Last updated on March 18th, 2026 at 12:57 pm
Looking for a local’s guide to hotels in Inverness?
I’ve lived in the Highlands for over 20 years and I’ve stayed at (or visited) most of the hotels on this list.
To make this easy to scan, I’ve added a quick comparison table first so you can shortlist 2–3 hotels in under a minute. Then you’ll find each hotel grouped by area with a simple “at a glance” summary.
- Compare all hotels (quick table)
- Hotels beside the River Ness
- Hotels in the city centre
- Hotels within 1 mile of the city centre
- Hotels within 5 miles of the city centre
Table of Contents
Compare All Hotels In Inverness (Quick Reference)
Here’s my quick comparison of Inverness hotels
| Hotel | Best for | Area | Parking | Leisure / Spa | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Inn Inverness Centre (River Ness) | Reliable, central, good value | Riverside / central | Limited / nearby | No | ££ |
| Mercure Inverness | Central + parking + river views | Riverside / central | Paid on-site | No | £££ |
| Columba Hotel Inverness | Castle & river views | Riverside / central | Nearby only | No | ££ |
| Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa | Leisure + riverside | Riverside / central | Limited | Pool & spa | £££ |
| Glen Mhor Hotel | Rooms or apartments | Riverside / near centre | Paid On-site | No | £££ |
| Ness Walk Hotel | Luxury & quiet | Riverside / edge of centre | Free | No | ££££ |
| AC Hotel Inverness | Modern big hotel + river views | City centre / river | Limited paid | No | £££ |
| River Ness Hotel | Modern chain option | City centre | No | No | £££ |
| King’s Highway (Wetherspoons) | Budget city stay | City centre | Nearby only | No | ££ |
| B&B Hotel Inverness | Budget + transport links | City centre | Nearby only | No | ££ |
| Royal Highland Hotel | Train travellers | City centre / station | Nearby only | No | ££ |
| Craigmonie Hotel | Quiet + leisure | 1 mile-ish | On-site | Pool & sauna | £££ |
| Kingsmills Hotel | Space + leisure | 1 mile-ish | Free | Pool & spa | £££ |
| Leonardo Hotel Inverness | Business + leisure | 1 mile-ish | Free | Pool & spa | £££ |
| Rocpool Reserve Hotel | Romantic luxury | 1 mile-ish | Free | No | ££££ |
| Macdonald Drumossie Hotel | Quiet + events/weddings | Within 5 miles | Free | No | £££ |
| Holiday Inn Express Inverness | Budget + free parking | Within 5 miles | Free | No | ££ |
| Bunchrew House Hotel | Romantic escape | Within 5 miles | Free | No | ££££ |
Quick Picks
- Best luxury: Ness Walk Hotel or Rocpool Reserve
- Best spa: Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa, Kingsmills, Leonardo
- Best for trains: Royal Highland Hotel
- Best value city centre: King’s Highway or B&B Hotel
- Best romantic escape: Bunchrew House Hotel
These posts may also help find the right for you;
- Inverness hotels with pools
- Inverness hotels with a spa
- Dog friendly hotels in Inverness
- Inverness hotels with parking
- 4 star hotels in Inverness
- 5 star hotels in Inverness
- I’ve lived in the Highlands for over 20 years and stayed at many of the hotels in Inverness with tour groups during that time.
- Real stays, real reviews, real expertise.
- (There are affiliate links on my website. I only recommend things I use. Check out my About Me page and my Editorial Policy)
Hotels Beside the River Ness
The River Ness flows through the centre of Inverness. Staying by the river means you have the best of both – the river to enjoy and easy access to everything you need.
