Inverness-shire is the largest county in Scotland, encompassing the vast beauty of the Highlands, and some of the Hebrides too. Within its boundaries visitors can discover the wild beauty of Uist; the mist-shrouded hills and jagged Cuillins of Skye; the beaches of Harris; the dramatic landscape of the Great Glen, including Loch Ness and Loch Lochy; the Grampians, the Moray Firth, and Ben Nevis. Some of the accommodation options can be found in the region’s centres, like Inverness and Fort William, but this spectacular region is the playground for outdoors adventurers, so many of the best places to stay in Inverness-shire are to be found in remote and picturesque spots with incredible views.

One way to experience Inverness-shire is to drive the North Coast 500 route, a 516 mile journey along the coastline of northern Scotland, starting and ending in Inverness Castle. Another is to hop between its show-stopping attractions: Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, the Glenfinnan Viaduct from Harry Potter, the Great Glen and Ben Nevis. But we recommend a more fluid approach that allows time to stop off in smaller towns, and scenic spots.

As well as being much loved by outdoor types, the region is great for family trips — there are endless attractions geared towards youngsters from wildlife parks to steam trains. It’s also ideal for a romantic getaway — many of the best places to stay in Inverness-shire come with top notch restaurants and impressive collections of whisky. Whatever the reason for your visit, we've a wide choice of accommodations from simple B&Bs and boutique adults-only hideaways to opulent five star castle conversions. Browse our list and start planning!

The Best Places to Stay in Inverness-shire

For the Views

• Inverlochy Castle sits regally at the foot of Ben Nevis, overlooking the mirror-like waters of Loch Linnhe, and the castle’s own elegant grounds. Its 17 rooms and suites are seriously grand too, with antique canopied beds — or four-posters — original art, and luxurious fabrics. The restaurant is overseen by Michel Roux Jr and offers a daily changing five course dinner menu. Simply stunning.
• Elegant and intimate, Loch Ness Lodge is a serene choice on the shores of Loch Ness. There are seven rooms, all of them individually decorated with inspiration from the incredible views that surround them. The lodge’s spa is impressive; it’s got a hot tub and sauna and a very good therapy menu. There’s no restaurant, but the lodge does offer breakfast and a fancy afternoon tea. An ideal retreat, perfect for walkers and cyclists or simply relaxing amid the glorious countryside.

For a Rural Retreat

• The Grange is an elegant Victorian townhouse overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour Mountains on the western edge of Fort William. It’s been converted into a luxurious three room, adults-only 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.
• Killiehuntly is a luxuriously converted farmhouse, with just six rooms and self-catering cottages, in a picturesque spot within the Cairngorms National Park. The decor has been reimagined Scandi-style, in a myriad of greys to match the exposed stone walls, with open fires and woolly throws to keep things cosy. Meals are served at a communal table, and the offering is traditional Scottish. Remote, peaceful, and ideal for getting back to nature.
• Foyers Lodge is a carefully restored 19th century hunting lodge, in a stunning spot overlooking Loch Ness. There are six guest rooms, all of them individually designed and decorated, in a sophisticated colour palette, with a mix of Arts and Crafts, and tartan accents. Our favourite rooms are those with the best views, in this case over the neat gardens to Loch Ness beyond. Delicious dinners focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

For Romance

• Boath House is an elegant Georgian manor conversion set in beautifully manicured grounds just outside Nairn. Its 22 rooms and suites have been individually decorated — original features are on show, and there’s a nice collection of antiques, as well as all the mod cons. If you’re planning a special occasion opt for one of the four-poster rooms, with their grand beds, artworks and impressive bathrooms. The hotel also has a spa, and a very popular restaurant. Pet friendly, but not family-friendly.

For a Mini-Break

• Rocpool Reserve is a slick, contemporary townhouse conversion next to the river, close to the centre of Inverness. Its 11 rooms and suites are decorated with simple lines and neutral colours, creating a classic hotel feel.

For an Outdoor Adventure

• Fort William’s The Lime Tree is a stylish and affordable base with just nine rooms, plus a great 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!

For Walkers

• Smiddy House is a five room guesthouse in the quiet village of Spean Bridge, just ten miles outside Fort William. Guests should expect traditional decor, and a charming conservatory overlooking the property's pretty garden. Popular with walkers, climbers, golfers, and mountain bikers.
• The Cross at Kingussie is an old mill turned cosy restaurant-with-rooms, nestled in the Cairngorms National Park. There are seven rooms, all individually, and comfortably, decorated. The restaurant is award winning. You can start walking straight from the property, with relaxed strolls, or mountain hikes on your doorstep.

For Families

• The Glenmoriston Town House Hotel sits on the River Ness riverbank, within walking distance of the centre of Inverness. Its 32 rooms and suites are comfortable, and simply decorated in both traditional, or more contemporary hotel style. Some have fantastic views, or French windows, others have self-catering facilities and living and dining space. Whether you’re opting for a room, or an apartment, you can expect a Nespreso machine and all you need to make tea or coffee, plus rain showers. The restaurant offers brasserie style dining, and is popular with locals and guests, and the Whisky and Piano Bar has around 260 whiskies to choose from, around around 50 different gins!
• The Inch is an elegant country house on the edge of Loch Ness, just outside Fort Augustus. In addition to the pleasure your kids may get from trying to spot the Loch Ness monster, The Inch provides a calm and spacious backdrop for a family holiday, with 18 rooms and suites — a good range of family suites among them. There’s just the right amount of tartan, a cosy restaurant specialising in Scottish fare and local produce, and a very good range of whiskies.

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

• Want to fly to Inverness-shire?

• Fly to Inverness Airport, which is just outside of Inverness. If you’re visiting southern Inverness-shire Glasgow Airport may also be worth considering. Inverness has the closest major train station too, with good connections from both around Scotland and a daily direct train to and from London.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Weather-wise the best time to visit Inverness-shire is during the late spring or summer months — between about May and September. It's the driest period, with long days, and thus is the busiest time to visit the Highlands and Islands. May and June are the best months as far as the midges go — they’re not 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 where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in the Highlands and Islands or just the islands of the Hebrides, Skye or Harris
• Refine your search to the best places to stay in Inverness, Fort William, Spean Bridge or Nairn
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Inverness-shire