Inverness Accommodation Guide

Inverness may be small in size, but it leaves a big impression. Nestled amidst some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery, this charming city blends historic character with Highland hospitality. Whether you’re stopping over for a night on a longer journey or making Inverness your base for a Highland adventure, choosing the right place to stay is key. Our Inverness Accommodation Guide showcases some of the best luxury hotels in and around the city, with insights to help you plan the perfect Highland escape.

At Discreet Scotland, we regularly bring our clients through Inverness on our multi-day luxury tours in Scotland and bespoke tours of Scotland. With years of experience in luxury travel across our captivating country, we know which properties stand out and why. Here’s our expert guide to where to stay in Inverness, and what makes this city so special.

If you have any questions for the Discreet Scotland team, please don’t hesitate to contact us for the information you need.

Where is Inverness?

Inverness sits at the northeastern tip of the Great Glen, where the River Ness flows into the Moray Firth. It’s the cultural capital of the Highlands – often called the “Gateway to the Highlands” – and a natural stopping point for those exploring further north or west to places like the Isle of Skye, Orkney, or the North Coast 500.

From Edinburgh, Inverness is around a 3.5-hour drive through scenic countryside. The city is also connected by rail and air, with flights to and from London and European hubs. Owing to its location, Inverness is ideally placed for exploring the central Highlands, Loch Ness, and the Cairngorms.

Inverness itself is compact and easy to navigate, with most visitors choosing to stay in or near the city centre, close to the River Ness, the main shopping district, and popular restaurants. A few hotels sit on the edge of town or in nearby countryside estates – ideal for a peaceful retreat with easy access by taxi.

What are the Best Hotels in Inverness?

Inverness offers a range of luxury and character-filled accommodation, from riverside townhouses to stately country houses. Here are our top recommendations for luxury hotels in and around the city.

  • Ness Walk – A five-star haven on the leafy banks of the River Ness, Ness Walk combines understated elegance with Highland warmth. Rooms are spacious and tastefully styled, some with views of the river. The onsite restaurant, Torrish, serves locally inspired dishes in a sophisticated setting, ideal for a relaxing evening after a day of sightseeing.
  • Rocpool Reserve Hotel – Boutique luxury just a short walk from the city centre. Rocpool offers chic, modern rooms – some with outdoor hot tubs – and a refined restaurant. It’s a favourite among couples looking for a stylish base with a touch of glamour.
  • Kingsmills Hotel and Spa – A historic mansion set in peaceful grounds, Kingsmills offers a classic Highland hotel experience with modern comforts. The spa, swimming pool, and two restaurants make it a great option for travellers looking to unwind.
  • Glenmoriston Townhouse – This elegant townhouse sits right on the riverbank, just a short stroll from Inverness Castle. Its whisky and piano bar is well worth a visit, and the hotel’s restaurant, Contrast Brasserie, offers fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Royal Highland Hotel – Directly adjacent to Inverness Railway Station, the Royal Highland Hotel exudes old-world charm. It’s a grand Victorian property with a stately dining room and an unbeatable location for those travelling by train.
  • Glen Mhor Hotel and Apartments – Spread across several Victorian townhouses on the banks of the River Ness, Glen Mhor offers both classic rooms and self-catering apartments. Its craft gin bar, brasserie, and commitment to long-term sustainability add to the appeal.
  • Heathmount Hotel – A design-led boutique hotel with a lively bar and restaurant, Heathmount combines smart interiors with a local feel. It’s slightly set back from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, offering a quieter setting without sacrificing convenience.
  • Redcliffe Hotel – A traditional townhouse hotel set on a quiet residential street, just minutes from the castle and river. The onsite restaurant serves well-regarded Scottish cuisine, while the seasonal pizza terrace offers wood-fired pizzas and cocktails with a view over the city.
  • Culloden House Hotel (Outside city centre – requires a taxi) – A grand 18th-century country house set in 40 acres of parkland just outside Inverness. This is a truly special place, with antique-filled rooms and a rich history – Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed here before the Battle of Culloden.
  • Bunchrew House Hotel (Outside city centre – requires a taxi) – Tucked away on the edge of the Beauly Firth, this atmospheric Highland retreat offers charm for a bygone era in a peaceful waterfront setting. Think open fireplaces, four-poster beds, and fine dining with a view.

What Makes Inverness a Special Travel Destination?

Inverness is much more than just a stopover – it’s a city with a deep sense of place and history. Inverness Castle, which overlooks the city from its perch above the River Ness, marks the start of a rich heritage trail that leads visitors through centuries of Highland life. Nearby, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery offers insight into local history, while the Eden Court Theatre brings arts and culture to the city’s doorstep.

Of course, no visit would be complete without a trip to Loch Ness, just a short drive from the city. Whether or not you catch a glimpse of the fabled monster, the loch is surrounded by spectacular scenery and historic sites such as Urquhart Castle.

Just outside the city lies Culloden Battlefield, site of the final Jacobite uprising. This is an essential stop for anyone interested in Scottish history. And only a short drive away, you’ll find the mysterious Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age burial site steeped in legend.

Inverness also plays a central role in several of our most popular luxury multi-day tours.

  • Our 8-Day Scotland and Orkney Islands Tour includes two nights in Inverness, where you can soak up the best that the city and its surroundings have to offer before heading out to the Orkney Isles and the Isle of Skye.
  • Our luxury 5-Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour includes an overnight stay in Inverness sandwiched between essential Scotland experiences like a visit to Loch Ness, exploring the Culloden Battlefield, and a trip to the Clava Cairn burial chambers.
  • For those short on time, our 3-Day Classic Highlands Tour includes experiences in Inverness, Fort William, and Stirling. This trio of incredible destinations offers the perfect introduction to the vibrant culture and rich history of the Scottish Highlands.
  • Looking to travel during the colder months? Our 3-Day Winter Highlands Tour also visits Inverness, Fort William, and Stirling during the magical winter season.

Whether you’re chasing castles, clans, or a quiet whisky by the fire, Inverness offers something for all travellers dreaming of an escape to the Scottish Highlands and beyond.

Explore Inverness and Scotland with Discreet Scotland

We hope you’ve found this Inverness Accommodation Guide inspiring and informative. But remember, choosing your hotels is only part of the trip-planning process. Now you have to decide which of our carefully crafted multi-day luxury tours in Scotland best suits your interests and needs. Do you prefer the idea of a custom itinerary? Let our expert team design one of our bespoke tours of Scotland around you.

Are you planning a stay in Edinburgh as well as Inverness? Don’t miss our Edinburgh Accommodation Guide. It’s filled with our favourite hotels in the capital, along with some valuable local insights and advice.

The Discreet Scotland team is here to help however we can, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.