Loch Ness Inn
Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness · Inn
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Loch Ness Inn
A traditional Highland inn dating from 1838 near Drumnadrochit, with individually designed rooms, a bunkhouse and a real ale bar.
What's nearby
- The Lewiston next door
- Esso next door
- Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge 250m away
- Aslaich 350m away
- Woodlands Bed & Breakfast 400m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
Details via Google — worth confirming with the hotel before you travel, especially for access needs.
About Loch Ness Inn
The Loch Ness Inn stands in the hamlet of Lewiston, just outside Drumnadrochit and a mile and a half from Urquhart Castle. The building dates from 1838 and has been brought up to date carefully, keeping the stonework, low ceilings and open fires while adding modern bathrooms and proper heating. It is a genuine village inn rather than a hotel dressed up as one, and locals use the bar, which tells you most of what you need to know.
Accommodation splits into two parts. The Inn's bedrooms are individually designed, using muted colours and original artwork by the Scottish painter Dot Walker, with en suite bathrooms and good beds. Next door, the Bunk Inn provides nine simpler rooms aimed at walkers, cyclists and families, which keeps the price sensible for anyone tackling the Great Glen Way or cycling the loch. Parking is on site, drying space is available and some rooms take dogs.
The Lewiston restaurant serves seasonal Highland produce, with venison, beef, west coast seafood and local game appearing regularly alongside pub staples done properly. The Brewery Bar carries award-winning real ales and a long list of Scottish whiskies, and the fire is lit for most of the year. Breakfast is substantial, which matters if you are heading out on the hill. The inn holds a three-star Scottish Tourist Board rating and is recognised in the Michelin Guide for its cooking.
The setting is the main appeal. Loch Ness is a short walk away, Urquhart Castle guards the shoreline nearby, and the Great Glen Way passes through the village. Divach Falls, Glen Affric and the trails around Balmacaan Wood are all close, boat trips leave from Drumnadrochit, and Inverness is fifteen miles up the road. It suits walkers, road-trippers on the North Coast 500 and families who want somewhere unfussy and well run near the loch.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 4:00 – 10:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 4:00 – 10:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 4:00 – 10:30 PM
- Thursday
- 4:00 – 10:30 PM
- Friday
- 12:00 – 10:30 PM
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 10:30 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
Stayed at the Loch Ness Bunk Inn with a group of hillwalking friends. The bunk rooms were spacious and the beds comfortable (although a couple of my friends commented that their beds were squeaky). The self catering kitchen and dining area was good but there wasn't much space for food storage. We didn't eat in the restaurant but made good use of the pub and it was lovely to be able to sit outside (breezy enough to keep the midges at bay). There is a drying room but we didn't find this very effective (no heat source). But all in all we had a great time.
a month ago · via Google
Great location near Loch Ness. The Inn was great. Service was excellent. Well received when we arrived. We stayed in the bunk inn and loved the room. View of the creek. Nice kitchen area. The first night was peaceful. Second night a family was in the room above and their walking about was heard loudly in our room.
2 months ago · via Google
We visited midweek for my birthday, myself, husband and two children. We arrived for 5:30 and it was quiet in the restaurant, we asked to be seated away from other customers as with two young children, we didnt want to cause any disruptions. When other customers started arriving, we were promptly asked if the children could turn down the volume of their tablets which is a reasonable request, i was in the middle of instructing them to do so but it felt very rude considering my children were sat very well behaved enjoying their meals. We spent the remainder of our time listening to the chefs chatting, shouting and laughing instead. My partner ended up leaving easy to sit in the car with the children as it felt as if they were a nuisance when they were just being children. I opted for the rump steak and at £35, I was not impressed. I ordered it medium rare and I came medium well/almost well done. All the other food was good and my children also enjoyed their meals. I did enjoy my cocktails and the young server was lovely. I promptly paid and left after our mains, but we were planning on staying for desserts and more drinks. We probably wont return as its not very family friendly.
2 months ago · via Google
What a beautiful place to have an evening meal, beautiful decor and lovely staff. Friendly greeting lovely to have a choice of table. Superb choice of food and wine. Exceptional whisky menu, staff could not do enough for us. My wife and I have been to many upmarket restaurants, some Michelin stars, Loch Ness Inn surpassed them. I would recommend the ox cheeks and parsnip risotto and parsnip crisps. Superb melt in your mouth beef, creamy risotto. The ribeye was superb quality beautifully basted to perfection.
4 months ago · via Google
People say this inn offers delicious food, including excellent breakfasts and dinners with local ingredients, and features clean, comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Guests also highlight the friendly, professional staff and the welcoming, lively atmosphere in the bar. They also appreciate the convenient on-site parking and the inn's great value.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, IV63 6UW Get directions
- Property type
- Inn
- Location
- Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness
- Star rating
- 3 star
- Guest score
- 8.7 / 10 (1,300 reviews)
- Prices from
- £115 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Scottish Highlands