The Scottish city of Inverness is one of the popular places to visit on a Scottish Highlands road trip, leading to many travellers wondering where to stay in Inverness. Not only does the city have some great attractions that are worth exploring for a day or two, but Inverness also makes a fantastic base for day trips into the Scottish Highlands.
This article outlines the best hostels and hotels in Inverness including options for places to stay in the centre of the city and a bit further out in places such as Loch Ness or the Cairngorms National Park. These locations are ideal if you prefer to be surrounded by the amazing Scottish countryside!
Want a quick answer? Here are some top choices for where to stay in Inverness, Loch Ness or Cairngorms!
Inverness: Black Isle Hostel (Budget), Torridon Guest House (Mid-Range), Heathmount Hotel (Luxury) & Charming Riverside Cottage (Private Rental)
Loch Ness: Lochside Loch Ness Hostel (Budget), Drumbuie Farm B&B (Mid-Range), The Lovat, Loch Ness (Luxury) & Cosy Rural Cottage (Private Rental)
Cairngorms: Aviemore Youth Hostel (Budget), Cairngorm Hotel (Mid-Range) & Chalet with Hot Tub (Private Rental)
Where to Stay in Inverness, Scotland
Staying within the Inverness city centre is a great option for travellers, particularly if you’re only visiting Scotland for a short trip.
It allows you to use the city of Inverness as a base to explore the Highlands and reduces your overall Scotland travel costs as you won’t be changing accommodation constantly.
Also, Inverness has a growing restaurant and bar scene which makes it a great city to stay in for a few nights.
Best Hotels in Inverness, Scotland
Torridon Guest House – Located just a few minutes walk from the River Ness, this guest house offers a range of private rooms including family rooms that can accommodate up to four people. Rooms are modern and clean and a hearty Scottish breakfast is included in the rate. Free parking is available. Click here to check their availability
Carisbrooke Guest House – This Inverness hotel is located right in the heart of the city. They offer a few different private rooms including a single room which is a great affordable option if travelling solo and not wanting to stay in a hostel. There is the option to include breakfast is included in the daily rate. Click here to check their availability
Culliss House B&B – A cosy B&B also located near the River Ness, they offer double rooms with friendly hosts. Rooms are equipped with everything you need for your stay and there is a lovely breakfast included that will fill you up for a day of exploring! Click here to check their availability
Heathmount Hotel – This luxury hotel is one of the best places to stay in the city if want a bit of luxury during your trip to Scotland. It is located in the heart of Inverness and offers a range of different type of double rooms, including some that can accommodate families. Breakfast is included, free parking is available and there are two bars on site. Click here to check their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Inverness!
Best Private Rentals in Inverness, Scotland
Charming Riverside Cottage – Centrally located close to the banks of the River Ness, this riverside cottage is perfect for couples as well as larger families and contains everything you need for a comfortable stay in the capital of the Highlands! Click here to check availability
City Centre Apartment – A two-bedroom flat in the centre of Inverness, it’s furnished with modern amenities and is located close to a number of shops and restaurants. It contains kitchen and laundry facilities. Click here to check availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other private rentals in Inverness!
Best Hostels in Inverness, Scotland
Black Isle Hostel – One of the best places to stay in Inverness if you’re a solo traveller, this hostel offers a range of different dorm options as well as private rooms. Guests have access to a large communal area including a fully equipped kitchen and a popular bar on site which is a great place to meet other travellers. Click here to check their availability
Bazpackers Hostel – Another great hostel that offers both dorms and privates located in a traditional Scottish Victorian house. There’s a cosy common room with a fireplace and a nice garden outside for those rare sunny days. Click here to check their availability
Inverness Student Hostel – A cosy hostel located near the River Ness, they have a few different dormitory options. There’s a large common room and the staff are helpful in organising activities like tours or transport. Click here to check their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hostels in Inverness!
Where to Stay in Loch Ness
One of the most popular places to stay near Inverness is undoubtedly on the banks of the Loch Ness
While many travellers who visit this region will make a short stop at Loch Ness as part of a Scottish road trip if driving up from Edinburgh, spending
Best Hotels in Loch Ness
The Lovat, Loch Ness – A family-run hotel located in the village of Fort Augustus. They offer a few different types of private rooms including some with views of the Loch. Rooms are clean and modern with free parking offered and the option to include breakfast in your daily rate. Click here to check their availability
Ach-Na-Sidhe – Located within a five-minute drive of Loch Ness and a ten-minute drive from Inverness, this hotel is one of the best places to stay near Loch Ness if you want to be close to both the city and stay in the countryside. They offer private rooms with fantastic views and a great breakfast is included in the rate. Click here to check their availability
Drumbuie Farm B&B – A cosy B&B located close to the banks of the Loch Ness, their rooms are clean and comfortable with the hosts going out of their way to ensure you have a pleasant stay. This hotel is ideal for couples looking for a getaway. Click here to check their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Loch Ness!
