logo

The Royal Highland Hotel Inverness, Inverness

Book on our site
Up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From54US$ /night
Check-in
31Jan2025Select date
Check-out
01Feb2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Station Square, Academy Street, Inverness, United Kingdom, IV1 1LG

The Royal Highland Hotel, established in 1856, holds a significant place in Scottish hospitality and has welcomed notable guests from around the globe, including members of the British Royal Family. Nestled in the vibrant city of Inverness, it offers a unique blend of Victorian elegance and contemporary amenities. Its prime location provides easy access to attractions like Loch Ness and the Great Glen, making it a popular choice for tourists exploring the Scottish Highlands.

Location

Conveniently located just a minute's walk from Inverness Railway Station and within 15 minutes from the airport, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring the Highlands. The surrounding area is rich in history and natural beauty, with easy access to attractions such as the Malt Whisky Trail, Loch Ness cruises, and recreational opportunities in the Cairngorms National Park.

Rooms

The Royal Highland Hotel features 86 well-appointed rooms that combine traditional design with modern comforts. Each room is unique, with antique furnishings and soft decor, paying homage to its Victorian roots. The accommodations include a mix of cozy singles, doubles, and more spacious royal rooms, all equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a safe, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Eat & Drink

Dining at the hotel is offered in two main venues: the contemporary Ash Lounge Bar and Restaurant, and the stunning Art Gallery Café. Ash serves a diverse menu that highlights local ingredients and includes Scottish specialties, while the café is known for its traditional Afternoon Tea and selection of homemade pastries. Both spaces provide a relaxed atmosphere for guests to enjoy meals throughout the day.

Leisure & Business

The Royal Highland Hotel caters to both leisure and business travelers with facilities for events and meetings. The hotel's team is committed to providing personalized service, ensuring that gatherings like weddings and corporate functions meet high standards of excellence. Guests also have access to local outdoor activities and can arrange tours in the surrounding area.

View all

Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Classic Single Room
Max:
1 person
9 m² 
Bed options:
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Check Prices
Classic Room
Max:
2 persons
12 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Check Prices
Cozy Room
Max:
2 persons
10 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Check Prices
Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center
Inverness1000 ft
Airports
Inverness (INV) 8.5 mi
Train
Inverness Railway Station400 ft
Bus
Bus stop400 ft

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Baggage storage
  • Ski storage
  • Elevator
  • 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

  • Cribs
  • 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
Show more

Location

Station Square, Academy Street, Inverness, United Kingdom, IV1 1LG
Map view
street view
Station Square, Academy Street, Inverness, United Kingdom, IV1 1LG
Nearby
Castle
Inverness Castle
1900 ft
InvernessScotland
River Ness
1900 ft
Museums
Inverness Museum & 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
Museums
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
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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
66%
liked the hotel and would stay again
Great Location
Charming Atmosphere
Mixed Service
Underwhelming Dining
6.6/10
Nice
Rooms
6.5
Location
8.1
Service
7.1
Dining
5.7
Guest reviews
6.6/10
based on 22 reviews
3.5/5 based on 2683 reviews
7.7
7.7/10based on 5138 reviews
#34 of 37 hotels in Inverness based on Tripadvisor
Bryan
United Kingdom, May  2024
6.6/10

The hotel has some drawbacks with noisy rooms and issues with cleanliness, but it offers a convenient location right beside the train station. The service was friendly and accommodating, although there were some hiccups with the dining options. Overall, it provides good value for money with a few key improvements needed.

Rooms
5.0
The rooms felt noisy and not soundproof, with issues like stained walls and moldy areas visible behind curtains.
Service
7.0
The staff were friendly and helpful, willing to address any problems quickly and satisfactorily.
Location
8.0
The hotel's location right beside the train station is very convenient for travelers, although there were some negative issues related to overbooking rumors.
Dining
6.0
There were confusion and limited options in the dining experience, particularly regarding gluten-free choices and extra charges for certain breakfast items.
Facilities
6.5
The facilities overall were satisfactory, with some enhancements needed in the dining area and room soundproofing.
Ed
United States of America, April  2024
6.8/10

