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About
3.5
#34 of 40 hotels in Inverness
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TheAA: The Automobile Association.
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Historic Hotel
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Station Square 18 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1LG Scotland
The Royal Highland Hotel
2,861 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Royal Highland Hotel boasts a grand staircase and a prime location that garners consistent praise for its accessibility to trains and city attractions. Although the historic atmosphere charms many guests, others find the hotel a tad dated, suggesting a need for refreshment.
The rooms are generally clean and comfortable, yet some travelers encounter maintenance issues. While the service receives mixed reviews, varying from professional to unresponsive, guests are divided on the value, appreciating the reasonable rates but cautioning against extra costs and overpriced services.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Eclectic
Rooms
Dated
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Underwhelming
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Stayed on a voucher deal, front of hotel is beautiful, done for Christmas time. Reception/check in was ok but we were early & told to come back in an hour or so (it was freezing & sleet/snow outside) we weren’t advised we could have stayed in the hotel & used their lunch menu ended up at the Victorian market for soup. we did however get to leave our bags in luggage store. Finally got into our room & it was clean apart from someones socks in the bedside drawer 😂. Decor looked a bit tired our room was a weird yellow colour, bathroom was ok but not easy to use bath/shower if you have restricted mobility. Loo seat was also broken (did report on leaving hotel). Didn’t have dinner at hotel went out to local pub ‘Station 8’ i think. Bed was clean & comfy slept well. Breakfast was ok didn’t notice tables had cutlery on them & the cart where staff collect clean cutlery from was at start of food so looked like you collected your own. Good selection of cereals, continental breakfast & your cooked breakfast. It was ok, i just didn’t like the dining hall style lay out sharing tables with strangers, tables sat 6 or 8 people most guests seated at table ends with the middle chair separating you from other guests. Waiter was very quick in clearing your place, not really a chatty man, maybe not a morning person! Also felt one lady on reception was not happy her employer’s were bringing in custom via voucher deals, cant put my finger on it but she gave the ‘looking down her nose’ vibe. Hotel is next to train station & a short walk from bus station. To pass time before our travel home after checkout we had lunch in the hotel, this was really delicious we shared a sandwich then had a scone & tea! If you have anything at this hotel definitely have a scone so so good.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip 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.
Response from Royal_Highland_Hotel, Guest Relations Manager at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 19 Jan 2020
thank you for your comments we will take up with relevant departments. We are glad that you enjoyed your stay overall and hope you will return soon
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is a Victorian style hotel, built in 1854 to take advantage of the new Highland Railway. The clientele during my brief stay seemed to be quite elderly, probably part of an organised trip.
The hotel appears to cater quite well for those with mobility problems, lifts to all floors and my bathroom was obviously fitted out for someone with a disability.
The price per night was extremely reasonable, although it was the location for my business meeting that was my deciding factor.
The hotel had a generous 25% meal discount and a half price second drink offer during my stay as well.
My evening meal was very nice and the restaurant itself was packed, which is good to see on a Tuesday night.
Breakfast was of a good quality, loads of choice. I was greeted at breakfast by Gail....a real credit to the hotels staff, extremely nice.
The hotel’s corridors are currently under refurbishment, wet paint signs everywhere, but that wasn’t a problem.
The room that I stayed in was a bit tired, peeling ceiling paper, split doorframes, and wallpaper that had obviously been painted over more than once.
Having said that, I don’t envy having to maintain a hotel of this size and age on the prices they are charging.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled on business
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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Very average stay last weekend, rooms and whole hotel is in need of a good refurbishment. The wallpaper in the main reception is water stained and bedrooms look like they haven’t been painted since the 80s, however they are clean! Booked a 3 night deal with dinner included on the first night, the food was edible but nothing special. I ordered the Thai green curry from the ‘specials’ menu and there was definitely nothing special about it! Very bland and tasteless- something I wouldn’t pay £16.50 if it wasn’t included in my stay however my partners burger was nice as well as the sticky toffee pudding dessert! There was a mix up with breakfast so we were given the wrong coupon; continental instead of hot even though we paid for hot but it was changed by reception easily enough but on talking to other guests this has happened to the majority of them! The continental option shouldn’t even exist as there is far too little choice for this; toast, cereal, banana, and a croissant if you’re lucky! The majority of staff we friendly however on arriving back to the hotel on the 3rd evening some of the workers (I think chefs) were sat in the main reception having a drink. They were a little over powering and made an uneasy and uncomfortable atmosphere. The more mature man working the night behind reception however made up for it and was very welcoming! Due to covid19 our rooms were not cleaned for 3 nights, we were told rooms are not cleaned until guests leave however I do think clean towels should be provided, even if they are left at the door! The hotel was in a good location however the constant sound of squawking pigeons and gulls from the room was very tiresome and I didn’t get a full night sleep over the 3 nights! Money wise I didn’t pay a fortune but I still wouldn’t say my stay was value for money!