Premier Inn Inverness Centre (River Ness)
📍 Location Details: Right beside the River Ness in the heart of Inverness
⭐ Star Rating: Typically 3-star (Premier Inn standard)
❤️ What I Love: Reliable, easy, and you can walk everywhere
🛏 Room Types Available: Standard Premier Inn rooms and Premier rooms
🍳 Amenities: Breakfast available (Premier Inn style)
🚆 Transportation: Easy walk to shops, restaurants, and central Inverness
🚗 Parking: Limited on-site / nearby options in the area
💷 Price Range: ££
✅ Best For: A dependable, central stay
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want a simple, comfortable base right by the river
Related Resource:🔗 Premier Inn River Ness Full Review
Mercure Inverness
📍 Location Details: Riverside city centre spot near Church Street
⭐ Star Rating: 4-star
❤️ What I Love: Lovely bar/restaurant views over the river
🛏 Room Types Available: Rooms facing Church Street or the River Ness
🍳 Amenities: Restaurant, bar, WiFi, pet friendly
🚆 Transportation: Central for walking + public transport
🚗 Parking: Paid on-site car park with limited spaces (phone payment available)
💷 Price Range: £££
✅ Best For: City centre convenience with the bonus of on-site parking
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want to be central and don’t want the hassle of hunting for parking
Related Resource: Mercure Inverness Full Review
Columba Hotel Inverness
📍 Location Details: Overlooks Inverness Castle and close to the River Ness
⭐ Star Rating: Typically 3-star
❤️ What I Love: The location — castle, river, and everything nearby
🛏 Room Types Available: A mix of sizes; front rooms have the best views
🍳 Amenities: Bistro/bar (McNabs), WiFi
🚆 Transportation: Great for walking and public transport
🚗 Parking: No on-site parking; nearby pay car parks (Cathedral car park is close)
💷 Price Range: ££
✅ Best For: A classic Inverness stay with views and a brilliant location
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want to be right by the castle/river and don’t mind using a nearby car park
Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa
📍 Location Details: Riverside, opposite Inverness Castle
⭐ Star Rating: 4-star
❤️ What I Love: The pool/jacuzzi and having leisure facilities right in town
🛏 Room Types Available: Standard rooms + townhouse/cottage options for groups
🍳 Amenities: Restaurant/bar areas, leisure centre, beauty treatments
🚆 Transportation: Central for walking
🚗 Parking: Very limited on-site spaces (also used by leisure centre members); nearby car parks available
💷 Price Range: £££
✅ Best For: A city centre stay with leisure facilities
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want a central hotel where you can swim/relax after exploring
Glen Mhor Hotel
📍 Location Details: Riverside, slightly quieter than the busiest city-centre streets
⭐ Star Rating: Typically 3–4 star range (varies by room type)
❤️ What I Love: The choice of rooms or self-contained apartments
🛏 Room Types Available: Rooms + 1–3 bedroom apartments
🍳 Amenities: Restaurant (Waterside), whisky & wine bar (Nicky Tams), WiFi, pet friendly
🚆 Transportation: Walkable to the centre
🚗 Parking: On-site paid parking + some on-street parking nearby (check restrictions)
💷 Price Range: £££
✅ Best For: Longer stays or anyone who wants apartment options
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want flexibility — hotel comfort with apartment-style space
Ness Walk Hotel
📍 Location Details: Peaceful riverside spot a short walk from the castle
⭐ Star Rating: 5-star
❤️ What I Love: Feels like a luxury retreat in a green oasis
🛏 Room Types Available: Spacious rooms, some with terraces, plus suites
🍳 Amenities: Restaurant (Torrish), whisky/wine/cocktail bar, luxury toiletries
🚆 Transportation: Walkable into town but away from the noise
🚗 Parking: Free on-site parking
💷 Price Range: ££££
✅ Best For: Luxury, peace, and a special stay
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want a 5-star experience without being right in the busiest streets
Related Resource:🔗 Ness Walk Hotel Full Review
Hotels in the City Centre
These hotels are in the city centre, making it easy to walk to everything you need.
AC Hotel Inverness
📍 Location Details: City centre and right by the River Ness
⭐ Star Rating: 4-star
❤️ What I Love: Modern, welcoming public spaces and river-view rooms
🛏 Room Types Available: 191 rooms; river view rooms have great views
🍳 Amenities: Bar, restaurant, outdoor terrace, fitness room, business centre, WiFi, dog friendly
🚆 Transportation: Handy for walking and central transport links
🚗 Parking: Limited on-site parking (paid) + nearby multi-storey options
💷 Price Range: £££
✅ Best For: A modern city-centre stay with river access
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want a newer, larger hotel with a fresh feel and late checkout (12 noon)
River Ness Hotel
📍 Location Details: Church Street (busy, central)
