The Best Budget-Friendly Castle Hotels In Scotland That Offer A Taste Of Royalty

Traveling through Scotland feels as though you've wandered into a fairytale. It's one of the most beautiful countries in the world according to travelers. From the culturally rich cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, to the wild and rugged landscapes of the Highlands you'll be surrounded by beauty and history throughout your trip. One of the best ways embrace the magic is by booking a stay at one of Scotland's castle hotels. 

Scotland has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Humans have been living there since 12,000 B.C. and the country is scattered with fascinating ancient ruins and historic buildings that offer a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors. More than 2,000 castles were built in Scotland. While some of them have been lost to time, many of them remain remarkably well preserved. Some of the best maintained castles are owned by various royal families and serve as private residences. Many famed historic castles offer tours or have been converted into museums that welcome the general public, but if you want the full royal experience consider visiting one of the unbelievable castles you can actually stay in. 

Scotland certainly isn't one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, but it is one of the most enchanting, and if there were ever a place to splurge on accommodations — this is it. The sky's the limit when it comes to accommodations in Scotland. There are plenty of castle hotels with prices suitable for royal wallets, but there are also quite a few options that can work within a variety of budgets. With a stay at one of these incredible budget-friendly castle hotels you're certain to feel like a king or queen for the night.

Dalhousie Castle Hotel is located on a stunning 11-acre estate about 25 minutes from downtown Edinburgh. It's the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland. The current structure was built in 1450, but there has been a castle on the site since the 13th century. Dalhousie was constructed using beautiful red stone from a nearby river. For centuries the castle has withstood the tests of time. It was owned by the Ramsey family who had close ties with various royals including Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. Eventually the castle was sold and converted into a luxurious 4-star hotel.

Dalhousie Castle hotel has 29 rooms, a spa, and a restaurant. The rooms are lavishly decorated with antique furniture like four poster beds. Throughout the hotel there are unforgettable details, like the secret bar behind a hidden bookcase in the library. Guests can also try out activities like falconry and archery during their stay. Room prices usually start at around $300 per night, but you can score some great discounts by booking directly on their website. At the time of writing, rooms were available for just $118 per night.

"My wife and I had an amazing stay here. It truly is an authentic castle experience, with beautiful views, expansive grounds, and delicious food," Nathaniel Epting wrote in a Google review. "They have lots of historical facts about the castle around, with impressive decor. There's a common room that serves as a lounge (with bar attached), as was a VERY impressive library you can sip a drink in and enjoy some quiet. Dinner at the dungeon was spectacular! You really can't go wrong there, nor for a little breakfast or afternoon tea at the Orangery, which has lovely views of the grounds," he added.

Dalmunzie Castle Hotel is located in the village of Glenshee in the Scottish Highlands. The town's name is derived from the Gaelic language, and means "glen of the faeries." For hundreds of years there have been legends of faeries in the region, and once you set eyes on the gorgeous landscape, it's easy to see why. You'll be surrounded by mountain views, babbling streams, and beautiful glens when you stay at Dalmunzie Castle. Cairngorms National Park, the largest British national park, is close by.

Dalmunzie Castle was constructed in 1510 and is a beautiful example of Scottish Baronial style architecture. It sits on a stunning 6,500-acre estate that was once enjoyed by Queen Victoria herself during a visit to Balmoral. "It was so calm and so solitary...all seemed to breathe freedom and peace, and to make one forget the world and its sad turmoil," the Queen wrote in her diary during a visit to Dalmunzie in 1848. The hotel is a wonderful place to stay if you plan on attending the Braemar Gathering or visiting the Scottish mountain village of Braemar.

There are 19 guest rooms within the castle as well as cottage rentals located on the estate. Each room is uniquely decorated with rich details and all of them have lovely views. For a real treat, try to book one of the two spacious tower rooms. Nightly rates at the Dalmunzie Castle Hotel start at just $180 per night.

Carberry Tower Mansion House is a wonderful home base if you're exploring Edinburgh as under 10 miles from the city in the East Lothian region. During your stay at the 4-star hotel you can explore the ruins of a medieval castle, wander along beautiful stretches of coastline, and visit the quaint small towns. East Lothian is also known for its sunny weather.

