Where to Stay in the Scottish Highlands? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

The Scottish Highlands are where you can drive beside dark lochs, watch clouds hanging over the mountains and finish the day in a small pub. But choose a hotel in the wrong location and you can quickly add hours behind the wheel. Distances on a map only tell part of the story.

So where should you stay in the Scottish Highlands? I’d choose your base around the places that matter most to you: the mountains around Glencoe, Loch Ness near Inverness or the Isle of Skye.

Here are six good places to stay, with hotels to suit different budgets and itineraries.

The Best Areas in the Scottish Highlands

• Inverness – best base for first-time visitors and trips without a car
• Fort William – best base for Ben Nevis and an active holiday
• Glencoe and Ballachulish – best area for mountains and a peaceful hotel stay
• Aviemore – best base for families and the Cairngorms
• Portree on the Isle of Skye – best base for several days on Skye
• Ullapool – best base for the north-western Highlands

Below, I’ll cover the six bases, their advantages and drawbacks, and the hotels I’d consider in each area. That should make it easier to plan a route with overnight stops that work together.

1. Inverness – best base for first-time visitors and trips without a car 🏰

• 📍 Distance to the centre: The recommended hotels are in the centre or beside the River Ness, close to the centre.
• 🚕 Transport: Trains and long-distance coaches make Inverness a practical base. You can walk around the centre and join organised excursions.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 20 to 30 minutes by car from Inverness Airport, depending on traffic.
• 💰 Price range: You’ll find options from €€ to €€€, with a wider choice of hotel types than in the small villages.
• 👮 Safety: Take the usual care around nightlife and plan your transport back from trips outside the city.

Inverness is my first choice for an easy start to a Highlands holiday. It has a railway station, a bus station, restaurants and a proper city centre where you can go out for dinner without starting the car. You’ll appreciate that if much of the rest of your trip involves small country roads.

You can spend a relaxed day walking along the River Ness, stopping at the Victorian Market and continuing to the Ness Islands. Loch Ness makes an obvious day trip, and the city also works as a starting point for visits to Culloden and other places in the eastern Highlands.

I’d prioritise a hotel within walking distance of the river or the centre. A cheap room on the outskirts is less appealing if taxis eat up the savings and you lose the freedom to head out for a spontaneous dinner. With a hire car, check the hotel’s parking arrangements before comparing prices.

See hotels in Inverness here

Inverness works particularly well without a car. You can arrive by train and arrange trips around the city. Choose the specific excursions before booking a whole week, though. Having a railway station doesn’t mean every loch, walking trail and viewpoint is easy to reach by public transport.

From the airport, you can travel by bus or train. The airport station is some distance from the terminal, so taking the train also involves a walk or a connecting journey. You can check the options on the airport’s transport page once you know your arrival time.

I’d allow two or three nights here on a touring holiday. For Glencoe’s mountains or several days on Skye, I’d change hotels along the way. Inverness is a practical city base, but you’ll have more time outdoors if your accommodation follows your route.

Places to Stay in Inverness

Ness Walk – best luxury choice beside the river

Ness Walk sits beside the River Ness and suits a stay combining the city’s restaurants with a quieter hotel setting. You’ll get five-star comfort, a restaurant and rooms with different views of the gardens or river.

I’d pay extra for a room category with the view you actually want, instead of expecting every room to face the water.

A guest on Booking.com writes: “The staff were very helpful and attentive.”

See photos and book Ness Walk here.

AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness – modern hotel with a restaurant and gym

AC Hotel is a good choice if you prefer modern, air-conditioned rooms and a hotel where you can also eat and work out. Its location makes it easy to combine walks around the city with trips from Inverness.

The hotel charges for parking, so add that cost to the room rate when comparing it with other places.

A previous guest describes their stay like this: “I loved the room’s layout and decor.”

See photos and book AC Hotel Inverness here.

River Ness Hotel – central choice close to restaurants and shops

River Ness Hotel is on Church Street in the city centre, close to the Victorian Market. The rooms have air conditioning, and the hotel has a restaurant, bar and gym.

I’d choose it for a couple of nights when location and convenience matter more than extensive hotel grounds with a garden.

One Booking.com guest says: “The room was spacious and comfortable.”

See photos and book River Ness Hotel here.

