Inverness Youth Hostel

The comfortable beds and friendly staff made for a good stay, and the price was very reasonable. There’s plenty of clean, well-kept shared space to relax in, plus a fully equipped kitchen. It’s in a quiet spot a little way from the centre. One drawback: check-in doesn’t start until 4pm, and before then you’re limited to waiting in reception.

Parking at the property made it an easy, affordable base for exploring Inverness. We were a group of five, and found the rooms and bathrooms clean, well looked after, and good value. We didn’t fancy the limited breakfast choices or the drinks, though, so you may want to go into town for those.

The location was good and the price was low, but I’ve stayed in better hostels on this trip. There wasn’t a freezer, even in the fridge, and sockets were in short supply. The lounge was cold too. Noise was the biggest problem. The walls are thin, and schoolchildren were running up and down the corridors, slamming doors at 7am. We arrived to a pillow fight next door, then heard kids from other rooms coming and going. I don’t know why they and their teachers weren’t put together on one floor. Late at night there was a lot of creaking from above, though I couldn’t tell if it was the kids or someone else. I had earplugs in and could still hear it.

The cheap rate and the interesting fellow guests were the only real positives. We arrived around 9pm exhausted after cycling the Hebridean Way and taking the ferry and bus back to the mainland. Reception was tied up for ten minutes with a man arguing about his unpaid reservation being cancelled. Our bikes had to stay unsecured outside while we waited, since we needed a room key to get into the bike room. We shared with five other women. There were only four lockers for six people, leaving us with the top bunks. The bunks squeaked, and the mattress was worn enough that I could hear loose springs. I slept badly. I’m allergic to dust mite faeces and had a reaction in bed, so the room could have been cleaned better. I won’t stay here again.