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Madonna and Bill Clinton stay here, and if £900 per day fazes you, don’t read on. Scotland’s most expensive hotel is in fact a club: you may stay once, after that you must join in order to re-acquaint yourself with the luxurious surrounds. Golf galore, unbelievable quality and, of course, very discreet.

So long among Scotland’s elite it has become the yardstick for excellence. Sumptuous décor, falconry displays on the lawn and a surrounding mountain landscape. The King of Norway presented the dining room furniture, and he wouldn’t be disappointed with what’s served upon it.

Outstanding baronial home with a magnificent stairway. The hotel blends colonial-like extravagance with eiderdown comfort. Here, you feel like a millionaire’s best friend. Fine food and a wine list that spans the globe adds up to a grand experience.

Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed here (he commandeered the place in 1746) and the hosts have dined out on the story ever since. Glistening chandeliers and Adams plasterwork enhance a building of exceptional architecture. Every room uniquely decorated, and superb dining.

An extraordinary retreat, its hospitality overseen by the remarkable Zawadskis (see Balfour Castle, Orkney) .

Established in 1199, this venerable castle offers undiluted comfort … as well as over 90 malts in the Gun Room Bar. Eat à la carte or more cheaply in the Armoury, where the chef’s experimental dishes are offered.

A romantic setting, next to the sea. A refined establishment whose charges include dinner and breakfast (see Knockinaam Lodge) .

Classic Georgian mansion, with an outlook over the River Tweed – a major draw for its rooms and classy restaurant. The building retains period features and, though slightly heavy-handed with patterns, its clutter of fishing paraphernalia adds a homely feel.

An imposing 18th-century pine-panelled stately home which overlooks Loch Shiel. Excellent value, the rooms ranging in price according to views, this hotel has good home cooking and a bar where folk musicians often gather.

In a tranquil location overlooking the Tummel valley, this small country house has just three bedrooms. Voted into the top 20 B&Bs for the whole of Britain, Easter Dunfallandy is inexpensive rural living, where the day begins with a hearty Highland breakfast. No children under 12 are allowed, no dogs and no risk of disturbance to the tranquillity.