Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Built across the road from the site of the original 13th-century Inverlochy Castle, this luxury property is exclusive, serene, and one-of-a-kind. It is housed in a striking gray stone battlemented building covered in ivy and nestled among acres of gorgeous manicured gardens and woodland. Its interiors are some of the most stunning in the region. Original antiques, grand wooden stairs, cute wallpaper, fireplaces, large windows with heavy curtains, and stately ceiling moldings lend this boutique a refined and grand feel. A small lobby with an imposing dark wood fireplace, ceiling moldings with ornate bosses, a grandfather clock, and classic paintings with ornate golden frames set the mood for a luxurious, intimate stay. 

The hotel has several drawing and living rooms, all with serene views and elegant decor, but the most impressive of all is probably the front hall, featuring two-story painted ceilings, an open wood fire, a piano, heavy drapes, lots of couches and armchairs, and two delicate crystal chandeliers. Aside from its stately interiors, the hotel is also known for its excellent restaurant, serving outstanding British cuisine in three separate dining rooms, one of which is decorated with antiques offered as a gift by the King of Norway.

Outside, the peaceful grounds offer lots of nooks, terraces, and paths for guests to explore. A walled garden features dozens of different types of colorful flowers as well as a greenhouse with vegetables, and the small loch has a pier with a row boat that guests can use free of charge. The building is set back from the road, and the property is overall quiet and relaxing, allowing guests to get away from it all and unwind. This is also a popular pick for families, with lots to do on-site including tennis, clay pigeon shooting, and archery. 

Inverlochy Castle is nestled among woodlands a short drive from Fort Williams and adjacent to the town’s golf club. Accessed by a winding private driveway through a rural area, the property has a secluded location right across the road from one of the area’s main attractions, the 13th-century Inverlochy Castle. Due to its location off the A82 road, the property offers easy access to the region's famous lochs, and Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, is a 20-minute drive away. The nearest airport is in Glasgow, located about a two-hour drive away. The hotel offers free shuttle service to Fort Williams. Rolls Royce airport transfers can be arranged, and there's a helipad on-site. 

The hotel has 17 large rooms, all featuring traditionally elegant decor with unique details and period furniture. Delicate wallpaper, heavy drapes, ceiling moldings, canopy or four-poster beds, soft floral prints, and plush carpeting are common features in all rooms. Most units have a mix of neutral tones and brighter details, but a few rooms have bolder color schemes with fuchsias, dark greens, and brown accents. Standard in-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, safes, and Penhaligon’s toiletries, and DVD players can be requested at the front desk. Most bathrooms are decadent, with separate walk-in rain showers and claw-foot or roll-top tubs (some have pretty copper exteriors), large windows, and marble finishes; a few only have luxurious walk-in rain showers. All rooms have views expansive of the grounds. 

A short distance from the main building is the Gate Lodge, a standalone apartment that houses a double and a single room, a living area, two bathrooms, and a small kitchen with basic cooking facilities. 

This hotel is known among locals and visitors alike for its outstanding restaurant, serving modern British cuisine and an acclaimed afternoon tea service in elegant spaces. Three individually decorated dining rooms with large windows overlooking the grounds offer ample seating space, and in one of them guests can dine surrounded by furniture that once belonged to the King of Norway. Full Scottish breakfast is offered free of charge every morning at the restaurant. 

The property caters to the well-heeled with services such as a helipad and Rolls Royce Phantom airport transfers. Archery, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, tomahawk throwing, and other outdoor activities can be arranged on the hotel’s expansive lawns, and there are games, DVDs, and video games for kids. The property also offers full business and event services, free outdoor parking, free Wi-Fi, and free shuttle service to Fort Williams. There is a tennis court on-site, but it is in need of some maintenance.