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Discover the best hotels in Inverness, you are spoiled for choice in Inverness
Discover the Highlands and stay in one of these delightful Inverness hotels, we hop you enjoy your guide to the best hotels in Inverness list. It’s true Inverness is a wonderful city and makes a great base for exploring the Highlands. Inverness sits on the banks of the River Ness, with the historic Inverness Castle at its heart. To the east of the city are the battlefields of Culloden and travel north for the beautiful coastline of the Moray Firth. To the south-west of Inverness lies the mysterious and breathtaking Loch Ness. Make the most of your stay in Inverness just see our explore section for tips that make the best days out!
At the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, we guarantee you a warm Highland welcome. The Palace is located in the city center, on the banks of the River Ness, opposite Inverness castle. Our lovely team will do their utmost to make your escape more than just a stay. Inverness has many hotel offerings for its visitors and to help you choose the best hotel for your needs and budget, we’ve prepared a list of some of the best hotels in Inverness.
Your Guide to the Best Hotels in Inverness
The 5 Star Hotels
- Culloden House Hotel is an elegant and historic country house hotel dating back before 1625, routed in the Scottish history as a mansion house whose owners had celebrated a lavish lifestyle then as result of politics in later years fortunes required rebuilding, close to the Culloden Battlefield. This luxury 5 star hotel is often the choice of visiting celebrities escaping in the peace of its’ country location or select Highlands Weddings and Events.
- The RocPool Reserve Hotel & Restaurant, is a 5 star hotel that offers a luxury boutique feel great for a romantic escape. The Rocpool like the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa is located within walking distance of the city center and Inverness Castle.
- Ness Walk Hotel, the newest 5 star addition to Inverness’s hotel scene. Originally a 19th century house, restored Grade B listed building still retains many of its period features. But unified with modern design and architecture, providing a flawless balance between past and present.
See our new guide to Luxury Hotels in and around Inverness.
The Best Inverness City Center Hotels
- The Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, is a family owned independent hotel with an excellent reputation for looking after their guests. If you choose the Inverness Palace hotel you will discover a stylish Inverness City Center hotel. The Palace dates back to 1890, is ideally located in the city center, it is nestled on the banks of the River Ness, opposite Inverness Castle. You are only a short walk across the River to the shops, Inverness Castle new viewing platform, Eden Court Theatre and excellent restaurants, bars and shops. The Palace makes a fabulous base for all visitors. Whether it’s a base for exploring the highlands, a city center escape for business or for families who want to be close to the attractions the Inverness Palace will work for you. The Palace offers an elegant reception, lounge, bar and brasserie. The Inverness Palace is the only river side hotel with a Leisure Club and Spa, including a swimming pool.
- Mercure Inverness, a modern city center hotel, located only 200 meters from Inverness railway station, close to the city’s pubs and restaurants so you can enjoy the highland nightlife.
- Penta Inverness is a modern styled city center hotel and only a 5 minute walk from the train station. The hotel is ideal for travellers on foot. There is parking available at a charge of £10 per day for residents. The hotel is located in the heart of the city and is close to pubs and restaurants to enjoy the Inverness nightlife.
- Columba Hotel is a traditional hotel in a river setting. The hotel is located on the river close to the city center. The hotel benefits from being close to the city’s pubs and restaurants. The hotel also boasts a large bar easily accessed from the street.
- The Kingsmills Hotel is a modern stylish hotel offering large event space weddings or functions. Its location adjacent to Inverness Golf Club Course is ideal for golfing breaks. The hotel is a 15-20 minute walk to the city centre, only a 20 minute drive from Inverness airport. The hotel boasts excellent conferencing hosting up to 500 guests.
- The Waterside Hotel is a privately owned city center hotel comprising of two properties. In addition, the hotel is located on the River Ness close to city amenities. The hotel is a popular wedding venue the hotel boasts of great conference facilities.
- Glen Moriston Town House Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the city on the River Ness. A popular wedding and events venue with offering both private ceremony and reception rooms.
- Glen Mhor Hotel is spread across a row of eight Victorian buildings. The hotel is located close to Inverness city center on the River Ness and offers a comfortable stay in the center of Inverness.
