The Lovat, Loch Ness

The Lovat stands on the historic site of the Kilwhimen Barracks, which date back to 1718 and have all but disappeared save a stretch of wall -- complete with gun openings -- that still lies within the hotel grounds. The Victorian building the hotel now occupies has been run as a guesthouse for almost 150 years, while a husband and wife team, David and Geraldine Gregory, bought and totally renovated the place around a decade ago. While the outside is all crisp whitewashed walls and gray-slate and stone, the interiors are awash with traditional wood paneling, antique furnishings, and comfy seating -- much of it in the snug lounge which has a grand piano and log fire. Contemporary additions include a bright, airy restaurant and guest room annex in the car park. The result is a blend of old and new that tends to complement rather than jar, while super eco-friendly conscious facilities and practices make it one of the greenest hotels in Scotland. Guests are mostly couples, as the setting and views are decidedly romantic, though families and traveling friends also stay here. 

The hotel is located in the quaint village of Fort Augustus at the southern tip of the legendary Loch Ness in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Being set just off the A82 means easy road access to the city of Inverness in under an hour, while Fort William -- and base for exploring Ben Nevis mountain -- is 45 minutes by car. The iconic ruins of Urquhart Castle that overlook Loch Ness are also just 25 minutes' drive. Glasgow Airport is around three hour's drive and Inverness Airport is just over one hour by car.

The hotel has 28 rooms, most of which are traditionally styled with antique furnishings, and some original features, while a modern annex has six Studios which are more contemporary in style. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs, while upgrading to a Super Room gets you Nespresso machines and iPod docks. The Master and Grand Master Rooms include bathroom TVs, large tubs, and bathrobes, and the annex Studios all have underfloor heating and open-plan wet rooms, plus umbrellas for rainy days. A few rooms also have partial views of the loch, though some higher-floor attic-style rooms have low, sloping ceilings. Hairdryers, toiletries, and ironing facilities come as standard, and some bathrooms only have stall showers. 

A full cooked breakfast menu is served in the hotel's modern Brasserie restaurant (for a fee), which is also open for lunch and dinner and includes a bar with more than 120 whiskeys. Drinks can also be taken fireside in the lounge or drawing room, and there's also an impressive wine list. There's plenty of free parking on-site and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. However, there are no health or spa facilities. Flexible meeting facilities can accommodate up to 70 guests for private and corporate gatherings, and audio-visual equipment is available, with fees. The hotel allows two pets per room, for a small fee.