Angus stretches along Scotland's northeast coast between Dundee and Aberdeen, covering market towns like Forfar, the historic port of Arbroath, and the seaside town of Montrose. Budget travellers here will find solid-value accommodation across all three towns, with prices noticeably lower than nearby Dundee city centre. This guide covers the 4 best cheap hotels in Angus, comparing location, facilities and practical booking value to help you choose the right base for your trip.
What It's Like Staying in Angus
Angus is a largely rural Scottish county where accommodation costs run around 30% lower than in Dundee, making it a practical base for visitors exploring castles, coastal paths, and the Angus Glens without overspending on lodging. Towns like Arbroath, Montrose, and Forfar each have their own rail or road connections, so car-free travel is feasible - though buses between smaller villages are infrequent. Arbroath and Montrose are the strongest bases for budget travellers who want walkable town centres and direct train access to Dundee and Aberdeen.
Pros:
- Accommodation costs are noticeably lower than Dundee or St Andrews, particularly for mid-week stays
- Arbroath and Montrose both have direct rail links, making day trips to Dundee (around 25 minutes by train) straightforward
- Quieter atmosphere than city hotels - no noise from nightlife unless you're near a town centre bar
Cons:
- Limited late-night dining and entertainment options compared to Dundee city centre
- Car recommended for visiting inland attractions like Glamis Castle or the Angus Glens
- Fewer last-minute availability options outside the main towns, especially during summer festivals
Why Choose Budget Hotels in Angus
Budget hotels in Angus consistently include features that cost extra elsewhere - free parking is standard across most properties, a significant saving if you're touring by car. Room sizes in Angus budget hotels tend to be more generous than equivalent price-point properties in Edinburgh or Aberdeen, where compact rooms are common. The trade-off is that evening dining options are limited after 9 PM in smaller towns, so hotels with on-site restaurants or room service carry real practical value here.
Main advantages of budget hotels in Angus:
- Free parking included at most properties - uncommon at this price point in Scottish cities
- On-site restaurants and bars reduce reliance on limited local dining options after dark
- Cooked Scottish breakfasts frequently included or available at low supplement cost
Main trade-offs in this specific zone:
- No luxury spa or concierge-level services at this price tier in Angus
- Some properties charge separately for parking in town-centre locations like Arbroath
- Wi-Fi quality can vary in older Victorian-era buildings common across Angus market towns
Practical Booking & Area Strategy
Arbroath is the most connected town for budget travellers without a car - Arbroath Railway Station has direct services to Dundee (around 25 minutes), Aberdeen, and Perth, making it a strong hub. Montrose suits travellers arriving by road, with free hotel parking saving around £10 per night compared to paid options in Dundee. Forfar, positioned inland, is best for those focused on Glamis Castle (10.6 km away) or the Angus Glens hiking routes, rather than coastal activities. Peak season in Angus runs from late July through August, when the town of Arbroath hosts its annual Declaration of Arbroath commemorations and coastal visitor numbers spike - book at least 6 weeks ahead for this period to secure the lowest rates.
Popular attractions across Angus include Glamis Castle, the Angus Glens walking trails, Carnoustie Golf Links, Arbroath Abbey, and the coastal Lunan Bay. Most are best reached by car, though Arbroath Abbey is walkable from Arbroath town centre hotels.
Best Value Stays
These properties offer the strongest combination of included facilities, location and price across Angus, with free parking, on-site dining and rail or beach access all represented.
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1. Park Hotel
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Check-infrom 14:00 until 23:30Check-outuntil 11:00Just a few rooms left at the best rate!
from£ 93
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2. The Townhouse Hotel
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Check-infrom 15:00 until 23:59Check-outuntil 11:00Just a few rooms left at the best rate!
from£ 84
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3. Lunan House
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Check-infrom 15:00 until 22:00Check-outuntil 11:00Hurry – almost gone at this price!
from£ 48
Best Premium Budget Option
This property offers the widest range of on-site facilities in the Angus budget category, combining leisure, dining and nightlife infrastructure that the other hotels don't match.
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4. Royal Hotel
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Check-infrom 14:00 until 22:00Check-outfrom 10:00 until 11:00Rooms filling fast – secure the best rate!
from£ 96
Smart Travel & Timing Advice for Angus
The best-value window for budget hotels in Angus is late September through October, when summer visitor traffic has dropped but the weather remains reasonable for outdoor activities like coastal walks and castle visits. July and August see prices rise noticeably, particularly in Arbroath, where the town draws visitors during summer events and the coastal walking season peaks. For Glamis Castle visits, spring (April-May) offers lower hotel rates and smaller crowds before the main tourist season begins. A stay of 2 nights is typically sufficient to cover the main Angus attractions from a single base - Arbroath Abbey, Lunan Bay, and the nearest Angus Glens entry points are all within an hour of any town in this guide. Booking 4 to 6 weeks in advance secures the best rates at all four properties reviewed here; last-minute availability drops sharply in Montrose and Arbroath during summer weekends.