- Jury’s Inn Inverness is a modern style hotel with 118 rooms. It hotel is situated on the north of the city just over a mile from the railway station. The hotel is only a stone’s throw from the city center pubs and restaurants.
- Radisson by Inverness high standards of quality and service with its own characteristics. Ideally located in the city center, just a few minutes walk from all the famous sights Inverness has to offer.
Hotels Just Outside Inverness
- The Loch Ness Clansman Hotel, is located just over 10 miles away from Inverness. The 3 star hotel is located on the shores of Loch Ness and benefits from stunning views of the Loch. Finally, guests are a only a short drive to the historic Urquhart Castle.
- McDonald Drumossie Hotel is an elegant art deco building set in parkland with views of the Moray Firth. This elegant country house hotel is located 6 miles to the East of Inverness only a 15 minute drive to the city. The hotel boasts some of the best meeting facilities in the Highlands and it is a fabulous venue for conferences.
- Bunchrew House, an elegant country house hotel located only a short 15 minute drive to the North West of Inverness. This hotel boasts superb views of the Beauly Firth and offers a memorable setting for weddings or romantic breaks.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is it better to stay in Loch Ness or Inverness?
Loch Ness offers serene, rural beauty—ideal for nature lovers seeking peace and loch-side views, but with fewer services and greater travel distance to restaurants and cultural spots.
Inverness is a vibrant city with restaurants, shops, history, and easy access to day trips. It’s walkable, has more hotel options (like Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa), and offers lively amenities.
2. Which area of Inverness is best?
The city centre around the River Ness is close to shops, museums, and restaurants, offering easy access to Inverness Castle, the Ness Islands and Eden Court theatre which hosts cultural events, shows, Under Canvas and unique shopping and craft markets. —is most recommended.
3. What is the best month to visit Inverness?
Inverness is a year round destination, with visitors coming January to December, Winter and Spring offer exciting opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis or aka the Northern Lights, Spring to Summer bring long days with daylight into the small hours. Typically June to August offers the warmest weather and longest daylight—perfect for outdoor activities. If you prefer fewer crowds and still mild conditions, May, September are great alternatives.
4. How many days are enough in Inverness?
How long should I stay in Inverness is a common question. Typically between 2 to 4 days allows comfortable exploration of the city, a visit to Loch Ness, some Highland side trips, and an opportunity to explore and experience the area.
5. How do I get to Inverness?
People often ask how do I get to Inverness, Tourists frequently ask about transport options: flights into Inverness Airport, train routes from cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London, and scenic drive routes via the A9 or A82. Here are some helpful links Complete Guide to Inverness AIrport and Your Essential Guide to Inverness Train station what every visitor should know.
6. Is Inverness walkable?
Tourists often ask about walkability. The city centre is compact, scenic, and absolutely walkable, memorable attractions like the River Ness, Inverness Castle & Cathedral, weekly markets, the Ness Islands and shops are accessible on foot. See this helpful guide to Stepping in to Inverness, the best things to do on Foot.
Top Tips for Booking a Hotel in Scotland
- Book Early, especially for popular places such as the Highlands and Islands were availability can be limited and Edinburgh due to its popularity.
- Book Direct whether that is a Hotel, Bed & Breakfast, Self Catering or Camping as it can often it results in better deals, fewer fees, better communication and potential discounts.
- Research the location, use google maps to work out distance to attractions, restaurants from your accommodation. Some hotels use google tours which allow you a great overview of your potential choice.
Stay With Us
While this list of best hotels in Inverness is not exhaustive, it is comprehensive. We hope it helps you make the right choice for your stay. Here at the Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa we want our guests to have an amazing time discovering Inverness. With this in mind, we have created our Explore Section. The Explore pages are a comprehensive guide of all the activities, events and historic attractions Inverness you could try during your stay.
Check out your Seasonal Specials at the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa for your best offers. Since it’s your holiday, then treat yourself and book a luxury Castle & River View room. In addition, our guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet car parking and free access to the Luxury Leisure Club & Swimming Pool. Just remember book direct for your best prices just call 01463 22 32 43 or email us. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
