Page 173 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Scotland

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website lists over 1,500 B&Bs
and guest houses. Many options
are also listed on www.airbnb.
co.uk. These properties can be
very good value, but they are
not subject to the same grading
and inspection system as those
in the VisitScotland scheme.

Boutique Hotels
Unlike the big chains, boutique A traditional croft cottage, one of many self-catering properties in Scotland
hotels tend to be independently
owned, have just a handful of (SYHA). Most have single-sex DIRECTORY
rooms and offer character along dormitories, but occasionally
with a touch of luxury. there are separate rooms for Tourist Information
families. You must be a member Centre
of the SYHA to stay, but anyone
Self-Catering can join upon arrival. VisitScotland
The freedom of self-catering 3 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2QP.
Tel (0131) 473 3868.
accommodation may appeal ∑ visitscotland.com
to those who are planning an Recommended Hotels
extended stay or who require The accommodation choices Camping and
maximum flexibility, such as on the following pages cover a Caravanning
families travelling with young range of options from gypsy
children. This is also often a caravans and cosy inns to Camping and
Caravanning Club
more cost-effective accom- relaxed B&Bs; from sleek Tel (024) 7647 5448.
modation option. There are boutique hotels to luxurious ∑ campingandcaravanning
many self-catering places over country houses and grand five- club.co.uk
Scotland, from luxury apart- star resorts. The hotels are
ments in the centre of cities to based on two main criteria – Caravan Club
cottages with views of the coast. quality and value for money, Tel 01342 326 944.
irrespective of the price bracket. ∑ caravanclub.co.uk
The places to stay that come
Camping and particularly highly recommended Youth
Caravanning Hostels
are high lighted as DK Choice.
A choice of camp sites and cara- They may be set in a historic Scottish Youth Hostels
van parks, normally open from landmark building, offer Association (SYHA)
Easter to October, can be found splendid views in a memorable Tel 01786 891 400.
throughout the country. Two location, or have exceptional ∑ syha.org.uk
organizations, the Caravan character, amenities and service,
Club and the Camping and or a combination of these.
Caravanning Club, publish
guides listing their parks, and
it may be useful for those
with motor homes to become
members. A typical camping
or caravan site costs £8–15 per
night. “Glamping”, or camping
with a few home com forts,
has taken off in the UK. Many
campsites have yurts or pods
that will accommodate a family
for about £40 per night – a great
way to camp without bringing
all of the equipment. Parks fill up
quickly during the summer so it
is advisable to book ahead.
Youth Hostels
There are around 80 hostels in
Scotland, owned by the Scottish
Youth Hostels Association Invercoe campsite in Glencoe offering wonderful views

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