Hotels in Inverness

Whether hunting for legends is your thing, or you simply want to escape to the calm of the Highlands, Inverness has something to offer. Choose from Inverness hotels nestled in the wilds of the countryside or in the heart of the city.

Discover why Inverness is considered the capital of the Highlands...

The Scottish city is home to a population of around 60,000 and sits on the River Ness. It's a bustling destination with plenty of sights and shopping. Packed with history, much of it dates back to the 12th century and King David. Visit the grounds of the stunning Inverness Castle, now the Sheriff's Court, or find out more about the city's history at the museum and art gallery. If nightlife is more your thing, you won't be disappointed with the array of clubs and bars you'll find. Browse for souvenirs in the Victorian market and view the splendour of St Andrew's Cathedral. If flying you'll arrive at Inverness Airport (INV) and it's just a 15km drive to the city.

Just a few kilometres out of the city, a visit to Inverness just isn't complete without a trip to the famous Loch Ness. Whilst you're there, stunning views will inspire you as you keep your eyes peeled for the famous monster. Take a scenic drive around the loch and take in the Loch Ness Monster Visitor Centre at the north of the lake, where you will be able to hear countless stories of sightings and indulge yourself in Nessie goodies from the gift shop.

Further afield, popular locations include Dunegan, Castle of Mey, Dunrobin, Navin, Dornoch and the pretty town of Ullapool.

Inverness is well located to explore amazing scenery. Within the Great Glen you will be perfectly situated to explore mountains, waterfalls and lakes. Choose from hotels in Inverness set in secluded settings if exploring the countryside is your intention. Enjoy adventure activities, such as mountain biking, or find a secluded pub and enjoy a quiet pint with the locals. There are plenty of opportunities for indulging in other activities to complete your Scottish experience. Take a tour of the whisky distilleries in the region or dabble in some salmon or trout fishing or lovely garden tours.

Hotels in the city range from five-star luxury to budget hostels, so you can choose to suit your pocket...

Take in historic views of Inverness Castle, go whisky tasting or arrange a visit to find Nessie. This part of Scotland is truly breath-taking year round, so prepare yourself with layers and take your pick of Inverness hotels, from hidden country lodges to city-centre crash pads. If you're a fan of big brands, the city has a wide variety of both budget and luxury accommodation to choose from including properties from Premier Inn, Thistle, Holiday Inn Express, Ramada and Best Western. As the gateway to the Highlands, the city is a popular destination, so booking early when possible is recommended.

Whether you plan to take in the quiet of the country or the attractions of the city, Inverness is a great base to explore everything the Highlands has to offer. Choose from hotels to suit all budgets and tastes.

Whether searching for Nessie or sampling the local tipple, you'll never be bored in Inverness...

There is a diverse range of ways to spend your break in this attractive and welcoming city.

Top five attractions

Loch Ness

Take a drive around magnificent Loch Ness to indulge in the wild beauty of the Highlands. Or why not take a cruise on the famous waters and see if you can catch a glimpse of its elusive inhabitant, Nessie?

Urquhart Castle

The ruins of this dramatic medieval fortress are situated on the banks of Loch Ness. Step back in time as you climb the Grant Tower for superb views over the loch and explore parts of the castle such as the great hall and prison cells.

Ness Islands

Take a peaceful walk along the River Ness to reach the beautiful Ness Islands, which are connected by a series of footbridges.

Whisky trail

The Highlands is one of Scotland's vital whisky distilling regions and a trip to Inverness wouldn't be complete without seeing what all the fuss is about. A trip to the distilleries in the area will allow you to learn all about the process and sample a tipple or two.

Orkney Islands

Take a day trip from Inverness to the wild and beautiful Orkney Islands. Here you can explore dramatic mountain scenery, beautiful beaches and prehistoric sites.

Spring, summer, autumn or winter - it doesn't matter when you visit, there is always something happening in Inverness...

Rock out in June or get a workout in July, there's a non-stop programme of events in this lively destination.

RockNess; June; Clune Farm: Big-name acts from the music world take to the stages at Clune Farm for the RockNess Festival. Choose from either a day ticket to see your favourite bands or a weekend camping ticket.

Inverness Highland Games; July: Quintessentially Scottish, the Inverness Highland Games is staged in the world's oldest Highland Games stadium. Enjoy a day of piping, Highland flinging, athletics and various other games!

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival; August; Beauly: This boutique festival is described by its organisers as 'Scotland's wackiest festival of music and performing arts'. It showcases a variety of works from professional installation artists, sculptors, designers and musicians.