Burns Night: 5 of the Best Hotels in Scotland

It's time to eat haggis, drink whisky and celebrate the life and work of Scot poet Robert Burns. Yes, Burns Night is just around the corner, so what better time to share some of the best hotels in Scotland?

Each year, on 25th January (Burns' birthday), people get together to enjoy what's known as a Burns Supper. It's a celebration that originally started in Scotland but now takes place worldwide.

How did the Burns Night tradition begin?

In July 1801, 9 of Burns' close friends got together to mark the 5th anniversary of his death. The memorial event took place at Burns' Cottage in Alloway and comprised a traditional Scottish dish of haggis, performances of Burns' work and a speech in honour of Scotland's great Bard, now known as the Immortal Memory. The night was such a success that they decided to hold it again but instead switched the date to Robert Burns' birthday on 25th January.

Today, people worldwide celebrate Burns Night with their very own supper of haggis, neeps and tatties and drams of whisky! The evening begins with Selkirk Grace. Several famous Burns Night poems and tributes are recited throughout the supper, including 'Address to Haggis,' 'the Immortal Memory,' 'Toast to the Lassies, ' and 'Reply to the Toast to the Lassies.' Finally, the evening finishes with everyone singing 'Auld Lang Syne.' So even if you've never heard of Burns or his famous poetry, everyone knows that one!

Burns Night events in Scotland 2022

It sounds like fun, doesn't it? Unfortunately, due to rapidly rising COVID rates, many Burns Night public celebrations have been cancelled in Scotland this year. However, the following events appear to be going ahead as planned with COVID-safe measures and a pre-book ticket system in place:

• Burns Supper on The Royal Yacht Britannia (28th & 29th January)
• Burns Night with Claire Hastings at Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club, Dumfries (22nd January)
• The Rabbie Burns Ball, Edinburgh Grosvenor Hotel (22nd January)
• Burns Night Supper Celebration at the Aberdeenshire Cricket Club (25th January)
• Burns Ceilidh Night with BlackRock Ceilidh Band at The Beaufort Hotel in Inverness (22nd & 23rd January)

It's also worth checking out local Scottish restaurants and hotels to see if they have a special Burns Night menu for dine-in or take out. And if you’d rather enjoy Burns Night from the comfort of your own home or hotel room? Burns Big Night In is now taking place online on 22nd January. Booking is required with all profits going to charity.

Hotels in Scotland

Whether you're visiting Scotland for Burns Night celebrations or another occasion, here are some of our top-rated hotels to choose from…

Sherbrooke Castle Hotel, Glasgow

Located near Glasgow city centre, the 4-star Sherbrooke Castle Hotel is a top venue for luxury accommodation and fine dining. The magnificent baronial building comprises luxury bedrooms, a lounge bar, an in-house restaurant and conference facilities catering up to 200 people.

On 4th February, COVID-restrictions permitting, the Sherbrooke Castle Hotel will host the Erskine Burns Supper & Ceilidh. A 3-course meal, followed by an evening of Scottish-themed entertainment.

Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar

Located in the historic Scottish Village of Braemar, The Fife Arms is a 5-star Victorian coaching inn that has been imaginatively restored into a majestic hotel. Inside you'll find 46 individually designed guest rooms and suites, and outside, well, you're surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of Royal Deeside.

Join the Fife Arms Hotel in commemorating the life of Robert Burns with an evening of poems, pipes and puddings. The Burns Night event will take place on 22nd January and includes a formal Burns Dinner (with Address to the Haggis) and evening entertainment, including traditional readings and musical performances.

Hotel Du Vin, Edinburgh

Are you looking for somewhere to stay close to Burns Night celebrations in Edinburgh?

Hotel Du Vin is a luxury 4-star hotel in the heart of Edinburgh. Nestled between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, it's the perfect location for visiting the city's famous museums and art galleries or indulging in a little retail therapy. The impressive building comprises 47 elegantly styled bedrooms and suites. Each is equipped with a plasma TV, Egyptian linen and a luxury private bathroom, with original signature features and roll-top baths.

Secure your hotel room at a great price with Planschange. Simply type 'Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh' into the search bar, choose your dates and book your room at a discounted rate. Our hotel rooms are non-refundable (hence the great price). But if for any reason you can't make your reservation, you can always sell it through the Planschange marketplace.

The Edinburgh Grand

Another excellent choice for Edinburgh Burns Night celebrations is The Edinburgh Grand. This luxury all-apartment residence is situated on St Andrew Square - making it well-placed for dining out, shopping, and exploring Scotland's vibrant capital city.

Formerly The National Bank of Scotland, The Edinburgh Grand has been beautifully renovated to house 50 fully serviced apartments, each suitable for 1-6 guests. Each apartment boasts the perfect blend of original features and slick contemporary design. A luxury home-away-from-home, you're guaranteed an enjoyable and relaxing stay.

Dakota Glasgow

The best in affordable luxury, the Dakota Glasgow hotel comprises 83 luxury bedrooms and 11 elegant suites, each as striking as the hotel's painted black exterior, with an effortless NYC-loft vibe going on. Enjoy light and space with full-length windows and let the calming effect of the trademark dark grey tones wash over you.

Dine at The Grill, choosing from its fresh and sophisticated menu, and treat yourself to a cocktail or two at Jacks Bar. Situated beside Blythswood Square, you're just a short walk away from the city's central shopping district. The hotel is also perfectly placed for enjoying nearby cultural attractions, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Kings Theatre.

Are you celebrating Burns Night in Glasgow? Make the occasion extra special with a stay at Dakota.

How will you celebrate Burns Night?

With 25th January just around the corner, we're interested to know how you will be celebrating Burns Night. Are you hosting a traditional Burns Night Supper? Heading to Scotland for a special event? Or simply using Burns Night as the perfect excuse for a fun night away with friends? Whatever your plans, we hope you have a fantastic time, and if you need a hotel for the night, don't forget to check our Resales page for any last-minute deals.