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The Royal Highland Hotel

Station Square 18 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1LG Scotland
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Traveller (1120)
Room & Suite (259)
Dining (99)

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About

#34 of 38 hotels in Inverness
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
The Royal Highland Hotel is the oldest hotel in the centre of the Highland capital, Inverness. In 2000, the property was carefully restored, retaining its unique character associated with the bygone age. As soon as you enter the hotel you will appreciate this. In the foyer the grand staircase, the inspiration for the Titanic's staircase, leads to the 84 spacious refurbished bedrooms - all with very high ceilings. The decor is rich with traditional furniture and deep colours. The rooms all have soft furnishings and antique style furniture. The excellent bathrooms are generally medium to large in size. For over 151 years, the hotel has been looking after travellers from all over the world. Perhaps its popularity stems from the fact the hotel is a grand place to stay. Large bedrooms, large lounge areas, quiet meeting rooms, good food, prime location and friendly staff all play their part. All local amenities close to hand, but within a 5 minute drive you are out into the dramatic Highlands. Lochness is only 7 miles from the hotel.
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Property amenities
Parking
Free internet
Bar / lounge
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Taxi service
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Baggage storage
Wifi
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Meeting rooms
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Desk
Housekeeping
Room service
Safe
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Telephone
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
Historic Hotel
Languages Spoken
English
2,801Reviews29Q+A100Room tips

