Four-Paw Luxury: Chic Scottish Hotels Where Pets Are Treated Like the VIPs They Are
For those of us with four-legged friends, the thought of leaving Fido at home or in a kennel while you holiday – particularly on home soil – is unthinkable. However, you needn’t scrimp on the chic factor when it comes to finding a pet-friendly hotel. With two miniature dachshunds of her own, our editor Maxine Eggenberger shares her pick of beautiful boutique places to stay with your furry ones across Scotland.
The Taybank is a wee gem situated right on the banks of the River Tay in Dunkeld, Perthshire. A favourite with walkers, cyclists and visitors, and ubiquitously popular in the Scottish music scene, too. The accommodation has recently been overhauled to the highest standards, featuring five stunning en-suite bedrooms in the main building and a two-bedroom self-catering apartment just a short stroll away through the gardens. Four-legged friends are welcome in all bedrooms, the restaurant, picturesque beer garden, and the bars, of which all are fully stocked with dog treats for well-behaved pooches.
Set on the shorefront esplanade, No26 By The Sea, a unique design hotel is the perfect retreat to escape reality, indulge in premium comfort, and soak in the atmosphere of this bustling coastal community. The jewel in Oban’s hospitality crown, you won’t find anywhere more stylish to rest your head (or your paws) after a day spent exploring.
If your pet can fit into the lift, then Kimpton Blythswood Square will welcome them in. With Kimpton’s PAWfect stay package, you receive a pet bed, water bowls and treats. Our concierge will give you a list of pet-friendly places nearby to visit, plus pet-owners get breakfast included in their stay. I took my dogs there for a one-night stay last year—suffice to say, we’re all looking forward to returning this summer.
At The Balmoral, dogs are so much more than just guests; they’re treated like bonafide VIPs. Welcome in guests’ rooms and the public spaces, the iconic hotel gifts its furry clientele with a welcome pack consisting of a bed, water bowl, and delicious treats. They also provide a list of dog-friendly local establishments in the area, meaning you can explore the capital without worrying about where to go during your stay. The new Summer of Love package is just what we all need to put the last two years behind us.
Described as a place of pilgrimage for food lovers, the Kylesku Hotel uses its bountiful local larder to produce dishes commanding national, if not global, attention. One of the most historic hotels in the Highlands, dating back to at least 1883, today it’s a luxury stop along the North Coast 500. It welcomes calm, well-behaved dogs who can fit in with the peaceful surroundings, with plentiful blissful walks and beaches right on the doorstep to keep you busy.