Why stay in Inverness?
Inverness has a dual role in Scotland - as the main city of the Scottish Highlands and as the receptacle for all the gawkers trying to get a peek at the Loch Ness Monster. Inverness performs both roles well.
Many visitors to Inverness are just using the city as the place they'll sleep in between trips to the famous nearby lake or some of the nearby Highlands. The good news for anyone who bothers to pay attention is that Inverness is a lovely city and a destination of its own. Among the things to do and see in Inverness are - Inverness Castle (built in the 19th century to replace the medieval castle which once stood there; it's not for interior visits, but it's fun to see from the outside), Old High Church (oldest church in Inverness) and boat tours on the Moray Firth (there are occasionally dolphins in the area). There are lots of great restaurants in Inverness as well. And of course if you're dying to get a look at Loch Ness and see if you're lucky enough to spot "Nessie," Inverness makes a fine base camp.
There are only a few hostels in Inverness; the UK is better known for its B&Bs and guesthouses instead. Remember that "hostels" are not just for the young backpacking crowd (even if the property has the word "backpacker" in the name!) - they're ideal for any budget traveler who's interested in meeting other travelers. A few Inverness hostels worth mentioning are highlighted below.
Inverness Student Hotel isn't just restricted to students and is a ten minute walk from the bus and train stations. Inverness Tourist Hostel is in the heart of the city beside the main bus station.
Eastgate Backpackers Hostel is in the city center near pubs, clubs and restaurants and a five minute walk from the bus station. Glendruidh House Hotel is next to the Loch Ness Golf Course overlooking the city.
If none of these hostels sounds like it's the right one for you, don't worry. There are other Inverness hostels listed here which you can choose from. Just keep browsing the descriptions until you find the one that suits your needs.
Need anything else for your trip? You can look for the best deals on international airfare to Scotland and book your ticket now. You can also learn more about the area in our Inverness Travel Guide.