⭐ Star Rating: 4-star (chain-style)
❤️ What I Love: Modern rooms and a convenient base for city breaks
🛏 Room Types Available: Standard, superior, premium, and family rooms (76 total)
🍳 Amenities: Bar/restaurant, air conditioning, WiFi
🚆 Transportation: Good for public transport and walking
🚗 Parking: No on-site parking
💷 Price Range: £££
✅ Best For: A modern city centre chain option
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want a straightforward, central stay and don’t mind some city noise
King’s Highway (Wetherspoons Hotel)
📍 Location Details: Church Street, right in the city centre
⭐ Star Rating: Budget to mid-range (Wetherspoons hotel style)
❤️ What I Love: Often excellent value for the location
🛏 Room Types Available: Compact rooms, some quieter at the back
🍳 Amenities: Lift, pub breakfast available next door
🚆 Transportation: Great if travelling by train/bus or without a car
🚗 Parking: No on-site parking; nearby multi-storey (Rose Street) or on-street after 6pm (check signs)
💷 Price Range: ££
✅ Best For: Great-value city centre stays
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want to be in the heart of town and you’re happy with a simple, good-value base
B&B Hotel Inverness
📍 Location Details: Academy Street (main road with traffic)
⭐ Star Rating: Budget-friendly chain hotel
❤️ What I Love: Handy location for transport and simple stays
🛏 Room Types Available: Simple, no-fuss rooms
🍳 Amenities: Lift, WiFi, basic comforts, pet friendly
🚆 Transportation: Excellent for bus/train station access
🚗 Parking: No on-site parking; Rose Street multi-storey nearby
💷 Price Range: ££
✅ Best For: Budget stays and public transport convenience
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want a practical stay near the stations and don’t mind road noise
The Royal Highland Hotel
📍 Location Details: Next to Inverness railway station (Station Square)
⭐ Star Rating: Traditional city hotel
❤️ What I Love: Ideal if you’re exploring Scotland by rail
🛏 Room Types Available: Mix of room sizes; “Royal” rooms are larger
🍳 Amenities: Restaurant (Ash), coffee/bar area, lifts, WiFi, pet friendly
🚆 Transportation: Best possible location for rail travellers
🚗 Parking: No on-site parking; nearby multi-storey options
💷 Price Range: ££
✅ Best For: Train travellers and quick city stays
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want to step off the train and be at your hotel immediately
Hotels Within 1 Mile of the City Centre
These hotels are still within easy reach of the city centre.
Craigmonie Hotel
📍 Location Details: Residential area, around a 15-minute walk to the centre
⭐ Star Rating: Traditional-style hotel with leisure facilities
❤️ What I Love: Quiet setting with a pool and sauna
🛏 Room Types Available: Mix of rooms across older building + extensions
🍳 Amenities: Bar, restaurant/conservatory dining, pool, sauna, treatments, WiFi, dog friendly
🚆 Transportation: Walkable into town
🚗 Parking: On-site parking (can be busy during functions)
💷 Price Range: £££
✅ Best For: A quieter stay with leisure facilities
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want to be close to town but not right in the busiest streets
Kingsmills Hotel
📍 Location Details: Outskirts feel with greener surroundings, around a 20-minute walk
⭐ Star Rating: 4-star style hotel with leisure facilities
❤️ What I Love: The spacious feel and the choice between main hotel and Kingsclub rooms
🛏 Room Types Available: Main building rooms + modern Kingsclub rooms (some golf course views)
🍳 Amenities: Restaurant/bar, pool, gym, spa treatments, business areas, WiFi
🚆 Transportation: Walkable or quick taxi into the centre
🚗 Parking: Free on-site parking
💷 Price Range: £££
✅ Best For: Relaxing stays with space and facilities
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want a comfortable hotel where you can properly unwind
Leonardo Hotel Inverness
📍 Location Details: Very close to the A9 (handy for drivers)
⭐ Star Rating: Business-style chain hotel
❤️ What I Love: Leisure facilities on-site + lots of parking
🛏 Room Types Available: Standard chain rooms; some may be noisier due to older windows
🍳 Amenities: Restaurant/bar, pool, spa facilities, gym, WiFi, loyalty scheme perks
🚆 Transportation: Great if you’re driving; short hop into town
🚗 Parking: Free on-site parking
💷 Price Range: £££
✅ Best For: Business stays or short leisure stays with facilities
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want parking + a pool and don’t need a boutique vibe
Related Resource:🔗 Full review of the Leonardo Inverness
Rocpool Reserve Hotel
📍 Location Details: Just over half a mile from the city centre
⭐ Star Rating: Luxury boutique hotel
❤️ What I Love: Feels special — ideal for a treat stay
🛏 Room Types Available: Hip, Chic, Decadent, Extra Decadent (some with terrace hot tubs)
🍳 Amenities: Fine dining restaurant, bar with lighter bites, WiFi
🚆 Transportation: Close enough to walk into town