2. Fort William – best base for Ben Nevis and an active holiday 🥾

• 📍 Distance to the centre: The hotels are in the centre or along the roads into town. Check the address, as Fort William is used for a wider area.
• 🚕 Transport: The town has a railway station, buses and taxis. A car gives you more freedom for walks and day trips.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 3 to 3½ hours by car from Glasgow Airport as a planning estimate.
• 💰 Price range: Expect €€ to €€€. Summer is expensive, particularly for central hotels and accommodation with a view.
• 👮 Safety: Mountain weather can change quickly. Choose a walking route to suit your experience and the conditions, rather than a beautiful photograph.

Fort William is the base I’d choose for a holiday where walking boots are the most important item in your luggage. The town sits on Loch Linnhe, with Glen Nevis, Ben Nevis and Nevis Range nearby. There are shops and places to eat, too, so sorting out the practical details needn’t become a project every evening.

It’s a useful holiday base rather than somewhere I’d choose purely for pretty streets. The appeal is having nature and everyday conveniences close together. After a wet day outdoors, it’s good to buy anything you need, get a hot meal and return to a nearby hotel.

Stay around High Street if you’d like to walk to dinner. Hotels along the loch can offer better views, but check the route into the centre on a map. A Fort William address doesn’t automatically mean a five-minute walk to the pub, particularly if the hotel is further south.

See hotels in Fort William here

You can also use the town for trips towards Glenfinnan and Mallaig. Regular trains let you experience the route without driving; check specialist tourist trains and their departures separately. VisitScotland’s guide to Fort William is a good place to start planning activities.

I’d give Fort William at least two nights, preferably three if you have a particular walk in mind. You’ll then be able to move the most demanding day if the forecast is poor. That’s a real advantage over having just one morning for the walk you’ve been looking forward to.

My advice is to choose Fort William for its location and be selective about the hotel. A good room and a comfortable bed matter more here than a long list of facilities you won’t use.

Places to Stay in Fort William

The Garrison – best central choice with unusual rooms

The Garrison is on High Street in a former police station, with both regular hotel rooms and converted cells with bunk beds. It’s a fun option, but the room categories offer very different stays.

Choose a regular room if space and private comfort matter more than the building’s prison history. Parking is limited, so you may need to use public spaces.

A guest on Booking.com writes: “The room was lovely and the bed was comfortable.”

See photos and book The Garrison here.

Nevis Bank Inn – good choice for spacious rooms beside the river

Nevis Bank Inn sits beside the River Nevis and has large rooms with private bathrooms. It suits active days out and gives you more space for bags and equipment when you get back.

I’d compare it with the central hotels if you don’t need to stay right on High Street.

A previous guest describes their stay like this: “There was plenty of wardrobe space.”

See photos and book Nevis Bank Inn here.

Cruachan Hotel – good combination of loch views and proximity to the centre

Cruachan faces Loch Linnhe, and Booking.com lists it as around a five-minute walk from the centre. That gives you a practical combination of views at the hotel and the option to walk into town in the evening.

Choose a room category with a loch view if that’s part of your reason for booking. The location alone doesn’t guarantee a view from every room.

One Booking.com guest says: “Breakfast was excellent.”

See photos and book Cruachan Hotel here.

3. Glencoe and Ballachulish – best area for mountains and a peaceful hotel stay ⛰️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Glencoe is a small village. Hotels are also spread around Loch Leven and neighbouring Ballachulish.
• 🚕 Transport: A car is useful between your hotel, restaurants and trails. Long-distance coaches connect the area with Glasgow, Fort William and other towns.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 2 to 2½ hours by car from Glasgow Airport without lengthy stops.
• 💰 Price range: Expect €€ to €€€. Small hotels with good views can be expensive in summer.
• 👮 Safety: Plan mountain walks around the weather and use proper car parks instead of the roadside along the A82.

Glencoe is my choice if you want to step outside and feel that you’re in the Highlands. The mountains dominate here, and the area suits a holiday of walks, short drives to viewpoints and evenings where the hotel is part of the experience. There’s less town life than in Fort William.

It helps to distinguish between Glencoe’s valley and the village itself. The valley runs between the mountains, while the village sits beside Loch Leven. Several hotels worth considering are by the water around Ballachulish. I’ve included them here because they make a good base for the same outdoor trips.

I’d look at the view, restaurant and room category before sorting hotels by price. After a tiring day outdoors, it’s good to be able to eat where you’re staying. A slightly cheaper bed can become less appealing when dinner means another drive.

