Name: Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, WorldHotels Distinctive
Address: 8 Ness Walk, Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom, Inverness, Highland, GB
Price range: US$156–US$602 per night
Rating: 8.43

What guests think

Across reviews, Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, WorldHotels Distinctive is praised for its riverside, central location and welcoming staff, with many guests enjoying the pool, spa and gym, though recurring notes mention limited parking and variable room quality.

Rooms range from spacious river-view options to compact annex or basement units; several report thin walls, creaky floors, and no air conditioning, leading to hot nights despite fans. Housekeeping is generally solid but occasional issues like dusty furniture, moldy shower hooks or hair in bathrooms are noted, and breakfast and dining feedback varies from excellent to disappointing or crowded with tour groups. Recent scaffolding and small lifts can affect convenience, so expect a scenic, amenity-rich stay if you choose carefully.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Leisure facilities (pool, spa, sauna/steam room, gym) are a strong point and widely praised. Parking is limited with overflow/permit options and recent works sometimes reduced spaces; EV charging is fiddly, some lifts are tiny or absent, and leisure-area noise can carry.

Related guest reviews

10

miss l

9 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location. Hotel is beautifully clean and cosy. Only issue maybe was the parking situation. Only a few spaces available that we never managed to park in. There were a few parking spaces a few minutes walk away that had been allocated for the hotel but not ideal if you’re elderly or disabled. Overall a very happy customer who had a relaxing stress free stay.

6

Jonathan

7 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Average - hotel has been done well, however wifi was awful and gym was shut.

8

Stephen

3 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The noise from the gym & pool downstairs was loud, if a light sleeper this is not the place for you if you get a room near pool.

8

Karin

22 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Staff are great, pool is nice, room was comfortable. Bit of noise transference between floors (ceiling very creaky if someone walking in room above) but otherwise it was great. Parking at hotel is limited but there is a reasonable workaround (getting permit to park in nearby car park). Would recommend.

8

Emily

24 Nov 2023

·

The BW was a nice stay. The lobby area and restaurant are quite nice. The rooms were comfortable, and the hotel was on the River Ness which provided lovely views and walkability. If you are requiring lift assistance for any reason, this hotel has the smallest elevator I've ever seen. Maybe enough room for 1 person and a suitcase. I wouldn't try to fit more than that.

10

Kathleen

4 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property is on the river Ness, across from Inverness Castle and nearby multiple bars, restaurants, cafes, and a Tesco grocery store. Guest parking is available at no extra charge to guests. Staff are polite, and considerate of guests' needs. We made use of the pool and hot tub during our stay. They have an excellent hotel gym, spa, sauna, and steam room to boot. We would stay again!

10

Mary

13 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is in an excellent location. The room we had was overlooking the river and castle so we were very lucky. We were going to a show at the Eden Court theatre which was only a short walk away. My only criticism is the lack of parking for guests staying at the hotel.

10

anne

25 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location and a great hotel. The spa was awesome!

8

Kasper linsaa

13 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great stay!! Perfect location, good breakfast and a great gym and spa. We stayed at the little house - had the whole house, worked great for a family of six.

8

John Albert

5 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff were very welcoming and helpful. The room large and well furnished. However, the shower room was far too small, and inconvenient to use. I am not abnormally large yet I had a problem getting into and out of the shower cubicle and sitting n the toilet was a squeeze, the basin small, and the toilet roll was on a stand in front of the mask basin! It was great to have a charging points for the electric car, but it was far too complex to operate. Such a shame in such a good hotel and great location.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Most guests find the hotel clean, including the spa areas and many rooms. However, recurring lapses include hair in bathrooms, dusty furniture, musty odors, moldy shower-curtain hooks, and occasional scuffs.

Related guest reviews

10

miss l

9 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location. Hotel is beautifully clean and cosy. Only issue maybe was the parking situation. Only a few spaces available that we never managed to park in. There were a few parking spaces a few minutes walk away that had been allocated for the hotel but not ideal if you’re elderly or disabled. Overall a very happy customer who had a relaxing stress free stay.

