Dowans Hotel

The bar at this Speyside hotel stocks around 750 whiskies, which tells you most of what you need to know about the neighborhood. Dowans is a country hotel sitting among more than fifty distilleries, some close enough to walk to after a dram or two. The kitchen sources its meat and fish from within a short drive, afternoon tea runs daily, and the Mbar keeps a fire going for nightcaps. The Michelin Guide has it among its selected hotels.