The Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Nearby photoThe Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Interior photoThe Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Restaurant photo
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From163US$ /night
Check-in
02Jun2026Select date
Check-out
03Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Station Square, 18 Academy Street, Inverness, United Kingdom, IV1 1LG
-
Close to the River Ness
Very good
7.8
7.9
/10
2.7
3.5
/5

Location

The Royal Highland Hotel is situated just one minute from the train station and 15 minutes from Inverness Airport. It nestles in the Highland capital of Scotland, allowing easy access to Loch Ness and the wider Highlands area. Guests can enjoy the convenience of being near main routes including the North Coast 500 and Isle of Skye.

Rooms

The hotel offers 86 spacious bedrooms, each showcasing traditional decor with antique furniture. Rooms are designed for comfort, featuring unique layouts that reflect the hotel's Victorian heritage. In addition, some rooms provide accommodations for families, with options for triples or quads.

Dining

The Royal Highland Hotel includes ASH restaurant and the Art Gallery Café for diverse dining options. These establishments serve fresh, locally sourced produce and a selection of whiskies, wines, and cocktails. Afternoon Tea is available, enhancing the dining experience further.

Private Events

The hotel provides extensive facilities for private events, accommodating 10 to 200 guests. It is a licensed venue for civil weddings and hosts a variety of occasions, from birthday parties to wine tastings. Professional staff ensure high-quality service and personalized catering.

Art Gallery

The Royal Highland Hotel is home to an Art Gallery showcasing works by notable artists, with free entry for visitors. The gallery features prominently within the hotel and is an opportunity for guests to appreciate local art. A café within the gallery provides a comfortable space for relaxation.

Highlights

Location: Gateway to the Highlands & Islands

Rooms: 86 spacious bedrooms

Dining: ASH restaurant & Art Gallery Café

Private Events: Licensed for civil weddings

Must-do experiences

  • Enjoy local haggis at The Spice Route for a true Scottish taste.
  • Visit the historic Inverness Castle for stunning views of the city.
  • Explore the Ness Islands for a peaceful stroll along the river.
  • Discover the hidden gem of Leakey's Bookshop in an old church.
  • Taste freshly caught seafood at The Seafood Bar on Huntly Street.
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Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Classic Single Room
2 persons
100 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Cozy Single Room
2 persons
90 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Cozy Double or Twin Room
2 persons
110 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Classic Double or Twin Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Facilities: Very good
7.7/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Ski storage
  • Lift
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Skiing
  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Dry cleaning
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games
  • Children's menu

Room features

  • Heating
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Sink

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

Ash offers a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary dining, showcasing the best of Scottish Highland and international flavors. With a cool contemporary lounge atmosphere, it invites guests to savor exquisite meals crafted from local ingredients in a setting that reflects the charm of a bygone era.
The Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Restaurant photo
The Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Restaurant photo
The Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Restaurant photo

Ash

International and Scottish Highland
Ambiance
Cool contemporary lounge bar and restaurant, providing a welcoming environment that melds traditional elegance with modern comfort.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes celebrating local flavors, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. A perfect place to unwind with friends while enjoying seasonal delights from the region.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner.
Open for lunch and dinner; hours may vary.

