If you’ve ever thought about road tripping through Scotland, let me tell you, it’s chaotic at first (especially when you’re American and suddenly driving on the left side of the road), but it’s also wildly worth it. My friend Nikki and I set off from Edinburgh, aiming to make our way up to Inverness by car.
We decided to make a pit stop in a small city called Perth, mostly to break up the drive, but also because we were determined to soak up as much history and Scottish castles as possible along the way.
That’s how we ended up at the Royal George Hotel in Perth, a historic riverside hotel we stumbled upon while looking for something cozy, central, and (let’s be honest) budget-friendly. Both Nikki and I are total history nerds, so when we found out the Royal George had hosted Queen Victoria herself in 1848, we were sold.
What we didn’t expect? To find out upon check-out that we had unknowingly slept in the very same room she and her family once did. No, seriously. Queen shit.
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Quick History of the Royal George Hotel in Perth
If there’s one thing I love when traveling, it’s a hotel with stories. And the Royal George Hotel in Perth has over 250 years’ worth of them.
First opened in 1773, the George Inn (as it was originally called) has been welcoming guests for centuries. But its big claim to fame came in 1848, when none other than Queen Victoria herself chose to stay here during a visit to Perth. At the time, rough seas prevented her planned trip to Aberdeen so she opted to stay in Perth. She had planned to stay at Scone Palace just north of town but The Earl Of Mansfield was out of town.
She settled into the George Inn with Prince Albert and their children instead. This was the Queen’s first time staying in a hotel and insisted that its usual routine should continue as normal.
Apparently, she was so impressed by the hospitality that after her departure, the inn was officially renamed from the George Inn to the Royal George Hotel to honor her. And that’s not just a cute marketing gimmick. This hotel has Queen Victoria’s original Royal Warrant and even two lamps made from the bed she slept in still on display. She dined in the very lounge that still overlooks the River Tay today.
In the centuries since, the hotel has played host to other royals and notable guests, including Empress Eugénie and more recently, Prince Edward, Victoria’s great-great-great-grandson.
My Personal Experience at The Royal George
When Nikki and I decided to road trip through Scotland, we knew we wanted to break up the long drive from Edinburgh to Inverness with a historical pit stop, and Perth ended up being the perfect place. Charming, quiet, and steeped in history, it felt like a breath of fresh air between the bustling cities on our route.
We picked the Royal George in Perth because, well, we’re history nerds. We’d read about its royal connection, loved the affordability, and were sold on the idea of staying somewhere that had been around for over 250 years. As soon as we stepped inside, we were met with warm smiles from the front desk staff. You could feel the history in the creaky floorboards and antique furniture, but the vibe wasn’t stuffy. It was cozy, charming, and made us feel like we had stepped back in time (in the best way).
Both Nikki and I are from big American cities (I’m from Orange County, she’s from Jersey) so walking into this quiet little hotel in a town that basically shuts down at night felt like a complete reset. It was fall, and the leaves were turning golden yellow along the River Tay just outside the hotel’s front windows. As a Southern Californian, I had never really seen fall before. I remember sitting there, sipping my coffee in the morning and looking out over the river thinking, Ohhh… this is why people love this season.
Also as American overpackers, we should have figured there was no elevator in a hotel as old as the Royal George. But with teamwork, we were able to haul both of are luggage up and down.
Location-wise, we couldn’t have asked for better. The hotel is walking distance to everything: the newly reopened Perth Museum (home to the actual Stone of Scone!), the Perth Art Gallery, and countless little bakeries, shops, pubs, and restaurants. We also made short day trips to Scone Palace and Blair Castle, which were just a 10- and 30-minute drive away.
But here’s the wildest part: after a cozy three-night stay filled with riverside strolls and castle hopping, we found out at checkout that we had unknowingly slept in one of the same rooms Queen Victoria stayed in. I wish I had captured mine and Nikki’s faces when the manager told us. We were stunned. My inner history geek nearly levitated. It made our stay at the Royal George in Perth feel less like a hotel stay and more like a brush with living history. We weren’t just guests, we were part of its legacy.
