The Best Budget-Friendly Hotels to Book in Inverness

Get great views of the River Ness from the Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa, a top budget hotel in Inverness | Courtesy of Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa / Expedia

Nicholas Grantham

11 December 2020

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Regarded as one of the fastest growing cities in Scotland, Inverness has everything you’d want from a trip north of the wall. With a fascinating place in Scottish history and a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, Inverness offers plenty to discover during your time in the so-called capital of the Highlands. We’ve put together a list of the best cheap hotels in Inverness, all bookable with Culture Trip, so you can get the most out of your budget while here.

Pentahotel Inverness

A stylish industrial-chic bar with dramatic mood lighting and wood floors at Penta Hotels Inverness

Courtesy of Penta Hotels Inverness / Expedia

A fresh take on the hotel scene and one of 27 other Pentahotels across Europe and Asia, Penta Inverness aims to provide a home-from-home experience. The hotel is built around the bar, restaurant and reception area, known as the Pentalounge. With an authentic lounge interior, you might find yourself hard-pressed to leave the premises, as the lounge has a delicious menu, 24-hour bar, pool tables and some of the latest games consoles all for you to enjoy.

Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel

Courtesy of Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel / Expedia

A true blue Scottish hotel, the Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel is one of the most respected hotels in Inverness. Set among the picturesque River Ness, this four-star hotel has plenty for guests to enjoy, including an award-winning restaurant and an alluring piano and whisky bar, serving up more than 260 malt whiskies and featuring live music every night. If that isn’t enough, the hotel is just a short trip to some of the area’s biggest attractions, including Loch Ness, Inverness Castle and Culloden Battlefields.

Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments

Restaurant with sloped, skylit ceilings, wooden tables, leather banquettes and chairs and river views at Glen Mhor Hotel and Apartments

Courtesy of Glen Mhor Hotel and Apartments / Expedia

Built inside 10 former Victorian townhouses, the Glen Mhor is one of the biggest and best budget hotels in Inverness. With a choice of hotel rooms or holiday apartments, the Glen Mhor has plenty of options depending on the type of stay you’re looking for. Each room and apartment comes with a variety of contemporary comforts including a HD flat-screen TV, complimentary wifi and an assortment of luxury toiletries. If you’re looking for something special during your stay, be sure to check out the Waterside Restaurant, which uses locally sourced ingredients for a delicious traditional menu.

Kingsmills Hotel

Courtesy of Kingsmills Hotel / Expedia

With its history dating back to the 18th century, the Kingsmills Hotel is known for its traditional decor and warm Scottish hospitality. Built into a collection of beautiful historic buildings, the hotel was once the residence of the Inglis family and has even hosted the famous Scot Robert Burns. Today the hotel offers guests everything they could wish for, with its in-house facilities including a fully functioning spa, indoor swimming pool and beautifully landscaped gardens. A favourite of golfing fans, the Inverness Golf Club is just a two-minute walk away.

Heathmount Hotel

Hotel

A chic en-suite bedroom in mauve hues with a queen bed, patterned headboard, mirrored wall and plush carpet at the Heathmount

Courtesy of the Heathmount / Expedia

A delightful, family-run guest house just a stone’s throw away from Central Inverness, the Heathmount Hotel prides itself on its independence and locality. Although one of the smaller hotels on the list, the Heathmount makes a point of providing quality over quantity in each of its individually styled rooms, with Sky TV, DVD players and free wifi provided in every room. Outside of its rooms however, the Heathmount is home to an extremely popular in-house restaurant, serving up a collection of pub classics as well as it’s famous breakfast menu.

Blackfriars Inverness

Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel, Budget Hotel

Courtesy of Blackfriars Inverness / Expedia

Originally built over 200 years ago, the Blackfriars has recently been refurbished and provides some of the best budget accommodation in Inverness. With eight beautifully decorated rooms to choose from, each one is named after a chapter in Inverness’ fascinating history, such as the Culloden, named after the famous Highland battlefield just a few miles away. On top of its elegant lodgings, Blackfriars has a superb restaurant, offering dishes created with locally sourced ingredients. If you’re stuck on what to choose from their eclectic menu, go for the baked Scottish Salmon, which is definitely a firm favourite.

The Coo's Guest House

An exterior view of the Victorian villa housing Coo's Guest House on a sunny day

Courtesy of the Coo's Guest House / Expedia

Perfect for either a romantic getaway or a family visit to the city, Coo’s Guest House is an ideal choice for those who want to make the most of their stay in the Highlands. Found in a former Victorian villa, this family-run guest house is within walking distance to the city’s best-known attractions, such as Inverness Castle and the Inverness Museum and Gallery. The hotel is family friendly and includes a complimentary continental breakfast for every guest.

No 29 Inverness Bed & Breakfast

Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel, Budget Hotel

Cosy bedroom with a cushioned headboard, taupe accent wall with artworks and wood furnishings at No 29 Inverness Bed and Breakfast

Courtesy of No 29 Inverness Bed and Breakfast / Expedia

A welcoming bed and breakfast with great links to both the city and the surrounding countryside, No. 29 has been a popular guest house in Inverness since it’s opening in 2013. A preferred accommodation for visitors wanting to make the most of Inverness’ famous golf courses – the Kings Golf Club, Fairway and Inverness Golf Club – No. 29 is just a five-minute drive from all three of them. If you’re looking for more of a sightseeing trip, the guest house is just a short walk to the vibrant city centre and a 25-minute drive to the serene Loch Ness.

Craigmonie Hotel

Dining room with high, sloped wood-beam ceilings, wraparound windows, white-tablecloth tables and tartan armchairs at Craigmonie

Courtesy of Craigmonie / Expedia

First built nearly 150 years ago, the Craigmonie Hotel could still be mistaken for a striking Highland country house. On the inside however, is a beautifully restored hotel offering guests pristine rooms and an all-round relaxing stay. The rooms are carefully crafted, but the complimentary facilities are really what makes the Craigmonie special, with a heated pool, mini gym and sauna all available at no extra cost. A favourite choice for visitors with business in the city, the hotel makes your stay as easy and as hassle free as possible.

Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa

Courtesy of Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa / Expedia

Part of the popular Best Western group of hotels, the Palace Hotel & Spa gives guests that same opulent style and excellent service while remaining one of the best budget hotels in Inverness. First built in the 19th century as a mansion house, the hotel has lost none of that elegance with its rooms and apartments expertly furnished to make the most of the hotel’s history, while offering a truly contemporary experience. If you’re looking for a truly unique stay, maybe try one of the hotel’s period bedrooms, each with a distinct feel that includes high ceilings, riverside or castle views and soft furnishings that really tie the rooms together.

Visiting Scotland on a budget? Check out our guide to the best budget-friendly hotels in Scotland, bookable with Culture Trip. For more great places to stay, check out our pick of the best places to stay in Inverness for a local experience, or the best boutique hotels in Inverness, bookable with Culture Trip. For a more diverse list, try the best hotels in Inverness.

These recommendations were updated on December 11, 2020 to keep your travel plans fresh.

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