The Royal Highland Hotel Location

Station Square, 18 Academy Street, Inverness, United Kingdom, IV1 1LG
Map view
Station Square, 18 Academy Street, Inverness, United Kingdom, IV1 1LG
Nearby
Castle
Inverness Castle
1900 ft
InvernessScotland
River Ness
1900 ft
Museum
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
1400 ft
Art object
Flora Macdonald statue
1400 ft
Falcon Square
400 ft
Church
Old High St Stephen's Church
500 ft
Gallery
Castle Gallery
1000 ft
Town House High Street Castle Street/High Street
Inverness Town House
800 ft
Shopping Area
Eastgate Shopping Centre
600 ft
Market
Victorian Market
600 ft
4-9 Huntly Street Highland House of Fraser
The Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre
1400 ft
Church
St Mary's Catholic Church
1300 ft
Gallery
Scottish Flair Art Gallery
1200 ft
Store
Judith Glue
1000 ft
22 Bank Street
Dr Black's Memorial Hall
900 ft
Church
Crown Church
1400 ft
Mall
Marks & Spencer Inverness
400 ft
22 Baron Taylor Street
Inspirations
400 ft
Falcon Square
Mercat Cross
400 ft
1 Ness Bank
Ness Bank Church
1900 ft
102 - 106 High Street
Alness Heritage Centre
500 ft
Academy Street
Inverness East Church
500 ft
Stratton Lodge
Stratton Lodge
600 ft
Church
Old High Church
1100 ft
Museum
Abertarff House
800 ft
Restaurants
Milk Bar
300 ft
8 Market Arcade
Annya's Cafe
400 ft
Academy Street
The Rendezvous Cafe
1000 ft
14A Church Street
Blend Tea & Coffee Merchants
700 ft
9 Drummond Street
Cafe Victoria
500 ft
Queensgate
Lettuce Eat
700 ft
6 Stephen's St
Hong Kong kitchen
500 ft
105 Academy Street
The Caledonian
1100 ft
9 High Street The Caledonion Bar
Top Kapi
800 ft
44 Baron Taylor Street
The Kings Highway
1000 ft
72-74 Church Street
Explore Inverness
Explore Inverness
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle
7 minutes' walk
A historic landmark offering panoramic views of Inverness and the River Ness, with guided tours available.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
5 minutes' walk
Showcasing Highland history and culture, this museum features diverse exhibitions and free admission.
Greig Street Bridge
Greig Street Bridge
8 minutes' walk
A picturesque pedestrian bridge with stunning views of the River Ness and surrounding areas, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Ness Islands
Ness Islands
25 minutes walking
Ahaven of natural beauty, these islands provide lovely walks, picnic spots and views of the River Ness.
Adventure Golf
5 minutes' drive
A fun-filled mini-golf experience suitable for families and couples, featuring themed courses and challenges.
Cavell Gardens
8 minutes' walk
A relaxing green space with beautiful flower displays, ideal for a peaceful walk or a picnic.
River Ness Kayaking
5 minutes' drive
Thrilling kayaking sessions for adventure seekers, with rental services and guided tours available.
Yoga at Inverness Botanic Gardens
25 minutes walking
Open-air yoga sessions among beautiful flora, offering a tranquil experience for relaxation enthusiasts.
Milk Bar
Milk Bar
1 minute' walk
A quirky café known for its delicious milkshakes and light bites, perfect for a casual meal or snack.
Cafe Victoria
Cafe Victoria
2 minutes' walk
A cozy spot offering traditional Scottish dishes and hearty breakfasts with a welcoming atmosphere.
The Rendezvous Cafe
The Rendezvous Cafe
4 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a variety of international dishes, great for families and friendly gatherings.
Annya's Cafe
Annya's Cafe
2 minutes' walk
A vibrant eatery serving freshly made pastries, light meals, and excellent coffee, accommodating dietary preferences.
Eden Court Inverness
Eden Court Inverness
14 minutes' walk
The city's main venue for live performances, showcasing theater, films, and music events throughout the year.
The Tooth & Claw
10 minutes' walk
A lively pub with a vibrant atmosphere, hosting live music and quiz nights, perfect for an evening out.
Inverness Ice Centre
5 minutes' drive
An exciting venue for ice skating fun for all ages, offering family-friendly sessions and special events.
The Forum
12 minutes' walk
A popular nightclub featuring a mix of live music and DJs, catering to various music tastes with a lively vibe.
Getting around
City Centre
Inverness4 min  ·  1000 ft
Airports
Inverness (INV)21 min  ·  8.5 mi
Train
Inverness Train Station2 min  ·  400 ft
Inverness Railway Station2 min  ·  400 ft
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Paid Private parking is possible on site.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP9 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish
Year renovated:
2012
Number of rooms:
90