If you are interested in Nikki and I’s entire day-by-day road trip through Scotland, click here!
Food & Breakfast
One of the highlights of our stay at the Royal George Hotel in Perth was waking up to a cozy breakfast experience in their charming sunroom-style dining room. The space had panoramic windows that looked out over the River Tay, and depending on the day, we either got a gorgeous sunrise or a cozy, rainy morning. Both made even better with a hot cup of coffee in hand.
Breakfast was included in our stay, and they really delivered. There was a generous spread with all the essentials: eggs, sausage, black pudding, yogurt, toast, fresh fruit, cereal, juice, and of course, plenty of good coffee and tea. Everything was well organized and tasted great, and the friendly staff made sure you felt well taken care of.
There’s also a hotel bar that I wish we had at least one nightcap at, but we ran out of time. It did seem like a hot spot for the few Scottish gentlemen who were there every night with a beer or whisky in hand.
Rooms & Amenities
The rooms at the Royal George Hotel in Perth aren’t flashy or modern, and honestly, that’s what makes them so special. Staying here feels like stepping into a different era, with charming antique-style furnishings, high ceilings, and a cozy atmosphere that gives the place real character.
Nikki and I were lucky enough to be placed in the Royal Stewart Room, one of the same rooms Queen Victoria and her family stayed in back in 1848. I can’t explain it, but the moment we opened the door, we got that feeling. Like we were part of something historic. Everything from the traditional décor to the view of the River Tay made us feel like royalty, without the stuffy attitude.
All rooms come with ensuite bathrooms, HD TVs with built-in DVD players, and lightning-fast fibre optic WiFi (seriously, the speeds were impressive). The hotel also offers cots and high chairs upon request, making it great for families too.
If you’re planning a longer stay or just like having options, the Royal George Hotel in Perth has some great extras:
- A Fitness Suite with cardio machines, free weights, kettlebells, and mats
- A Games Room complete with a pool table, table football, gaming console, and board games (it’s free to use!)
- Complimentary Infinity Fibre Optic WiFi throughout the hotel
Some rooms have standout features like The Chinese Suite, which includes a private living area and internal walnut staircase, and The City of Perth Suite, offering panoramic views over the River Tay and Smeaton’s Bridge.
If you want to make your stay even more memorable, don’t forget to request “A Room with a View” when booking. Many rooms overlook the gardens and the river, and trust me, sipping your morning coffee with that backdrop hits different. The answer is always “no” till you ask!
Oh, and if you’re traveling with pets, they’re welcome too, just be sure to let the staff know ahead of time.
Price & Value
What originally drew Nikki and me to the Royal George Hotel in Perth? Two words: history and price.
We couldn’t believe we were staying in a hotel that once hosted Queen Victoria (and in a royal room, no less) for under $200 USD a night (split between the two of us). That included breakfast, WiFi, a fitness suite, a games room, and a front-row view of George Street, the very same view that Queen V would have had. Total steal.
For a hotel with that much heritage and a central location right in the heart of Perth, the value is seriously impressive. We booked with Booking.com, which made the process smooth and snagged us a great deal.
The Royal George is perfect if you’re traveling as a couple, with a friend, solo, or just someone who loves a good historical backdrop with their morning coffee. You get charm, comfort, and walkable access to the best of the city, all at a price that doesn’t feel outrageous.
Parking at The Royal George Hotel in Perth
The Royal George Hotel in Perth does offer on-site parking in a small lot tucked behind the hotel off George Street. And while it’s nice to have a designated space, I’m not gonna lie: we learned the hard way that this lot is tight. Like, multi-point-turn, hope-you-don’t-clip-someone’s-bumper kind of tight.
On our first night, Nikki and I confidently pulled in… and then promptly got stuck trying to get out the next morning. Thankfully, one of the front desk staff (clearly a parking pro) came out, slid behind the wheel, and expertly backed our car out like it was nothing. We were in awe. He made it look so easy while we had been sweating bullets over every inch.