4

Trent

16 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I’ve never actually written a bad review for a hotel but this one is bad. Avoid if possible. When we arrived the toilet was clogged with bits of *matter* still in it as well as the sink left with hair and dirt in it. When I went to complain they said they’d take care of it and would leave a bottle of wine as an apology. When we came up 2 hours later-the toilet was fixed but the sink still wasn’t clean. To add insult to injury they left a 3£ bottle of 175 ml wine as the apology. The next morning the breakfast service was also poor as the waitress aggressively placed items on the table with the food being very mediocre. For 400 pounds a night it was a terrible experience. The place is poorly run. Avoid if possible

8

Claire

19 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room was adequate, the bathroom wasn’t the cleanest, the hooks to keep the shower curtain up were mouldy. There were marks all down the walls that looked like water running down them.

10

angelina

30 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great location. Near everything Inverness has to offer. The rooms were very clean and felt very sound proofed which we really enjoyed and appreciated. The breakfast wasn't worth the price but other than that we loved the hotel stay. We stayed for four nights.

10

Craig

28 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice spacious clean rooms and staff were lovely. Spa and pool were excellant. We stay here everytime we go to Inverness and never disappointed.

10

Richard

10 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Really wonderful hotel and the staff are so attentive, kind and friendly. They make you welcome right from the time you arrive. Rooms were exceptionally clean. We had a wonderful stay and will certainly be returning.

10

jim

23 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room and was a great size. The bed also very roomy and comfortable. There was a lot of dust on the furniture though not dirty. Breakfast was very good with lots of coffee and tea. I would stay again

6

Jennifer

4 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was very noisy. All you heard were thle treadmill. There was a lot of hair on the walls of the bathtub/shower.

10

Amy

1 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really love check in lady, Ale, plus I loved the steam room / sauna. All you need on a cold day in Scotland! Clean rooms, everything you need.

10

Jack

2 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean and modernised hotel great location friendly staff

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Room experience is mixed: some are spacious with river views and attractive decor, while others are very small (including annex or basement rooms) with compact bathrooms. Common issues include heat/no AC, thin walls or creaky floors, and occasional noise from facilities.

Related guest reviews

10

Aryn

22 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was nice and spacious. The shower was extremely tiny.

4

Ciaran

19 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This hotel put on the show, red carpet and porter service. It looked good and the staff were lovely. However when I was led to my room, I had to go outside to a different building, up a narrow set of stairs to a single bed in the eaves. The room was fine and clean… if it had been less than £100. However this hotel charges more than double that and it’s not worth that money at all.

10

Jason

25 Mar 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent and beautiful location. Right on the river and close to everything. Old buildings come with their problems though. None of my usb charging ports worked and my window wouldn’t open. A staff member couldn’t get it open so something was broken. The building doesn’t have AC but luckily it wasn’t too hot. If it was summer I would have switched hotels.

10

Michelle

17 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wonderful location. Large rooms with good view of the river and city.

4

Wendy

13 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Many of the hotel rooms are in the basement. Rooms are very small and walls paper thin. Could hear the people and TV on the other side. Very expensive stay. You are better to stay in Old Edinburgh for restaurants and shopping for the price of this hotel.

6

Thomas

3 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The second building Rooms were small and it was hot.

8

morris

25 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room we had 308 was extremely hot and noisy from kitchen extraction fans.

10

Miriam

31 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

All the staff was extremely helpful and accommodating. Room was spacious and with all the extras. Position was ideal with a wonderful view of the castle and river Ness.

