Inverness is the gateway to the Highlands and most touring itineraries pass through it. Where you stay makes a real difference to your trip – whether you are here for a night before heading out on a private day tour or spending a few days exploring the city and surroundings.
The city itself has a good range of hotels, from reliable budget chains to genuinely special boutique properties. But some of the best options are just outside, in the surrounding countryside. If you have a car or private chauffeur, staying 15–30 minutes out gives you a completely different experience.
These are places we know and recommend to guests. Organised by category, with honest assessments. Updated for 2026.
Luxury and Special Occasions
1. Rocpool Reserve
Boutique hotel on Culduthel Road, about 5 minutes’ walk from the city centre. 11 rooms, each individually designed. Home to Chez Roux restaurant (Albert Roux). Stylish, discreet, excellent service. The best luxury hotel in the city centre. Rooms from about £250/night.
2. Bunchrew House Hotel
Victorian Scottish mansion on the shores of the Beauly Firth, about 10 minutes west of Inverness. 16 rooms, stunning grounds, log fires. Feels remote despite being close to town. Good restaurant. Rooms from about £180/night.
3. Culloden House
Georgian mansion about 3 miles east of the city, near Culloden Battlefield. Grand, traditional. 28 rooms. Bonnie Prince Charlie is said to have stayed here before the Battle of Culloden. Impressive grounds. One of the most historic hotels in the Highlands. Rooms from about £200/night.
4. Loch Ness Country House Hotel
Small country house on the road to Loch Ness, about 15 minutes from the city centre. Quiet, good restaurant, lovely gardens. Feels like a Highland retreat. 13 rooms. From about £160/night.
Mid-range and Comfortable
5. Glen Mhor Hotel
On the banks of the River Ness, overlooking Inverness Castle. Good location, comfortable rooms, some with river views. Walking distance to everything. Restaurant. Rooms from about £120/night.
6. Kingsmills Hotel
Larger 4-star hotel slightly out of the centre, on the site of a former golf course. Pool, spa, leisure facilities. Good for families. 130+ rooms. Modern and well-maintained. From about £140/night.
7. Columba Hotel
On the river, city centre location. Good views from upper floors. Functional, reliable. Part of a small chain but well-run. From about £100/night.
8. Mercure Inverness
On Church Street, central location. Modern, clean, no surprises. Good if you want a familiar brand. From about £90/night.
Budget and Practical
9. Premier Inn Inverness Centre
On Millburn Road, about 10 minutes’ walk from the centre. Consistent, clean, predictable. Good for a practical overnight before an early tour departure. From about £65/night.
10. Travelodge Inverness Fairways
South of the city, near the retail park. Basic but clean and very affordable. Best if you have a car. From about £50/night.
Country House Hotels Near Inverness
For guests who want something truly special, these properties are worth the journey.
11. Inverlochy Castle Hotel (Fort William, 1.5h south)
One of the finest country house hotels in Scotland. Victorian castle at the foot of Ben Nevis. 17 rooms. Michelin-star dining. Extraordinary setting. A genuine luxury experience. From about £400/night. Worth the drive if budget allows.
12. Aldourie Castle (Loch Ness, 20 min south)
Private castle on the shores of Loch Ness. Can be booked exclusively for groups. Not a typical hotel – this is a full castle rental with staff. Extraordinary for special occasions and group trips.
13. Coul House Hotel (Contin, 25 min west)
Country house hotel in Strathpeffer. Relaxed, friendly, good food. Close to the NC500 starting point. Good value. From about £120/night.
How to Choose
- Staying in the city – Rocpool Reserve for luxury. Glen Mhor for good value with a view. Premier Inn for a practical overnight.
- Staying out of the city – Culloden House for history. Bunchrew House for atmosphere. Loch Ness Country House for quiet.
- For families – Kingsmills has the best facilities (pool, spa, space).
- Before an early tour – Premier Inn or any central hotel. We collect from any Inverness hotel.
- For golfers – Kingsmills (on-site leisure), or Nairn (20 minutes east, two championship courses).
Practical Tips
- Summer (June–August) books up. Reserve early, especially for the smaller hotels.
- Most city centre hotels have limited parking. Ask when booking.
- Bunchrew, Culloden House and Loch Ness Country House all have free parking and grounds to walk.
- We collect guests from any hotel in the Inverness area for tours and transfers.
- If you are arriving late and leaving early, a practical city hotel is fine. If Inverness is a destination, consider the country houses.
Looking for restaurants nearby? See our guide to the best restaurants in Inverness. For things to do, check our Inverness highlights and travel intelligence pages.
Need help planning your stay? We design tailored Highland tours with hotel collection from anywhere in the Inverness area.
Hotels in Inverness – FAQ
What is the best hotel in Inverness?
Rocpool Reserve for city centre luxury – 11 individually designed rooms, excellent service, and home to Chez Roux restaurant. For a grand country house experience, Culloden House is hard to beat. Both are excellent.
Are hotels in Inverness expensive?
Mid-range hotels run £100–150 per night. Luxury options are £200–300+. Budget hotels start from £50–70. Reasonable by UK standards, though summer prices can be higher.
Should I stay in the city or outside?
City centre if you want restaurants and walking access to shops and pubs. Outside if you want atmosphere and a Highland feel. Both work well as touring bases – we collect from any Inverness-area hotel.
Is Inverness a good base for Highland tours?
Excellent. Inverness is the gateway to Loch Ness, the NC500, Skye (2.5 hours), and Cairngorms. We run private tours from Inverness daily.
Do hotels in Inverness have parking?
The country house hotels (Bunchrew, Culloden House, Loch Ness Country House) all have free parking and grounds. City centre hotels may have limited or paid parking. Premier Inn has a car park. Always check when booking.
How far in advance should I book?
For summer (June–August), 2–3 months minimum for the better hotels. For smaller places like Rocpool Reserve or Bunchrew House, book even earlier. Off-season is more flexible.
Can I walk to restaurants from city centre hotels?
Yes. All the city centre hotels are within 10 minutes' walk of the main restaurants, pubs and shops.
Do you collect from any hotel?
Yes. We collect guests from any hotel in the Inverness area for tours, transfers and day trips. Just let us know where you are staying when you book.
