At the foot of Ben Nevis and the head of Loch Linnhe, not only is Fort William spectacularly positioned, but it makes a fantastic base for an adventure — the best places to stay in Fort William are perfect for hikers, bikers, climbers and anyone keen on watersports. Our accommodation recommendations range from affordable and stylish B&Bs, to elegant townhouse conversions and even a converted castle with fine dining restaurant. No one says an adventure can’t be luxurious and well catered!

Anyone who has ever dreamt of tackling the UK's highest peak needs to base themselves here. Fort William is where walkers set out from, and despite a couple of challenging stretches near the peak, Ben Nevis is a pretty popular summit. For a quieter mountain hiking experience try the Mamores, a range running southwards from Glen Nevis. If you're here in winter you can also ski and snowboard in the Nevis Range. There are also hundreds of mountain biking routes. Glen Nevis, the glen below the mountain, is a breathtaking spot (and star of movies from Braveheart and Roy Roy to Harry Potter) and a comfortable walk even for the least fit. But for many this is a remarkable setting for simply relaxing and drinking in the view.

For those interested in culture there’s a West Highland Museum, and the Ben Nevis distillery to visit. Of if you want to enjoy the views but without the effort of a hard slog up a mountain or through a glen, jump on one of the loch's cruise boats and take a 90 minute jaunt on the water. The town is well set up to cater to its outdoorsy visitors. There's a good range of shops selling all sorts of outdoor equipment, plus a collection of bars and cafes for exchanging stories after a busy day in the hills.

Don't forget that this little town is extremely busy during the peak summer months (and winter if there's snow!). So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Fort William in July or August, get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Fort William

For a Spectacular Setting

• Inverlochy Castle sits regally at the foot of Ben Nevis, overlooking its elegant grounds. The 17 rooms and suites are traditional in style with antique canopied beds — or four-posters — original art, and luxurious fabrics. The restaurant is overseen by Michel Roux Jr, and it’s worth visiting just for a meal-with-a-view. There’s plenty to do onsite, for kids and adults.

For a Rural Retreat

• The Grange is an elegant Victorian townhouse overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour Mountains. It’s recently been converted into a luxurious three room guesthouse, and makes a wonderful place to come back to after a day of hiking or exploring. The three rooms are traditionally decorated, yet stylish, with antiques and sumptuous bathrooms. And their breakfasts are a feast.

For an Adventure

• The Lime Tree is a stylish and affordable base with just nine rooms, plus a popular restaurant and a contemporary art gallery. There are four golf courses in the area, a coast to kayak, watersports hubs, and the Nevis Range Outdoor Activity Centre, and one of the best mountain biking centres in the Highlands. So the perfect location for a lively country escape!

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fort William’s closest airport is Inverness Airport, which is about an hour and a half away by car or taxi, or around four hours away by public transport (bus). Glasgow Airport is next closest, at about two hours away by car or taxi, or three hours away by public transport (bus again). If you’re coming via London you can travel all the way to Fort William by train, leaving from London Euston on the daily Caledonian Sleeper service.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Fort William’s weather offers that wonderful unpredictability of the Scottish Highlands, with the possibility of experiencing both bright sunshine and downpours in one day. Our number one recommendation for travelling to the Highlands is to bring your wet weather gear with you at all times. Generally Fort Willian’s climate is mild, kept so by the Gulf Stream and the Atlantic Ocean, though there are plenty of surprising micro-climates in the area. Fort William is also known for its long summer days, and conversely, short winter ones, so, if you want to fit in plenty of outdoor exploring, late spring through until early autumn is the period to visit. The winer snows usually start late November, and continue through until about May. 

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for all of the best places to stay in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands region
• Consider some of Fort William’s neighbours maybe the best places to stay in Oban, Glencoe or the spectacularly windswept Isle of Mull
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.