A getaway to the Scottish Highlands can be quite intimidating if you don’t know where to start. There are countless places to visit, such as castles, gardens, and quaint towns, all easily accessible depending on where you base yourself. Road tripping is all part of the Highlands charm. You want to stay in a town close enough to everything, yet still be far enough to be able to road trip through the beautiful villages and experience the scenic landscape.
A trip here is about discovering remote hideaways, historic castles, and pristine scenery, then returning to a charming hotel at the end of the day. In summer, the sun hardly sets, granting you access to unlimited daylight to see the gardens in bloom and the golden light stretching late into the night. In winter (beginning in late October), the landscape, of course, feels starker, but some would argue it’s more atmospheric.
Dornoch, a town known for its historic cathedral, world-class golf course, and sandy beaches, is a beautiful town to base yourself. Dornoch benefits from a microclimate, which means the area tends to have better weather (certainly a perk when exploring!). The area’s slow pace is perfect for strolls past stone cottages, local bookshops, and whisky distilleries.
Lining the coastline of the Dornoch Firth is The Dornoch Station Hotel, part of Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts–a collection of handpicked properties designed to immerse travelers in the world’s most legendary golf destinations along the Scottish coast. The hotel recently debuted a stunning renovation led by AJ Capital Partner’s in-house design team, who drew inspiration from Highland hunting cabins and lodges around Loch Ness.
The refreshed interiors celebrate original details, including restored wood herringbone floors and wood paneling, layered with moments of nostalgia like the nearly 200 vintage golf clubs displayed on the lobby stair columns. As with all Marine & Lawn properties, design details reflect local storytelling, and here, the sea landscape and Dornoch’s golfing legacy are woven into the rooms. The interiors honor Scotland’s rugged beauty with tartans, tweeds, and vintage trunks nodding to the property’s railway past.
The Golden Gorse is the heart of the hotel, a destination restaurant overlooking the Royal Dornoch Links and coastline. The menu highlights a seasonal, local fare, with lots to choose from in terms of meats and seafood. A curated whisky selection can be found at Bar Ross across the hotel hallway, where you can catch locals playing pool at night.
As one can expect, the golf course is a standout on the property, but you’ll feel right at home even if you’re not a golfer.
The hotel’s location is a dream for those seeking a quiet but culturally rich escape. You’re minutes from wild beaches, historic cathedrals, and in just under an hour, you’ll find the legendary Loch Ness.
Whether you’re looking for a base to explore the North Coast 500 or just want to unplug in one of Scotland’s most picturesque corners, this hotel delivers warmth, character, and a welcome sense of place.
Top Takeaways
Location: Dornoch, Scottish Highlands
Address: Grange Rd, Dornoch IV25 3LF, United Kingdom
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: A nostalgic, quintessential Highland golf retreat
Food + Drink: The Golden Gorse serves all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus celebrate the Highlands’ culinary bounty. Bar Ross serves up an extensive whiskey collection and Scottish bar snacks. Also on offer are afternoon tea and Sunday Roast.
Amenities: Standout Golf Course (which is rigorously maintained and serviced to make it one of the best in the country, if not the world); spa; fitness center
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The views! Of the famous golf course and panoramic coastline
5 Nearby Attractions: Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch Cathedral, Glenmorangie Distillery, Dornoch Beach, and local markets in town
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: Dunrobin Castle was a highlight – not too far from the hotel, the grounds are impeccable
Rooms: 89
Pricing: Starting rates at £179.00 per room, per night, including Full Scottish breakfast and VAT
Closest Airport: Inverness Airport (INV)
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