Where to Stay in Inverness, Scotland: The Best Hotels for 2026
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Wondering where to stay in Inverness, Scotland? I’ve curated a list of my top hotels based on places I’ve stayed myself and others that rank consistently well for location, service and value for money to help you decide.
As the capital of the Highlands, Inverness is one of the most popular places to visit in Scotland. With hundreds of hotels, guest houses and holiday homes packed into this compact city, narrowing down where to base yourself can be challenging.
I’ve visited Inverness a few times now and return regularly, so I’ve learnt where to find good-value and quality accommodation.
Whether you’re after luxury, cosy guest houses, budget rooms or a swimming pool, these are my top picks based on my own stays and trusted reviews.
Where to Stay in Inverness: Top Picks
| Hotel: | Best for: | Area: | How to Book: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glen Mhor Hotel | Groups and families | Ness Walk | Check availability |
| Bazpackers | Budget travellers | City Centre | Check availability |
| Kingsmills Hotel | Spa & luxury travellers | Kingsmills Road | Check availability |
Best Places to Stay in Inverness
All of these featured hotels are no more than 16 minutes’ walk from the city centre. They’re close to the train station and within walking distance of supermarkets, bus stops and tour departure points, making them a practical base with or without a car.
Best Budget Places to Stay
Bazpackers
Best for: Budget travellers, backpackers, self-catered stays
Rating: 8.9 / 10 Fabulous
Price: £-££
Location: Inverness City Centre (opposite the castle)
Facilities include: Shared kitchens, lounge, luggage storage, garden, free WiFi
Bazpackers is one of the best cheap places to stay in Inverness and a solid option if you’re looking for budget accommodation in the city centre. It’s a cosy hostel for backpackers and budget travellers right opposite Inverness Castle. I stayed here for a weekend and was impressed by how clean it was.
Two mixed dorms sleep up to six, and two smaller female dorms sleep four. I stayed in a female dorm and found the bunk comfortable. I was out like a light, but that might be more to do with travelling up on the Caledonian Sleeper the night before!
Each bed has a blackout curtain and an LED reading light. I was lucky to have a nearby plug socket, but it’s a good idea to bring a long cable in case you’re on the top bunk. Lockers are provided in all dorms.
There are multiple kitchens throughout the hostel, and the common area has a lounge with a fireplace and a garden. If dorms aren’t for you, the hostel offers private twin and double rooms finished to a hotel-level standard, plus a self-contained apartment with a fully equipped kitchen that sleeps four.
✅ Check prices and book your stay at Bazpackers by clicking right here!
Black Isle Bar & Rooms
Best for: Budget travellers, solo travellers, those preferring somewhere simple in the city centre
Rating: 7.5 / 10 Good
Price: £-££
Location: Inverness City Centre (5 mins from the station)
Facilities include: Restaurant, bar, family rooms, free WiFi
Black Isle Bar & Rooms is an affordable base in the city centre, the best area to stay in Inverness if you want to be in the midst of the action and don’t mind a bit of noise in the evenings. It’s a step up from a hostel, with 14 private rooms above a lively craft bar and organic pizza restaurant.
Rooms are simply furnished with pine wood beds and en-suite bathrooms. Choose from single, twin, double, or family rooms that sleep up to three. If all you need is a clean, comfy place to crash after a day of exploring, this place ticks the box. Just bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, as the bar stays open until midnight.
I stayed here for three nights and was impressed with how large my double room was. The bed was comfortable, but the brown decor was a bit dull, and the room could have done with a table. It was tricky to eat my dinner!
Downstairs, the bar pours local brews from the organic Black Isle Brewery alongside more than 100 craft beers from across the globe. The standout, though, is the organic wood-fired pizza. Toppings are made with ingredients from Black Isle’s own SOPA-accredited market garden.
Top tip: There’s also a Black Isle Bar in Fort William owned by the same people. That’s two locations in Scotland where you can get organic craft beer and tasty pizza.
✅ View prices and book your stay at Black Isle Bar & Rooms by clicking here!
