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New five-star hotel shines the spotlight on Inverness

By Jess Marshall   |  

In the heart of Inverness, a new five-star hotel has just opened its doors to the eagerly awaiting residents of Scotland and the many millions of visitors it attracts each year. Located directly on the shore of the sparkling River Ness, newly opened in July 2019, situated just 10 short minutes from Loch Ness, the Ness Walk really is a hidden gem for its visitors.

Despite it being right at the heart of the city centre the hotel gives the true illusion of country-side tranquility with its ‘dramatic canopy of impressive trees’, grand building design and the bubbling river whose banks it lies on. The hotel is the perfect get-away for visitors wanting to explore the magic of the Highlands, with the connivence of a city break. Located near three world famous golf courses and infinite fishing opportunities, as well as hiking trails, horse riding and off-road driving courses, this hotel really has something for everyone.

Ness Walk
The 47-bedroom Ness Walk, a £7 million project, is the latest addition to Kingsmills Hotel Group’s portfolio.

Scotland is often a forgotten holiday destination in the UK but with its vast, epic landscapes, abundance of whisky distilleries, and cultural Highland Games this is not a place to be scoffed at. Luxury and awe lie in every inch of the Scottish highlands and its major cities; the Ness Walk is certainly no exception. Situated in a building originally built in the 1800s, that still retains its original features, the hotel is the perfect experience for those of us who truly relish comfort, opulence and tranquility.

Housing 47 rooms that are each named after the trees that enclose this secluded hideaway, this hotel truly puts the devil in the detail in terms of its indulgent design style. With luxurious materials such as marble, leathers, cashmere and velvets scattered throughout, the Ness Walk displays a rich tapestry of what Scottish comfort is all about. The rooms are both rich while being unabashedly homely, with beds so comfortable you’ll be tempted to spend your entire stay wrapped up in the crisp linen sheets. With the added bonus of a personal patio, private terraces for each room situated on the ground floor, and floor to ceiling windows for rooms on the next two stories, every guest can enjoy the wonders of Scottish wildlife without ever leaving the warm comfort of their temporary home.

Ness Walk
The 80-seater Torrish restaurant is named after the beautiful salmon fly commonly used when fishing in the River Ness

All that, if you can believe it, only covers the basic rooms at Ness Walk. There are also two exclusive suites that give ‘luxurious holiday’ a whole new meaning. The Wellingtonia and Rowan suites include a private lounge and dining area, breathtaking views of Inverness Castle and it’s stunning grounds, a walk in shower and marble bathrooms, and to top all of that off, there is an extravagant super-king size bed.

If you ever feel like venturing out of the comfort of that luscious bed to find some equally luscious food, there is no need to look very far. The Ness Walk has its very own fine dining restaurant onsite, and offers fresh, classically Scottish comfort food to fill the bellies of all its guests. With a combination of meats, fish, and pastas, the menu is designed with all local ingredients and are packed with ‘curiosity, adventure and discovery’! While deciding what to eat from the decadent, yet simple menu, why not order a bottle of wine to wash down this world-class food. Or head down to The Riverbank Room; a bar and event space whose serene and exceptional views of the River Ness can be enjoyed while sipping on an expertly crafted cocktail.

The interiors reflect the seasonal landscape with a flow of soft colours and textiles

Talking about the Kingsmills Groups vision for Ness Walk Hotel, CEO Tony Story said: “We wanted to create a luxurious escape with Ness Walk, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. It’s a place where guests are instantly transported out of the hustle and bustle of the city and everyday life, and can relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings. Just 10 minutes from the iconic Loch Ness, the hotel is a gateway to the Highlands, allowing visitors to explore every hill, nook and crag of Scotland’s most spectacular landscape…Exceptional hospitality is at the heart of our offering, with every little detail taken care of. From valet parking and personal luggage delivery, to a glass of chilled champagne on arrival, it’s our promise to provide an outstanding 5-star experience from the moment our guests arrive.”

This highland hotel truly is one for the books, offering home grown, relaxed and comfortable luxury. Located a short 10 minute drive from the heart of Inverness City centre, this nature filled oasis is a must-stay for anyone wanting to appreciate the culture, natural beauty, and history of Scotland.