The Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Nearby photoThe Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Interior photoThe Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Restaurant photo

THE ROYAL HIGHLAND HOTEL, Inverness – A Smart Stay in the City

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From$52 /night
Check-in
02Sept
Check-out
03Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

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

4-star historic hotel in Inverness with iconic character

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.

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
  • Classic Single Room
    2 persons
    9 sq. feet
    1 Single bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Cozy Single Room
    2 persons
    8 sq. feet
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Cozy Double or Twin Room
    2 persons
    10 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities

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

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • 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
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Sink

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

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.
  • 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, IV1 1LG
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
1 minute' walk
A quirky café known for its delicious milkshakes and light bites, perfect for a casual meal or snack.
Cafe Victoria
2 minutes' walk
A cozy spot offering traditional Scottish dishes and hearty breakfasts with a welcoming atmosphere.
The Rendezvous Cafe
4 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a variety of international dishes, great for families and friendly gatherings.
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
    Inverness 4 min  ·  1000 ft
  • Airports
    Inverness (INV) 21 min  ·  8.5 mi
  • Train
    Inverness Train Station 2 min  ·  400 ft
    Inverness Railway Station 2 min  ·  400 ft
  • Bus
    Bus stop 2 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
Private parking is possible on site at .
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP 12.0 per person.
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:
86

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 2485 verified reviews
7.5 /10
Very good
72 %
Recommend
Location
9.3/10
Comfort
8.3/10
Breakfast
7.0/10
Free WiFi
7.6/10
Pros
Comfortable beds
Perfect location
Polite staff
Delicious food
Cons
Run-down rooms
Poor ventilation
Guest reviews
based on 2485 reviews
7.5/10
based on 2683 reviews
3.5/5
based on 4032 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 station shopping area beautiful staircase room location bed vibration sleep 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 access grand entrance good room size tasty 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 location spacious room helpful staff
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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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 receptionist central location clean room many 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 location friendly staff good breakfast
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 parking good room tasty options easy 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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