We are traveling to Edinburgh next year (in early May) and would like to end our trip with a castle stay. I would like to be close to the city and/or the airport. I found three - Dalhousie Castle, Melville Castle and Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club. Has anyone stayed at one of these and can recommend which one to pick? Or is there another castle hotel near Edinburgh that would be preferable? Thanks for your input.
Posted by
3123 posts
Is there a reason why you want your castle stay to be at the end of your trip? If you did it mid-trip you wouldn't need to be near the airport so you'd have more options.
I'm not familiar with any of the ones you list, but I did stay in a so-called castle in a rural area of Scotland (near Tarbert, Kintyre peninsula). It was kind of neat in a way, but the interiors were somewhat rundown and there were plumbing problems, and I would have liked them to provide some kind of background on who built the place and lived in it over the years. (I posted a review on the RS site -- Stonefield Castle Hotel -- it's a castle, I guess, but it only dates from the 1830s and was remodeled ca. 1970.)
You've probably already searched this site, but in case not: http://www.celticcastles.com/castle-search/list/scotland/all/?source=quicksearch
Posted by
OP
Michigan, United States
703 posts
No real reason, just thought it would be fun to stay in a castle right before coming home. Yes I did see that site but thanks for the link.
Posted by
3123 posts
Just got an email from AAA today advertising a Scotland trip, and Melville Castle is one of the overnights on their trip. Further away from Edinburgh, this AAA itinerary also has you stay at Kildrummy Castle and Tulloch Castle.
Posted by
OP
Michigan, United States
703 posts
Right now its between Dalhousie and Melville. The Dalmahoy is nice and it does have a pool but I want more of a castle feel to it. Thanks.
Posted by
OP
Michigan, United States
703 posts
Well I've actually booked Dalhousie Castle and Carberry Tower Hotel for this night (yes both of them) through booking.com and will decide which one to stay later. Dalhousie is more of a castle feel and Carberry Tower is more Downton Abbey but on a smaller scale. Plus its $115 pounds cheaper. (And I do love Downton Abbey!) I did the free cancellation option so I'll figure it out later. Melville Castle and Dalmahoy Hotel were both unavailable for the night we need. Thanks for your input.
Posted by
3123 posts
Sounds like a great plan. We've been in Scotland in May twice and can vouch for the fact that it's really beautiful with the "blue bells" in bloom as well as azaleas. Enjoy!