A FIVE-star former Victorian hunting lodge has been named Scotland’s hotel of the year.
The Torridon beat out hundreds of others to be crowned the best in the country for its breathtaking views, luxurious rooms and fantastic food.
The Highland retreat is the ideal base whether you are looking to unwind with a whisky, wander the wild west coast or wind slowly around the famous North Coast 500.
Like a fairytale castle, the gorgeous red sandstone villa rises from the banks of a secluded loch and is surrounded by mountains.
The Torridon took the top spot in the Times’ list of the 100 best places to stay — with another Scottish iconic resort tipped as the best for sport.
Hotels expert Susan d’Arcy said: “The Torridon is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Inverness — and about 150 years in the past.
“This turreted Victorian pile, with its wood-panelled hall and mounted stags’ heads, will hold you in a nostalgic embrace from the second you enter.
“Then there’s the screensaver-worthy Highland view: an impossibly blue loch backed by a trinity of mighty butter-yellow mountains.
“Interiors feel traditional — but never stuffy — and on your doorstep are deer-filled forests and mossy Munros that beckon for high-octane hikes.
“Such aerobic effort deserves epicurean rewards.
“The Torridon delivers with a snug pub and brasserie for beers and burgers, a fabulous fine-dining restaurant for dress-up dinners and a cocktail bar whose 365 single malts and 80-plus gins have likely ruined many a best-laid plan for the morning.”
Family-run The Torridon is just minutes away from the tiny village of Annat in Wester Ross and around 60 miles west of Inverness.
It was hailed for the “grandeur” of its 30 rooms and a recent refurbishment combining period and modern furniture, vintage knick-knacks and comfy king-sized beds.
It’s dog-friendly and diners will love its brasserie and sophisticated 1887 fine dining restaurant serving up a seven-course tasting menu.
Head chef Danny Young trained in Michelin-starred kitchens and focuses on seasonal produce — including locally-sourced game, seafood and cheese.
The bar has so many single malts, you could sip one every day for a year and never have the same dram.
Activities offered at the 127-year-old hotel include archery, snorkelling, guided hikes, fishing and private sea tours.
A double-room, with breakfast is priced around £258 per night.
Grand Gleneagles in Perth and Kinross was named the best stay for sports fans in Scotland.
Golfers know it for its three world-famous courses which have hosted Ryder Cup, Open Championship and European Golf Team Championships.
But it offers much more — including polo, tennis, horse-riding, swimming, climbing and dozens more activities.
Best City Hotel went to 100 Princes Street Edinburgh, which won plaudits for its stylish interiors and incredible location.
A former private members club for adventurers, it’s the perfect base to explore the nearby castle and historic Old Town.
House of Gods in Glasgow’s Merchant City was highly commended for its atmosphere and luxury feel, with nods for The Leddie, in Aberlady, East Lothian, The Grandtully Hotel in Pitlochry and the Coorie Inn in Crieff, both in Perthshire, and The Shoregate in Fife.
