The Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Nearby photoThe Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Interior photoThe Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Restaurant photo
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From52US$ /night
Check-in
24May2026Select date
Check-out
25May2026Select 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 city center
Very good
7.8
7.9
/10
2.7
3.5
/5

Rooms & Suites

The Royal Highland Hotel offers 86 bedrooms, each with a character reflecting the original Victorian design. Rooms include traditional furniture and soft furnishings. Options range from cozy single rooms with one single bed and en suite bathroom (shower), to Royal Rooms featuring two Queen or one king-size bed, and an en suite bathroom (bath and shower). In-room amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a room safe, a hairdryer, Freeview Television, a desk, tea and coffee-making facilities and an umbrella.

Drinking & Dining

The Royal Highland Hotel offers traditional and contemporary dining. Ash is a lounge bar and restaurant that serves Scottish Highland and international cuisine made from local ingredients. The Art Gallery Café serves traditional Afternoon Tea, home-baked cakes, pastries, and freshly ground coffee. Breakfast is available from 7 AM to 10 AM on weekdays and 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM on weekends, and offers a continental buffet with cold meats, pastries, and fruits, plus the option to upgrade to a full Scottish breakfast.

Leisure and Entertainment

The Royal Highland Hotel houses an Art Gallery. Entry is free, so visitors can browse at their leisure. The hotel can help to arrange family leisure breaks. Family-friendly activities and attractions around the hotel include the Highland Wildlife Park, the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre in Aviemore, Loch Insh (for sailing, windsurfing, and canoeing), and the Highland Folk Museum.

Location & Transportation

Located in the Highlands of Scotland, The Royal Highland Hotel is 0.5 km from Inverness and 15 km from Inverness Airport. The hotel is near River Ness (0.5 km), Old High St Stephen's Church (0.3 km), Falcon Square (0.3 km) and Inverness Town House (0.3 km). Bus #7 and the Green Line Tram are also nearby.

Services Overview

The Royal Highland Hotel has reception staffed 24/7. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The hotel provides a door bell that connects to the Night Porter. Check-in is from 3 PM, and check-out is at 10:30 AM. The hotel offers loyalty rewards, special deals for returning guests, and advanced notification of news and offers. Well-behaved dogs are allowed in rooms (20.00 per pet, per night, maximum of 2 dogs per room).

“There's a traditional charm to this hotel near Inverness Station, offering an alternative to the usual chains. I appreciate its dedication to Highland hospitality and the art gallery, which speaks to a commitment to culture, while the Titanic-inspired staircase hints at a grander past. It's a solid base for exploring Inverness and Loch Ness, especially for families seeking a taste of Scottish history.”
Hotel logo
Isabella MooreSenior Editorial Director at Petfriendlyhotels
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Select your room type

Cozy rooms, spacious suites, and family-friendly homes, all with flexible cancellation policies & special 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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Facilities

Enjoy premium amenities for a relaxing stay with your pet
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

At The Royal Highland Hotel, dining at Ash offers a delightful fusion of local flavors and international fare in a contemporary yet traditional setting. Guests can unwind in a cozy lounge bar atmosphere while savoring expertly crafted meals that cater to all dietary preferences.
The Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Restaurant photo
The Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Restaurant photo
The Royal Highland Hotel Inverness Restaurant photo