Staying in the eaves with a short staircase from the lift might be challenging for those with mobility issues. The rooms were clean but could use a touch-up, and the lack of natural light due to the hammered glass made it feel dated. The service was friendly overall, although some staff members seemed preoccupied. The location, despite being central and quiet, was away from casual dining options. The dining experience was good but could improve to offer more variety. The hotel lacks facilities.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms are clean but could do with a little bit of a facelift. Lack of natural light due to hammered glass in the windows makes them feel outdated.
Service
7.0
The staff were nice with guests, but some seemed preoccupied. A young waitress stood out for being pleasant.
Location
8.0
The central location is great for access to bars and restaurants, although it's away from casual dining options. Surprisingly quiet despite being close to the station.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was good, but could be enhanced with more variety. Continental breakfast items were fresh and tasty.
Facilities
5.0
The hotel lacks facilities.
Richard
United Kingdom, April  2024
6.8/10

My stay at the hotel was a mix of good and not so great experiences. The location was excellent, right next to the train station and convenient for anyone traveling into Inverness. Despite the rooms needing some attention and redecoration, they were tidy and quite spacious. The service was efficient, although not very attentive, and the dining options were overpriced for what was offered.

Rooms
6.0
The rooms, although quite spacious, need some maintenance and redecoration. They were tidy and relatively big.
Service
7.0
The service was efficient but lacked some attention to detail. The staff were constantly busy but managed to assist with a reduced parking rate for the nearby car park.
Location
9.0
The location was perfect, especially for train travelers, being right next to the station with easy access to local amenities.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was overpriced for the quality provided. The cooked breakfast, although plentiful, was not worth the additional cost.
Facilities
Steve
United States of America, March  2024
7.0/10

I had a mixed experience at the hotel. The rooms were dark with a creepy vibe due to some unsettling framed photos, but they were equipped with old-fashioned baths, easily controllable heating, and comfy beds. The service was pleasant and helpful, especially with luggage handling, but the lack of WiFi was a limitation. The location was convenient for train and bus stations, though the breakfast left much to be desired in terms of variety. Despite some drawbacks, the warm and welcoming atmosphere made up for certain shortcomings.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms, although dark and featuring creepy framed photos, provided essential comforts like old-fashioned baths, controllable heating, and comfortable beds.
Service
8.0
Despite limitations due to the lack of WiFi, the service was pleasant and exceptionally helpful, particularly with luggage and city knowledge.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location was warm and welcoming, with easy access to the town, railway station, and bus station, making it convenient for travelers. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience fell short with limited breakfast options, but the pricing seemed fair considering what was offered.
Facilities
6.0
While the dining wasn't impressive, the hotel offers gourmet pizzas as a dining option. Despite limitations, the hotel was overall well catered for.
Melanie
United Kingdom, March  2024
7.6/10

The hotel was warm and comfortable overall, making for a relaxing stay. However, it could benefit from a bit of refurbishment. The service was exceptional, with friendly and helpful staff, despite some limitations. The location was ideal for our needs, though it required renovation. The dining options were good but slightly overpriced. Overall, a comfortable stay with great service and convenient location.

Rooms
8.0
The room was cozy and comfortable, providing everything needed for a relaxing stay.
Service
9.0
The staff were super helpful, friendly, and welcoming, going above and beyond despite some limitations. Dry cleaning and a welcome drink were nice touches.
Location
7.0
The location of the hotel was ideal for our needs, despite needing some renovation.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was good overall, but slightly overpriced. The meals were tasty, but the value for money could be improved.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel facilities were satisfactory, but could benefit from some updates to enhance the guest experience.
Elizabeth
United Kingdom, January  2024
7.2/10

My stay at the hotel was quite a mixed experience. The rooms were spacious, clean, and offered good discounts on food and drinks, but the alley behind the hotel attracted local youths, causing some disturbances. The service, although not very friendly overall, was redeemed by a helpful and cheery male night porter. The location was great right next to the train station with a good view of the shopping center, yet there were unexpected commotions at times. Dining options were plentiful, although there were some issues with the speed of service. Overall, a decent stay with some ups and downs.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were nice and clean, spacious with efficient heating, a good shower, comfortable bed, and fluffy towels.
Service
7.0
The service was a bit lacking in friendliness, although one of the male night porters was exceptionally helpful and cheery.
Location
8.0
The hotel's location was excellent, right next to the train station, and ideal for shopping, but there were occasional disturbances and commotions nearby.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was varied, with plentiful options for all tastes, but there were some speed issues with the service.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel facilities were adequate but nothing exceptional was noted.
Lauren
United Kingdom, December  2023
6.0/10

Despite some noise issues, I had a great sleep in the small yet comfortable room. The paint was peeling off, but it didn't affect my rest. The tea stains on the skirting boards were a bit off-putting, though.