See hotels around Glencoe here

The area works well for couples and anyone who wants several days around the same mountains. The Three Sisters are a famous sight in the glen, but your trip doesn’t have to consist entirely of major hikes. Choose activities to suit everyone in your group and leave room for a shorter day.

I’d book at least two nights so a late arrival doesn’t leave you with just one morning in the area. On an active holiday, an extra night also gives you the chance to wait for better weather.

I’d choose Fort William if a wide choice of restaurants and easier public transport were higher priorities. Glencoe works best when you’re deliberately choosing peace and a particular setting. On a short touring holiday, you can choose just one of these two bases instead of changing hotels every night.

Places to Stay near Glencoe

Glencoe House – best luxury choice for spacious suites

Glencoe House has suites in the main building and separate lodges, so choose the right accommodation type when booking. Set in private gardens, it suits a stay where you want time at the hotel itself.

I’d choose it for a few peaceful days as a couple, with space and surroundings forming part of the holiday.

A guest on Booking.com writes: “It was very clean and comfortable.”

See photos and book Glencoe House here.

The Isles of Glencoe Hotel – good hotel right beside Loch Leven

The Isles of Glencoe sits on a peninsula on Loch Leven near Ballachulish. The location is the main reason to choose this hotel: you can stay beside the water with mountains as the backdrop to a peaceful break.

I’d check the view from the specific room category, as photographs of the hotel’s surroundings don’t show what you’ll see from every room.

A previous guest describes their stay like this: “Lovely rooms and fantastic staff.”

See photos and book The Isles of Glencoe Hotel here.

The Ballachulish Hotel – traditional hotel with a restaurant and loch views

The Ballachulish Hotel has welcomed guests since 1877 and overlooks Loch Linnhe. Its restaurant serves dishes including fish and seafood, so you can stay at the hotel for dinner.

I’d choose it for a traditional hotel stay and compare room views and meals with the other hotels around Glencoe.

One Booking.com guest says: “The room was a good size.”

See photos and book The Ballachulish Hotel here.

4. Aviemore – best base for families and the Cairngorms 🌲

• 📍 Distance to the centre: The recommended places are in Aviemore or towards the southern end of town.
• 🚕 Transport: Aviemore has a railway station and bus connections. You can walk between many restaurants and use a car or bus for excursions.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 50 to 65 minutes by car from Inverness Airport.
• 💰 Price range: Expect €€ to €€€. School holidays and other popular periods have a noticeable effect on prices.
• 👮 Safety: Woodland trails and high mountain routes need different preparation. Choose walks to suit the weather and everyone in the family.

Aviemore is my top choice for families who want an outdoor holiday with more options than long mountain walks. You’re in the Cairngorms National Park and can combine forest walks, cycling and day trips with a town that has places to eat and shop. That makes it easier to adjust your plans as you go.

The town is also a sensible choice without a hire car. There’s a railway station in the centre, and buses give you access to parts of the surrounding area. You’ll still need to check that the activities you have in mind fit the timetables. I’d choose a central hotel to avoid needing extra transport for every dinner or shopping trip.

Around Aviemore, you’ll find shorter walks close to town, activities in the forests and trips towards Loch Morlich. It’s a different sort of holiday from staying beside an isolated loch with a single plan for the day. With children, I’d choose two good activities and leave the rest open.

See hotels in Aviemore here

Aviemore isn’t the base I’d choose for Skye or Glencoe. It makes most sense if the Cairngorms are actually on your list. I’d stay at least two or three nights, so it becomes more than a quick stop between the airport and a completely different part of Scotland.

You’ll find ideas and transport information in the official guide to Aviemore. It includes local trails and activities such as the Strathspey Railway and visits to the park’s reindeer. Check age requirements, access and reservations for each activity before promising the children a particular experience.

For accommodation, I’d prioritise practical details such as family-friendly room categories, breakfast options and distance from the station. A small guesthouse can be better value than a large resort if you’ll be out most of the day. If you want a pool or other facilities, make those a deliberate part of your hotel choice.

Places to Stay in Aviemore

Ravenscraig Guest House – best small guesthouse for local advice

Ravenscraig has a garden, a shared lounge and bicycle storage. It suits travellers who prefer a smaller place with help planning their days to a large hotel with lots of facilities.

I’d particularly consider it for an active holiday, where local recommendations can help you choose the right outings.

A guest on Booking.com writes: “She knew both the local area and the wider region well.”

