Although it is known as the Gateway to the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is a holiday destination in its own right, popular with visitors from all over the world. Many travelers spend a few days in Inverness on their way to and from the Highlands, or while visiting nearby Loch Ness. The famous battlefield of Culloden is just outside Inverness, which became Scotland's newest city in 2001. It is also the UK's most northerly city, which means long daylight hours in summer but very short days in winter.
If you want to book Inverness's cheap hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfast accommodation, there is plenty of choice but the city does get incredibly busy at peak times of year so it is always wisest to book ahead. Here is a small selection of the inexpensive budget options.
Inverness Cheap Hotels and Guesthouses
The location of The Willows, this lovely family-run bed and breakfast, couldn't be better – one minute from the main A9 road, yet only a 10-minute walk into the city centre and to the bus and train stations. The house is old but the rooms are newly converted and include TVs with DVDs and Freeview, free wireless internet and hospitality trays, and there's plenty of off-road parking.
The Willlows, 10 Millburn Road, Inverness IV2 3PS
Although Moyness House is rated as 4-star accommodation by the AA, and is listed in the Michelin Guide, its room rates are inexpensive. Costs in the winter season start from £34 per person, including breakfast and VAT. It's a charming 1880 Victorian villa with six guest bedrooms, on a quiet residential street. It's close to the Cathedral and the River Ness, with its own private parking. All rooms are ensuite with digital TVs, CD players and free wifi.
Moyness House, 6 Bruce Gardens, Inverness IV3 5EN
The Lyndon Guest House has the smart idea of asking guests when they leave to post a comment on TripAdvisor. Now that's confidence for you. The owners couldn't be friendlier or more helpful. It's ten minutes walk from the city centre and there is one single, one double and four family rooms, all ensuite. They all have flatscreen TVs with Freeview, free wifi and tea/coffee facilities.
Lyndon Guest House, 50 Telford Street, Inverness IV3 5LE
Inverness Cheap Hostels
The Eastgate Backpackers Hostel has a great location, on one of the city's main streets and just five minutes walk from the bus station and the train station, giving easy access to other destinations. It has 36 beds, a guest lounge, dining room, bicycle hire, hot showers, internet access and no curfew.
Eastgate Backpackers Hostel, 36 Eastgate, Inverness IV2 3NA
The Inverness Student Hostel is at the bottom of Castle Street, a short walk to the city centre and 10 minutes to the bus and train stations. The hostel is in a lovely old building and has fine views over the city and across the River Ness. There's a common room with all the free tea, coffee and hot chocolate you can drink, and the 50 beds are in dorms of between five and ten beds each.
Inverness Student Hostel, 8 Culduthel Road, Inverness IV2 4AB
Relevant Links
Read about this Monster Loch Ness Drive.
If you want to treat yourself, read about Luxury Hotels in Inverness.
Mike Gerrard - Mike is an award-winning travel writer who has worked for National Geographic, the London Times, and many other clients. ...
