Login

Inverness

Today
10°C

Photo of Inverness

About Inverness

The unofficial capital of the Highlands, Inverness is in a prime location for spectacular scenery. It sits right on the banks of the River Ness, at the northern end of the Great Glen. There are wonderful country views in almost every direction except when you look toward the city centre, which is crowned by a crenellated castle. The best places to stay in Inverness are boutique stays in the heart of the city, perfect crashpads to explore from. Alternatively we recommend you pick a hotel just outside the city for the best of both worlds.

Although the area which is now Inverness has been inhabited since the 6th Century, it's had a pretty bloody and tumultuous past, which not many early buildings have survived. A lot of the 'old town' now actually dates from the 19th Century - post-construction of the Caledonian Canal. Inverness's oldest buildings are along Church Street, near the Inverness Museum, where you can learn some of this city's dramatic stories.

As the largest city in the Highlands, Inverness has plenty of cafes, restaurants and shopping. But the pleasures of this place are more about the location. There's impressive fishing off the Ness Islands, magnificent views off Craig Phadrig, there are wonderful walking routes in almost every direction, there's cruising on the river and the loch, and golf courses galore. With all these options, it's not surprising that the best places to stay in Inverness are in high demand.

The best places to stay in Inverness

For a city-centre pad

  • If you'd like to be in the centre of town, the Rocpool Reserve is one of the most talked about hotels in Inverness. This townhouse hotel is known for being modern and luxurious, and its restaurant, Chez Roux, is highly recommended.

  • Glenmoriston House Hotel is centrally located overlooking the River Ness. It boasts a range of smart rooms and apartments, plus lively whisky and piano bar and an excellent brasserie championing the best local produce.

For loch-side luxury

  • If you're looking for peace and quiet, the Loch Ness Lodge is the place to book. With just seven rooms and suites, a sumptuous spa and therapy area and wonderful loch views this is the perfect spot for Highland relaxation.

For an apartment or holiday cottage

  • If you think that you'd prefer your own space, don't hesitate to visit our online partners Booking.com for a wide range of apartments and holiday homes both in the city and the surrounding countryside

Travel Information

  • You could fly to Inverness Airport, which is jsut outside the city centre, and connected to the rest of the UK and Europe? Or arrive via rail? Inverness is well connected to the rest of Scotland, and visitors can even get the overnight Caledonian Sleeper, or the daily Highland Chieftain, the length of the country to London.
  • Inverness is an ideal base for exploring the rest of the Highlands. For visitors looking to rent a car, we recommend our online partner Rentalcars
  • Climate-wise the best time to visit Inverness is during the late spring or summer months, between about May and September.  It's the driest period, with long, long sunny days, and thus correspond with the busier time to visit the Highlands and Islands.  May and June are the best months as far as the midges go - they’re not really out in full force yet.  Winter is crisp, with an occasional dusting of snow, but you will definitely see snow on the hills and mountains, and this can be an idyllic time for walkers to visit Inverness and the surrounding area.  Snowsports are on the table too.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Inverness

Best Hotels in Inverness

  • Glenmoriston Town House Hotel Inverness 32 rooms from £120

    Local exploring  -  Ideal launchpad for exploring Inverness.
    Sights nearby  -  Ten minutes walk from Inverness Castle. Only 5 miles to Culloden.
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    RestaurantGardenParking

    A luxury boutique hotel overlooking the River Ness, located within walking distance from Inverness city centre. Offering comfortable rooms, an award-winning restaurant and Whisky and Piano bar, it’s a great spot for city-breakers, families, and business travellers. See More

    Check Availability
  • Loch Ness Lodge Inverness (Loch Ness-side) 7 rooms from £175

    Active Holiday  -  Active guests can try their hand at deer stalking, archery, quad biking, shooting, 4x4 off-road driving and husky sledding.
    Country Escape  -  A spectacular part of rural Scotland with dramatic views over across the water to a string of craggy mountains beyond.
    Kayaking  -  Book a two hour kayak trip to explore the lake from the hotel's private stretch of Loch Ness shoreline.
    Fishing  -  Anglers can book a fishing trip through the lodge, to catch trout and salmon further along the shores.
    SpaRestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Good Hotel Guide

    An elegant and intimate hotel in the heart of the Scottish Highlands overlooking the beautiful Loch Ness. Wonderfully warm service. Elegant rooms with antique furniture. Hearty breakfasts designed for a day outdoors. The perfect rural abode. See More

    Check Availability
  • Rocpool Reserve Inverness 11 rooms from £390

    Private Hot Tub  -  Two rooms feature private outdoor hot tubs
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
    Restaurant
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

    A restored Georgian mansion turned chic townhouse hotel overlooking the river in the centre of town. Slick rooms are contemporary in style with bold colour schemes in some and the best featuring private outdoor hot tubs. Complimentary drinks and canapes are served every evening. An indulgent pick. See More

    Check Availability