🚗 Parking: Free on-site parking
💷 Price Range: ££££
✅ Best For: Romantic weekends and luxury breaks
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want a stylish, grown-up stay with great food
Hotels Within 5 Miles of the City Centre
Macdonald Drumossie Hotel
📍 Location Details: Quiet, green setting on the outskirts (handy for A9 / Culloden side)
⭐ Star Rating: 4-star
❤️ What I Love: Comfortable lounge areas and a peaceful feel
🛏 Room Types Available: 44 rooms (plus large conference/event facilities)
🍳 Amenities: Restaurant (The Grill), lounge serving snacks, WiFi
🚆 Transportation: Best for drivers (short drive into town)
🚗 Parking: Plenty of on-site parking
💷 Price Range: £££
✅ Best For: A quiet base for exploring the wider area
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want space, calm, and easy access to routes out of Inverness
Holiday Inn Express Inverness
📍 Location Details: Business park area just outside Inverness
⭐ Star Rating: Budget-friendly chain hotel
❤️ What I Love: Great-value rates and free parking (plus a pub opposite)
🛏 Room Types Available: Compact, clean rooms
🍳 Amenities: Breakfast area, WiFi, simple facilities
🚆 Transportation: Best for drivers; easy access to A9/A96 routes
🚗 Parking: Plenty of free on-site parking
💷 Price Range: ££
✅ Best For: Budget stays with parking, business or practical stopovers
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want a clean, affordable base with easy driving access and nearby food options
Bunchrew House Hotel
📍 Location Details: Around 4.5 miles from Inverness in a romantic waterside setting
⭐ Star Rating: Luxury country-house feel
❤️ What I Love: The atmosphere — it’s genuinely special and very “Highlands”
🛏 Room Types Available: Individually styled and named rooms
🍳 Amenities: Great dining, cosy public spaces, WiFi
🚆 Transportation: Best for drivers (short trip into Inverness)
🚗 Parking: On-site parking
💷 Price Range: ££££
✅ Best For: Romantic breaks and special occasions
🎯 This hotel is for you if: You want a peaceful, character-filled stay that feels far from everyday life
Hotels in Inverness FAQs
Are there any hotels in Inverness with a restaurant or bar?
Yes – most of the hotels in Inverness have a restaurant or a bar making it easy for guests to relax and enjoy a meal during their stay.
Are there hotels in Inverness with accessible rooms for people with disabilities?
Most of the hotels in this list have accessible rooms. Some historic hotels like the Columba or Craigmonie may have some steps on the way to rooms so it is always worth double checking this when booking.
Are there any hotels in Inverness with spa services?
There are 4 hotels with spas in Inverness – The Milton Palace, Kingsmills Hotel, Leonardo Hotel and the Craigmonie Hotel.
Which hotels in Inverness have parking available?
Hotels that have free parking onsite include the Leonardo Hotel, Macdonald Drumossie, Ness Walk Hotel, Kingsmills Hotel and there is limited parking at the Milton Palace and Premier Inn River Ness. The Mercure has parking but this is public and paid.
How far is Inverness Airport from the city centre?
It is just under 9 miles from Inverness to the airport. There is a bus service, a train connection (with an open uncovered long walk to the terminal or a bus connection) and there are lots of taxis available.
Which hotels in Inverness offer views of Loch Ness?
No hotels in Inverness have views of Loch Ness. That’s because Loch Ness is 9km or 6 miles away from Inverness.
What is the best area to stay in Inverness?
Staying near the river gives you the best combination of the pleasant riverside setting alongwith easy access to the city centre.
How much does it cost to stay in a hotel in Inverness?
Hotel prices vary ramatically throughout the year. At peak times rooms can be hundreds of pounds each as demand for hotel rooms outstrips the number of rooms available.
Hotels in Inverness – Final Verdict
Inverness has a surprisingly wide range of hotels for a small city — from simple, great-value city centre stays to riverside luxury and romantic country-house escapes.
If you want to be able to walk everywhere, choose a riverside or city centre hotel.
If you want more space, easier parking, or leisure facilities, you’ll often get better value just outside the centre.
And if you’re planning a special trip, Inverness has some genuinely lovely luxury and romantic options that feel like a proper treat.
Hotel prices in Inverness can change quickly depending on season, events, and even the day of the week — so it’s worth checking your exact dates rather than relying on average prices.
Best next step:
- Pick your top 2–3 hotels from the comparison table
- Check prices for your exact dates
- Book the best option while availability is good
If you’re travelling in peak season (or around an event), I recommend booking as early as you can — the best rooms go first and prices rise fast.