Best Private Rentals in Loch Ness
Cosy Rural Cottage – This cottage is ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway in Loch Ness. The cottage has all the amenities you will need for a comfortable stay and is surrounded by wildlife and hiking opportunities. Click here to check availability
BCC Loch Ness Cottages – Located in Drumnadrochit, these cottages are close to the shore of Loch Ness while also offering a peaceful setting to enjoy the countryside. The cottages are fully equipped with kitchen facilities and offer a good base for exploring the area. Click here to check availability
One Bedroom Cabin – If you’re looking for modern accommodation in a rural setting, this one-bedroom cabin offers refurbished facilities with fast WiFi while still being surrounded by the beautiful Scottish countryside. Click here to check availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other private rentals in Loch Ness!
Best Hostels in Loch Ness
The Lochside Loch Ness Hostel – Located directly on the shores of Loch Ness, this hostel is a convenient option if you don’t have a car as a number of buses stop nearby. This hostel is fairly isolated so it makes for a perfect stop if you want to explore the countryside, get away from technology and meet fellow travellers. There is a large common room, equipped kitchen and they have a small shop on site. Click here to check their availability
Loch Ness Backpackers – A great hostel to stay in while still remaining within a 20-minute drive of Inverness. The hostel is set in a farmhouse, and the friendly staff go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. They offer a range of dormitories and private rooms with a fully equipped kitchen. Click here to check their availability
Morag’s Lodge – Another fantastic option for where to stay in Loch Ness, this hostel is close to the village of Fort Augustus where travellers can enjoy some small-town life while being in the countryside. Dorms and private rooms are offered with a bar on site and the option for the lodge to organise meals. Click here to check their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hostels in Loch Ness!
Where to Stay in Cairngorms
Cairngorms National Park is a great alternative to staying in Inverness, particularly if you want to make the most of the beautiful Scottish countryside.
There are plenty of hiking opportunities as well as other outdoor activities like kayaking and horseback riding which can be organised from the town of Aviemore.
Depending on where you stay in the Cairngorms, you have the option of not being too far from Inverness and also being able to explore the Speyside region of Scotland.
Best Hotels in the Cairngorms
Cairngorm Hotel – Located in the heart of Aviemore, this hotel is perfect if you prefer to be close to the various amenities in town rather than in a more rural setting. They offer a range of clean and comfortable rooms, including single rooms which are a good option for solo travellers. A great breakfast is included and free parking is provided. Click here to check their availability
The Rowan Tree Country Hotel – A stylish hotel located in a building that is over three centuries old and located next to a peaceful loch. They offer twin, single and double rooms with a hearty Scottish breakfast included. The hotel is about a 40-minute drive from Inverness. Click here to check their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in the Cairngorms!
Best Private Rentals in Cairngorms
Chalet with Hot Tub – This modern chalet is an excellent option for couples or small families, offering a modern chalet in the heart of the Cairngorms. Perks of staying here include access to a hot tub, bikes you can use and access to a BBQ. Click here to check availability
Scottish Highland Lodge – Situated in Glenlivit, this lodge is a great option for travellers wanting a classic wooden lodge equipped with modern facilities and closeby to the attractions of the area. Click here to check availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other private rentals in the Cairngorms!
Best Hostels in Cairngorms
Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel – This hostel is a great place to base yourself in the Cairngorms to make the most of the outdoors! They offer dorms and private rooms with access to a large kitchen or you can order meals on site. There is also a large common area that you can relax in if the bad weather strikes. Click here to check their availability
Aviemore Youth Hostel – Located in the outskirts of the village of Aviemore, this hostel also has a number of dorms and private rooms.
Whether you choose to stay in Inverness, Loch Ness or the Cairngorms, you will undoubtedly have an amazing time exploring the majestic beauty of Scotland and be sure to want to plan a return visit in no time!
Are you wondering where to stay in Inverness? Or curious about the best places to stay near Loch Ness or the Cairngorms? Let us know in the comments below!
