Where to Stay in Inverness: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Inverness? Looking for the best areas?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Inverness very well, I have created this guide of:

• Inverness’s best areas for your stay (with details about the places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Inverness

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Inverness, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Inverness for the first time: AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness located right in the City Centre
• Best 5-star hotel in Inverness: Ness Walk, a luxurious hotel on the banks of the River Ness, or Bunchrew House Hotel for its authentic Scottish vibe!
• Where to stay in Inverness on a budget: Inverness Youth Hostel
• Where to stay in Inverness with family: Kingsmills Hotel
• My favorite hotel in Inverness for a romantic stay: Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa with an indoor swimming pool!

In Inverness City Centre

The City Centre is the vibrant heart of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

This compact area is full of history, with beautiful old stone buildings, a lively market, and plenty of pubs and restaurants.

It’s the best area to base yourself to explore the main sights on foot and feel the city’s energy.

You should stay in this district:

• For a first time stay, as everything is within easy walking distance.
• To enjoy the nightlife, with a great selection of traditional Scottish pubs with live music.
• For easy access to the train and bus stations for day trips to Loch Ness or the Highlands.

This is the perfect area to see:

• Inverness Castle, overlooking the river, offering great views of the city.
• The Victorian Market, a charming covered market with unique shops and cafes.
• Leakey’s Bookshop, a famous second-hand bookshop set in an old church.
• The River Ness, with its picturesque bridges and riverside walks.
• Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, to learn about the history of the Highlands.
• Old High Church, the oldest church in Inverness, with a historic graveyard.

Where to Stay in Inverness City Centre?

• AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness: A modern hotel near the river. Comfy and bright double rooms from 150€, breakfast included. Strong points: great location, clean and comfortable rooms, friendly staff. A great choice for its value in the heart of Inverness.
• Heathmount Hotel: A stylish hotel with a popular restaurant and bar, just a short 10-minute walk from Inverness Castle. Modern, well-equipped double rooms from 210€. Strong points: lively bar popular with locals, excellent food, free parking, and a great location just outside the busiest area.
• Glen Mhor Hotel at Uile-bheist ‘Brewstillery’: Set across several Victorian buildings on the riverbank. Very cozy double rooms from 230€, breakfast included. Strong points: fantastic river views, on-site whisky distillery, walking distance to the centre.
• River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals: Located in the city center. Contemporary double rooms starting from 250€, with breakfast. Strong points: perfect location, spacious room, excellent breakfast.

Along the River Ness (Riverside)

The area along the River Ness offers a more scenic and peaceful setting while still being very close to the City Centre.

With beautiful walks, grand Victorian houses, and easy access to green spaces, it’s perfect for a relaxing stay.

You should really stay in this area:

• If you’re looking for a quieter stay with beautiful views.
• To enjoy relaxing walks along the river and to the Ness Islands.
• A romantic setting, with charming hotels and a tranquil atmosphere.

This district is perfect for discovering:

• Ness Islands, a collection of small islands in the river connected by Victorian footbridges, perfect for a peaceful walk.
• Inverness Cathedral (St. Andrew’s Cathedral), a beautiful cathedral with impressive architecture.
• Eden Court Theatre, the main venue for arts and entertainment in the Highlands.
• The picturesque footbridges like the Greig Street Bridge, which are perfect for photos.
• Bught Park, a large green space that hosts many local events and sports.

Here are my favorite hotels along the River Ness

• Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa: A historic hotel directly opposite Inverness Castle. Comfortable double rooms with big windows from 290€, with breakfast. Strong points: large indoor swimming pool and spa, great location, castle views.  The perfect choice for a romantic stay in central Inverness!
• Ness Walk: This 5-star hotel is located on the peaceful banks of the River Ness. It offers stunning, spacious rooms from 450€, breakfast included. Strong points: exceptional service, beautiful design, tranquil riverside setting, excellent breakfast. This is simply the best luxury hotel in Inverness!

In the countryside, just outside the city

I would also like to recommend my selection of three hotels located in beautiful, traditional historic buildings, just a few kilometres from the centre of Inverness.

Surrounded by nature, you are sure to enjoy a peaceful and authentic stay.

• Lochardil House Hotel: Set in a Victorian mansion within beautiful gardens, about 2 miles from the city centre. Traditional and comfortable double rooms from 200€, breakfast included. Strong points: peaceful and quiet setting, friendly staff, excellent restaurant. A great choice for a tranquil escape close to the city.
• Loch Ness Country House Hotel: This country house hotel is set in 6 acres of gardens, just a few minutes’ drive from Inverness. Elegant, individually designed rooms from 350€, breakfast included. Strong points:exceptional food, and a very relaxing atmosphere.
• Bunchrew House Hotel: A historic 17th-century Scottish mansion right on the shores of the Beauly Firth. Classic, charming rooms from 450€, including an award-winning breakfast. Strong points: stunning waterfront location, romantic atmosphere, log fires, and a very authentic Scottish feel. My top recommendation for a luxurious countryside stay near Inverness!

Where to Stay in Inverness on a Budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, here are a few great hotels for a stay in Inverness without spending too much:

• Inverness Youth Hostel: Located a short walk from the city centre. Offers both dormitory beds (35€) and private rooms starting from 80€. Strong points: very clean, modern facilities, great value for money. This is a great choice if you want to stay in Inverness for cheap.
• The Royal Highland Hotel: A grand, historic hotel right next to the train station. Classic double rooms from 90€. Strong points: fantastic location, historic character, impressive staircase. Another great place to stay in central Inverness on a budget.
• Winmar Guest House: A traditional guesthouse located a 5-minute walk from the River Ness and the city centre. Clean and cozy double rooms from 95€, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent homemade Scottish breakfast, very friendly hosts, great location. This is a perfect choice for a budget-friendly and welcoming stay in Inverness.

Where to Stay in Inverness with Family

• Kingsmills Hotel: Located in the quiet Crown area. Offers spacious family rooms and has a large indoor pool. Rooms start from 200€. Strong points: family-friendly facilities, lots of space, free parking. My top recommendation for a family stay in Inverness!
• Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa: On the riverside, this hotel offers family rooms and an indoor swimming pool. Family rooms from 220€. Strong points: pool is great for kids, central location for sightseeing, lovely views. You should really consider this place if you’re traveling to Inverness as a family.
• Highland Apartments by Mansley: Located in the heart of the city, right next to the River Ness. These one and two-bedroom apartments start from 200€ per night. Strong points: having a full kitchen is perfect for family meals, separate living space for relaxation, excellent central location for exploring on foot. A fantastic choice for families looking for the convenience and space of an apartment.

What is the best hotel in Inverness?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Inverness, I recommend you the Ness Walk or Bunchrew House Hotel

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa

Where to stay in Inverness: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Inverness, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel	District	Price (from)
AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness	City Centre	150€
Heathmount Hotel	City Centre	210€
Glen Mhor Hotel at Uile-bheist 'Brewstillery'	City Centre	230€
River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals	City Centre	250€
Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa	Riverside (River Ness)	290€
Ness Walk	Riverside (River Ness)	450€
Lochardil House Hotel	Countryside (near Inverness)	200€
Loch Ness Country House Hotel	Countryside (near Inverness)	350€
Bunchrew House Hotel	Countryside (near Inverness)	450€
Inverness Youth Hostel	Cheap Hotels	35€
The Royal Highland Hotel	Cheap Hotels	90€
Winmar Guest House	Cheap Hotels	95€
Kingsmills Hotel	Hotel for families	200€
Highland Apartments by Mansley	Hotel for families	200€
Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa	Hotel for families	220€