Alloa hotels and other bases
If you search for Alloa hotels, first decide which base fits your plans. Alloa has the tower, a direct train to Stirling and a town centre on a short walk. Stirling is the bigger base for the castle and the Old Town. Dollar sits at the foot of the glen. Bridge of Allan is a separate small town in the Stirling area.
This guide compares places, not hotels. It names no properties and quotes no room rates, because those change by date. Use the lists below to choose the town, then compare current offers for your dates. If a castle visit drives your trip, read about Stirling Castle tickets first, since the castle hours set how many days you need.
The four bases compared
What each is good for and what to check.
| Base | Good for | Getting around | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alloa | Alloa Tower and a town base with a rail link | Direct trains to Stirling, about 2 an hour, and direct trains to Glasgow Queen Street | The tower opens Friday to Monday only, from 3 April to 31 October |
| Stirling | Stirling Castle, the Old Town, the Old Bridge | Buses from Edinburgh Airport end here, and the station is about 0.5 miles downhill from the castle | The walk back up from the station is steep |
| Dollar | Dollar Glen and Castle Campbell on foot | The glen is reached on foot from the village | Steep paths, and the castle interior is closed from 1 October to 31 March |
| Bridge of Allan | A small former spa town near Stirling | – | Not in the centre of Alloa, so check the way to your sights |
For most first visits, Stirling is the practical base. The airport buses from Edinburgh go there, the castle is on the hill above, and Alloa is a short train ride away. Pick Alloa if the tower matters more than the castle. Pick Dollar if the glen is the main reason for the trip.
Our pick: a guided bike tour from Stirling
Stirling is the practical base for most first visits, and this guided ride around the city and its surroundings starts right there.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours and day trips from your base
Day trips to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and the Kelpies, with live prices and availability.
Choose by what you plan to do
Match the base to the day.
Castle and Old Town
Stay in Stirling. The castle is open 09:30 to 18:00 from 1 April to 30 September and 09:30 to 17:00 from 1 October to 31 March, with last entry 1 hour before closing. See the Stirling guide for the Old Town and the Old Bridge.
Alloa Tower and the town
Stay in Alloa. In 2026 the tower is open Friday to Monday, 12:00 to 16:00, from 3 April to 31 October. Details are on the Alloa Tower page.
Glen walks
Stay in Dollar. The glen path starts on foot from the village and is free. Castle Campbell is open daily from 1 April to 30 September. The Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen page has the walk and the ticket prices.
Hills and the Hillfoots
Base yourself where your route starts. The Ochil Hills guide lists the walks, so pick the town nearest the hill you want.
Travelling without a car
Alloa and Stirling both have rail links. Read the getting there guide to see how the airport legs connect before you choose.
Stirling visitor levy
A rule that starts in 2027.
The rate and the dates
Stirling charges a visitor levy of 3 percent for stays that begin on or after 14 June 2027, on bookings made from 1 January 2027. Stays in 2026 are not affected.
Longer stays
For longer stays, the part of the levy for nights beyond the first 7 is refunded.
Alloa and Dollar
The Stirling rate comes from Stirling Council. It does not automatically apply to Alloa or Dollar in Clackmannanshire. Check the rules for the town where you book.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages for each base.
Alloa Tower
Season, days and prices for the tower house.
Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen
The summer castle and the glen walk.
Stirling
Old Town, castle hill and the Old Bridge.
If your trip also includes the capital, where to stay near Edinburgh Castle compares the areas there. For a loch stay, where to stay at Loch Lomond does the same.
Alloa hotels: frequently asked questions
Should I stay in Alloa or Stirling?
Stay in Stirling if the castle and the Old Town are your priority, because the airport buses from Edinburgh go there. Stay in Alloa if the tower is your main sight. The train between them takes 8 minutes on average.
Is Dollar a good base for Castle Campbell?
Yes, if the glen is the focus. You reach Dollar Glen on foot from Dollar. The paths are steep, and the castle interior is closed from 1 October to 31 March, so a winter stay is for the glen only.
Do I pay a visitor levy in Alloa?
The 3 percent levy is Stirling's and starts for stays from 14 June 2027. It does not automatically apply to Alloa or Dollar. Check the rules for your own town when you book.
Can I stay in Alloa without a car?
Yes. Alloa has direct trains to Stirling and to Glasgow Queen Street, and bus 51 links Alloa and Stirling. The getting there guide covers the airport routes.
Does this guide list hotels?
No. It compares towns and names no properties or rates, because those change by date. Once you pick a town, look at current offers for your dates.
Is this the official Alloa accommodation site?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the council, a tourist board or any hotel. Confirm details with the property you book.