See photos and book Ravenscraig Guest House here.

Cairngorm Hotel – central hotel with a bar and town life around you

Cairngorm Hotel is in the heart of Aviemore and suits a stay where you can walk out for dinner and have a bar at the hotel itself. It’s a practical base for combining days outdoors with easy evenings in town.

I’d ask for a quiet room if you’re sensitive to noise.

A previous guest describes their stay like this: “The room was very quiet at night.”

See photos and book Cairngorm Hotel here.

High Range Hotel – simple, practical choice without breakfast

High Range has spacious rooms and sits beside woodland at the southern end of Aviemore. It’s a room-only stay, so compare the total cost with places that include breakfast.

I’d consider it if you’d rather spend your budget on activities and choose your own breakfast spot.

One Booking.com guest says: “The staff were very friendly and welcoming.”

See photos and book High Range Hotel here.

5. Portree on the Isle of Skye – best base for several days on Skye 🌊

• 📍 Distance to the centre: The hotels are in Portree or within walking distance of the town centre and harbour.
• 🚕 Transport: Buses connect Portree with other parts of Skye and the mainland. A car gives you the most freedom to reach the island’s scattered sights.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 3 to 3½ hours by car from Inverness Airport via the Skye Bridge, before breaks.
• 💰 Price range: Expect €€€ in the busy months. Book early and compare dates if you can.
• 👮 Safety: Drive carefully on narrow roads, keep passing places clear and adjust walks to the wind and visibility.

Portree is my choice when Skye gets several days on the itinerary. The town brings restaurants, shops and hotels together around a harbour lined with colourful buildings, giving you somewhere to return to in the evening. It’s easier to plan a full day on the island when you’re already staying here.

I wouldn’t keep a hotel in Inverness and drive back and forth to Skye for several days in a row. You’ll lose too much time, and a long drive home makes waiting for a break in the clouds less appealing. Two or three nights on the island give you more flexibility.

A hotel close to Portree makes evenings easier. You can park the car and walk to dinner, while somewhere further out may offer more peace and better views. I’d check the exact address carefully here, because a good deal outside town can change how you organise the whole day.

See hotels in Portree here

Skye is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so you don’t need a ferry to get here. Ferry routes are available too, but I’d choose a crossing only once the rest of your route is settled.

My advice is to put fewer stops on your daily itinerary than the map tempts you to. Narrow roads, parking and the visits themselves take time, and the weather often decides which plan works best. You’ll get more from staying flexible than from a minute-by-minute programme from morning to evening.

You can also read my guide to a Scottish road trip through Glencoe and Skye. Portree is one of the bases where I’d book early. Good rooms are limited, and leaving the hotel decision late can force you to stay somewhere completely different on the island.

Places to Stay in Portree

Cuillin Hills Hotel – best choice for views over Portree Bay

Cuillin Hills sits in private gardens above Portree Bay, looking towards the mountains. The hotel lists free parking and a walk of around ten minutes to the centre, so you can combine the views with evenings in town.

I’d choose it for a stay where the hotel is part of the experience and check the room’s view when booking.

A guest on Booking.com writes: “There was free parking and a delicious breakfast.”

See photos and book Cuillin Hills Hotel here.

Marmalade – good choice for a garden and quieter setting

Marmalade occupies a listed building from 1817 and suits travellers who prefer a smaller hotel to a large resort. One guest mentions the garden, parking and the option to walk into town as advantages of staying here.

I’d compare it with Cuillin Hills if you’d like to stay a little away from the harbour.

A previous guest describes their stay like this: “It was a ten-minute walk to the centre of Portree.”

See photos and book Marmalade here.

Bosville Hotel – central hotel with a restaurant by the harbour

Bosville overlooks Portree’s harbour and has the Dulse & Brose restaurant, which uses ingredients from Skye and the Highlands. It suits a stay with the town’s restaurants close by and less time spent travelling in the evening.

I’d consider it as a central alternative to the hotels higher up above town.

One Booking.com guest says: “The room was very comfortable.”

See photos and book Bosville Hotel here.

6. Ullapool – best base for the north-western Highlands ⚓

• 📍 Distance to the centre: The recommended places are in Ullapool, close to or within walking distance of the harbour.
• 🚕 Transport: You can walk around town. Buses connect Ullapool with Inverness, while a car is useful for trips along the coast.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 75 to 90 minutes by car from Inverness Airport, depending on traffic and weather.
• 💰 Price range: Expect €€ to €€€. Small guesthouses add to the options, but the overall choice is limited.
• 👮 Safety: Allow plenty of time on country roads and avoid long drives after dark if you don’t know the route.

