The Highlands' grandest castle hotel

Just a few (but all-important) miles north of Fort William, overlooked by Ben Nevis, elaborate gates hint at the entrance to this genuine Scottish castle, for 40-plus years an outstanding hotel and today one of the highest-rated Relais & Chateaux members in Europe. It won 'Best Hotel in Europe' from Travel + Leisure magazine in 2006. With 17 bedrooms it's not vast but it is grand; it was constructed to be grand and was done so at the zenith of the Victorian era. The great hall has a fabulous Italianate frescoed ceiling, a whirl of cherubim above a huge chandelier; a fine fireplace, grand piano, deep sofas, the hub of things. The drawing room is beautiful with big windows, big vistas, open fire and elegant period furniture, antiques. The main dining room has a wonderfully-carved sideboard gifted by the King of Norway. Food here is, of course, sublime and highly rated by all guides; Philip Carnegie is head chef. Dinner is a celebratory occasion and on many nights the grand piano is played. There is glamour, beauty and heritage, but also a genuinely warm welcome and kind service.

E S S E N T I A L   I N F O
> Of the 17 bedrooms, a trio are spacious, highly individual suites: King’s, Queen’s and Prince’s
> The King’s Suite has the best views with windows on three sides; plush sitting room; big bathroom
> The Queen’s Suite is perhaps prettiest with rich fabrics in passionate colours, a grand view and lovely loo
> There’s plenty of information on all the bedrooms including 360-degree views right here
> One of our favourites is Glen Nevis, a very private gem up on the top floor; romantic, great vistas
> Food is available anytime and dinner (jacket and tie) commences with superb hot and cold canapés
> This page has more dining information including sample dinner menu; eat lunch al fresco on warm days
> The castle grounds surround; the ski slopes of Aonach Mor are close by; play billards; hunt or fish
> Many guests opt for breakfast in the bedroom and the castle has long done this beautifully by trolley
> Free internet access throughout; laptops supplied in-room; Rolls-Royce Phantom for pick-up, touring

R A T I N G
Highest Recommendation
BreakfastStar™ Gold

L O C A T I O N   Map
Fort William is a couple of hours drive north of Glasgow or Edinburgh. It can be reached in an hour or so from Inverness airport. Alternatively, take the train to Fort William - perhaps the overnight ScotRail Caledonian 'Deerstalker' sleeper from London? Inverlochy is 10 minutes by car beyond the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, hidden-away on the left. Look out for the posh sign and recessed gates.

T I P S   &   H I N T S
Inverlochy Castle has indeed garnered many laurels and part of the reason why is that it has not rested upon them. From the mirror-finish gold-framed TVs in all rooms to the complimentary laptops, use of (brand new) Rolls-Royce for picnics and sumptuously refurbished bedrooms, standards are maintained. Have breakfast in bed. Try the lower winter rates.