The Royal Highland Hotel
Station Square 18 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1LG Scotland
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US$79
Fully refundable before 01/04/23
US$90
US$105
US$71
SuperTravelUS$76
ZenHotels.comUS$105
Trip.comUS$81
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About
#34 of 37 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
Dry cleaning
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
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
Historic Hotel
Languages Spoken
English
Location
100Great for walkers
Grade: 100 out of 100
136Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
66Attractionswithin 0.5 km
Contact
Station Square 18 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1LG Scotland
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The hotel location is very good. Staff welcoming and helpful. The ornate decor is quite tremendous and the central staircase magnificent however there it ends. The furniture is threadbare and very much in need of new upholstery. The paintwork is flaky and tired. Our partners lager pints had to be returned twice to be filled to the top or you were paying over the odds for a 3/4 pint. Bottle wine overpriced and not doing hotel itself any favours as similar and other drinks much less in other venues therefore taking our custom elsewhere. It is the first time I have had to cater for my own breakfast. Albeit the continental selection was good but having to set your own table for cutlery and napkins is terrible. At least make it a bit more welcoming. The price paid for two nights did not reflect the stay or service provided. Felt like self-catering but at hotel prices. Unless hotel is given a complete overhaul I would not be returning or recommending.…
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Paying for drinks, go elsewhere
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded yesterday
Thank you for taking time for the review and we apologise for any inconvenience. We have noted your observations very carefully and would initiate corrective actions wherever necessary. We would look forward to welcome you back whenevr you are next in Inverness.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is an absolute gem of an hotel. Look beyond the slightly care worn edges and marvel at the ornate ceilings, the spectacular staircase and the wide corridors. The hotel staff are lovely and helpful. Yes the hotel needs a sympathetic update and it may not be the most modern and efficient, but it's faded beauty surpass all these minor points (in my opinion). We stayed for two nights in February and the location could not have been better. Right next door to the train station (but no noise from the trains) and a 5 minute walk from the bus station. Absolutely no need for a car if you book a bus tour to see the surrounding area. Inverness itself is a friendly city and all in all we had a lovely time there.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip 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.
Helpful
Stuckforwurdz wrote a review 10 Mar
Dumfries and Galloway, United Kingdom81 contributions58 helpful votes
Could not be move conveniently located for central Inverness sitting proudly beside the railway station. It was a privilege to enjoy this hotel’s Victorian splendour and huge, comfy, well priced room - however - the breakfast let the place down badly. We paid extra for the cooked offering but cannot recommend it. This was so at odds with everything else in the hotel so we were puzzled and disappointed.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip 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.
Helpful
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded yesterday
Thank you for taking time for the review and we apologise for any inconvenience. We have noted your observations very carefully and would initiate corrective actions wherever necessary. We would look forward to welcome you back whenevr you are next in Inverness.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Arrived found a parking spot ( only 20 or so for the full hotel ) receptionist MITHU wasn't the friendliest we were told that breakfast was continental ( although booking .com had said we had an upgraded room and a free breakfast ) so we paid an extra £14 for a cooked breakfast.....I contacted booking.com and they contacted the hotel we were given the worse room i have ever seen 120 look out the window and it's the railway station platform!!! Right out side the room window we went to see Mithu who does speak that good English and said we were suppose to of had an upgraded room .....that fell on deaf ears .....the room is dark and dingy old fashioned scruffy ...... so we went out in the car for a meal couldn't stay in this depressing room longer than we needed too got back just after 9pm no where to park so my husband went in and asked to be told by Mithu " there is a multi story carpark about a 2 minute drive no way am I leaving my car there and walking around with suitcases so I have parked in a space that isn't a parking space blocking 2 cars in one of the owners was just coming into the hotel so I went out with her she showed me her car and she is leaving after us I don't know who the 2nd car belongs too ask Mithu she wasn't interested she said " I HAVE BEEN RINGING YOUR ROOM BUT YOU WENT OUT !!!!" booking .com had contacted the hotel to say we should of had a full breakfast.......so I asked Mithu for a refund for the £14 we paid and she said we hadn't paid any extra????? I said you took it off my card this afternoon??? My husband produced the card she had wrote on and she said it had been refunded to my card ? Not sure this is the case don't bother staying here I asked to speak to a manager she just ignored me totally but said she will ring the room if I have to move my car I told her it better not be early hours in the morning she just picked up a phone and started to speak to someone in her own language …
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip 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.
Helpful
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thank you for the revuiew and we apologise for any inconvenience. Your observations are noted by us carefully and corrective steps would be initiated wherever applicable. 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.