8

Tracy

2 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was tiny & no view. Felt like we were i a cupboard

8

John Albert

5 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff were very welcoming and helpful. The room large and well furnished. However, the shower room was far too small, and inconvenient to use. I am not abnormally large yet I had a problem getting into and out of the shower cubicle and sitting n the toilet was a squeeze, the basin small, and the toilet roll was on a stand in front of the mask basin! It was great to have a charging points for the electric car, but it was far too complex to operate. Such a shame in such a good hotel and great location.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is widely praised as friendly, welcoming and accommodating across reception, spa and dining. Occasional negatives include strict 3pm check-in, mistakes or slow service at busy times, and an isolated room-access error.

Related guest reviews

10

Sarah

30 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent customer service from friendly staff. Food and drink selection was fantastic and all great quality. Rooms clean, quiet and comfortable. Would definitely stay here again!

8

Lee

12 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Beautiful hotel and well situated in the centre of Inverness. On arrival was given a key card to the room which didn’t work. The porter came to let us in only to be let into a room that was occupied to another customer. Thank goodness they weren’t in the room at the time. How embarrassing would that have been !! Spa staff were lovely and friendly not all staff were as friendly unfortunately

10

Dolina

29 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Arrived early, and staff were lovely immediately. Meal in evening was so nice, and staff efficient and friendly. I didn't use the pool facilities this time, but would recommend based on previous stay. Breakfast buffet excellent. Excellent location. Parking issue quickly resolved. Highly recommend!

6

Allison

24 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nice hotel with great location. Extremely strict about 3pm check in, consequently a few people hanging around check-in desk for a couple of hours waiting for room ( I fin Parking not great and often entrance blocked in with deliveries etc. The weather was beautiful the room was very hot even with 2 fans in room.

10

Lisa

17 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent hotel, helpful, friendly staff. We had lunch in the brasserie which was delicious. Highly recommended. The spa was lovely and very clean. We had a cozy double room which was exactly as expected. Right in the heart of Inverness. We will definitely be back again.

10

Rene

23 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful hotel. Staff is very friendly and helpful.

6

Vickie

10 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Average hotel. Staff needs training on guest experience.

10

Richard

10 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Really wonderful hotel and the staff are so attentive, kind and friendly. They make you welcome right from the time you arrive. Rooms were exceptionally clean. We had a wonderful stay and will certainly be returning.

10

Miriam

31 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

All the staff was extremely helpful and accommodating. Room was spacious and with all the extras. Position was ideal with a wonderful view of the castle and river Ness.

10

John Russell

29 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

While parking was limited the staff went above and beyond to make sure out car was parked at the facility and was available for our use at any time.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Excellent riverside location opposite or near Inverness Castle, walkable to the city centre, restaurants, shops and Eden Court. Many enjoy scenic river and castle views.

Related guest reviews

10

miss l

9 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location. Hotel is beautifully clean and cosy. Only issue maybe was the parking situation. Only a few spaces available that we never managed to park in. There were a few parking spaces a few minutes walk away that had been allocated for the hotel but not ideal if you’re elderly or disabled. Overall a very happy customer who had a relaxing stress free stay.

10

Michelle

17 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wonderful location. Large rooms with good view of the river and city.

10

John

31 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location

10

Shelly

6 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wonderful stay. Beautiful room with lovely view into the river and castle. Very convenient to downtown restaurants and shopping. Highly recommend!!

10

Elizabeth

3 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location and walkable to Ness islands, castle and lots of restaurants and main shopping street.

10

Kathleen

4 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property is on the river Ness, across from Inverness Castle and nearby multiple bars, restaurants, cafes, and a Tesco grocery store. Guest parking is available at no extra charge to guests. Staff are polite, and considerate of guests' needs. We made use of the pool and hot tub during our stay. They have an excellent hotel gym, spa, sauna, and steam room to boot. We would stay again!

8

Robert

13 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good location right on the river. Near old town.

10

Holly

3 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Located right along the River Ness, this is a beautiful hotel. Easy access to dining and shopping and tours of the city, Loch Ness, and Isle of Skye. A lovely place!

