Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge

My wife and I had a really fun time at the bar talking with the staff and owner. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating. The Lodge has a lively crowd from around Europe, as far as I could tell, and makes for a cozy, budget-friendly base in the Loch Ness area. The room was clean and nicely decorated, and the shared bathroom was well cleaned. There’s a large bar and sitting area with plenty of local beers and whiskies. The communal kitchen was well maintained and had what we needed for a quick meal. There’s also a cozy salon-style room with leather sofas that invites you to sit and read. I'd recommend the Backpackers Lodge.

The team deserves a big thank you. The staff were kind and really helpful, and showed us around the whole facility. The common area had a good atmosphere, with quiet-hour rules for sleeping time. I guess those rules were probably put in place after earlier complaints. I liked the decorations throughout the hostel, inside and outside, even in the toilet. There are a few parking spots on site, and the small town is lovely, with some nearby places to visit on foot. The kitchen and public bathroom were clean and nice. There are only two shower spaces in the main building, and they can't be used after 11pm so others can sleep. We didn't have to wait for one. It would be better if shower gel and shampoo, maybe an all-in-one, were provided. When we asked, staff gave us a used bottle of shower gel. Towels aren't included, though you can rent one. That's common in hostels, although some do provide them. Our main concern was the family room we booked for five. The bedding looked old and yellow, and really ought to be changed. We weren't comfortable with it, and some of us felt itchy after lying down. A few of us had bites after that night, though we can't be sure they came from here. The sockets weren't easy to spot. We found only two, one occupied by a lamp and one free. There may have been more, but we couldn't find them, so I'd suggest backpackers bring an extension lead. We had one with us. Staff: 5/5. Kitchen: 5/5. Room: 2/5. Bathroom: 4/5. Location: 4.5/5. I'd recommend staying here, but maybe bring your own bedding.

The interiors are lovely, and everyone on staff was kind and helpful. There’s also a bar in the building that serves drinks until late evening. I really liked that the lounge stays open all night, so nobody makes you leave at 11 and go to your room. A peaceful, relaxing place by Loch Ness if you’re not looking for anything fancy.

There’s some interesting history here, and it’s a nice-looking place, but a few things let it down. The kitchen is tiny and gets crowded quickly. The showers aren’t laid out well, with nowhere dry to put clothes or get changed. Somehow I was also assigned a bed in an all-women’s dorm.