The bed springs were sticking up we paid for breakfast but not get informed on want tme it was first ngt we got there told we could not have dinner cos there were coach parties in second ngt we booked at table for vanatine then again we were told no room in restaurant so we had 2 eat in bar food was cold when it did arrive and had too ask for cutlery as too say were was not pleased with our stay
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded yesterday
Thank you for taking time for the review and we apologise for any inconvenience. We have noted your observations very carefully and would initiate corrective actions wherever necessary. We would look forward to welcome you back whenevr you are next in Inverness.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The staff were very friendly and welcoming, great central location and limited free parking. Lovely foyer area. Sadly, the room was very tired, shabby. Old wallpaper lifting off the wall, paint chipped and peeling. Radiators and controls heavy with dust. Room was warm and shower was good with plenty hot water. Bed and breakfast meant bed and continental breakfast which had a very poor selection and ‘cheap’ items. Disappointing as the room was certainly not like the photos on the advertisements. Such a prime location, old building with beautiful old features.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 3 weeks ago
Thank you for the kind review and apologises for any shortcomings. We are going through a total redecoration of the few rooms that require this - in a phased way - and we are confident that you will find a very refreshed Royal Highland experience during your next visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have stayed at the Royal Highland Hotel numerous times over the last few years. However, sadly, standards have slipped. We had dinner in the Ash restaurant, the starter was nice but the main course - fish and chips was awful. The batter on the fish was soggy, it had obviously been reheated and the chips were clearly frozen and had not been cooked for long enough. The rooms, like the rest of the hotel are in dire need of upgrading. On our arrival we were informed by the receptionist that housekeeping would not change towels and if we wanted fresh towels we would have to ask for them. We were there for two nights and the bins in the room and bathroom were not emptied during our stay. The white nylon curtains in the room were grey with age. Our stay included a continental breakfast which was average. On the first morning we paid an extra £7 each for a cooked breakfast which was lukewarm and the food was very poor quality. The staff in the breakfast room were very pleasant and helpful as was the lady on reception with blond hair and glasses. Our stay was definitely not as pleasurable as in the past and sadly I doubt very much if we would return unless big changes were made.…
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Date of stay: February 2023
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 15 Feb 2023
Thank you for the kind review and we apologise for any inconvenience. We have noted your observations very carefully and will initiate corrective actions wherever necessary. Thank you once again 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.
We had intended to stay in April, but found the online booking system rather confusing. In addition, although the hotel website guaranteed the cheapest rates, other booking sites advertised considerably cheaper. When I enquired directly with the hotel via email I received a quick reply and was quoted a good rate with an offer to complete the booking via email. I replied the same day asking to go ahead - and heard nothing. After four days I wrote again, confirming that we wanted to make the booking - and heard nothing. I wrote again another four days later and received a reply stating that they no longer had any rooms available. I wonder if they deliberately stalled for so long in the hope/expectation that they would be able to get a more lucrative booking.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip 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.
Helpful
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 15 Feb 2023
Thank you for the review and we apologise for any inconvenience. We shall definitely investigate the matter so that corrective action - if any required - can be initiated. It may not be out of place to mention that you will always get the best rates if booked through our own website - though the rates and /or availbility can vary on a day to day basis. We look forward to offer our hispitality to you in the nesr future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Had a lovely two night stay in the Royal Highland Hotel. It’s the perfect location just next to the train station and on the door step of the city centre The hotel (although older and dated) is spotlessly clean and the staff are warm, welcoming and very friendly. Our room was large and very very comfortable. Again, a lick of paint would definitely make it look better but the hotel is obviously spending a great deal of time and effort ensuring that hygiene and cleanliness is their priority. We had a lovely afternoon tea and the portions were absolutely perfect. We also dined on the first night in Ash restaurant. The food was delicious. The breakfast had a good selection but would have been made better if there had been choice of more fruit. The only fruit available were apples. The cooked breakfast was great and a wonderful way to start the day. All in all a wonderful visit and we will definitely return.…
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip 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.
Helpful
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 15 Feb 2023
Thank you very much for your kind review and Team Royal Highland would look forwrad to welcome you back.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
As you enter the hotel it looks very impressive and reception were friendly and efficient. Our room was large, comfortable and a nice modern bathroom. There was a very large double bed which was actually 2 singles pushed together and there was the problem. There was no mattress topper to cover the join between the beds and the duvet seemed too small for the size of the bed. The result was a very uncomfortable night. The rooms are single glazed and very cold although heating is provided. If you are bringing a car, there is only around 6 spaces available. The restaurant seemed quite expensive but there is lots of pubs and eating places around. We returned to the hotel around 10 to find the bar shut although the night porter did fetch us a drink. The price we paid was very reasonable and we would have really enjoyed our stay were it not for the uncomfortable bed.…
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 15 Feb 2023
Thank you for the kind review and we apologise for any inconvenience. We have noted your observations very carefully and will initiate corrective actions wherever necessary. Thank you once again 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.
PRICE RANGE
US$59 - US$120 (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
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Claim Your ListingTHE ROYAL HIGHLAND HOTEL: UPDATED 2023 Reviews, Price Comparison and 1,263 Photos (Inverness, Scotland) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about The Royal Highland Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Royal Highland Hotel?
Nearby attractions include The Malt Room (0.2 km), North Coast 500 (0.3 km), and River Ness (0.4 km).
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.
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 0.7 km away from the centre of Inverness.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Royal Highland Hotel?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
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 (0.3 km), Inverness Town House (0.2 km), and Highland Railway Company 1914-1919 Memorial (0.1 km).
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.