Ullapool is my suggestion for a trip towards the north-western coast of the Highlands. This small harbour town on Loch Broom lets you combine a couple of nights’ stay with outings further into the area. It fits best into a touring holiday where the north-west is already part of the plan.

I’d choose Ullapool for the combination of a manageable town and easy access to a road trip further north. You can walk along the water, find somewhere to eat and buy supplies for the next day. It’s a pleasant break between drives through areas where larger service towns can be far apart.

Stay centrally if you want to leave the car in the evening. Some accommodation uses Ullapool as its nearest town but sits some distance outside it. That can work well for the views, provided you’ve decided you’re happy to plan both dinner and shopping around a drive.

See hotels in Ullapool here

Ullapool is also a ferry port with a connection to Stornoway. If you’re continuing to the islands, I’d sort out the crossing before finalising the rest of your hotel plans. You’ll find information about the town and transport on Ullapool’s local tourism website. The harbour is part of everyday life here, as well as somewhere to take photographs.

For a holiday focused mainly on Glencoe, Fort William and Skye, I wouldn’t add Ullapool just to fit in another stop. The extra miles need to be worthwhile. If you have time for the north-western coast, the town is a good place to recharge and stay a couple of nights.

The accommodation includes both hotels and smaller guesthouses, and I’d give the small places serious consideration. Check breakfast, check-in arrangements and parking in particular. A room without breakfast can be good value, but you’ll want to know in advance if you’re planning an early start the next morning.

Places to Stay in Ullapool

The Royal Hotel – good hotel with a restaurant and parking

The Royal Hotel has a restaurant, a terrace and free private parking. Booking.com places it around a five-minute walk from Ullapool Museum, making it a practical choice for a stay in town on a road trip.

I’d consider it if you prefer hotel facilities to a smaller guesthouse.

A guest on Booking.com writes: “The rooms were lovely and clean.”

See photos and book The Royal Hotel here.

Riverside – good guesthouse close to the harbour

Riverside is around 300 metres from the harbour and the ferries to Stornoway. There’s parking, Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities in the rooms.

I’d choose it for a couple of quiet nights close to town, without paying for a large hotel with facilities you don’t need.

A previous guest describes their stay like this: “It was quiet and in a good location.”

See photos and book Riverside here.

Highland Rooms – best simple choice without breakfast

Highland Rooms offers room-only accommodation and free private parking. According to Booking.com, it’s around an eleven-minute walk from Ullapool Museum.

It’s my suggestion for a straightforward overnight stop on a road trip, if you’re happy to find your own café in the morning.

One Booking.com guest says: “A welcoming host, good value and a beautiful house.”

See photos and book Highland Rooms here.

Where Should You Not Stay in the Scottish Highlands?

I’d avoid choosing a single hotel as your base for the whole Highlands. The distances can look manageable on a map, but you risk spending a large part of your holiday driving the same roads back and forth. Skye particularly deserves its own overnight stay if you want several days there.

I’d also be cautious about isolated hotels without restaurants if you’re travelling without a car. A low room rate tells you little about how awkward the stay might be. Check dinner options, shops and transport before booking.

I’d avoid tightly planned arrival days with a long drive after a late flight, too. A simple overnight stay near your arrival city can be better than reaching your first hotel with a view exhausted and in the dark.

For a first trip, I’d let the route decide the hotels: Inverness for Loch Ness and an easy start, Fort William or Glencoe for the western mountains, and Portree for your days on Skye. Aviemore makes sense when the Cairngorms are part of the holiday, while Ullapool suits a journey further north-west.

With a week, I’d normally choose two or three bases instead of trying to stay in all six places. That leaves time to see more than car parks and hotel receptions. Add an extra night where you’ve planned your biggest walk or an activity that needs decent weather.

If you’d like a couple of days in the capital too, my guide to where to stay in Edinburgh can help with that part of the trip. You can put the city break before or after the Highlands, so you don’t need to start with a long day’s drive.

I’d book the most sought-after accommodation first, then fill in the rest of the route. Check cancellation terms and breakfast, and give yourself some breathing space between the big plans. An extra night in the right place is often what makes the holiday better.

Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇

• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers

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