot pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub, and a fully equipped gym. The championship golf courses, accompanied by professional coaching and an extensive golf shop, are a highlight. With rooms and suites meticulously curated in eight grades, Gleneagles achieves a perfect fusion of classic and contemporary, ensuring a stay that transcends the ordinary into the realm of luxurious boutique elegance.

Monachyle Mhor Hotel

Nestled within the breathtaking double-loch setting, the Monachyle Mhor Hotel in Perth is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends history, nature, and contemporary charm. With Loch Voil stretching to the east and Loch Doine continuing the glacial drama to the west, the surroundings are nothing short of cinematic, featuring patches of forest and a majestic amphitheatre of hills and glens. Just five miles away, Rob Roy’s Grave adds a touch of dramatic history to the area, providing context to this Scottish haven. The salmon-pink hue of this luxury hotel in Perth, celebrating its 18th-century Jacobite origins, gives way to a Scandi-Scot vibe inside, where Nordic sharp lines and well-chosen materials complement local art and stag antlers. The Lewis siblings, who still farm the land, have curated a knowing yet unpretentious hideaway, where guests can relax in the courtyard ‘Living Room’ by a wood-burning stone with a brew in hand.

This magnificent Perth accommodation exudes a charmingly international character, steering a tight but relaxed ship. Local knowledge is a treasure, and the staff delights in sharing their love for the glorious countryside, even offering sightseeing tips. The facilities may be modest, but Monachyle Mhor compensates with unique experiences, including one of Europe’s most northerly boules courts and arrangements for fishing, stalking, paddle boarding, or even weddings with a serious difference. Accommodation options range from luxurious rooms in the main stone building to cabins, lodges, a 1950s showman’s wagon, an award-winning treehouse, and the Tardis-like Tiny House. Each space is thoughtfully furnished with eclectic touches, featuring bespoke and designer chairs, hardwood furniture, and repurposed elements. With a commitment to living close to the land, Monachyle Mhor invites guests to immerse themselves in the unique charm of this Scottish retreat.

Dunkeld House Hotel

Situated just over an hour from Edinburgh or Glasgow, the Dunkeld House Hotel near Perth is a Highland haven, accessible through a short, enchanting walk along the Tay River from the cathedral town of Dunkeld. The town, with its select cafés and independent shops, is a delightful retreat, including the famed Aran Bakery by Great British Bake-off finalist Flora Shedden and the impressive kitchen-ware shop, Kettles.

While signs of the stately home’s history are subtly present in the grand staircase and stag’s heads in the hall, the hotel exudes a smart, sharp, and immaculately kept ambiance inside and out. Despite its generous 280 acres, the 98-room Perth hotel doesn’t feel sprawling, with a touch of cruise-ship charm accentuated by the pianist in the bar. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a plethora of activities, from fishing and clay-shooting to off-road adventures and canyoning. After a day of exploration, guests can unwind in the indoor pool and hot tub, indulge in a spa treatment, or hit the gym for those craving an extra workout.

The hotel’s warm and professional staff ensures a seamless experience, catering to the needs of regular visitors and newcomers alike. Light, fresh-looking bedrooms showcase darkly dramatic or bold bright colors, with some featuring big splashy florals and giant headboards. While bathrooms may be compact, they are gleamingly up-to-date, complemented by good towelling robes, slippers, and coffee machines. This luxury hotel in Perth, Scotland, maintains a mercifully light touch on tartan, offering a contemporary and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re drawn to the bold colors of the bedrooms or the allure of the Bothy Suite’s clinker-built boat-shaped bed, Dunkeld House Hotel promises a Highland retreat with a perfect blend of history, style, and modern comfort.