Reviews
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traveller281 wrote a review 13 Mar
Scotland224 contributions165 helpful votes
We had booked through a third party website & not realised it was a set deal so pleasantly surprised when we checked in to find the stay included continental breakfast for both days & a 2 course meal in the restaurant for dinner. The room we were allocated was a great size - large double bed, two chairs to sit on & a bath/ shower. Room was very cosy ( for us, we switched heating off overnight as I was too warm) but the whole hotel felt super cosy. Reception staff were lovely, especially the young lady with fair hair who was very helpful. The breakfast was nice - plenty choice & always being replenished. The evening meal was also very nice - staff seemed disinterested sadly but everyone has bad days. As some have said, the hotel is old and like most of us, is showing its age - but the front staircase is beautiful as are the tiled walls on the staircase and , for me, the splendour is still there albeit not as it once was. But taking into account the great location, the staff, all the old nods to a more genteel age ( such as an ironing room, a shoe polisher & a porters lodge!) , we would definitely recommend and return ( this was actually our second visit though the first was some years ago) and if arriving by train especially, location is fantastic.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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John D wrote a review 10 Mar
10 contributions3 helpful votes
The location is excellent but the hotel is dated and badly needs modernisation. The breakfast was basic but fine. The shower in the room was awful. The water was luke warm and just dripped out. Not enough pressure. The staff on reception did not seem genuinely interested about this flaw. I’ll avoid this place next time.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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SusanWGala wrote a review 10 Mar
Rosemarkie, United Kingdom9 contributions3 helpful votes
I tried to raise some issues with reception staff but received a very hostile response. Quote: "I don't make the policies, I only implement them". No reply to an email sent, very poor customer service. I definitely would not recommend this hotel.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Andrew Charlton wrote a review 10 Mar
Morpeth, United Kingdom13 contributions13 helpful votes
A traditional highland grand hotel with impressive lobby and entry and super handy for the city. Clean and comfortable but very tired rooms, bathrooms have seen much better days and a bit of a dismal decor theme to the rooms. Fair price and decent but not something you'd hurry back to our choose for a leisure break given a choice.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip: Parking is tricky, private car park to rear expensive and 24 7 fees
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Leslie E wrote a review 9 Mar
1 contribution
My company booked a room with evening meal and breakfast. Went to dining room at 19:00 after booking a table with reception for that time. The waiter asked me if I had a voucher??? not sure what a voucher was. I was seated and nobody came near for 10 mins and then they took the order. Finished the entrée before anyone asked again about the drink.Halfway through the main course before the drink arrived. When the bill arrived I signed a receipt to book it to my room. Waiter returns with the receipt some minutes later and asked for cash as wouldn't accept room receipt. I had already given him a cash tip as didnt want it showing on the receipt which was for my company. An impasse over the bill payment and the maître d telephoned reception and finally agreed to accept payment method. Other diners looking on probably thought I was trying to con them. Never ever will I go to this hotel. Still not sure what the 'vouchers' they wanted were and not interested in finding out. The hotel itself was passable but the next door room had a dog which was barking all night long. Not a happy experience which was made worse by the dining room staff
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Very central and next to the railway station so can easily find alternative restaurant
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Jean G wrote a review Feb 2024
Slaithwaite, United Kingdom26 contributions29 helpful votes
Brilliant location right next to the railway station. Lovely big comfortable room with everything needed for a perfect stay. Continental breakfast included which was plentiful and tasty. We also had a 2 course evening meal included which was really nice, The staircase is amazing. This was my second stay there and definitely won’t be the last
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Room 230 is lovely
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Janice Smith, Revenue Management at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thank you so much for the kind review - we are delighted to serve you and would look forward to welcome you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Nicola H wrote a review Feb 2024
12 contributions3 helpful votes
Beautiful lobby and staircase, rooms very poor in comparison, needs alot of tlc and attention to bring the rooms up to an acceptable standard. Breakfast felt like it was being served in a school hall with no atmosphere extremely disappointed with are stay after high expectations.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Janice Smith, Revenue Management at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thanks you for the time taken for the review and we apologise for any inconveneince. We have noted your observations very carefully and would take corrective action wherever necessary. Apologises once again and we would look forwrad to get another opportunity to welcome you.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Peggy1401 wrote a review Feb 2024
Lanark, United Kingdom94 contributions21 helpful votes
This was my first visit to this hotel. We had an Itison voucher with dinner one night and cocktail on arrival. The room was clean and comfortable but a bit tired. Restaurant was really nice and the food was average. The hotel is in a great location for train/bus stations and handy for shopping centre. Staff all friendly and helpful apart from one bar/restaurant waiter. We enjoyed our visit, apart from the lack of hot water for the shower......both mornings it was tepid. However I would return and recommend for price and location........
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Janice Smith, Revenue Management at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 3 weeks ago
Thank you for the kind review. we have noted your observations very carefully and shall definitely act on the points mentionned. Wwe would be delighted to have you back.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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CBTherapist wrote a review Feb 2024
South Wales45 contributions45 helpful votes
Nice hotel. Reasonable cost for three night stay. Grand staircase . Room a little dated but clean and beds were comfy. Don’t ask bar staff for an Irish coffee at 10.05pm though, you will be told coffee machine is off and then you will be asked if you are a resident. When said we were, it didn’t make any difference . Tough machine is off!
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Janice Smith, Revenue Management at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you for the review and we apologise for any inconvenience. We have noted your observation very carefully and will initiate necessary corrective action. We apologise once again and would look forward to welcome you back.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Char wrote a review Feb 2024
London, United Kingdom4 contributions1 helpful vote
A very well appointed and comfortable hotel. Location is excellent- right next to the railway station and moments to the centre of Inverness. Seeing that iconic staircase upon arrival was a genuine pleasure! The rooms are comfortable, warm, and clean. Walls are relatively thin but I slept well. It’s an old building so to be expected. Only minor issue is the price of the food in the Ash restaurant. But the price of the room itself for two nights was incredibly reasonable, so no real complaints. Staff were friendly and helpful. Biscuits in the room which were replenished by the very sweet cleaning crew was also much appreciated! Overall a very pleasant experience and a hotel I would definitely recommend.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Parking would be an issue if travelling by car (if coming by train it’s ideal).
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Janice Smith, Revenue Management at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you for the kind review and we would look forward to welcome you back.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
£47 - £83 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
royal highland inverness, hotel royal highland
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandScottish HighlandsInverness
NUMBER OF ROOMS
86
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE ROYAL HIGHLAND HOTEL - Updated 2024 Reviews (Inverness)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Royal Highland Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Royal Highland Hotel?
Nearby attractions include The Malt Room (0.1 miles), River Ness (0.2 miles), and North Coast 500 (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Royal Highland Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast buffet.
What food & drink options are available at The Royal Highland Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at The Royal Highland Hotel?
Yes, parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Royal Highland Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Milk Bar, River House Restaurant, and Miele's Gelateria.
Is The Royal Highland Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.4 miles away from the centre of Inverness.
Are pets allowed at The Royal Highland Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does The Royal Highland Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Are there any historical sites close to The Royal Highland Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Inverness Castle Viewpoint (0.2 miles), Inverness Town House (0.1 miles), and Market Cross (1.7 miles).
Is The Royal Highland Hotel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.