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Hotel
4 star

The Moorings Hotel

Banavie, beside the Caledonian Canal · Hotel

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Photo: The Moorings Hotel / Google Maps

A canal-side hotel at Banavie beside Neptune's Staircase, with Ben Nevis views and a well-regarded restaurant.

About The Moorings Hotel

The Moorings Hotel sits at Banavie, a few miles north-west of Fort William, directly beside Neptune's Staircase on the Caledonian Canal, with open views across to Ben Nevis. The hotel is a purpose-built four-star property with comfortable, contemporary rooms, many looking out over the canal and the hills beyond.

Food is a strong point, with the hotel's restaurant serving a menu built on Highland beef, local seafood and game, and a more relaxed bar and bistro option for lighter meals. The setting beside the working canal locks gives an easy focal point for an evening walk, with boats regularly working their way through the staircase.

Banavie's position makes the hotel a practical base for the road north towards Glenfinnan and Mallaig as well as Fort William itself, a short drive away, and it suits guests wanting a quieter setting than the town centre without sacrificing a proper restaurant and bar.

Reception hours

Monday
Open 24 hours
Tuesday
Open 24 hours
Wednesday
Open 24 hours
Thursday
Open 24 hours
Friday
Open 24 hours
Saturday
Open 24 hours
Sunday
Open 24 hours

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

What guests say

Camilo Ortiz

Dear Team at The Moorings Hotel, Last night we had the pleasure of staying at your wonderful hotel, and we wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude. Beyond being located in such a beautiful and peaceful setting, we truly believe that more hotels around the world should follow the example you set. The warmth and kindness of your staff, the impeccable service, the clean, soft and comfortable beds, and the thoughtful details throughout the rooms — such as always having warm towels available — made our stay exceptionally enjoyable and memorable. We are a group of 16 Colombians, accompanied by a Spanish guide, a driver from New South Wales, and myself as the tour leader. Every one of us felt genuinely welcomed and cared for during our time with you. The dinner was simply wonderful. Each dish was delicious and clearly prepared with dedication, care, and a passion for showcasing the best of local gastronomy. It made our evening even more comfortable and special after a day of travel. If we may offer one small observation, it would be that some rooms could perhaps be updated gradually over time. We fully understand that maintaining a property of this character and charm is no easy task, and we mention it only as a constructive suggestion within an otherwise outstanding experience. Thank you for providing us with the best service possible. Your hospitality made a lasting impression on our group, and we will remember our stay with great affection. We sincerely hope to return in the future. With gratitude and best wishes, Camilo Ortiz Rojas Tour Leader YAM TRAVEL COLOMBIA

a month ago · via Google

Kerry Kent

We just spent 5 days based at The Moorings as we explored the area. It’s perfectly based as a jump off point to see all the area has to offer and you can watch the boats go up and down the locks from the cafe or your balcony if you’re lucky like we were. The staff was extremely welcoming and keen to do whatever they could to make us comfortable. The room itself was lovely with a nice bathroom and comfortable beds. We had breakfast there every day and you could opt for a full cooked breakfast as part of your stay or there were cereals/fruit etc if you didn’t want a cooked breakfast. We had dinner there a few nights. Highly recommend the fish and chips which was beautiful. All in all it was a wonderful stay but there are a few points to consider: - There is no lift and if you have mobility issues it is a bit of a trek. The staff were happy to take our bags to the room but a lift would be helpful. - Some of the public areas are looking a little tired. There seems to be a rolling programme of upgrades so that may change. - Some of the areas with short flights of steps didn’t have a handrail. That said, it was a really lovely stay and we would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a peaceful friendly base, with good food to explore the Highlands from.

3 months ago · via Google

Maggie Battersby

Wonderful service, excellent food.! As walk in guests we had breakfasts and an evening meal at the Moorings. All the staff were very welcoming and flexible for our party of 7. Scottish breakfast was delicious as was every part of our evening meal. Food arrived hot and beautifully presented and all was very much enjoyed. Thank you all! Special thank you to Sheetal who made a special effort to welcome us each visit with such a personal touch. 😊

2 months ago · via Google

Sandra Gage

Been staying at The Moorings this week, four nights as part of a package holiday booked with a coach company, who knows the hotel well, and rates it as excellent. I've been really impressed; all staff helpful, very welcoming, rooms clean and my bedroom had a view of Ben Nevis! But what really made a difference is how brilliantly they've adjusted their already lovely menu to meet my current dietary needs after an unplanned emergency operation this Spring. I cannot fault the care and extra effort staff have taken to get this right so that I've had a variety of appropriate, tempting meals, so well presented. Absolutely made my stay, thanks to Rashi, Sheetal and the amazing chef. My sincere thanks.

3 weeks ago · via Google

See all reviews on Google →

Visitors say this hotel offers clean and spacious rooms, a dog-friendly atmosphere, and a convenient location near Neptune's Staircase, perfect for walks along the canal. They also highlight the friendly and helpful staff, the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, and the delicious food, especially the Friday fish and chips deal.

Some reviews mention the service can be slow.

Summary via Google

At a glance

Address
Seanivan, Banavie, Fort William, PH33 7LY Get directions
Property type
Hotel
Location
Banavie, beside the Caledonian Canal
Star rating
4 star
Guest score
8.6 / 10 (1,400 reviews)
Prices from
£155 per night
Good for children
Yes
Destination
Fort William