Culcabock Road, Inverness, United Kingdom | (888) 710-7049
Historic 18th-century hotel with period
touches
Walking distance to Inverness city center and next to Inverness Golf Club
Spacious, pleasant rooms, many with garden views
Two restaurants utilize locally-sourced produce
Breakfast buffet with hot and cold options
Leisure center with swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, and fitness center
Spa and hair salon
Meeting rooms and event space
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Often hosts large events and tour groups (can be crowded and hectic)
Breakfast not included in room rates
Basement rooms have little or no view
Some rooms are worn and dated
The 134-room Kingsmills Hotel is an upscale property
comprising an 18th-century building with modern extensions set on four
acres of well-tended gardens. Surrounded by greenery, the setting feels almost
rural, though Inverness city center is within a 15-minute stroll. Many rooms have a fresh look and upmarket features including iPod
docks, bathrobes, and balconies with views over the golf course, though some Classic Rooms are dated and worn. The restaurants on site get decent marks, while the health, spa, and pool facilities are pluses. For a more central hotel with a spa,
travelers might want to consider the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Family-run hotel set in 18th-century mansion with contemporary additions
Despite its
rather dour beige facade, touches of the hotel's original Scottish Baronial
style are evident in the odd arched gable and domed tower. The Kingsmills Hotel occupies a mansion dating back to 1786 and has plenty of historical cache: It was once home to William Inglis -- the Provost (mayor) of
Inverness toward the end of the 18th century -- and it hosted poet Robert
Burns around the same time. The property was converted into a hotel in 1947 by the
MacLeod family and has since been extended with both sympathetic and
contemporary architectural add-ons. The lobby itself has a more old-fashioned look, with ornate coving, gilt-framed etchings, and tasseled
drapery combining to create a traditional atmosphere. The hotel is set on four acres
of well-tended gardens comprising manicured lawns and mature trees, while the
most recent addition -- the Kingsclub section -- was completed in 2010 and
includes the hotel's spa and 37 suites that overlook the neighboring golf club. Clientele consists of a fair share of golfing groups as well as large events and tours, while the hotel also attracts vacationing couples and families with kids.
Location
Next to Inverness Golf Club and within walking distance of Inverness city center
The hotel is a
set back from a fairly busy road located on the southeast outskirts of Inverness. While the property is surrounded by plenty of green space -- most of it
belonging to the Inverness Golf Club -- the city center is within
walking distance and can be reached in about 15 minutes. A nearby bus stop also connects to the
city's main shopping and dining areas in about seven minutes, or it's a
five-minute taxi ride. Inverness Airport is 20 minutes away by
car, while the main train station is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Loch Ness, home to the legendary
monster, is also easily accessible by car in about 30 minutes.
Rooms
Pleasant rooms with traditional or contemporary decor and range of modern features
The hotel has 134
rooms that include a range of types from the traditionally styled Classic Rooms to more fresh and contemporary Kingsclub and Garden Rooms. The recently built Garden Rooms feature large windows overlooking the attractive grounds, while Patio Rooms open onto furnished patios. All rooms are spacious and include electric kettles for coffee or tea, flat-screen TVs with Sky channels, and free Wi-Fi. The Kingsclub and Garden Rooms also provide
iPod docks, minibars, and bathrobes, plus some have balconies or terraces overlooking the
tenth green of the neighboring golf club. A couple of balconies, however, look out
on to the road and some of the decor in Classic Rooms is showing signs of
wear -- these rooms also look a bit dated, with old patterned carpets set with clashing upholstered chairs. Decor in Garden Rooms is far nicer, with wood floors, contemporary furniture, and a bright vibe overall. Guests should know that some rooms are on the basement level and have little or no view.
Features
Locally-sourced Scottish cooking and well-equipped leisure club
There are two options for dining at the Kingsmills Hotel, though reviews are mixed for both venues. Set in the
18th-century part of the property, the Inglis Restaurant serves two- or three-course meals fusing traditional Scottish cooking with contemporary touches. The
Conservatory offers an a la carte menu comprising locally-sourced seafood and
steaks. A decent breakfast buffet with hot and cold options is served each morning, but is not generally
included in the rate. Room service is available around the clock.The hotel's
leisure club includes a heated indoor swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, and hot tub as well as a spa with three treatment rooms and a hair salon. There are several meeting rooms and event space. The
hotel can also arrange transport to local golf courses, while those with cars
have access to ample on-site parking free of charge. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
