Inverness is full of tartan-clad hotels that look exactly like what you’d expect from a Scottish postcard. But if you walk along the banks of the River Ness, past the Cathedral and toward a row of imposing Victorian townhouses, you’ll find something that’s actually a bit of a rebel. The Glen Mhor Hotel Inverness doesn't just do "pretty views." It’s currently operating as a massive, high-stakes experiment in how a 19th-century building can exist in a 21st-century climate.
Honestly, most people book here because it’s a stones-throw from the city center. You get the river. You get the castle views. But behind those sandstone walls, there’s an £8 million energy center and the first new distillery the city has seen in over 130 years.
The Secret Under the Riverbanks
If you’re staying at the Glen Mhor Hotel Inverness, you’re basically sleeping on top of a giant, invisible engine. Owners Jon and Victoria Erasmus did something kind of wild back in 2022. They installed a water-source heat pump system that pulls energy directly from the water table of the River Ness.
It sounds like sci-fi, but it’s real.
This system allowed them to rip out 20 old gas boilers. Now, the heat for your morning shower and the warmth in your room comes from the river itself. It’s the first of its kind in Scotland. Most hotels just put a "please reuse your towels" sign in the bathroom and call it sustainability. This place literally changed its DNA.
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They also built Uile-bheist.
That’s the "Brewstillery" on-site. It’s a craft distillery and brewery that shares the same sustainable energy loop. They aren't just making whisky and beer for the sake of it; they’re proving you can run a carbon-neutral production line in the middle of a historic conservation area. If you’ve ever wanted to drink a pint while knowing the energy used to brew it didn't mess up the local environment, this is your spot.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Since the hotel is made up of ten different Victorian buildings, no two rooms are the same. This can be a bit of a shock if you’re used to the cookie-cutter layouts of a Hilton or a Premier Inn.
You’ve got a few distinct choices:
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- The Riverside Rooms: These are the ones everyone wants. You wake up, look out the window, and there’s the River Ness. It’s peaceful, though you pay a premium for it.
- The Apartments: If you’re traveling with a family or just hate eating out every night, these are the real winners. They have full kitchens and way more breathing room.
- The "Cosy" Rooms: In hotel-speak, "cosy" usually means small. These are tucked into the lofts or the back of the buildings. They’re great for solo travelers on a budget, but if you have a lot of luggage, you’ll feel the squeeze.
One thing to keep in mind? These are old buildings. Even with the massive renovations, there are stairs. Lots of them. They do have accessible rooms, but you really need to specify that when booking because navigating a 150-year-old townhouse with a heavy suitcase is a workout you might not have signed up for.
Dining at The Waterside
The main restaurant, The Waterside, follows the same "keep it local" vibe. They work with Executive Chef Andrew Lee to source ingredients from Highland producers. It’s not just about fancy plating. It’s about the fact that the venison or the salmon didn't have to fly halfway across the world to get to your plate.
If you want something more casual, Nicky Tam’s is the bar on-site. It’s got over 90 whiskies. That’s a lot of Scotch. It’s the kind of place where you can actually sit and chat with the staff about the difference between a Speyside and a Peated Highland dram without feeling like they’re just trying to upsell you the most expensive bottle.
Is it Worth the Hype?
There’s a lot of chatter about the Glen Mhor Hotel Inverness being a "green leader," but does that matter to you as a guest?
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Usually, the answer is "not if the bed is uncomfortable."
The good news is that the recent 4-star upgrade from Visit Scotland wasn't just for the eco-credentials. They’ve put real work into the soft goods—the linens, the mattresses, and the staff training. Victoria Erasmus is actually pretty famous in the industry for her "sensory recruitment" style. She focuses on hiring people from all backgrounds, including neurodivergent staff, which creates a vibe that feels more human and less corporate.
The Downsides:
- Parking: It’s a city-center hotel in a historic zone. Parking is tight and they charge a carbon emissions fee (around £12 last check).
- The "Maze" Factor: Because it’s ten buildings joined together, finding your way to breakfast the first morning can feel like an escape room challenge.
- Price: It’s not the cheapest stay in Inverness. You’re paying for the location and the fact that you’re supporting a massive green infrastructure project.
How to Get the Best Stay
If you’re planning a trip, don't just book the first "Classic" room you see.
Check for their "Drams & Dreams" package. It usually includes a tour of the Uile-bheist distillery and brewery. Since that’s the main thing that makes this hotel unique, it’s worth doing. Also, if you’re sensitive to noise, ask for a room that doesn't face the main road. The river side is much quieter, even with the occasional sound of the water.
Inverness is the gateway to the Highlands. You’re 15 minutes from Loch Ness and a short walk from the train station. If you want a base that has some actual character—and doesn't ignore the climate while it's at it—Glen Mhor is a solid choice.
Actionable Travel Tips for Glen Mhor
- Book Direct: They often have better rates or perks like distillery tours that don't show up on the big booking sites.
- Check the Distillery Schedule: Uile-bheist is busy. If you want a tour, book it when you book your room.
- The River Walk: Take the 20-minute loop across the Ness Islands bridge. It starts right near the hotel and is hands-down the best free thing to do in Inverness.
- Accessibility: If you have mobility issues, call the front desk before you arrive. Not all "accessible" rooms are created equal in Victorian conversions, and they can make sure you’re in a building with the easiest lift access.