Fort William hotels

It doesn’t get more impressive than this grand 19th-century castle, top of my list of the fancy hotels in Fort William. Inverlochy Castle is a breathtaking property on the outskirts of the town, with grandeur like no other.

The 5-star hotel offers a range of elegant rooms, suites and self-contained accommodations designed to suit all types of travellers. The suites are perfect for celebrating something special and offer views over the loch.

The activities list is just as special as the building itself. Enjoy the Billiard Room or head out on a woodland walk. I’d recommend taking the hotel’s rowing boat into the loch for a tranquil experience on the water. This is one of the best hotels in Fort William for a truly decadent experience.

A 10-minute drive northwest of Fort William lies the large village of Corpach, home to Ravenswood House. One of the best hotels in Fort William, Ravenswood offers a combination of elegant rooms and a separate, self-catering cabin for larger groups. The light, airy rooms at the top enjoy stunning views over the loch.

Hosts Lisa, Sandy and their daughter Keira purchased Ravenswood House in 2020, converting it into the B&B it is today. They hope to share their hospitality and love of the outdoors with like-minded guests for many years to come.

Evening meals aren’t provided in-house, but guests will find themselves well-positioned for some of the best pubs and restaurants in the area. I can make a strong argument for Sónas Restaurant and their signature lamb köfta, as well as their unbeatable lobster thermidor.

Just a five-minute walk from the centre, Buccleuch Guest House is the perfect destination for a Scottish adventure. Whether it’s wild swimming in Loche Linnhe, hiking Ben Nevis or simply exploring the town, you’re spoilt for choice here.

The hotel, built in 1878, retains many of its original Victorian features in the spacious guestrooms. Guests can choose from twin or double configurations and enjoy stunning views over the loch and the Ardgour hills. It’s also one of the best hotels in Fort William to catch the sunset from your room.

Buccleuch Guest House is known for being one of the top-rated hotels in Fort William. Evening meals aren’t provided on-site, but there are plenty of nearby eateries. I’d recommend The Geographer for local street food – the Korean fried chicken burger is a wonderful post-hike treat.

The Garrison is right in the centre of things. Originally opened as a police station in the late 1950s, the property is at the heart of the action, making it a great spot for those looking to sample the local nightlife.

Rooms include Doubles, Superior Kings and Triples alongside the Garrison Suites and a self-contained holiday apartment, which sleeps up to six people. Alternatively, spend a night “in the clink” with The Garrison’s “Cell Experience”. The authentic police station cells have been converted into liveable bunk rooms for a unique night’s sleep.

The Garrison’s sister property, the Ben Nevis Bar, is the go-to spot for an evening meal. Built in 1806, it’s the perfect town-centre stop-off for a good feed. The baked salmon fillet is a personal favourite.

The highly-rated Stag Lodge is one of the best hotels in all of Scotland. The property is a 20-minute drive from the town centre, a little off the beaten track in Spean Bridge. It’s a wonderful hideaway that’s fantastic for unwinding in nature.

The hotel offers both a bed and breakfast option and self-catering accommodation. The annexe, known as “The Loft”, comfortably sleeps four, while the B&B boasts spacious double rooms with dramatic views stretching across the Highlands. Start the day with a full Scottish breakfast – and those views – in the dining room before heading out on your adventure.

One of the best hotels in Fort William for loch views, the Clan Macduff Hotel is a fantastic choice for travellers wanting to explore the local area. Nestled on the bank of Loch Linnhe, there are various-sized rooms with or without water views.

The hotel has a restaurant, lounge bar and coffee bar alongside its shared outdoor terraces, perfect for soaking up those gorgeous views. Reserve a table between 6 pm and 8 pm and enjoy the dinner service, where you can sample a tasting board filled with Scottish delights or enjoy a crayfish and smoked salmon salad.

At the bar, try one of the 50 different Scottish malt whiskies or the 30 Scottish gins. Sip your drink on the terrace or admire the loch views from the bar.

A 30-minute drive from the town centre, The Whispering Pine Lodge offers a delightful getaway on the bank of Loch Lochy. The tranquil Highland retreat, originally built as a hunting lodge, boasts a private pebbled beach, a spa and an award-winning restaurant.

Choose from an array of local-inspired rooms, the best is the Mary Queen of Scots Suite, with its four-poster bed and glass balcony. For larger groups, book a two or three-bedroom cabin and get all the benefits of a self-catered trip.

A visit to The Whispering Pine Lodge wouldn’t be complete without dining at their waterfront Lochside Brasserie. Stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner and enjoy a range of Scottish and international specials. The Scottish beef stew is perfect for colder evenings, but it’s the Indian special of Dal Makhani that gets my vote.

It might be just under 30 minutes’ drive from Fort William, but the Ballachulish Hotel deserves a spot on my list. Nestled between Munro peaks and overlooking Loch Linnhe, it’s the ideal base for exploring the area.

When you return from your daily adventures, relax in one of the 53 revamped rooms and enjoy the spectacular views. All the rooms are pet-friendly and include free Wi-Fi, plus you’re also guaranteed free parking at the hotel, something I greatly appreciated.

Visit the on-site Fish Restaurant at least once. As the hotel is right on the banks of Loch Linnhe, it’s all about the fresh seafood here. Their bouillabaisse is legendary and the grilled langoustines are another must-try.

One of the most unique hotels in Fort William, The Base Camp Hotel at Nevis Range offers a stay unlike any other. Stay at the foot of the gondola and maximise your time on the mountain with one of the best cable car experiences in Scotland.

Book a Standard Double, Mountain View Double Room or Superior Mountain View Double Room (Family and Accessible rooms are also available) to experience the greatest possible views. The hotel is best appreciated in winter, thanks to the ski slopes on the nearby mountains, but hikers and mountain bikers can gain just as much benefit from the gondola.

Food is served in the on-site Base Camp restaurant and The Snowgoose Café, found at the top of the slope. This is one of the best hotels in Fort William for adventurous travellers and a fantastic place to immerse yourself in mountain sports.

Another unique hotel overlooking Loch Linnhe, Glentower Lower Observatory is a fascinating building and one of the oldest and most respected in Fort William. Originally built for the superintendent Clement Wragg, much of the original character has been painstakingly retained.

It has seven individually decorated guestrooms, ranging from doubles to Superior Family Rooms. Inside the rooms, you can expect the highest quality Harris Tweed furnishings and bathrooms with underfloor heating.

Lunches and evening meals aren’t offered on-site, but with the town centre just a 10-minute walk away, it’s no trouble. I recommend trying The Crofter Bar and Restaurant for proper fish and chips, the perfect way to end a day of exploring the Scottish Highlands.