10

Mary

13 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is in an excellent location. The room we had was overlooking the river and castle so we were very lucky. We were going to a show at the Eden Court theatre which was only a short walk away. My only criticism is the lack of parking for guests staying at the hotel.

8

William

21 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really comfortable hotel in ideal location in Inverness -- would definitely stay here again!

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Food feedback is mixed: several guests praised the breakfast buffet, bar meals and brasserie dishes, while others found limited choice, mediocre or lukewarm items, or crowding during tour groups. Cocktails and the bar are often appreciated.

Related guest reviews

2

Chris

14 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

No mention of extensive external works being carried out for a prolonged period of time. Scaffolding surrounding the building - not only a safety concern for the bedroom window, poor views of Inverness. The “car park” facility is compromised by the works. Having many of the spaces taken up by building supply storage. Had to use a public car park - paid for. Travelling for work means that I don’t want to be far from my vehicle or have supplies with me. The reason for choosing this hotel was the onsite parking. Which was not adequate. Bed was a very small double - extremely uncomfortable. Was asked twice regarding coffee and toast. Never came. Sausages were gristly.

4

Michael

5 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location, historical hotel, but the wifi was terrible, mattress too firm, restaurant/cafe downstairs is not good and the service there is terrible. Maids were too loud, every day, different crew, yelling one to another…. Paper thin walls. Overall, disappointing stay, not what we were expecting

10

Dolina

29 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Arrived early, and staff were lovely immediately. Meal in evening was so nice, and staff efficient and friendly. I didn't use the pool facilities this time, but would recommend based on previous stay. Breakfast buffet excellent. Excellent location. Parking issue quickly resolved. Highly recommend!

10

Mark

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was comfortable and breakfast was spot on

10

Lisa

17 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent hotel, helpful, friendly staff. We had lunch in the brasserie which was delicious. Highly recommended. The spa was lovely and very clean. We had a cozy double room which was exactly as expected. Right in the heart of Inverness. We will definitely be back again.

10

Martha

21 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Perfect location along the river. This hotel has luxe quality at an affordable price. Only complaint is that when there are several bus tours, the breakfast room is crowded & staff a bit overwhelmed. But don’t let that deter a stay here.

10

Morgan

17 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent staff and facilities just a few minor flaws in the finishing touches of the room such as holes in the walls, scuffs and displaced lino flooring. Overall an excellent trip, good food, great cocktails and access to the spa facilities made the trip special. Would recommend ❤️

8

Johanna

9 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great pool, lovely staff, terrible breakfast.

8

Eileen

25 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in and room were great. Bed really comfortable. A bit noisy from the squeaky floors in the room above as the guests moved around their room late at night so our sleep was disturbed butI am a light sleeper. My husband didn’t wake up. The cooked breakfast was all lukewarm and my fried egg was like rubber so we don’t think it was worth the money.

10

Leonard

23 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed for one night and the hotel was in a perfect spot to everything. Shops, dining & pubs were all within a 5 minute walk from the hotel and the scenery from the front door was amazing! The hotel has a great restaurant and the breakfast buffet was fantastic!

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$109
February	US$115
March	US$148
April	US$246
May	US$390
June	US$368
July	US$354
September	US$346
October	US$230
November	US$128
December	US$118

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5 $522
6 $415	7 $473	8 $597	9	10 $467	11 $548	12 $554
13 $513	14 $473	15 $538	16	17 $602	18 $549	19 $521
20 $468	21 $473	22 $543	23	24 $473	25 $521	26
27	28 $479	29 $472	30

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $426	2 $420	3
4 $414	5 $315	6 $442	7	8 $412	9 $390	10
11 $313	12 $315	13 $315	14 $268	15 $320	16	17 $229
18 $274	19 $471	20 $401	21 $471	22 $239	23 $297	24 $227
25 $156	26 $207	27 $204	28 $204	29 $192	30 $187	31 $178

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, WorldHotels Distinctive

Have a question?

Prices for upcoming dates