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Inverness city guide

Inverness is often described as the capital of the Highlands, and is Scotland’s – and the UK’s – northernmost city.

Granted city status in 2000, it is one of Europe’s fastest growing cities and regularly scores highly in quality of life surveys. The city is situated on the coast at the mouth of the River Ness, which divides the city in two, and beautiful tree-lined paths run along each riverbank.

The city pulls people in from a large area across the Highlands, as well as straddling the main route north, and so is a vibrant place with a good range of facilities.

The best places to stay in Inverness

Inverness city centre is located on the east bank of the river and so there are a concentration of hotels on that side. However several road and foot bridges cross the river so accommodation on the west side is also within easy reach.

Hotels line both river banks, taking advantage of the peace and quiet afforded by the riverside setting. Also quiet are the suburbs in the west of Inverness which are home to numerous guesthouses and bed and breakfasts.

Generally-speaking there’s a shortage of self-catering accommodation in Inverness itself, so if you are looking for that type of property it might be worth considering a cottage outside the city in the surrounding area.

There are several hostels in Inverness, more than you might imagine for a city of its size, and the budget hotel chains tend to be located around the periphery of the city on main roads.

Inverness isn’t an especially touristy city in terms of things to see and do, but it’s a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Consequently the main consideration when choosing the location of your accommodation is the proximity to bars and restaurants. However due to the city’s compact size you should never be too far away.

The various hotels along the banks of the River Ness are perhaps the most desirable in terms of location, offering the chance for an after dinner stroll along the riverside. Another option is to stay in the leafy suburbs or even outside the city itself where you will still be a short drive from the city’s facilities.

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Recommended hotels


Rocpool Reserve Hotel & Chez Roux
Luxurious boutique hotel with Albert Roux restaurant

Glen Mhor Hotel
Riverside hotel and apartments in Victorian townhouses

Culloden House Hotel
Beautiful country house hotel just outside Inverness

Best Western Lochardil House Hotel
Victorian mansion set in its own grounds

Premier Inn Inverness Centre (River Ness)
Budget hotel right on the River Ness

Kingsmills Hotel
Luxurious hotel set within beautiful gardens

Recommended self-catering apartments


By The Bridge Apartments
Stylish apartments on the banks of the River Ness

Old Court Apartment
Contemporary apartment close to the River Ness

Inverness City Suites
Open plan apartments in the centre of Inverness

Ness View Apartment
Well-appointed apartment near Inverness Castle

Glen Mhor Hotel
Riverside hotel and apartments in Victorian townhouses

Highland Apartments
Luxury apartments overlooking the River Ness

Recommended hostels


Bazpackers Hostel
Quiet hostel opposite Inverness Castle

Inverness Tourist Hostel
Friendly hostel close to the railway station

Hillview House Hostel
Comfortable hostel in leafy suburb of Inverness

Inverness SYHA Hostel
Large hostel on edge of Inverness city centre

Inverness Student Hotel
Cosy hostel close to Inverness Castle

Recommended bed & breakfasts


Acer Glen B&B
Popular B&B a short walk from River Ness

Moyness House
Victorian villa with award-winning breakfasts

Ardmeanach House
Victorian mansion west of the River Ness

Dunhallin House
Comfortable B&B in the leafy suburbs of Inverness

Ardross Glencairn
Victorian villas close to theatre and River Ness

Tie-Oshien
Spacious family-run B&B in the Inverness’ green suburbs
more accommodation in Inverness….
Published on the 24th of March 2015 at 1:22 pm. Updated on the 27th of August 2016 at 3:06 pm.

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Andy Sweet above Fast Castle

Stravaiging around Scotland is written, photographed and researched by Andy Sweet.
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