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip 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.
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 31 July 2020
Thank you for the kind review and we apologise for any shortcomings. We are trying our best to cope up with the various guidelines issued by the authorities and trying to balance our offerings and safety of yourselves and our team. Our Continental Breakfast consists of a choice of juices, choice of cereals, toasts and croissants, mini muffins and pastries, fresh fruit, and a variety of tea and coffee - and for only £5 you upgrade to a fully pre plated Hot Breakfast option served to your table - bot the regular and the plant based options.You must have noticed at least half a dozen hand sanitising stations as you enter the public area and the reduced seating capacities in our Lobby and the Restaurants and Dining rooms as a result of that.Though we are avoiding entering an occupied room as far as possible for obvious reasons - but you are most welcome to any extra linen by requesting us at the Reception. We are of course delighted by the services that you enjoyed and we would look forward to welcome you again.
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Whilst this hotel is undoubtedly in a super location to explore Inverness, I am concerned with the lack of COVID hygiene measures in breakfast. This continues as a buffet with no policing of hand sanitizer on entering the dining room. There were only one set of tongs by each toaster for communal Use picking up the bread. There were touch screen tea and coffee machines with one communal milk jug. All cakes and breakfast food was not individually packed unit in open trays. This is unacceptable in the current covid climate. Buffet is a recipe for spreading Infection.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip 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.
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 18 Aug 2020
Thank you for the review and w would be happy to explain the arrangements which we have created to be Covid Safe. At the entrance/Departure points of the breakfast room there is Foot operated hand sanitising stations and the Entry/Exit is always manned by the Breakfast Manager to encourage guests to use this. There is no buffet but self help stations each for cereals, toasts, juices and tea/ coffee - duly separated to comply with the social distancing standards. Additionally - against each of these stations - there are foot operated hand sanitising stations. To minimise the touch contacts - except for the Hot Plated Breakfast which is served to the table - the rest is no different to that we experience in supermarket layouts and which has proved its effectiveness during these times. All hygiene methods are always strictly enforced to keep both our team and our guests safe and the seating capacity of the hall is reduced to nearly half of hat it could originally accommodate. We are confident the system in place follows all the guidelines from the competent authorities in this matter and we would like to reassure you that we have a very robust safety protocol in place - and lately - we have also started using UV rapid light sanitisers that kill 99% of unwanted organisms.We would like to reassure you once again and would look forward to welcome you back.
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Visited hotel for two nights using a groupon voucher costing £249 which included breakfast and two course meal on first night. The room we were given was badly needing decorated, wallpaper bursting at the seams and the bathroom and bedroom was badly needing a deep clean ( see attached photos) When we went for our meal at night we were made to feel inferior as we were using a voucher. The meal was substandard- cold watery potatoes and mushy pasta. The person who served us was very rude and aggressive towards us. The room was not cleaned at all which meant we had no clean towels or tea/ coffee ect. My husband went to reception to ask why room was not cleaned and the receptionist handed him two towels without saying a word. Would not recommend to anyone. We are looking for some kind of compensation
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Date of stay: August 2020
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.
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 3 Sept 2020
Thank you for the review and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience faced. We are surprised at your dining experience as we never discriminate our guests and all are equally important and respected by us - which shows our tremendous positive reviews in the websites of the source of the bookings. We have widely displayed - at the reception counter and again at the Lift landing area - our measures taken for minimal contact during the stay as the government guidelines and we now only enter your room if you stay for more 3 nights or more. However, there is a ready supply of the essentials always available through our Reception Desk. We hope this clears the points observed and we would look forward to welcome you back.
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I had read a few of the prior "guests" reviews before I stayed at this hotel. All I can say is anything detrimental posted about this hotel is nonsense! My sister and I stayed here for 2 nights B&B with dinner on the 1st night.The reception staff were amazingly helpful, room was beautifully clean and adhered to all Covid guidance procedure. Dinner was delicious and beautifully presented and again the staff were professional and helpful the cocktails were amazing !! This is my first visit to this very central hotel and will definitely not be my last. I work in a management position within the hotel industry and the negative comments posted can sometimes sway a potential guest not to book. Rooms are a wee bit tired and some areas need TLC but everything is clean and the staff are a credit to this hotel which for them must be extremely difficult wearing face protection constantly to protect the guests. If you want to complain about tired rooms and recreational areas, poor grouting in the bathroom etc etc go to another hotel and pay double the price!! Or do as my sister and I did and ignore the negative comments and try it out for yourself. You will not be disappointed 😉
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip 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.
