The best hotels in Fort William

What are the best hotels in Fort William?

Fort William has one of the most impressive settings in the Scottish Highlands, tucked beneath Ben Nevis, on the shores of Loch Linnhe and surrounded by rugged mountains, sweeping glens and some seriously beautiful scenery. You'll find everything from welcoming B&Bs and affordable hotels to stylish guesthouses and luxurious country retreats. For something really special, Inverlochy Castle is our standout choice, with its grand interiors, beautiful grounds, exceptional dining and an unforgettable Highland setting.

There’s definitely no shortage of things to keep you busy in Fort William. Walking up Ben Nevis is the obvious draw, but there’s lots more to explore if you're not keen to tackle Britain's highest mountain. Glen Nevis is a must, with its woodland walks, waterfalls and famous film locations, while the Mamores offer some fantastic hiking away from the crowds. You can take a scenic cruise on Loch Linnhe, visit the West Highland Museum or stop by Ben Nevis Distillery for a little whiskey tasting. There's also skiing and snowboarding at Nevis Range in winter, and plenty of mountain biking and water sports when the weather warms up. 

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Fort William or, for a look at different areas, read our guide to the best places to stay in Inverness-shire.

The Best Places to Stay in Fort William

For a Spectacular Setting

• Inverlochy Castle sits regally at the foot of Ben Nevis, overlooking its elegant grounds. The 17 rooms and suites are traditional in style with antique canopied beds — or four-posters — original art, and luxurious fabrics. The restaurant is overseen by Michel Roux Jr, and it’s worth visiting just for a meal-with-a-view. There’s plenty to do onsite, for kids and adults.

For a Rural Retreat

• The Grange is an elegant Victorian townhouse overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour Mountains. It’s recently been converted into a luxurious three room guesthouse, and makes a wonderful place to come back to after a day of hiking or exploring. The rooms are traditionally decorated, yet stylish, with antiques and sumptuous bathrooms. And their breakfasts are a feast.

For an Adventure

• The Lime Tree is a stylish and affordable base with just nine rooms, plus a popular restaurant and a contemporary art gallery. There are four golf courses in the area, a coast to kayak, water sports hubs, and the Nevis Range Outdoor Activity Centre, and one of the best mountain biking centres in the Highlands. The perfect location for a lively country escape!

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fort William’s closest airport is Inverness Airport, which is about an hour and a half away by car or taxi, or around four hours away by public transport (bus). Glasgow Airport is next closest, at about two hours away by car or taxi, or three hours away by public transport (bus again). If you’re coming via London you can travel all the way to Fort William by train, leaving from London Euston on the daily Caledonian Sleeper service.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Fort William’s weather offers that wonderful unpredictability of the Scottish Highlands, with the possibility of experiencing both bright sunshine and downpours in one day. Our number one recommendation for travelling to the Highlands is to bring your wet weather gear with you at all times. Generally Fort Willian’s climate is mild, kept so by the Gulf Stream and the Atlantic Ocean, though there are plenty of surprising micro-climates in the area. Fort William is also known for its long summer days, and conversely, short winter ones, so, if you want to fit in plenty of outdoor exploring, late spring through until early autumn is the period to visit. The winter snows usually start late November, and continue through until about May. 

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to our recommendations for all of the best places to stay in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands region,
• Consider some of Fort William’s neighbours, such as the best places to stay in Oban, Glencoe or the Isle of Mull,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.