Photo: official website
Your stay — Highland Lassie
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Inverness.
The Property — Highland Lassie
The Highland Lassie is a family-run, 3-star hotel that exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere, reminiscent of a Scottish country house. The lobby features a roaring fire, comfortable armchairs, and a hint of tartan, while the 24-hour bar serves a range of local ales and whiskies. This unpretentious hotel is perfect for those seeking a no-frills, authentic Scottish experience, with a focus on hearty breakfasts and clean, comfortable rooms. Located in a quiet area, it's a great choice for families and couples looking for a relaxing base to explore Inverness.
Chronicles of Inverness
Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, has a rich history dating back to the 6th century when it was a major Pictish settlement. The city's strategic location on the River Ness made it an important trading centre, with the construction of Inverness Castle in the 18th century marking a significant milestone in its development. Today, Inverness is a thriving cultural hub, with a strong sense of community and a deep connection to its Highland heritage. The city's atmosphere is a unique blend of traditional and modern influences, with a growing arts scene and a strong emphasis on local produce and crafts. Visitors can explore the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, which showcases the city's history and culture, or take a stroll along the River Ness to admire the picturesque views.
Best Time to Visit
Full Inverness guide →Best months
June and September are ideal months to visit Inverness, with warm, sunny weather and manageable crowds. The summer months bring long days and mild temperatures, while the autumn foliage is a stunning sight. The city's festivals, such as the Inverness Highland Games, take place in July and August, drawing large crowds and higher prices.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak month in Inverness, with the Highland Games and the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival attracting visitors from across the UK. Hotel prices increase significantly during this time, especially for last-minute bookings, and popular attractions may be busy. If you're looking to experience the city's festivals, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best budget shoulder months for Inverness, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Prices for accommodations are generally lower, and you can enjoy the city's scenic beauty without the peak season chaos. Be prepared for some unpredictable weather, with occasional rain showers and cooler temperatures.
Weather & packing
Inverness is known for its unpredictable weather, with sudden rain showers and strong winds possible at any time. Pack layers for your visit, including waterproof gear and a warm hat and gloves for cooler mornings and evenings.
Live City Briefing — Inverness
- A new £10 million redevelopment of Inverness Airport is set to improve transport links and increase flight capacity, making it easier for visitors to reach the city. The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, with new exhibits and displays opening in 2026. The city's famous Loch Ness Monster, 'Nessie', has been spotted on the River Ness, but be sure to check the latest sightings and expert opinions before setting out on a Nessie-hunting adventure.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Highland Lassie, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the higher floors (above 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may experience some street noise from the main road outside. These rooms are also likely to have a more stable internet connection, as the hotel's router is centrally located.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator), as it can be noisy, especially during peak hours. Also, rooms near the service entrance may hear some noise from staff and delivery activity.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Inverness does not offer any notable views, as it is situated in a relatively urban area. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding rooftops.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location on a main road in Inverness means that some street noise can be heard, especially during rush hour. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to a nearby pub may result in some noise spill-over, especially on weekends.
Insider tips
If you're driving, be aware that parking spaces are limited in the city center, so arrive early to secure a spot. Consider using a nearby car park if you arrive late. Ask the staff about the hotel's 'late check-out' policy, as they may be able to accommodate a later departure time if you're not in a hurry.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Highland Lassie
Free 'Classic' tier, 50MB, no login constraints, paid 'Premium' tier available for £5/day, 500MB
Serves all floors, including the historic section with original staircase
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and The Times physical paper; historic building has some original features, including a 19th-century staircase
15:00-23:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 12:00, £20 fee after 12:00
Available in the lobby for up to 24 hours, £5 per day
Step-free access, wheelchair entries, some structural limitations in the original building, including low ceilings and narrow corridors
On-site parking available, £15 per night, public car park nearby (Crown Car Park) £10 per day, 50p per hour; no EV charging on-site
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: £50 advance deposit + £50 incidental card hold at check-in for single-night stays, £100 for multi-night stays
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Dochgarroch Lock — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Pound Sterling, GBP
You can exchange currency at the Inverness Airport Bureau de Change, but be aware that rates may not be the most competitive. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs using your debit/credit card, and most places accept major cards and contactless payments.
Contactless payments are widely accepted in Inverness, and most places accept major credit and debit cards. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also accepted in many shops and restaurants.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can cost around £1.50-£2.50, and you can find affordable options at cafes and bakeries throughout the city.
A budget lunch option is a filled roll or sandwich from a local bakery or cafe, costing around £3-£5.
A typical affordable dinner can be found at a pub or restaurant serving traditional Scottish fare, with main courses around £10-£15.