Best Mid-Range Hotels
Glen Mhor Hotel at Uile-bheist Brewstillery
Best for: Friends, couples, families, solo travellers, whisky lovers, good atmosphere
Rating: 8.1 / 10 Very Good
Price: ££-£££
Location: On the banks of the River Ness, minutes from the city centre
Facilities include: Onsite parking, room service, bar, accessible rooms, restaurant, free WiFi
This is my top pick for where to stay in Inverness if you want a central base with character and on-site dining. Glen Mhor Hotel is set across 11 Victorian townhouses along the River Ness. It has 100 rooms and 10 apartments with the Uilebheist Distillery & Brewery attached. Rooms are cosy and modern with tartan touches and Scottish photography.
I stayed in a single room with an en-suite as a solo traveller, and it was perfectly comfortable. You’ll also find river-view rooms and suites, as well as apartments equipped with kitchens and a separate lounge for groups and families.
I loved the immaculate en-suite bathroom, and my window faced the direction of the bar, so it was nice to listen to the live music. My only gripe was that the room was very warm and I couldn’t work out how to turn on the air conditioning.
The Waterside Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a focus on local, sustainable produce. It’s a good idea to make dinner reservations. A slap-up Sunday roast and affordable afternoon tea are available. My stay also included a free breakfast.
I can’t forget about the brewery and distillery! Head to Uile-bheist’s Taproom to sample five craft beers and over 200 whiskies. I’d recommend the ‘Drams & Dreams’ package, which includes a guided tour, tastings and breakfast.
✅ Check prices and availability at Glen Mhor Hotel by clicking right here!
River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals
Best for: Families, couples, groups, those wanting a modern international hotel stay
Rating: 9.0 / 10 Superb
Price: ££-£££
Location: Inverness City Centre
Facilities include: Family rooms, fitness centre, bar, restaurant, accessible rooms, free WiFi
A member of Radisson Individuals, River Ness Hotel is a modern hotel in the city centre. Surrounded by popular bars and restaurants, it’s a good choice if you want an upscale base in the heart of the action for your Inverness itinerary.
Rooms are simply furnished but cosy, with soft lighting, TVs, minibars and marbled ensuite bathrooms featuring either a shower or roll-top bathtub. Family rooms with an extra sofa bed are also available.
Breakfast and dinner are served at the hotel restaurant with an international menu as well as dietary options. If you fancy a nightcap, the bar is open daily until 1 am. Or swap your tipple for the fitness centre, which has 24-hour access.
Reviews highlight the convenient location, comfy beds and great value for money. Some guests complained about their lack of view, trouble parking and small rooms. Overall, it’s best-suited to those wanting the familiarity of a modern Radisson hotel in the city centre.
✅ Check prices and book your stay at River Ness Hotel by clicking here!
Heathmount Hotel
Best for: Couples, families, foodies, those seeking somewhere special on a budget
Rating: 8.9 / 10 Fabulous
Price: £££
Location: Kingsmill Road, a 10-minute walk from the city centre
Facilities include: Free parking, family rooms, restaurant, bar, room service
If you’re looking for more unique places to stay in Inverness than a cookie-cutter chain, the Heathmount Hotel has thoughtfully designed interiors and was voted the friendliest hotel in the Highlands.
Choose from a selection of individually styled rooms, including compact Loft Rooms (with slanted ceilings) and grand Four Poster Rooms for couples. It also has a Family Room for up to two adults and two children.
Downstairs, the Kitchen serves classic pub fare using ingredients from local suppliers. It’s best to book a table for lunch and dinner, unless you don’t mind sitting outside on the terrace. Scottish breakfasts are cooked to order, and brunch is available on weekends.
Reviews rate the friendly staff and chic rooms. They particularly appreciate the bonus treats with turn-down service, but some guests pointed out the lack of lifts and rooms being too hot/cold. Overall, it’s a reliable choice if you want a cosy and friendly place to stay in Inverness.
✅ View prices and book your stay at Heathmount Hotel by clicking right here!
The Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel
Best for: Couples, families, groups, foodies, traditional base, self-catered stays
Rating: 8.3 / 10 Very Good
Price: £££-££££
Location: On the banks of the River Ness, minutes from the city centre
Facilities include: Free parking, accessible rooms, airport shuttle, 24-hour reception, restaurant
The Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel is a 4-star hotel on the banks of the River Ness. This elegant retreat has river views framed by leafy trees, making it easy to forget that you’re only 800 metres from the city centre.