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Royal Highland Hotel is appreciated for its prime location right next to the railway and within easy reach of Inverness's city center, making it ideal for travelers using public transport. Many guests found the rooms spacious, and some even appreciated the historical building's ambiance, including the traditional tartan carpets. While the hotel offers convenient on-site parking, a few guests have noted that spaces are limited. The hotel also features an art gallery near the grand entrance.
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Review score
Based on 2515 verified reviews
7.5/10
Very good
72%
Recommend
Location
9.3/10
Comfort
8.4/10
Breakfast
6.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.6/10
Pros
Comfortable beds
Perfect location
Polite staff
Delicious food
Cons
Run-down rooms
Poor ventilation
Guest reviews
based on 2515 reviews
7.5/10
based on 2683 reviews
3.5/5
based on 4170 reviews
7.8/10
Aaron from United Kingdom
Single
Classic Double or Twin Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 25, 2026
7/10
train stationshopping areabeautiful staircaseroom locationbed vibrationsleep disturbance
the location IS excellent. it is near the train station. the titanic staircase was very beautiful, a real highlight for me. the main shopping area was also conveniently close.
The room i got was next to the lift. it was VERY noisy because of it. i felt every movement. There were vibrations in the bed. i had trouble sleeping WELL because of the noise.
0 Helpful
Robert from United Kingdom
Single
Classic Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 31, 2025
8.5/10

charming stay NEAR station

easy accessgrand entrancegood room sizetasty breakfast
the location offered easy access to transportation. the grand entrance included an amazing art gallery. Rooms featured good sizes and staff were wonderful. Breakfast was tasty with a decent selection.
the bathroom LACKED sufficient ventilation, allowing black mold to form on the ceiling.
Dining
9/10
I found the restaurant staff professional. They provided excellent table service. Prompt clearing of empty dishes was always done once i had finished my course. It was very convenient.
Rooms
8/10
i was impressed with the spotlessly clean rooms. the rooms were a good size, and the staff was wonderful too. i appreciated the older building that had lots of character, a big plus.
0 Helpful
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Jacob from United Kingdom
Single
Classic Double or Twin Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:December 21, 2025
8.7/10

Satisfied stay near transport links

convenient locationspacious roomhelpful staffunreliable lift
The location suited my travel plans well. It is very close to transport options. The room was spacious enough for my needs. I found the hotel staff to be friendly and helpful (especially with directions).
The lift was sometimes unreliable . I had to use the stairs a few times, not ideal.
Service
9/10
The staff at the front desk were efficient with check-in and check-out processes, and the team helped with luggage storage upon request, ensuring a smooth transition at the beginning and end of my visit.
Facilities
8/10
The hotel offered free wifi throughout the building. The wifi signal was consistent . A backup generator ensures continuous power supply.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast buffet included both continental and cooked options. There was a selection of cereals, pastries, and fruit. Hot dishes included scrambled eggs and sausages (i found them to be quite tasty).
0 Helpful
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James from United Kingdom
Single
Classic Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 17, 2025
7/10
convenient locationadequate breakfastsmall roomnoisy corridor
The hotel's location near the railway station was convenient! It made getting around so much easier. The continental breakfast suited me well!
My room was a bit too small, it felt somewhat cramped. The corridors got very noisy late at night. It was difficult to sleep!
0 Helpful
Emerson from United States
Single
Classic Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 24, 2025
9.0/10

amazing central getaway!