Rooms
6.0
The room was small but comfortable, despite the noise from the alleyway. It was outdated with peeling paint, in need of a refresh.
Service
8.0
The staff were very helpful and accommodating, especially in sourcing gluten-free products. A nice touch by a member of the team.
Location
7.0
The location was perfect, right at the station with easy access. However, the noise and lack of cleanliness in the nearby alleyway were slight downsides.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was slightly disappointing given the extra cost. The breakfast options were not the best.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities were basic and could use improvement. The rooms need better maintenance for a more enjoyable stay.
Don
United Kingdom, November  2023
6.8/10

The hotel's location is unbeatable, right in the heart of the city and fantastic after a long train journey from York. The rooms offer a mix of charm and convenience, but some issues with noise and ventilation. The service was a mix of extremely rude encounters and friendly, helpful interactions. The dining experience leaned towards underwhelming, despite some generous portions. Overall, the hotel captures the old charm but with a few drawbacks to note.

Rooms
7.0
The room, although initially facing the station roof, was comfortable and clean.
Service
6.0
The staff provided a mix of experiences with some being extremely rude and others friendly and helpful.
Location
9.0
The hotel's position in the city center is unbeatable and offers easy access to everything.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was hit or miss with some generous portions but overall not very good.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities maintain the old charm of the hotel, but improvements could be made.
Great Location
Mixed Service
Karl
United States of America, November  2023
6.4/10

My stay at the hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms were very outdated and could definitely use some renovation in certain areas. On the bright side, my room had a bath with plenty of hot water and was wonderfully spacious and well-decorated. The service was a bit of a letdown as they were unhelpful, but on the positive side, they were attentive and friendly, even bringing a pot of tea/coffee to the table. The location was excellent for the station and shopping, but being essentially on top of a train station made it feel a bit cramped. The dining experience was basic, with prepackaged croissants and microwaved food, although fresh fruits would have been a nice touch.

Rooms
7.0
My room was wonderful, large, and well-decorated with a bath and plenty of hot water.
Service
6.0
The service was a bit of a mixed bag. While they were attentive and friendly, there were instances where they seemed unhelpful.
Location
8.0
The hotel's location was ideal for the station and shopping, making it great if you want to be in the heart of Inverness.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was very basic, with prepackaged croissants and microwaved food. Fresh fruits would have been a nice addition.
Facilities
6.0
The facilities were lacking in terms of dining options and room decor, but the bath and hot water were a nice touch.
Leslie
United Kingdom, November  2023
7.0/10

The hotel offers a suite-like experience with period features, but the rooms lack ventilation, have raggy carpets, and no drinking water is provided. Noise at the back of the hotel can be disruptive.

Rooms
5.0
The rooms, though quite small, have period features resembling a suite but lack ventilation and the carpets seem worn out. Unavailability of drinking water is a downside.
Service
7.0
The service was a mix of friendly gestures, like being attentive to my puppy and providing a water bowl and treats. However, an incident where an argument ensued over a small issue impacted the overall experience.
Location
9.0
The location is excellent for exploring Inverness, right in the city center. Close proximity to various amenities, including the train and bus stations, makes it very convenient for travelers.
Dining
6.0
The dining experience at Ash restaurant was average with homemade sweets being a highlight. However, a small hiccup with the service affected the overall meal enjoyment.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel provides dry cleaning services and a welcome drink to guests, enhancing the overall stay experience.
Ian
United Kingdom, November  2023
5.2/10

My stay at the hotel was a mix of positives and negatives. The spacious and comfortable rooms were a highlight, but the lack of shower tray made showering a challenge. The location near Inverness train station was convenient, although the noise from the trains could be bothersome at times.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, but the small shower without a tray made it inconvenient to use.
Service
5.0
The service was a bit lacking overall, with abrupt and unhelpful staff members throughout my stay.
Location
6.0
The hotel's proximity to Inverness train station was both convenient and noisy, making it a double-edged sword in terms of location.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was subpar, with a disappointing 'continental' breakfast and a lack of coziness in the dining areas.
Facilities
5.0
Limited facilities and amenities, without providing much value for the money paid.
Convenient location
Lackluster service
Marty
United States of America, October  2023
6.6/10

