The Old North Inn

Ok hotel for one night. Nice bathroom and comfortable bed. Disappointed that restaurant was not open on the Monday we were there. But great Scottish breakfast include. And nice bar.

First impressions mislead. From the street, this hotel barely arrests the eye – an unassuming frontage that suggests function over flair. Step inside, however, and a different picture emerges: a place clearly shaped with care, where comfort and ease have been thoughtfully prioritised. The welcome sets the tone. Staff are unfailingly warm, the sort who remember not just your name but your travelling companions too – whether canine or, in this case, distinctly feline. Pets are not merely tolerated but embraced, which lends the place an immediate sense of generosity. That same spirit extends to the adjoining locals’ bar, where the atmosphere is easy and unforced, and the person behind the counter as convivial as the regulars themselves. Breakfast is a highlight, generous and well put together, though the coffee – kept warm rather than freshly made – falls short of the mark. A simple switch to individual cafetières would elevate the experience considerably. Rooms lean towards a pared-back, boutique aesthetic: clean lines, hard flooring, and an appealing sense of minimalism. Yet style slightly trumps comfort here. The absence of carpet, while visually pleasing, leaves things a touch cold underfoot – a well-placed rug beside the bed would make all the difference on early mornings. Practicalities, too, could be better considered. Twin beds pushed together have a tendency to drift apart without proper fixings – a detail that led, in our case, to an undignified (if ultimately amusing) midnight mishap. Harmless for us, perhaps less so for others. Quibbles aside, this is a place with genuine charm: kind-hearted, quietly stylish, and eager to please. With a few small adjustments, it could be something rather special. As it stands, it’s already somewhere we’d happily return to.

Above & Beyond … what a fabulous experience… arrived in Inverness too early to Check-In in our Castle … so stayed in 3 rooms to get some Breakfast & shut-eye … EVERY member of staff were awesome (especially the lady who served us Breakfast) … Got up & had a few bevy’s great prices …. They even dropped us to the Castle … THANK YOU … BOOM