helpful receptionistcentral locationclean roommany choices
the receptionist was super helpful and friendly. she. location is ideal, i could walk to everything. the room was clean and the shower had great hot water. breakfast had many choices so i was happy.
the tea selection in the room was basic, i wanted more variety.
Dining
9/10
breakfast offered good choice, with several options available for hot and cold items. the dining area looked clean and well maintained. i found the staff here to be efficient when i got breakfast.
Rooms
8/10
the room was a good size and contained everything i needed for my stay. a hot shower was available in the bathroom. it included several toiletries for me such as shampoo and shower gel, so thats excellent.
Facilities
10/10
the hotel has luggage storage, so this helps a lot. it is very central location. this makes it easy to get around from the hotel. i like how close the train station is too.
0 Helpful
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Benjamin from Canada
Single
Classic Double or Twin Room
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 17, 2025
8.7/10

Convenient Stay

excellent locationfriendly staffgood breakfastbasic room
The hotel's location next to the railway station was excellent for travel. The staff members were friendly plus helpful . I found breakfast very good with choices including cooked and continental options.
The room felt basic so needed some updating based on its condition.
Facilities
8/10
The hotel has a lovely bar area offering various drinks plus a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel provides convenient access to shops as well as riverside walks. A multi-story parking area is located nearby for guest use.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast buffet includes a selection of items that are both hot and cold. The Ash restaurant provides dinner options with high quality service. The restaurant offers haggis including neeps plus tatties.
Location
9/10
The hotel is in the city center so it is very convenient for accessing pubs plus the train station. The area around the hotel has many shops plus restaurants. The riverside area is within walking distance of the hotel.
0 Helpful
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jordan from united kingdom
Single
superior double or twin room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 23, 2025
9.0/10

lovely stay

free parkinggood roomtasty optionseasy access
i was able to park without a fee near the hotel. my room was quite good and exactly as advertised. the breakfast was good with several tasty options. the hotel's location was excellent with easy access to nearby attractions.
the room was a bit warm at night.
Rooms
9/10
The superior double room had comfortable twin beds and a spacious wardrobe. It included a modern tv with multiple channels available. the bathroom featured both a shower and a bathtub. complimentary toiletries were provided. fresh towels were supplied daily.
Location
10/10
the hotel is close to the train station. many shops and restaurants are within a short walking distance. the museum is also easily accessible from the hotel.
Dining
8/10
Breakfast included a continental buffet with cereals, pastries, and fruits. Hot options were available for an additional charge. the restaurant offers a varied menu with options. the bar provides a selection of beers, wines, and spirits.
0 Helpful
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Questions of the users
About The Royal Highland Hotel
What are the parking options available at the hotel, and is it secure?
05 November 2024
Approximately 9 parking spaces are available on-site, subject to availability. If these are full, there are two nearby pay-and-display car parks that cost around £5 to £8 for overnight parking.
Is it possible to bring a small dog for my stay, and are there any additional fees?
12 December 2024
Yes, the hotel is pet-friendly and welcomes small dogs. There is a fee of £15 per dog, per night.
Does the hotel have an elevator for guests needing assistance?
18 January 2025
Yes, there is a lift available for guest use throughout the hotel.
What are the breakfast schedules during the week and on weekends?
23 February 2025
Breakfast is served on weekdays from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM and on weekends from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
Is there a designated area for dining with pets in the hotel?
16 March 2025
Yes, if you notify the hotel when making your dinner reservation, arrangements can be made for seating closer to the foyer, allowing pets in that area.
Can breakfast be added to my booking, and what are the costs?
07 April 2025
Yes, breakfast can be added. A continental breakfast costs £9.50 per person, and a full cooked breakfast costs £14.50 per person.
Do you offer facilities for bike storage during my stay?
15 May 2025
Yes, there are two storage rooms available specifically for bicycles.
Are there family rooms available that can accommodate three guests?
22 June 2025
Yes, the hotel offers family rooms equipped with two queen beds and an additional single bed to accommodate families.
Is there a smoke-free policy in the hotel?
14 July 2025
Yes, all guest rooms and public areas within the hotel are non-smoking.
What time is check-in and can I store my luggage before then?
09 August 2025
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM, but guests are welcome to store their luggage at the hotel if they arrive earlier.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room