Ash

International with Scottish Highland influences
Ambiance
A cool contemporary lounge bar and restaurant providing a comfortable environment reminiscent of a bygone era, perfect for relaxing and connecting with friends.
Key Offerings
Highlights include a selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, showcasing fresh local ingredients. Signature dishes feature fish from the nearby coast, celebrating the region's rich culinary heritage.
Reservation
Recommended
Lunch and Dinner; hours 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-minute walk
Historic landmark with panoramic views of the city. An ideal spot for history enthusiasts and photography lovers.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
5-minute walk
Showcases Highland history and culture, featuring artifacts and art. Free admission makes it accessible for everyone.
Greig Street Bridge
Greig Street Bridge
8-minute walk
A picturesque bridge offering scenic views of the River Ness, perfect for a leisurely stroll or romantic photos.
Ness Islands
Ness Islands
25 minutes walking
Stunning woodland islands ideal for relaxing walks. Enjoy nature and picnic areas right by the River Ness.
River Ness Kayaking
5-minute drive
Thrilling kayaking excursions on the River Ness. Rentals and guided tours available for all skill levels.
Inverness Botanic Gardens
25-minute walk
Peaceful gardens with varied plant life, perfect for relaxation. Open daily, free entrance ensures easy access.
Cavell Gardens
10-minute walk
Charming gardens featuring vibrant flora and scenic paths, ideal for quiet walks and family picnics.
Milk Bar
Milk Bar
1-minute walk
Trendy café known for its milkshakes and light bites. Casual atmosphere with vegetarian-friendly options.
Cafe Victoria
Cafe Victoria
2-minute walk
Welcoming café offering homemade dishes, cakes, and fresh coffee. Ideal for breakfast or a cozy lunch.
The Rendezvous Cafe
The Rendezvous Cafe
4-minute walk
Casual eatery serving hearty meals. Perfect spot for families, with gluten-free options available.
Eden Court Inverness
Eden Court Inverness
14-minute walk
The primary venue for performances, from theater to film. Weekly events make it a vibrant cultural hub.
The Hootananny
10-minute walk
Lively pub offering live music and traditional Scottish performances. A fun night out for all ages.
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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Royal Highland Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Royal Highland Hotel stands out with its fabulous Victorian architecture and a stunning entrance hall, offering guests a taste of royal elegance. Its location is convenient, right next to the train station and a short walk from the bus station, making it ideal for travelers exploring Inverness. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and good showers, while the continental breakfast provides a satisfying start to the day, though some have noted that more variety would be welcome. Dining at the ASH restaurant is a highlight for many, offering a good menu.
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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
Train station proximity
Welcoming staff
Central base
Evening meal
Polite staff
Cons
Bathroom issues
Shower problems
Rude receptionist
Noisy street
Guest reviews
based on 2515 reviews
7.5/10
based on 2683 reviews
3.5/5
based on 4176 reviews
7.8/10
Elliot from United Kingdom
Couple
Cozy Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 18, 2026
9.2/10

Central Location with Cosy Ambiance

train stationbus stationtitanic staircasepolite staff
The hotel sits close to both the train and bus stations. This makes it easy to explore. The pick-up point for tours is about five minutes by foot. The entrance is beautiful, with a staircase reminiscent of the Titanic. I appreciated that. The staff was very polite, especially in the kitchen. The location is convenient, placing the main shopping area within a ten-minute walk.
The lift was not working which affected getting around the hotel with luggage
Rooms
9/10
Our room featured comfortable bedding and a cosy feel. The room was warm and clean. I found the room space to be sufficient. It met my needs well. The decor had a historic charm.
Dining
8/10
The continental breakfast was good, especially the coffee, I enjoyed that! The selection included porridge, something I liked. Breakfast took place in a large, lovely hall. The staff were very polite in the kitchen area.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel has a grand staircase in the lobby that wowed me. The hotel's historic architecture contributed to a charming atmosphere. There are quality shops nearby to enjoy. That's great. The hotel's central location offers easy access to many pubs.
Service
10/10
The staff were friendly upon arrival. Staff were professional and very helpful, too. I felt the service was good. The staff was attentive. I was greeted warmly.
Location
10/10
The hotel is situated right by the train station. I really liked this convenience. The bus station is also nearby for easy access. You can easily walk to the main shopping area in about ten minutes. This is a great base for exploring!
0 Helpful
|
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Chris from United Kingdom
Single
Cozy Single Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 20, 2025
7/10

Adequate Stay Near the Station

ideal locationlovely roomslippery floorrude staff
The location suited my needs. It was literally next door to the railway station. The room was a lovely traditional English room with plenty of room.
I found the bathroom floor very slippery. The shower head looked like it had seen better days. the rude staff during the day was not ideal.
0 Helpful
Aiden from Ireland
Single
Classic Double or Twin Room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:July 27, 2025
8/10
great locationspacious room
The hotel's location is great. It stands right next to the train station. I also found the lobby to have beautiful decor. My room was spacious. The bed was large.
The room windows do not block outside sounds much.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Royal Highland Hotel
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Royal Highland Hotel?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
What is the distance from The Royal Highland Hotel to Inverness Railway Station?
The hotel is located just 50 meters from Inverness Railway Station.
What dining options are available at The Royal Highland Hotel?
The hotel features The Ash Restaurant, which serves an à la carte menu, and the Gallery Café, offering traditional meals.
How far is The Royal Highland Hotel from the nearest airport?
The hotel is 15 km from Inverness Airport, which is a 15-minute drive away.
What amenities are available in the rooms at The Royal Highland Hotel?
Rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, central heating, and include private bathrooms.
Is there internet access at The Royal Highland Hotel?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What nearby attractions can guests visit while staying at The Royal Highland Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Inverness Castle (0.5 km), Loch Ness (approximately 15 km), and Culloden Battlefield (8 km).
What relaxation facilities are offered at The Royal Highland Hotel?
The hotel features a shared lounge, garden terrace, and ski storage for guests.
Are there any local restaurants near The Royal Highland Hotel?
Local restaurants include Platform 8 (0.5 km), Pizza Express (0.5 km), and The Mustard Seed Restaurant (0.5 km).

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room