Victoria Lupascu 
Wondering where to stay in Inverness, the famous capital of the Scottish Highlands? Then jump on this guide and learn how to plan a fabulous trip there!
I briefly visited Inverness, while in Scotland and came back with some tips that I included in this post, along with the top areas in the city and the best hotels in each of those places, which I ordered from most to least expensive.
In short, the City Centre is the best area to stay in Inverness, Scotland, as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions and hotels. But you’ll find 3 more areas below plus a bonus with unique hotels in the area!
Since Inverness is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, I recommend booking your hotels in advance, and securing your favorite spot!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Looking for a super short summary of the post? Then check out this list, it has the hotels in Inverness City Centre:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. City Centre – where to stay for the first time
- 2. Dalneigh – best place to stay in Inverness with family
- 3. Merkinch – where to stay in Inverness for nature lovers
- 4. Ballifeary – best place to stay for relaxation
- BONUS: Unique hotels in Inverness
- FAQs about where to stay in Inverness
- Final thoughts on where to stay in Inverness
Inverness may not be such a big city but still, it’s easy to confuse all the areas. So here’s a map of all the neighborhoods where to stay in Inverness:
- City Centre: for first-timers
- Dalneigh: for families
- Merkinch: for nature lovers
- Ballifeary: budget friendly
1. City Centre – where to stay for the first time
Welcome to one of my favorite Scottish towns! Inverness is a historic place and the gateway to the Scottish Highlands.
If you’re coming here on your first visit then I’d definitely recommend staying in the City Centre, especially if you’re taking the train from Edinburgh or Glasgow, since the train station is also set in this area.
PRO TIP: If you’re not renting a car you can definitely use the train or buses to get around Inverness although you can definitely walk to and from all the areas that I mentioned in this post.
The City Centre is packed with historical attractions and you also have the beautiful River Ness that runs through the town and is connected to the famous Loch Ness! There are many tours that leave from Inverness to Loch Ness and other famous sites in this part of Scotland so definitely look into it!
While I was in Scotland I took a boat tour on Loch Ness and it was so much fun! I got to hear stories about the famous underwater monster that lurks beneath!
You can explore the City Centre for hours and admire the old houses with unique architecture, and visit attractions like Inverness Castle, The Victorian Market (map) and the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery (map).
If you’re an Outlander fan, you’ll probably look for some movie locations, but all the scenes from Inverness that were in the movie, were shot in Falkland, a town near Edinburgh.
Remember, since Inverness is known as the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, it can get pretty busy around here as many tourists set their base here to explore the Highlands. That’s why I recommend booking your hotels in advance, especially in Central Inverness.
Start your morning with a yummy breakfast at this cozy hotel that has a central location, just a 10 min walk away from Inverness Castle. Their rooms are super cozy and some even have four-poster beds and boast mountain views.
Other accommodation options in City Centre
The Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel
Feel at home in this hotel that has rooms with river views, a garden and a restaurant
An affordable hostel that offers shared rooms with city views, a shared bathroom and breakfast
A spacious place set on the banks of River Ness, that has a lot of space, a kitchen and free Wi-Fi
The City Centre is the most popular area where to stay in Inverness, which means that most likely all the hotels here will sell out super fast (and especially the good ones). That’s why I decided to offer 3 more options to help you out in case the ones above are already sold out:
- Luxury: River Ness Hotel – This super modern hotel is close to Inverness Castle and has a great restaurant. The accommodation also comes with spacious rooms, a bar and a fitness center.
- Mid Range: Ardross Glencairn – This Victorian guest house is perfect for your holiday! It’s equipped with all the facilities you need including free Wi-Fi and rooms with coffee making facilities.
- Budget: Haste Ye Back – Enjoy the Scottish hospitality while staying at this great hotel near River Ness that has rooms with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
Things to do in City Centre
- Enjoy the River Ness views from Inverness Castle
- Visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
- Join a boat trip on Loch Ness from Inverness
- Admire the architecture of the Inverness Cathedral
- Shop for souvenirs in Leakey’s Bookstore (map)
- Take a day trip to Urquhart Castle
- Go for a walk on the scenic John o’Groats Trail (map)
2. Dalneigh – best place to stay in Inverness with family
Set between Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal, this residential area is perfect for anyone who’s traveling with their families!