Killiecrankie House

A mere 10-minute drive from the charming holiday town of Pitlochry, Killiecrankie House Hotel in Perth, Scotland, is a hidden hamlet nestled above the rushing River Garry. Set against the backdrop of stunning woodland walks, this picturesque retreat exudes tranquility almost literally at its doorstep. Henrietta Ferguson’s legacy, a pretty white Victorian house, has undergone a bold transformation, with the successors painting it in on-trend moody blue, showcasing a drive and passion for reinvention. The kitchen garden and a collection of foodie tomes in the sitting room reflect a serious commitment to culinary excellence, while a vintage hi-fi and a vinyl collection from Bob Marley to Marvin Gaye capture the delightfully relaxed vibe.

This Perth hotel’s accommodations are more than rooms; they are cocoons of dark, restrained, and expensively simple elegance. The five uncluttered, soothingly chic hideaways boast sigh-inducing, smooth-sheeted four-poster beds paired with mid-century furniture. Bathrooms feature matching palest alabaster pink stone basins with brushed bronze taps, along with elegant free-standing baths and generously sized showers. While Nespresso machines and minibars may be absent, the focus is on providing an authentic and luxurious experience. Chef Tom and sommelier Matilda, affable and hands-on hosts, ensure a delightful stay, though traditional offerings like cream teas or room service are eschewed in favor of unique experiences like afternoon whisky tastings. Killiecrankie House is a testament to the art of simplicity, where every detail is carefully curated to offer a serene and sophisticated escape in the heart of Scotland’s picturesque landscape.

The Taybank

Situated on land reclaimed by Thomas Telford’s historic Dunkeld Bridge construction in 1809, the Taybank Hotel in Perth is a charming inn that captures the essence of its bucolic setting on the edge of Dunkeld village. Despite being across the street from its riverside beer garden, the inn boasts a picturesque location cradled by wooded hills on the edge of Highland Perthshire. Dunkeld, a tourist hotspot with a ruined cathedral, whitewashed cottages, and a vibrant high street, offers a delightful blend of history and contemporary charm.

This 5 Star Perth hotel in Scotland seamlessly combines the best of all worlds. Upstairs, five un-pub-like rooms exude a Scandi-meets-mid-century vibe, offering a tranquil retreat. The first-floor restaurant, with its huge sash windows and river views, embodies a shabby chic gastropub aesthetic, featuring mismatched tables, modern artworks, and a bespoke wooden bar. The ground floor bar, a nod to the pub’s musical heritage under singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean, exudes old-school charm with a piano, log burner, and live music sessions. The beer garden, a lockdown creation by owner Fraser Potter, boasts a canvas awning, fairy lights, and a fire pit.

This luxury accommodation in Perth offers an ever-evolving menu of extras, curated books in lieu of televisions, and weekly traditional music sessions. The Scandi-styled rooms, including a loft retreat with a polished concrete bathroom and hilltop views, feature wooden floors, painted panelling, and sheepskins for a cozy touch. The Taybank Hotel, under Fraser Potter’s guidance, remains a watch-this-space haven, where something new is always around the corner, from outdoor cinema screenings in the summer to a pop-up sauna in the winter. It’s a delightful blend of history, style, and a warm Highland welcome.

In the heart of Perth, Scotland, these distinctive hotels each offer a unique tapestry of experiences, inviting travelers to explore the diverse charms of this picturesque region. From the timeless luxury of Gleneagles, where history meets modern elegance, to the secluded sophistication of Monachyle Mhor, nestled within the natural beauty of its double-loch surroundings, and the quaint charm of Killiecrankie House, where simplicity meets refined comfort, these accommodations capture the essence of Perth’s rich history and contemporary allure.

Whether you seek the opulence of a grand resort, the intimate charm of a country house, the eclectic ambiance of a pub, or the expansive offerings of a Highland retreat, Perth’s diverse hotel scene promises something for every traveler. As these accommodations beckon with their unique stories, stunning settings, and warm hospitality, they collectively contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Perth, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the allure of this captivating Scottish destination.

Now you’ve discovered the best hotels in Perth, Scotland, be sure to check out our guide to the best hotels in Glasgow for couples, too!