The rooms are simple with traditional tartan furnishings and enormous windows to allow the light to stream in. You can choose from a river or garden view. Apartments are also available if you prefer a self-catered stay.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to stay here or at least book the award-winning Contrast Brasserie, which serves a scrumptious menu of Scottish produce for lunch and dinner. You can also have afternoon tea in the Piano Lounge.
Reviews love the location and attentive staff. They point out the range of options for breakfast, and the live music at the Piano Bar on weekends adds to the charm. Some found the restaurant expensive and didn’t like the lack of a lift.
✅ Check prices and availability at The Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel here!
Fraser House
Best for: Couples, families, solo travellers, those wanting a laid-back guesthouse
Rating: 9.4 / 10 Superb
Price: £££
Location: West Bank of the River Ness
Facilities include: Free parking, family rooms, free WiFi, breakfast
Fraser House is a family-run bed and breakfast with views of Inverness and the river from the west bank. It’s ideal if you want somewhere quiet with a boutique feel and quite possibly one of the best breakfasts in the city.
The B&B has a small selection of tastefully decorated single, double, triple and family rooms featuring fun Scottish motifs, like Highland cow paintings. They all have TVs, ensuite bathrooms with showers and tea and coffee-making facilities. Some options have armchairs and river views.
For breakfast, you can expect a continental spread as well as a cooked full Scottish/English/Irish. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
Guest reviews love the friendly host, delicious breakfast and quiet rooms. Some found the rooms small and the lack of a lift difficult with lots of bags. Overall, it’s best if you’re looking for a laid-back place to stay within reach of the city centre.
✅ Check prices and availability at Fraser House by clicking here!
AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness
Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members, families, groups, reliable comfort
Rating: 8.9 / 10 Fabulous
Price: £££
Location: City Centre on the River Ness
Facilities include: Family rooms, restaurant, 24-hour reception, fitness centre, bar, accessible rooms
AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness sits on the riverbanks on the edge of the city centre. If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member or just want a reliably comfortable hotel while you explore the Highlands, this is a good choice.
As the largest hotel in Inverness, AC Hotel has a wide choice of rooms, including family rooms, accessible rooms and interconnecting rooms for larger groups. Each one is decorated in muted tones and features en-suites, air-conditioning, TVs and blackout curtains.
Beira, the casual on-site restaurant, serves modern classics using Scottish ingredients from a 50-mile radius. Head there for à la carte dining, light tapas and evening cocktails. An American breakfast buffet is also available at the hotel.
Reviews highlight the attentive staff, excellent location and the clean, modern rooms. Some guests didn’t like the deposit per night, and they found it too busy at breakfast. If you’re a fan of Marriott hotels, they’re also some of my top places to stay in Glasgow.
✅ Check prices and book your stay at AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness here!
Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, WorldHotels Distinctive
Best for: Couples, families, groups, pool and wellness centre
Rating: 8.4 / 10 Very Good
Price: ££-££££
Location: Ness Walk, opposite Inverness Castle
Facilities include: Indoor swimming pool, parking, wellness centre, free WiFi, restaurant, bar, breakfast, room service, accessible rooms
Inverness Palace Hotel is a 4-star hotel with upscale facilities on the leafy Ness Walk. Its building dates back to 1890 and offers views of the river and Inverness Castle. It’s far from dated, though, as the interiors have been refurbished for modern comfort.
Choose from contemporary or period rooms with entry-level singles and doubles. The best options have large windows overlooking the river and castle, where you can sit with a drink or cream tea. Family rooms are also available, sleeping up to two adults and two children.
All rooms feature leisure club access. The renovated wellness centre has a pool, sauna and steam room with plenty of seating to relax, plus a modern gym next door. For dinner, Eight on the River is a grand restaurant serving local produce, while the Bar and Brasserie are more relaxed.
Reviews love the spa facilities, beautiful rooms and great location. Some had complaints about the lack of parking and the lift not working.
✅Check prices and book your stay at Inverness Palace Hotel here!
Best Luxury Hotels
Ness Walk Hotel
Best for: Luxury travellers, couples, memorable experiences, special occasions
Rating: 9.3 / 10 Superb
Price: £££-££££
Location: Ness Walk, 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre
Facilities include: Private parking, 24-hour reception, room service, concierge, free WiFi, restaurant, bar, accessible rooms
Looking for 5-star luxury? The award-winning Ness Walk Hotel offers just that. Housed in a Grade B-listed building, it sits on the riverbanks just 15 minutes from the city centre, giving you the space to enjoy the city at your own pace.
