Award-winning Scottish hotel named ‘best in the world’ for 2025

The Fife Arms in Braemar has been named among hotels in Amalfi, Paris, New York, and Santa Barbara as one of the “best hotels and resorts in the world” by travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller. 

The magazine describes the hotel – which was recently named as one of the UK’s best “quaint and quirky” inns by the Michelin Guide – as “great fun” and lists several reasons to “love the Fife Arms”.

In the list, the description highlights “the 16,000-odd works of art – including a pair of Picassos, Richard Jackson’s neon chandelier, a taxidermy haggis, and watercolours by Queen Victoria and King Charles III”.

It also notes that “no one in Braemar” has “a bad word to say” about owners Ivan and Manuela Wirth and says the staff at the hotel are “wry” and “wise-cracking” in humour.

The Victorian coaching inn located in Aberdeenshire is said to offer guests a “glorious trip back in time” as well as “plenty of Scottish character” through the likes of tartans, antlers and sheepskins.

READ MORE: Edinburgh Christmas Market named one of the best in Europe

It is also well-liked by visitors with users on TripAdvisor giving the spot a 4/5 out of 501 reviews.

One person wrote that they “absolutely loved” the hotel and praised the “incredible artwork” and “fabulous architecture”.

The rooms and suites are also unique in their shape, size and décor with all featuring ornate wooden furnishings.