Dalneigh is a quiet area where you can really experience that Scottish small town life! At the same time, you’d be just a 20 min walk away from the City Center where you will find the bus and train stations.
The area’s name actually comes from the Gaelic word ‘Dail an Eich’, which means Field of the horse.
Since most of the attractions are located in the City Centre, you won’t find much to do around here other than exploring the streets and admiring the waterfront views.
PRO TIP: No matter when you’re coming to Scotland, I’d recommend packing waterproof clothes, like jackets and pants. And also bring some hiking shoes or sneakers, if you’re planning to explore the highlands.
But since there are more guest houses in Dalneigh, you can definitely find a cheaper stay with more space, which is perfect if you’re bringing the whole crew.
These stunning apartments have a lot of space, perfect for you and your family and such great style! Each apartment comes with a kitchenette, a flat-screen Tv, great for some movie nights and a dining table!
Other accommodation options in Dalneigh
Feel right at home in this lovely guest house that has private rooms with free Wi-Fi and free parking
The perfect budget hotel for a family holiday! The house has spacious rooms with a Tv and free Wi-Fi
A modern and well-equipped apartment near the City Centre that has 2 rooms, a flat-screen Tv and a kitchen
Things to do in Dalneigh
- Enjoy the views of the Caledonian Canal
- Head to the City Centre to visit Inverness Castle
- Take the kids to a movie at Vue Cinema Inverness (map) in Raigmore
- Go on a fun walk to the spooky Tomnahurich Cemetery Hill (map)
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Merkinch – where to stay in Inverness for nature lovers
If you’re coming to Inverness you’re probably thinking of touring the Scottish Highlands which are basically heaven for all nature and outdoors lovers! I had the chance to explore them a bit while in Scotland and fell in love with the atmosphere and landscapes!
But if you want to enjoy that fresh air and amazing views while you’re staying in Inverness as well, then check out this area.
Merkinch is one of the oldest areas in town and it’s located a 20 min walk from the City Centre, bordered by the Caledonian Canal to its west and River Ness to its east.
While here you can visit and explore the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve (map), enjoy the stunning views at the Carnarc Point (map) and have fun while jumping up and down at the Infinity Trampoline Park (map).
This lovely holiday home offers the most amazing views of the Moray Firth, and it has lots of space! Perfect for a family or group of friends, the accommodation has a kitchen, a patio with garden views and some fun board games for the rainy days when you can’t be bothered to leave the house.
Other accommodation options in Merkinch
A great place that has cozy rooms with a flat-screen Tv, stone-made walls and a free Wi-Fi
This super spacious apartment is great for a family and it has a kitchen and 2 rooms
Perfect villa for 4 guests that has contemporary touches, a small kitchen, free Wi-Fi and a balcony
Things to do in Merkinch
- Explore the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve
- Snap some pics at Carnarc Point
- Enjoy a cup of tea at Jammy Piece (map)
- Take the kids to the Infinity Trampoline Park Inverness
4. Ballifeary – best place to stay for relaxation
If you want to relax during this holiday in Inverness and stay away from the tourist crowds, then Ballifeary may be the right place for you!
Ballifeary is a relatively small area set just only a 15 min walk away from the City Centre. Meaning you don’t even need to waste money on the bus as it’s a super short walk there.
This is a residential area, which means that it’s also pretty tranquil! However, you’ll also find some cool places to visit like the Inverness Botanic Gardens (map) which are super lush and beautiful and the Kings Golf Club (map) where you can play some golf all day long!
Now let’s check out the awesome hotels in Inverness, Ballifeary!
I’m loving the super large windows in the rooms of this hotel which have an elegant decor and a desk! Set in a green area, the accommodation also offers a fabulous restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast and tea, and a bar which undoubtedly serves some delicious Scottish whisky!
