Hotels in Scotland

Also featured on the Gold List in: 2005

Set on the seventeenth hole of the historic Old Course and five minutes from the center of St. Andrews, the hotel secures a perfect Location score. "First-class rooms" blend traditional tartan checks with muted contemporary browns. Road Hole Grill serves local venison and lamb; its bar stocks almost 200 different Scottish malts. The spa has a Japanese salt steam room, Kohler water treatments, and "exceptional service."

144 rooms

Amenities: Golf, Pool, Spa

lso featured on the Gold List in: 2005, 2006

Built in 1924, this country manor gets a perfect score for its French chateau design, and they always offer "fun activities you could normally never do at a resort," such as carriage driving and falconry classes. Suites have unique decor: The French-styled Craggenmore has fabrics that depict orchard scenes. Sample "shortbread that's the real thing" and more than 120 whiskeys at The Bar. Last June, the spa introduced a body treatment for golfing aches. "This place has few peers."

266 rooms

Amenities: Golf, Pool, Spa, Tennis

Also featured on the Gold List in: 2006

Guests stay in red-roofed cottages decorated in "traditional but modern Scottish decor",dark cherrywood and red-and-tan textiles,at this century-old estate on a rocky section of Irish Sea coastline. Old-school golfers praise two championship courses because "carts are not available; you have to walk everywhere, the way it should be." The French-influenced restaurant serves Scottish game, shellfish, salmon, and beef. "Staff are so welcoming."

219 rooms

Amenities: Golf, Pool, Spa, Tennis