Terrific central city location..all you need within ten to fifteen minutes walk . Next door to Rail station ..five minutes walk from bus station.. Reception warm comfortable and welcoming Staff at reception excellent especially Kiery Fantastic staircase ...a replica of main staircase on the Titanic !! The rooms though on the small size spotlessly clean and well equipped Beds are the most comfortable hotel beds of any hotel I have been to Bath and shower in good sized bathroom ..again spotless Bar prices a bit pricey but it is a centre city hotel ..staff friendly and polite Restaurant comfortable and service excellent as was the menu and food Would highly recommend the Royal Highland ...it really added to the enjoyment of our stay
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Service
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.
Stayed here for 1 night with my wife 29th September. I am not one to complain and like to give a place I stay a holistic review.
The place looks grand and has good access to the city and is situated next to the railwaystation.
On arrival we were informed that parking was out front (10 spaces in the middle of a taxi rank). We parked in the shopping round the corner and recieved a discount for over night parking after I stated how unfair it was.
On checkin the gentleman was polite and we were quickly shown our room. When we got to the 3rd floor hobbit hut it was also a Twin room and not the double we asked for. The small older lady receptionist with ginger grey hair informed us that she had aired on the side of caution and selected a twin for us . I stated the reservation was for 2 Mr and Mrs Clark. We clearly werent workmen. She informed us in a very obtuse manner that there was nothing she could do.
I tried the wifi.. only 1 bar that went off and on . Again I am not one to complain as wifi isnt that big a deal as we are on holiday. I mearly asked the receptionist if there was an issue with the wifi only to be informed again in a manner I am not used to being spoken to "Have you not tried to switch it on and off again".
We never ate or drank in the Hotel after being treated like a 3rd class citizen by this person.
The locations great and furnishings are good but we wont return as this bad apple had ruined the whole experience.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip 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.
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 3 Oct 2020
Thank you for patronising us during these difficult times and we also thank you for the review and we apologise for any inconvenience. We shall definitely investigate your observations and take corrective actions wherever necessary. As we have a mix of double and twin rooms - our booking confirmation always state that we are confirming a room to accommodate two sleepers and we try our best to allot the rooms to fit the guest's requirement - but due to pressures of occupancy this may not become possible. However, we would like to assure you that this is not the experience a majority of our guests take back with them and we would look forward to welcome you back so that we get another opportunity to offer a great stay experience.
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After having two bookings cancelled over the last two years, we finally got to make our trip back to Inverness arriving on the 8th March for two nights as a birthday treat. We were booked on a great package for a two night stay that included breakfast, two course dinner for one night, afternoon tea and a free cocktail at dinner. Check in was easy and we received friendly service from the reception staff, who stored our bags for us until the room was ready, due to us having arrived early on the Caledonian Sleeper train. Our accommodation was in a Royal room which was large and spotlessly clean. The bed was very comfy and super king in size. The afternoon tea was quite nice, with tasty sandwiches etc, but the evening meal in our opinion was exceptional, with very attentive service from the restaurant staff. We had the steak (where there was a supplement) and the salmon, which was absolutely piping hot and just so delicious. The crème brûlée for our deserts were also really enjoyable. There were a list of cocktails to choose from, and you could exchange for wine beer or cider if preferred. The hot breakfast the next morning also was delicious, very tasty and well cooked, and mine had gorgeous scrambled eggs. You could help yourself to juices, drinks and buffet offerings like cereals and pastries etc. The staff overall all provide brilliant, friendly and efficient service after what must have been an horrendous two years. One lady in particular that oversees breakfast, provides exceptional service. Yes this hotel is dated, (if I was being really picky then I’d say some furniture needs replacing), but it adds to the character and charm somehow, and we just love it. This is the second time we’ve stayed here, and certainly will again. Thanks for a lovely stay.
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip 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.
Response from Janice Smith, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 17 Mar 2022
Thank you so much for the lovely review - it will definitley enthuse Team Royal Highland to continue to strive to offer our guests a stay that will be memorable. We would look forward to welcome you back.
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I’ll start with the best bits, location was great if you want the centre, plenty of pay and display car parks around the area.
The staff were pleasant enough but Ive had better service at a fast food drive thru. I must highlight that the breakfast staff were very helpful and friendly. The main issue was the cleanliness of the hotel, at a glance you could be taken away with the grand staircase but that feeling soon disappears. When entering the staircase, it felt as if I was staying at a hostel. The room was tiny, dirty and terribly dated. The noise was ridiculous, you can hear everything from people just walking to through the corridor and doors slamming,
For one night to put your head, and if nothing else was available and your not that worried about basic hygiene , then I guess it’s okay but I won’t be returning.
The Ash restaurant was hit and miss, some waiters were very polite but the waitress was slow, didn’t get my first drink till my food arrived and the food was just “okay”.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:AVOID if you still have your sense of smell, not deaf and want to sleep.
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.
Response from Royal Highland, Guest Services / Front Office at The Royal Highland Hotel
Responded 24 Sept 2021
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. Apologising once again and we would be delighted to welcome you back.
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There are more places to choose from in the Inverness area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$89 - AU$152 (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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Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