My stay at the hotel had its ups and downs. The room was comfortable and very clean, but the layout was a bit awkward for two adults, and some areas needed maintenance. The staff, despite being helpful, seemed a bit disinterested at times. The location was perfect for exploring Inverness, but there were some noise issues. The dining options were a bit basic for the price, and the continental breakfast was a bit sparse.

Rooms
7.0
Although the room was comfortable and very clean, it felt inappropriate for two adults due to the small bed pushed into one corner and lack of proper storage like a wardrobe.
Service
6.0
The staff was very helpful, but at times their expressions seemed like they didn't want to be there.
Location
8.0
The hotel's location was perfect for exploring the center of Inverness, with many amenities around, but noise from the alleyway was a bit disturbing.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience, especially the continental breakfast, was basic and a bit sparse for the price.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities were average with some areas needing maintenance, but the overall comfort level was good.
Frank
United Kingdom, October  2023
7.0/10

The hotel offers easily controllable heating and comfortable beds, but lacks air conditioning or fans in the room. The linens were clean, and toiletries were provided. The friendly service included a reduced parking rate for a local car park, but some staff members seemed more interested in chatting among themselves. The central location near the train station and bus station was convenient, with friendly and helpful staff. The dining options were a bit cold at times, but there was plenty of choice. Overall, a good stay with a few minor drawbacks.

Rooms
7.0
The room was roasting on a Saturday night, with an old-fashioned bath. The heating was easily controllable, and the beds were comfortable. However, the lack of air conditioning or a fan made it uncomfortably hot, especially for my children who ended up soaked through the night sweating. The room felt a bit dated, but the linens were clean, and toiletries were provided.
Service
7.0
The staff were helpful and friendly overall. They provided a reduced parking rate for the local car park, which was convenient. However, some staff members seemed more interested in chatting among themselves than checking on customers' well-being.
Location
8.0
The hotel is in the center of Inverness near the railway station, which was great for exploring the area. It was next to the train station and central for bars and restaurants. The staff were really friendly, and there was a good continental breakfast available. However, the actual place didn't look like what was presented on the internet, and there was a surprising lack of noise from the station. The universal tea bags in mugs, hot water from a machine, and milk juggling for tea were a bit disappointing.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was a bit cold at times, but there was plenty of choice available. We opted to pay an extra £5 for a cooked breakfast, which tasted very nice.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel facilities were decent overall, but an addition of air conditioning or fans in the rooms could greatly enhance the guest experience.
great location
dated room
Michael
United Kingdom, October  2023
6.4/10

The hotel room was very spacious, but had some security issues with the lock. The room itself was in need of a makeover.

Rooms
5.0
The room was very spacious, but the lock seemed insecure and in need of attention.
Service
7.0
The hotel staff were really nice but had some issues with procedures such as pre-authorization and ignoring feedback.
Location
8.0
The hotel's location is exceptionally convenient for exploring Inverness, although it lacks casual dining options nearby.
Dining
6.0
The dining experience was good overall, but there were extra charges and limited food quality.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel had some amenities but lacked certain essential items and services.
William
United Kingdom, September  2023
7.4/10

I had a mixed experience at this hotel. The room was disappointing with heating issues and a low ceiling, but it was clean and had all the essentials. The service was top-notch and very accommodating. The location was superb, right next to the train station, although surprisingly quiet. The dining options were average, and the additional charge for a cooked breakfast felt overpriced.

Rooms
5.0
The room was disappointing with heating problems and a low ceiling, but it was clean and had the necessary amenities.
Service
9.0
The service was excellent, with staff being very helpful and cheerful.
Location
10.0
The location couldn't have been better, right next to the train station and central amenities.
Dining
6.0
The dining experience was average, with an extra charge for cooked breakfast that didn't feel like value for money.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel had helpful facilities, including free parking in a central location.
Show more
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates

Next best alternative

Ideas for your future trips.
Check-in
31Jan2025Select date
Check-out
01Feb2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room