For cheap eats, head to the Inverness Market or the area around Castle Wynd, where you can find street food stalls and affordable eateries.
The main supermarkets in the area include Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda, with prices similar to those in the rest of the UK.
For affordable high-street shopping, head to the Inverness Retail Park or the Eastgate Shopping Centre, where you can find a range of high-street brands.
The cheapest way to get around Inverness is by bus, with a single ticket costing £1.50. A day pass can be purchased for £4.50. From the airport, take the Number 16 bus towards Inverness town centre.
Take advantage of the 10% discount offered by many restaurants and cafes for students and pensioners.Consider purchasing a visitor's ticket for the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, which grants entry to several attractions in the city.Walk or cycle instead of taking taxis or buses for short journeys, as parking can be expensive and traffic in the city centre can be heavy.
Good to know — Inverness
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ £0.74 · GBP
Emergency Contacts
InvernessFor non-emergency police, dial 101. For health advice, contact NHS 111. Inverness’s main police station is on Burnett Road, IV1 1PW. Local hospitals: Raigmore Hospital (Old Perth Road, IV2 3UJ) for A&E.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Inverness, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Highland Lassie
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Inverness Railway Station → Mercure Inverness Hotel (5-min walk)
💡 Station is directly opposite hotel; perfect for Highlands rail excursions via ScotRail
Inverness City Centre → Throughout Inverness & suburbs
💡 Buy weekly Megarider ticket (£18.25) for best value; covers all local zones
Inverness Airport (INV) → Mercure Inverness Hotel
💡 Pre-book through hotel concierge for guaranteed availability and potential discounts
Inverness Airport (INV) → Inverness City Centre (near Mercure)
💡 Most economical option; purchase Day Rover ticket (£4.80) for unlimited local bus travel
About Inverness
Wikipedia ↗Inverness is a city in the Scottish Highlands in the north of Scotland. Long regarded as the de facto capital of the Scottish Highlands, it is the administrative centre for The Highland Council region where its headquarters are located close to the city centre. A regional hub for healthcare, educati...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Highland Lassie?
Request rooms on the higher floors (above 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may experience some street noise from the main road outside. These rooms are also likely to have a more stable internet connection, as the hotel's router is centrally located.
Which rooms should I avoid at Highland Lassie?
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator), as it can be noisy, especially during peak hours. Also, rooms near the service entrance may hear some noise from staff and delivery activity.
Is Highland Lassie noisy?
The hotel's location on a main road in Inverness means that some street noise can be heard, especially during rush hour. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to a nearby pub may result in some noise spill-over, especially on weekends.
Which rooms have the best views at Highland Lassie?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Inverness does not offer any notable views, as it is situated in a relatively urban area. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding rooftops.
What are insider tips for staying at Highland Lassie?
If you're driving, be aware that parking spaces are limited in the city center, so arrive early to secure a spot. Consider using a nearby car park if you arrive late. Ask the staff about the hotel's 'late check-out' policy, as they may be able to accommodate a later departure time if you're not in a hurry.
What time is check-in at Highland Lassie?
Check-in at Highland Lassie is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Highland Lassie have Wi-Fi?
Free 'Classic' tier, 50MB, no login constraints, paid 'Premium' tier available for £5/day, 500MB
Is there a city or tourist tax at Highland Lassie?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Highland Lassie?
A budget lunch option is a filled roll or sandwich from a local bakery or cafe, costing around £3-£5.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Highland Lassie?
The cheapest way to get around Inverness is by bus, with a single ticket costing £1.50. A day pass can be purchased for £4.50. From the airport, take the Number 16 bus towards Inverness town centre.
When is the best time to visit Inverness?
June and September are ideal months to visit Inverness, with warm, sunny weather and manageable crowds. The summer months bring long days and mild temperatures, while the autumn foliage is a stunning sight. The city's festivals, such as the Inverness Highland Games, take place in July and August, drawing large crowds and higher prices.
Top Attractions in Inverness
💡 Go at sunset for the best light. The climb up the steps is short but steep; worth it for the photo of the Ness Bridge.
💡 The Pictish carved stones on the ground floor are the highlights – don't skip them. The shop has better quality souvenirs than the tourist tat on the high street. Allow 45 minutes.
💡 St Stephen's has a spiral staircase to the bell tower – ask the warden if you can go up. The view over the river is stunning. Both are usually open weekdays 9am–4pm.
💡 The cafe inside serves decent coffee and cakes at reasonable prices – cheaper than the chain coffee shops. Check the exhibition space on the first floor; it rotates monthly and often features local photographers.
💡 Start from the Bught Road entrance for a quieter route. The paths can get muddy after rain, so wear sturdy shoes. Look for salmon leaping in autumn.