The unofficial capital of the Highlands, Inverness is in a prime location for spectacular scenery. It sits right on the banks of the River Ness, at the northern end of the Great Glen. There are wonderful country views in almost every direction except when you look toward the city centre, which is crowned by a crenellated castle. The best places to stay in Inverness are boutique stays in the heart of the city, perfect crashpads to explore from. Alternatively we recommend you pick a hotel just outside the city for the best of both worlds.

Although the area which is now Inverness has been inhabited since the 6th Century, it's had a pretty bloody and tumultuous past, which not many early buildings have survived. A lot of the 'old town' now actually dates from the 19th Century - post-construction of the Caledonian Canal. Inverness's oldest buildings are along Church Street, near the Inverness Museum, where you can learn some of this city's dramatic stories.

As the largest city in the Highlands, Inverness has plenty of cafes, restaurants and shopping. But the pleasures of this place are more about the location. There's impressive fishing off the Ness Islands, magnificent views off Craig Phadrig, there are wonderful walking routes in almost every direction, there's cruising on the river and the loch, and golf courses galore. With all these options, it's not surprising that the best places to stay in Inverness are in high demand.

The best places to stay in Inverness

For a city-centre pad

• If you'd like to be in the centre of town, the Rocpool Reserve is one of the most talked about hotels in Inverness. This townhouse hotel is known for being modern and luxurious, and its restaurant, Chez Roux, is highly recommended.

• Glenmoriston House Hotel is centrally located overlooking the River Ness. It boasts a range of smart rooms and apartments, plus lively whisky and piano bar and an excellent brasserie championing the best local produce.

For loch-side luxury

• If you're looking for peace and quiet, the Loch Ness Lodge is the place to book. With just seven rooms and suites, a sumptuous spa and therapy area and wonderful loch views this is the perfect spot for Highland relaxation.

For an apartment or holiday cottage

• If you think that you'd prefer your own space, don't hesitate to visit our online partners Booking.com for a wide range of apartments and holiday homes both in the city and the surrounding countryside

Travel Information

• You could fly to Inverness Airport, which is jsut outside the city centre, and connected to the rest of the UK and Europe? Or arrive via rail? Inverness is well connected to the rest of Scotland, and visitors can even get the overnight Caledonian Sleeper, or the daily Highland Chieftain, the length of the country to London.
• Inverness is an ideal base for exploring the rest of the Highlands. For visitors looking to rent a car, we recommend our online partner Rentalcars
• Climate-wise the best time to visit Inverness is during the late spring or summer months, between about May and September.  It's the driest period, with long, long sunny days, and thus correspond with the busier time to visit the Highlands and Islands.  May and June are the best months as far as the midges go - they’re not really out in full force yet.  Winter is crisp, with an occasional dusting of snow, but you will definitely see snow on the hills and mountains, and this can be an idyllic time for walkers to visit Inverness and the surrounding area.  Snowsports are on the table too.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Inverness-shire
• Alternatively, take a look at all our recommendations in the Highlands and Islands.
• Or contact, one of our friendly gurus for advice.