Ness Walk Hotel Review – A must on your Inverness Itinerary

A glass of chilled champagne, a warm Highland welcome and a touch of luxury await you at Ness Walk hotel. If you’re thinking of treating yourself, make sure you read our full Ness Walk Hotel review to discover why you should book a stay in this elegant hotel.

Our Ness Walk Hotel Experience

We were delighted to have a 24 hour child-free pass during a recent visit to Inverness and jumped at the chance to stay in this award-winning 5 star hotel. It was a fantastic base to explore all Inverness has to offer and we left Ness Walk hotel feeling like two giddy teenagers. The staff’s genuine warmth and professionalism ensured that we felt welcomed and cared for throughout our stay. 

Arrival

Once parked up in the hotel’s secure car park, we were promptly greeted by the friendly concierge who took care of our luggage and escorted us to the check-in. From the moment we arrived, the staff’s warm and attentive service made us feel truly welcomed. After a seamless check-in experience, we were ushered into the lounge and offered a glass of chilled champagne. It was a very special touch and set the mood for the rest of our stay.

>> Note: There’s a £20 per car per day charge for parking at the hotel  <<

Ness Walk Hotel: The Location

The Victorian facade has a country house feel to it, with beautiful well kept gardens and a sweeping gravel drive. Yet the hotel is located a short walk from the city centre along the delightful river Ness path, on the west side of the river, which takes in historic suspension bridges and quaint tree covered islands. We even went for a wonderful morning run along the river before breakfast. A fantastic way to start the day!

What’s the Accommodation like?

Opened in 2019, Ness Walk hotel offers a range of 47 luxurious rooms and suites and has recently won the Best Urban Hotel, Condé Nast Johansens Awards. We stayed in the modern annexe part of the hotel and the room was spectacular. The bed was enormous with a very comfortable mattress, we had our own coffee machine and the bathroom was beautifully appointed. Decoration was a mix of contemporary and classic elegance, with wood panelling painted in pleasing hues of blues and greys, contrasting with crisp white bed linen. There was plenty of light from floor to ceiling windows and roof lights with electrically operated blinds were perfect when night fell. Another special touch was the evening turn-down service.

What makes Ness Walk Hotel special?

Firstly the riverside location is really idyllic, with ducks, bridges and islands, which all make for a lovely walk into town. We also felt that the staff were extremely professional, always happy to help with a smile and an eagerness to please. And did we mention the free glass of welcome champagne on arrival?

Staying in this quiet residential area means a slightly longer walk into town (15 minutes), although the pay off is a very peaceful night’s sleep with minimum traffic noise. Another plus is the short distance to Eden Court theatre and the exquisite Rock Pool Restaurant, our favourite place to eat for a special occasion.

Ness Walk Review: The Breakfast

There is an excellent range of breakfast choices, including a buffet style continental with pastries, cereal, cold meats and cheeses. And of a course a multi option cooked breakfast menu with a delicious selection to choose from. Our only slight criticism was that it would have been nice for the ingredients to have been sourced locally, as there are some excellent butchers in the area. We did feed this back to the hotel and hopefully they will have taken this on board.

Dining experience

During our stay, we were keen to explore the Inverness foodie scene and so ventured out into the city. However, we have since returned to have a meal in the Torrish restaurant and can hands down say that this is an experience you won’t forget. The culinary team’s dedication to presenting traditional flavours with a modern twist is evident in every dish served. 

What is there to do nearby?

Beyond the hotel’s premises, Inverness offers a wealth of attractions for visitors to explore. From the iconic Loch Ness and its elusive monster to the historic Urquhart Castle, the region is rich in history and natural beauty. Ness Walk Hotel’s convenient location serves as an excellent base for discovering the capital of the Highlands or heading further afield. Read our detailed post of top things to do in Inverness and our 35 suggestions of day trips from Inverness.

We hope you found this Ness Walk hotel review helpful and we can say, without a doubt, that whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat, a starting point for Highland adventures or the NC500, Ness Walk Hotel is sure to exceed your expectations!