The hotel’s 47 individually designed rooms and suites overlook the river or gardens with floor-to-ceiling windows to allow the light in. The Cedar Rooms have a private terrace for you to sit and watch the world go by.
You’re well looked after here, with a glass of Champagne on arrival and a concierge team who can arrange private chauffeured tours of the Highlands. All room options have breakfast included, and Torrish is an upscale fine dining restaurant where freshly foraged ingredients are a star of the menu.
Reviews appreciate the friendly, proactive staff and thoughtful gifts that make the stay memorable. They loved the location and rooms. Some complained about paying for parking and the expensive restaurant.
✅ Check prices and book your stay at Ness Walk Hotel by clicking here!
Kingsmills Hotel
Best for: Luxury travellers, spa lovers, couples, families
Rating: 8.7 / 10 Fabulous
Price: £££-££££
Location: 16 minutes’ walk from the city centre
Facilities include: Indoor swimming pool, two restaurants, free WiFi, free parking, dog-friendly rooms, bar, spa and wellness centre
With a spa, lavish rooms, and a history of welcoming guests since the 1700s, the Kingsmills Hotel is a treat-worthy escape in Inverness if you’re looking for luxury.
The large hotel has spacious premium rooms, plus accessible rooms, family rooms, and luxury options with deep-soaking bathtubs. Exclusive Kingsclub rooms are located in a separate building.
I’m a big fan of the traditional style of the Classic 1785 Rooms, which nods to the hotel’s illustrious past. The Patio Rooms have private access to the gardens, but the Garden Rooms are the ones I’d book for a more secluded escape. They overlook manicured lawns from their own building.
The stand-out feature is the spa. After a day exploring Inverness or Loch Ness, return for a facial or a Himalayan Salt Massage. Or why not take a dip in the 12-metre heated swimming pool? There’s a Jacuzzi and a steam room here, too.
Breakfast and dinner are served in the historic Inglis Restaurant. The Conservatory offers afternoon tea, whisky tastings, lunch and à la carte dining with local produce.
✅ Check prices and availability at Kingsmills Hotel by clicking here!
Where to Stay in Inverness FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Inverness?
The best area to stay in Inverness is on Ness Walk. This leafy stretch along the river is away from the busy main roads that bisect the city. It’s much quieter, with pedestrian-friendly walkways and views of Inverness Castle.
Outside the cathedral, you’ll find the Highland Food and Drink Trail with fantastic local street food vendors. The Ness Islands are also nearby, a collection of river islands connected by footbridges.
How many days should you spend in Inverness?
It depends on what you’re planning to do. Inverness is well-connected by public transport and tours, so it’s an ideal base in the Highlands—particularly if you’re travelling without a car.
From here, you can explore the Cairngorms, Loch Ness, Speyside or the Black Isle. You can also go further afield to the Isle of Skye or John O’Groats. Between two and five nights is plenty of time to enjoy all that Inverness has to offer.
Is Inverness walkable?
Inverness is a compact and walkable city. It’s easy to explore on foot, with the river flowing right through and the train and bus stations right in the centre, alongside shops, restaurants and bars.
Regular buses can also take you to the outskirts, like Merkinch Nature Reserve or Culloden Battlefield. Some parts of the city are hilly.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in Inverness
This was my guide to where to stay in Inverness. I hope you found it useful!
If you’re looking for a base next to the river and away from traffic, Glen Mhor Hotel at Uile-bheist Brewstillery is my top choice. It has modern rooms and self-catered apartments as well as a superb bar and distillery. The city centre is minutes away.
Bazpackers ticks the box for those wanting a clean, budget base with hostel dorms and hotel-level comfort rooms. Black Isle Bar & Rooms is another top budget choice with organic wood-fired pizza to match.
For affordable luxury and plenty of different room types to suit you, the Kingsmills Hotel is a top pick. The indoor swimming pool offers unbeatable downtime, plus spa packages are available. Ness Walk is also a good option if you want to be well looked after.
Wondering what to do while you’re here? Read my car-free guide to Inverness, and if you’re pairing it with a trip to Edinburgh, check out my favourite places to stay in the Scottish capital.
