Inverness hotels

Although technically a 40-minute drive from the city centre, Coul House Hotel is one of the best hotels in Inverness. Proudly owned by Stuart and Susannah Macpherson since 2003, the hotel boasts plenty of “Coul” activities nearby. Enjoy fishing, hiking and horse riding in the summer or head to the ski slopes in the colder months.

The dog-friendly hotel offers a variety of rooms, from small doubles to the Master Bedroom, which has a four-poster bed, spectacular views and a claw foot bathtub for those extra special stays.

Chef Garry takes care of the kitchen and offers contemporary Scottish cuisine alongside traditional favourites. Pay a visit for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner to delve into the delights. The loin of Highland venison coated in a treacle glaze is a personal favourite, but vegetarians will love the roasted portobello mushroom filo pastry parcel.

A 5-star hotel positioned on the banks of River Ness, Ness Walk is one of the most popular luxury hotels in Inverness. There are 47 spacious, stylish rooms and suites, each filled with thoughtful details, natural light and views.

Torrish, the hotel’s restaurant, is one of the finest in the city. Named after the salmon fly commonly used for fishing in the River Ness, the restaurant explores the character of the Scottish Highlands with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

A two-course fine dining menu of citrus-cured salmon followed by North Sea halibut is my tip, but those with a sweet tooth will love the dark chocolate and caramel mousse.

A 4-star hotel nestled on Beauly Firth, Bunchrew House Hotel is a hidden gem in Inverness. A short walk from Merkinch Local Nature Reserve – a spot I highly recommend visiting – it’s one of my favourite destinations to unwind among the Scottish Highlands.

The striking exterior – which looks like something from Harry Potter – should be more than enough to win anyone over. But the unique charm continues in each of the 16 guestrooms. Book one on the top floor for a historic 17th-century stay with sea views.

Enjoy Two Rosette fine dining in the hotel restaurant, which adopts an old-school approach – expect fine glassware and linen tablecloths. The Highland Afternoon Tea was a personal highlight and is not to be missed. It’s worth the trip for the ‘petite’ lemon meringue pies alone.

Just a 10-minute walk from Inverness Castle, Heathmount Hotel is one of the best hotels in Inverness for exploring the city. Start your morning at Cup & Cone a delicious coffee shop just a 30-second walk from the front door.

The small, independent hotel offers just eight unique rooms with Loft, Club, Four Poster and Family options available. A private space is available on request for meetings or private dining, but it’s the popular restaurant, stylish bar and heated terrace that steal the show.

Choose from one of 40 Scottish gins or 30 Scottish whiskies and immerse yourself in the culture of the Highlands. The food is all about elevated pub classics. Try a selection of small plates or pick up a burger, grilled chicken fillet or Thai red curry. The sticky toffee pudding is one of the best in Inverness.

Just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Inverness, Kingsmills Hotel is a historic property dating back to 1785. Explore the acres of manicured grounds – which make a suitably impressive first impression – before heading inside to explore the elegant, modern interiors.

Book one of the 147 luxurious guestrooms and experience service at its finest. The hotel benefits from two in-house restaurants, a leisure club with a pool and hot tub, and an on-site spa. There, you can slip into your complimentary fluffy robe and feel the stress melt away.

The neighbouring Inverness Golf Club is always welcoming of visitors. Book a round online, pack your clubs or visit the Pro Shop to treat yourself to a fresh set. The 14th hole is of exceptional quality and cements Kingsmills Hotel as one of the best hotels in Inverness for golfers.

Another spot nestled on the banks of the River Ness is the aptly named River Ness Hotel. As a member of Radisson Individuals, expect top-level service and amenities, including a fitness centre, a bar and a restaurant.

The hotel is bright and airy, with all the guestrooms featuring high-quality furnishings. Expect a separate work desk, internet access and 49-inch interactive television in every room. This is one of the best hotels in Inverness for work and play.

The River Ness Hotel is just a five-minute walk from Inverness train station, making it the perfect location for a rail trip to explore Scotland. Pack a pair of boots and jump on the hour-and-a-half train to Pitlochry. Find your way around Faskally Forest before enjoying a meal in one of the town’s fantastic pubs – The Old Mill Inn is my favourite.

Located just over a mile from the city centre, hidden in a peaceful woodland, Lochardil House is one of the best hotels in Inverness. The former Victorian mansion boasts 28 unique rooms, ranging from singles and twins to king rooms and suites, with 12 in the main house and a further 16 in the modern Garden Wing annexe.

The striking garden conservatory houses the on-site restaurant, where you can come for breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. But for me, the evening menu is the real highlight, with dishes including Steelhead Loch trout, loin of venison and rack of lamb.

I’d recommend starting with the haggis, neeps and tatties – you are in Scotland, after all – before moving on to the duo of finest scotch beef. If you’ve got room for something sweet, the rhubarb crumble – served with Loch Ness vanilla ice cream – is second to none.

Located between the city and Loch Ness, the Loch Ness Country House Hotel is one of the most unique hotels in Inverness. A grand Georgian exterior greets you as you arrive, while the hotel’s elegant, modern interior makes you feel immediately at home.

The proximity to Loch Ness is an obvious selling point – this is one of the best hotels in Inverness for catching a glimpse of Nessy. But there’s much more to the Country House Hotel. Explore the grounds, composed of seven acres of prime Highland real estate, enjoy a drink on the terrace or huddle around a toasty fire when the weather turns chilly.

The award-winning restaurant is a real treat. Enjoy fine dining with meticulously crafted lunch, afternoon tea and dinner menus, as well as Scotland’s first ‘afternoon cheese’ menu. With eight of the best Scottish and European examples to sample, it’s hard to refuse.

AC Hotels are always high on my list of places to stay, and the Inverness offering is no exception. Not only is it the largest hotel in the area, it’s also one of the best hotels to stay in Inverness. There are 191 rooms available, ranging from Standard Kings to Superior River Views, where you’ll enjoy stunning vistas.

The AC Kitchen, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, uses local ingredients to craft European-inspired dishes and offers spectacular river views. Alternatively, check out the Lounge and enjoy service from the bar. The signature gin and tonic is always a favourite, but the local craft beers are also popular.

Centrally located, the AC Hotel is one of the best hotels in Inverness for exploring the city. I highly recommend checking out the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, just a 10-minute walk from the front door.

This glamorous spot lining the banks of the River Ness is one of the best hotels in Inverness for chic travellers. Rooms range from Comfort and Club to Deluxe and Self-Catering Apartments, meaning there’s something to suit everyone.

But my favourite feature of the Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel has to be its intoxicating Whisky and Piano Bar. Here you can enjoy some of the finest Highland single malts and relax with the weekend pianist in a stylish, mellow setting. There are more than 260 malt whiskies to choose from – if you can’t decide, ask the in-house Whisky Ambassadors for something special.

Afterwards, check out the in-house restaurant for dinner. Offering a unique mix of Scottish and Pan-Asian dishes, a meal here is a taste sensation like no other. I highly recommend checking out the pork gyoza.