Hotels in Inverness Related Resources
- Is Inverness Expensive? Check out the costs for stays, activities, food and drink
- Find all the Inverness City Centre Hotels in one place and find your favourite
- All the Inverness Hotels with a Spa compared side by side
- Is Inverness Expensive? A Realistic Guide to Costs
Last updated on March 26th, 2026 at 02:04 pmIs Inverness expensive? The short answer is that Inverness is moderate by UK standards, noticeably cheaper than Edinburgh or London, and can be good value if you time your visit right. As someone who lives in the Highlands and has spent decades guiding travellers across 40 countries,… Read More »Is Inverness Expensive? A Realistic Guide to Costs - 5 Star Hotels in Inverness – Luxury Riverside & Boutique StaysLast updated on March 18th, 2026 at 01:08 pmLooking for 5 star hotels in Inverness for a special trip, celebration or luxury break? Inverness doesn’t have a large number of 5 star hotels – infact there is only two! One is by the river and one just on the outskirts of the city, making it… Read More »5 Star Hotels in Inverness – Luxury Riverside & Boutique Stays
- 4 Star Hotels in Inverness – Best City, River & Spa StaysLast updated on February 19th, 2026 at 07:37 pmLooking for a 4 star hotel in Inverness that strikes the right balance between comfort, location and value? I’ve lived in the Highlands for over 20 years and have stayed at (or visited) most of the hotels on this list. Inverness has a strong selection of 4… Read More »4 Star Hotels in Inverness – Best City, River & Spa Stays
- The Best Inverness Hotels With Parking (Free & Paid)Last updated on March 18th, 2026 at 02:53 pmLooking for a local’s guide to Inverness hotels with parking? I’ve lived in the Highlands for over 20 years and I’ve stayed at (or visited) most of the hotels in this list. If you’re travelling with a car, parking can be the difference between an easy trip…… Read More »The Best Inverness Hotels With Parking (Free & Paid)
- Best Inverness Hotels Near the Train StationLast updated on February 19th, 2026 at 07:52 pmTravelling to Inverness by train and want a hotel that’s easy to reach on foot? This guide covers the best Inverness hotels near the train station, so you can unpack, relax and start exploring without worrying about transport or long walks. I’ve stayed at (or visited) all… Read More »Best Inverness Hotels Near the Train Station
- Inverness Dog Friendly Hotels – Best Places to StayLast updated on February 19th, 2026 at 07:58 pmThis post focuses specifically on Inverness dog friendly hotels, but if you’d like to see all accommodation options across the city, you can also browse my full guide to hotels in Inverness. I’ve stayed at these hotels myself and put together this guide to help you quickly… Read More »Inverness Dog Friendly Hotels – Best Places to Stay
- Is Inverness Worth Visiting? It’s a Great Base For ExploringLast updated on October 8th, 2025 at 02:13 pmIf you are wondering whether Inverness is worth visiting then the answer is yes. Inverness is a great base from which you can easily explore lots of the surrounding areas. Read on for what you need to know about visiting Inverness 👇 Is Inverness Worth Visiting? Inverness… Read More »Is Inverness Worth Visiting? It’s a Great Base For Exploring
- Leonardo Hotel Inverness – Great For Parking & A Nice PoolLast updated on October 8th, 2025 at 11:57 amThinking of staying at the Leonardo Hotel Inverness? Here’s all you need to know including parking, dining and what’s nearby. I’ve stayed at this hotel many times – when it was Jury’s Inverness and even before that! Read on to get all the details or just click… Read More »Leonardo Hotel Inverness – Great For Parking & A Nice Pool
- The Mercure Inverness – All You Need to KnowLast updated on October 8th, 2025 at 11:59 amAre you looking to stay at the Mercure Inverness? Check out my review based on colleagues and family stays, plus multiple visits by me as well. I’ve included things to do and my favourite places to eat nearby as well. The Mercure Inverness What I Like About… Read More »The Mercure Inverness – All You Need to Know
Inverness: A History (Paperback)
James Miller (author)
Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is now Scotland’s youngest city, a vibrantly growing community and the main destination for all tourists who seek their Highland roots or that more elusive creature – Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Inverness’s history, however, belies its peaceful present. Founded by Scotland’s monarchs as a strategic outpost on a wild frontier, the royal burgh on the Ness has been caught up time and again in the struggles that mark Highland and British history. Over the centuries, rebels against Lowland rule, the forces of Robert Bruce, followers of the Lord of the Isles, the English soldiers of Cromwell’s army, and Jacobites have swaggered through its streets. Here, too, have come some of the great figures in Scotland’s story – from St Columba, Mary, Queen of Scots and the Marquis of Montrose to Prince Charles Edward Stuart and Johnson and Boswell.
Always have this in the car and always have it with me when guiding groups around Scotland too. Great size, lots of detail and includes things like places of interest too. Lots of happy days exploring thanks to this map.