Other accommodation options in Ballifeary
Set in a Victorian building, this stylish hotel has a free parking space and it offers breakfast
A super affordable and cozy place in Inverness that offers breakfast, family rooms and free Wi-Fi
Perfect for 2 guests, this small place has all the facilities you need including a kitchen and a Tv
Things to do in Ballifeary
- Admire the Loch Ness views
- Visit the Inverness Botanic Gardens
- Explore the Ness Islands park (map)
- Take a trip to the Culloden battlefield near Inverness
- Spend a day at the Kings Inverness Golf Club
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$140 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$90 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$70 |
| 📍 Best area: | City Centre |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Heathmount Hotel |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | The Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Inverness Student Hotel |
BONUS: Unique hotels in Inverness
Inverness is one of the most unique places to stay in Northern Scotland. As the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, this place is absolutely filled with historical attractions and locations.
There are so many fabulous hotels and inns here that I’ve decided to make a bonus with 4 unique accommodations, which have conquered the hearts of many tourists with their legendary stories and decorations.
All these top-rated places are luxury hotels with prices from US$170 to US$200 and I ordered them from most to least expensive:
- Culloden House Hotel – fancy staying in a historic hotel where apparently Bonnie Prince Charlie lived? Culloden House Hotels is an award-winning Georgian country-house that has been voted one of the best hotels in the world and once you experience its charm you’ll get why. All rooms are beautifully-decorated with wood furnishings and some even have crystal chandeliers and marble fireplaces!
- Balvraid Lodge B&B – this mansion looks like a small castle from the outside! The accommodation features super comfortable rooms, wooden furnishings and a nice lounge area with a fireplace where you can enjoy your whiskey after a day of exploring the highlands!
- The Boat and Breakfast – if you want to spot the famous Loch Ness monster, then staying on this boat that’s located on the Caledonian Canal, near Loch Ness may be your best chance at it. The accommodation offers cozy cabins and breakfast each morning.
- Kingsmills Hotel – this family run hotel is set on 4 acres of beautiful gardens! The 18th-century mansion has such elegant decor plus a spa center where you can relax after a day of exploring Loch Ness. After that you can end your day with a yummy meal at their Conservatory Restaurant.
FAQs about where to stay in Inverness
🤩 Is Inverness a nice place to stay?
Yes! Inverness is the cultural capital and gateway to the Scottish Highlands and it has so many historical attractions!
📅 How many days should I spend in Inverness?
I would recommend spending between 2 to 3 days in Inverness. That way you’ll have time to explore the city and also go on day trips to the Scottish Highlands and see Loch Ness!
⛰️ Is Inverness a good base for the Highlands?
Yes, Inverness is a great base to explore the Highlands. There are many tours you can take from Inverness or you can rent a car to explore by yourself.
🏨 Which are the best Inverness hotels?
Heathmount Hotel and Culloden House Hotel are some of the best Inverness hotels. Both accommodations offer amazing services and have great reviews.
💸 Which is the best place to stay in Inverness, Scotland on a budget?
Inverness Student Hotel and Alban and Abbey House are some of the best places to stay in Inverness, Scotland, on a budget, both offer great facilities and have amazing reviews.
👪 What is the best area for families visiting Inverness?
Dalneigh is a great area to stay in Inverness for families, as it’s pretty tranquil but you can also try Ballifeary!
🚶♀️ Is Inverness a walkable town?
Yes, you can easily walk between main attractions and areas while in Inverness.
🚗 Can you visit Inverness without a car?
Yes, you can take a train to get to Inverness from Edinburgh, Glasgow and other cities in Scotland.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Inverness
Who’s eager to find the famous Loch Ness monster? Some maybe more than others but don’t worry I feel like it’s already accustomed to all the tourists looking to see if it’ll make an appearance!
Well, I hope now you’re feeling more confident to start your Scottish adventures now that you’ve read this guide on where to stay in Inverness, Scotland.
Since we’ve got a lot of options (as always) I thought I’ll let you know which ones are my 2 favorite places. Maybe this will inspire you and help you decide:
- Heathmount Hotel – one of the best luxury hotels that has a modern decor and a fancy restaurant
- The Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel – feel at home in this hotel that has a restaurant
Once you’ve picked the one hotel that you absolutely love, make sure you book it in advance. As I said earlier, many tourists come here not only to visit the city, but also to explore the Highlands, so usually everything sells out fast!
If you’ve got any questions about Inverness, or traveling to Scotland in general, you can always drop me a question in the comment section below and I’ll answer as soon as I can!
Safe travels,
Victoria
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