Construction on the Carberry Tower Mansion House began around 1480, and parts of the structure date back to 1500. Originally, the castle was gifted to monks by King David I. It changed hands several times over the centuries, and it was once the site of a famous Jacobite victory of the British. In the mid-1700s the Fullerton family took over the estate and completed some major additions. The Elphinstone family continued to add to the castle throughout the 1800s and the famous architect David Bryce oversaw the project. The castle you'll experience today was finally finished in the early 1900s. One of the most famous guests was clean Queen Elizabeth II who spent time with her family there throughout her childhood.

Carberry Tower Mansion has 30 rooms which start at around $187 per night. For a totally authentic experience consider splurging on the Turret Suite located within the original castle. Even the budget rooms are lovely with plenty of historic charm. There is a restaurant and bar in the mansion. The library and the music room are lovely spots to relax. The mansion sits on 40 beautiful acres that you'll share with plenty of wildlife and some epic old growth trees. You can even hike from the estate to Carberry Hill, where Mary Queen of Scots surrendered her throne.

If you're dreaming of Scottish romance on the shores of a majestic loch, head to Stonefield Castle Hotel which is located about 100 miles outside of Glasgow on the West Coast of Scotland near the beautiful Kintyre Peninsula. It's perched on the shores of Loch Fyne. The sea loch is about 40 miles long and one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland.

Stonefield Castle Hotel was built in 1837, so its somewhat new compared to other castles on our list. Nevertheless it's a stunning example of Scottish Baronial style. A famous architect named William Henry Playfair constructed the castle for Lord Stonefield's grandson, John Campbell.

The castle is located on a 60-acre estate with plenty of natural beauty and opportunities to relax in nature. The gardens are particularly gorgeous because Campbell enjoyed botany and planted seeds from around the world. Barmore Bistro, which is located within the castle, has views overlooking the loch and the gardens and serves some tasty seafood options and traditional Scottish cuisine. Guests can visitors can enjoy lunch, dinner, and a special Sunday lunch. Afternoon tea is served in the drawing room each day, and when evening roles around you can sip on a Scotch at the wood-paneled 1837 Bar. The hotel has 38 bedrooms with simple but elegant decor, and room prices start at around $150 per night.

Kincraig Castle Hotel is a 4-star property that's perfect for travelers who are in search of a little luxury without breaking the bank. It's nestled within the majestic Scottish Highlands, which are one of the most beautiful regions of the country. It's close to the city of Inverness, and sits on a 10-acre estate that's surrounded by forests and farmland. If you're traveling the popular North Coast 500 Route, Kincraig Castle Hotel makes a great stop along the route.

The castle dates back to the 17th century. Before it became a hotel it was home to many generations of the Mackenzie Clan. The castle has been remarkably well preserved and still retains many of its original features and decor. The rooms are decked out in a traditional Scottish-style. Expect plenty of plaid prints and luxurious details. There are 15 rooms and each one is unique. Some have four poster beds and many offer lovely views of the grounds.

Kincraig Castle Hotel has received hundreds of five star reviews. "We absolutely loved our stay. The hotel is quiet, clean and beautifully decorated. The staff was so accommodating. Breakfast was delicious and we really enjoyed relaxing and playing games in the lounge. It is an easy drive from Inverness," wrote Whitney W on TripAdvisor. During your stay you can enjoy afternoon tea with a selection of sweet and savory pastries, scones, and sip on tea and prosecco. In the evening you can order from the bar menu which has simple but elevated selections of appetizers, mains, and deserts. Room prices usually start around $340 per night. 

To formulate our list of the best budget-friendly hotels in Scotland, we researched hundreds of beautiful boutique hotels around the country. We only selected castle hotels with four or five star ratings, and considered factors like amenities, location, and historical significance. We scoured reviews on Google and TripAdvisor and chose castle hotels that had received plenty of excellent feedback from guests. In order to keep our list budget-friendly, we eliminated options with rates higher than $350 per night at the time of writing, and prioritized choices that were under $200 per night.