The Best Places to Stay Near Ben Nevis, Scotland

Ever dreamt of staying in a 19th-century Scottish castle? Book into the Inverlochy Castle Hotel to make it a reality. You’ll feel like royalty when you return from the summit of Ben Nevis – particularly when the friendly staff explain how Queen Victoria herself once spent a week holidaying here in 1873. Each of the 17 rooms is decidedly royal in character, with plush furnishings, four-poster beds and views of the hotel’s very own loch. Michel Roux Jr runs the exquisite Inverlochy Castle Hotel restaurant, where the dining chairs and tables were gifted to the estate by the King of Norway.

Scotland is famously associated with whisky – but in the Highlands around Ben Nevis they also know how to make a decent gin. Experience the local gin distillation processes first-hand at the Loch Leven Hotel & Distillery, before tasting up to 50 different gins and 60 different styles of scotch in the hotel’s award-winning Old Ferry Bar. After a few drinks and fine dining overlooking the banks of Loch Leven, you can retire to the classic rooms or luxury glamping pods of this 17th-century coaching house.

The Garrison might just be the most unusual hotel in Fort William: check into this four-star boutique to spend the night behind bars. The Garrison is on the site of Fort William’s old police station, but rather than doing away with the cells, they’ve converted several of them into hotel rooms. Don’t worry, the old cells are now modern and comfortable – though if it’s not for you, book one of their sleek rooms, suites or serviced apartments.

The Lime Tree Hotel is one for the foodies: dining at their multi-award-winning, Michelin-listed restaurant is the real highlight of a stay at this boutique hotel. There are only nine rooms and one cottage to choose from, and there’s no doubt that accommodation fills up quickly with hungry Munro-baggers. Head Chef David Hickman has curated a fresh menu offering Scottish classics for modern palates, while you can choose from gin-cured salmon and highland rabbit broth, to vegan haggis and vegetarian thalis.

Overlooking the banks of the River Nevis, the Nevis Bank Inn offers four-star accommodation in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain peak. You’re just a two-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, and the modern rooms, suites and apartments offer all the comfort you need after a long hike. You’ll have plenty of gourmet hiking fuel, too: the hotel is home to Brown’s restaurant, where the chefs serve up fresh seafood platters, risottos, fish pies and 12oz steaks.

If you’re looking to experience the remoteness of the Scottish Highlands, then check into the family-run Treetops B&B. There are just three rooms to choose from at this B&B, set away from Fort William town centre on the other side of the loch. This means you’ll experience Scotland’s famous hospitality, as the owners Joe and JJ cater to your every need. You’ll wake up to sweeping views over the loch, plus a freshly cooked breakfast, every morning.

History-loving hiker? Ashburn House, a guesthouse dating back to 1876, is one for you. You’ll be staying in a Victorian mansion, and treated royally by the owners Hayley and Trev as you enjoy the home comforts of their luxury bed and breakfast. Ashburn House has just six rooms, and you’ll enjoy views of the loch on one side, and views of Ben Nevis from the other.

If a hearty breakfast is high on your agenda before hiking up Ben Nevis, choose Glentower Lower Observatory. Breakfast is a serious matter here: you’re invited to enjoy home-cooked Scots porridge, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, or a full fry-up with a side of haggis. They’ll even serve a dash of whisky – if you ask. With just three rooms to choose from, expect the finest Scottish hospitality at this guesthouse.