Inverness, Scotland’s northernmost city with a small-town feel, is a favourite overnight stop for anyone exploring the Highlands. Close to Loch Ness, Culloden and the start of the North Coast 500, it has attractions on its doorstep, and you can even head out dolphin-spotting on a small-group tour.
The city is split by the River Ness, with places to stay dotted along both banks. If you are driving, look out for hotels with parking — a feature we flag throughout this guide — along with local tips to help you get the best out of your trip. For more on the city itself, see our Inverness guide, and read up on Loch Ness and the North Coast 500 before you go.
River Ness Hotel
CentralA modern, central Radisson hotel by the entertainment strip, steps from Hootananny and the Mustard Seed. Bar, gym and breakfast; no on-site parking.
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Hootananny
Live musicSleep above Inverness’s most famous live-music bar, with ceilidh nights and everything on the doorstep. A lively bar-with-rooms, not a quiet retreat.
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Glen Mhor Hotel
BrewstilleryA north-bank hotel across ten Victorian townhouses, with its own Uile-bheist brewstillery, whisky and beer tastings, a restaurant and discounted parking.
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Ness Walk
5-starInverness’s five-star address: a 19th-century riverside hotel with individually designed suites, acclaimed dining, afternoon tea and on-site parking.
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Haste Ye Back Guesthouse
GuesthouseA cosy, welcoming guesthouse with private parking and self-check-in, near River House and Leakey’s Bookshop. Ideal for drivers who want a warm base.
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Alban and Abbey House
BudgetA basic, clean guesthouse with parking by the cathedral. No breakfast, but The Bakery is a short walk and the riverside Ness Walk leads into town.
View property →Inverness Hotels & Guesthouses Compared
| Property | Type | Side of River | Parking | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Ness Hotel | Hotel (Radisson) | East / central | None on site | ££–£££ |
| Hootananny | Bar with rooms | East / central | None on site | ££ |
| Glen Mhor Hotel | Hotel, ~100 rooms | North bank | Discounted city-centre | ££–£££ |
| Ness Walk | 5-star hotel | West bank | On site | ££££ |
| Haste Ye Back | Guesthouse | West bank | Private, on site | ££ |
| Alban and Abbey House | Guesthouse (budget) | West bank | On site | £–££ |
How to Choose Where to Stay in Inverness
Start with two questions: which side of the River Ness suits you, and do you need parking? The east bank around Church Street is the lively, central side — best if you want restaurants and nightlife on your doorstep and are happy to leave the car in a multi-storey. The west and north banks are quieter and greener, and this is where you find on-site parking.
For a treat, Ness Walk is the five-star riverside choice, with its own car park. Drivers who want character and value gravitate to the Glen Mhor Hotel with its brewstillery and discounted parking, while the cheapest bed with parking is the no-frills Alban and Abbey House near the cathedral. Whichever you pick, everywhere here is within a short walk or drive of Loch Ness, Culloden and the North Coast 500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best area to stay in Inverness?
It depends on your priorities. The east bank around Church Street is central and lively, close to restaurants and live music, but parking is off-site. The west and north banks are quieter and greener and this is where you find hotels and guesthouses with their own parking.
Which Inverness hotels have parking?
Ness Walk and Alban and Abbey House have on-site parking, Haste Ye Back has private parking, and the Glen Mhor Hotel offers discounted city-centre parking. The central River Ness Hotel and Hootananny have no on-site parking, so drivers there use a nearby multi-storey.
What is the best hotel in Inverness for a special occasion?
Ness Walk is the city’s five-star hotel, with individually designed suites, an acclaimed restaurant and a celebrated afternoon tea — the natural pick for an anniversary or milestone. The Glen Mhor Hotel is a characterful step down in price.
Is Inverness a good base for the Highlands?
Yes. Inverness sits close to Loch Ness, Culloden and the start of the North Coast 500, and dolphin-spotting trips run from nearby. It is the natural overnight base for touring the northern Highlands by car or on small-group tours.