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The best credit card for hotels in Scotland.

Updated

Why this card

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card for hotels in Scotland.

Edinburgh and Glasgow have the Sheraton Grand Edinburgh, the Caledonian Edinburgh (Curio by Hilton), and the Marriott Glasgow. The Highlands and country estates (Gleneagles, Cromlix, Inverlochy Castle) are mostly independent or FHR.

Annual fee

$250

Best earn rate

6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Gold elite status, 50,000-point free night cert annually

Signup bonus

Currently around 85,000 to 155,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offer

Sheraton Grand Edinburgh on Festival Square prices around 50,000 to 65,000 points a night during the August festival against $500 to $750 cash, and the 50K free night cert covers it off-festival. Gold elite gets you spa lounge access and 2 PM late checkout at the Sheraton. The card pays for itself on a single festival-week stay.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: American Express Platinum.

Gleneagles and the Fife Arms are on Fine Hotels and Resorts. Upgrade plus breakfast plus $100 property credit on a $900 cash room at Gleneagles is the kind of perk that justifies the Platinum on one trip. If you are doing a golf or whisky tour built around country estates, FHR wins.

American ExpressAnnual fee $895

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecMarriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express CardAmerican Express Platinum
Annual fee$250$895
Best earn rate6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Gold elite status, 50,000-point free night cert annuallySee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 85,000 to 155,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Edinburgh in August (Fringe and International Festival overlap) sees hotel rates triple. Book 10 months in advance or shift your trip to June or September shoulder. Hire car pickup is at the airport, not central Edinburgh, because city parking is hostile and most central hotels do not include it.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for hotels in Scotland?

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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card from American Express. Sheraton Grand Edinburgh on Festival Square prices around 50,000 to 65,000 points a night during the August festival against $500 to $750 cash, and the 50K f... Annual fee is $250.

How many points do you need for a free night in Scotland?

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Roughly 50,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Scotland. Cash rate is around $260 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the American Express Platinum a better choice for hotels in Scotland?

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Gleneagles and the Fife Arms are on Fine Hotels and Resorts. Upgrade plus breakfast plus $100 property credit on a $900 cash room at Gleneagles is the kind of perk that justifies the Platinum on one trip. If you are doing a golf or whisky tour built around country estates, FHR wins. Annual fee is $895.