After that, we made the executive decision to park along the riverfront instead. Street parking is free after 6pm (Monday through Saturday) and all day Sunday, which worked perfectly for us since we were out exploring most of the day anyway. Bonus: we avoided being “those Americans” responsible for a bumper-to-bumper situation in the hotel lot. Sometimes peace of mind wins.
So yes, while the Royal George Hotel does have on-site parking, if tight turns aren’t your thing (or you’re still getting used to driving on the left like we were), riverfront parking is a solid (and scenic) plan B, just with more time restrictions.
Location Tips & Day Trips
One of the best things about the Royal George Hotel in Perth is its location. You’re right by the River Tay and just a short walk to the new Perth Museum, Perth Art Gallery, and the Perth Concert Hall. It’s central, walkable, and ideal if you want to soak up some culture without hopping back in the car.
- Blair Castle: For day trips, we started with a drive to Blair Castle (about 45 minutes away) and it was one of the highlights of our trip. The castle interiors were beautiful and full of history, but we honestly loved wandering the grounds just as much. We spotted deer, horses, and sheep roaming around, and the fall leaves were putting on a full show. We even fed the horsies (just with grass, we weren’t that bold), and it made us feel like we were in a storybook.
- The Hermitage: Originally, we planned to stop at the Hermitage on the way to Blair Castle. It’s a National Trust woodland filled with towering Douglas firs, waterfalls, and even sometimes beavers. But by the time we arrived, the parking lot was full and we were turned away. Next time, we’ll try to go earlier because it looked literally magical.
- Scone Palace: Another must-see? Scone Palace is the original crowning place of Scottish kings. Kings like Macbeth and Robert the Bruce were crowned here on this property. You can see the site and the abbey where they were crowned, while the real stone (the Stone of Destiny) that they knelt on is in the Perth Museum. The palace is dripping with history, and we even got a surprise bagpipe performance right as we were leaving. Not to mention it was so cool to see the peacocks casually strutting around the gardens. Casual.
- Perth Museum: Back in town, the Perth Museum was way more impressive than we expected. It’s housed in a renovated Edwardian building, reopened in 2024 after extensive remodeling, and now holds the Stone of Destiny (a major piece of Scottish royal history). Nikki and I spent hours there, and yes, it’s definitely worth it to check out the gift shop. Nikki got the softest scarf I’ve ever felt, and I regret not getting one for myself.
- Perth Art Gallery: If you’re an art fan, don’t skip the Perth Art Gallery, just a short walk from the Royal George Hotel. They’ve got a strong modern Scottish collection, in addition to plenty of works from famous Scottish artists, plus interactive exhibits, a café, and a shop.
- Huntingtower Castle: Last on our list (but unfortunately, we ran out of time before visiting) was Huntingtower Castle. It’s included in the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass, and while we didn’t have time to see it, it’s top of our list for next time. Especially knowing Mary Queen of Scots honeymooned there. Yes, that Mary.
Final Thoughts
I didn’t expect our time in Perth to be so memorable. Honestly, Nikki and I had never even heard of the city before this trip, we only added it to break up the long drive from Edinburgh to Inverness. But the Royal George Hotel in Perth and the city itself completely surprised us.
Between the history, hospitality, and the unexpected charm of this riverside town, it ended up being one of the most meaningful stops of our trip.
Would I stay again? Absolutely.
Would I recommend it to fellow history lovers, romantics, or travelers just passing through? Without a doubt.
If you’re a history stan like me and want a stay that’s as charming as it is historic, the Royal George Hotel in Perth deserves a spot on your Scottish itinerary.
About the Author: Hi, I’m Alayna, the creator of Alayna Abroad. I’ve traveled to 35 countries, visited 28 Greek islands, and spent over six months living and traveling in Greece across the past five years. What started as one life changing trip in 2021 turned into a full blown passion for affordable, experience driven travel. I write practical guides, honest advice, and real travel stories to help people explore the world without needing unlimited money or permission from anyone.
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