Ardconnel House B&B Inverness

Okay, but Not What I Had Hoped

I decided to stay at this property after reading other TripAdvisor reviews. I generally consider Trip Advisor a darn good source of accurate information but in this instance, I was disappointed.

Let me first say, the property is scrupulously tidy which was greatly appreciated. The bathroom, though shared, was bright and spacious. The home is decorated with warm but kitchsy décor: for those that are looking for the feeling of staying in an elderly aunt's home the Arconnel is for you, but I was hoping for something a bit more refined.. The gentleman of the house is very kind, but the lady is a bit brusque, especially when I asked, in advance, for some slight accommodations for breakfast. The breakfast food was unremarkable and not the hardy Scottish breakfast for which I had hoped. I was never told that there was a lounge for guest's use or how to operate the television in my room (not intuitive, I'm afraid.)

I mark this property as "Okay" because for a one-day stay, it was fine, but the general TripAdvisor sentiment just doesn't match the reality of this guest house.

Winter at the Lovely Ardconnel House

I recently visited Inverness in my trip from Australia and stayed with John and Liz from late December 2006 to early January 2007. I chose their B&B as I had stayed with them in 2005 and was impressed by their great service.

I would rate this B&B far more comfortable and clean than many hotels I have stayed in. It is only 3 minutes walk to the city centre and is quiet. The room was spotlessly clean and really comfortable. It was winter when I stayed and the room temperature was perfect - and the bed was a comfy retreat after a hard day's travelling. The shower facilities are excellent.

John and Liz treat you as if you are a member of the family and go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable. The breakfasts are gorgeous - and truly authentic.

I will be back! :)

Absolutely Wonderful B & B!!

This B & B is a hidden treasure in Scotland. We enjoyed several nights' stay at Ardconnel House and found it to be Very accommodating, spotlessly clean, great food and hospitality. John and Elizabeth stand out among inn keepers not only in providing lodging and great food, but in all the little extras a traveler needs to feel comfortable a world away from home. Little fragrant soaps, large fluffy towels, scottish biscuits and tea in the room as well as coffee service went a long way to make us feel warm and cozy. When we were tired, John and Liz went out of their way to provide a sheltering place to recuperate. There is a nice, big lounge with TV, DVD's, books, magazines to share and relax in. The rooms are very spacious with high ceilings and bright light. We had a bath in our room, but would highly recommend the room with bath across the hall...the bath is HUGE! so, don't be afraid of any room in this house...they are all spectacular. John and Liz go out of their way for Americans and genuinely like having guests. We were directed to several great restaurants, pubs, sightseeing adventures and walks by John and Liz and always felt very welcomed and greeted as we returned. We saw this hospitality extended to all staying there, Americans, Brits and Scots. Words cannot convey EXCELLENT in this instance. We have lived and traveled the world and this is the BEST B&B we've experienced.

The perfect place to stay

If you are looking for a place that is well located to the Highlands and to Inverness city center itself; if you are looking for the warmth, comfort and beauty of a home with superb ammenities in a Victorian setting; if you are looking for true Highland hospitality in a host and hostess; and if you are looking for a breakfast that includes a fully loaded sideboard of homemade goodies plus a menu for a Scottish cooked breakfast, then Ardconnel House is the place to book. John and Liz will welcome you when you arrive and assure that you are comfortable and settled. I returned to Scotland after being away for 35 years and wanted to have a base where I could explore the Highlands. As it turned out, I couldn't have booked a more perfect place. John and Liz assured my comfort and made wonderful suggestions for day trips. If you want to take a picnic lunch along for the day, Liz packs a wonderful one. At the end of the day, there is a very comfortable guest lounge. I recommend Ardconnel House as a first choice of a place to stay. It's perfect!!

Home from home

Stayed here over New Year for 3 nights. Had a single room with separate private bathroom. All facilities were extremely clean and comfortable.

The great thing about this place, apart from the hospitality offered by the hosts, is the location - 2 minute walk down some steps and you are in the heart of Inverness' and its shopping / restaurants.

Would not hesitate to stay here again if I were in the area. The brakfasts were fantastic and you need nothing else till tea time.

Great place, great hosts!

We were two couples spending over two weeks in Scotland & Ireland, staying in 10 different places. We feel lucky to have had all positive experiences, but our favorite hosts and our favorite place were John & Elizabeth at Ardconnel House B & B in Inverness. I would echo many of the other things said on this site. The breakfasts were great, the accomodations were roomy, homey, comfortable and affordable. We got good recommendations for sight-seeing, shopping and dining. We stayed three nights, but wished we could have stayed many more. We only scratched the surface of things to do in the Inverness area and staying with John & Elizabeth was like staying with old friends. At the end of our trip, all four of our group, despite having had the trip of our lives, named as our only regret that we had been unable to spend more time in Inverness and at Ardconnel House. We can't wait to go back.

Scottish Hospitality at Its Best

We have just spent 3 faboulous days at Ardconnel House, Inverness. After reading many nice comments on both Tripadvisor and The Rick Steves site we selected Ardconnel House for our short break in the Capital City of the Highlands. There is so much to see & explore we only wish we could have stayed longer.

John, Liz and Shadow the dog gave us a very Warm Scottish Welcome to their beautiful home. John & Liz were always on hand to help us find all the worthwhile sights, from monster spotting cruises on Loch Ness, dolphin spotting in the Moray Firth, The Culloden Battlefield and Cawdor Castle. The

quantity of Whisky Distilleries in the area is unbelievable; this could only be the real home of Scotch Whisky.

The breakfasts are scrumptious! You will most definitely not leave their table hungry. John carefully prepares the Full Scottish Breakfast which includes the famous 'Haggis' & 'Black Pudding'! While Liz prides herself in preparing the fresh fruit and a variety of home baked scones, blueberry muffins and brown bread. On the dresser sits a variety of homemade jams, lemon curd and special extras to suit all tastes and diets.

Ardconnel House is fortunate to have the railway station and a variety of shops and resturants; all within walking distance of the house. Not forgetting the local pubs with the live Scottish music. We ate at Redcliff Restaurant, River House Restaurant and North Kessock Restaurant; all of which we would recommend and all reasonably priced. In particular we would not hesitate to recommend Ardconnel House to anyone visiting Inverness.

John, Liz and Shadow are great hosts and can be found on

--- We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did.

ONLY PLACE TO STAY

Please....if you visit Inverness, stay with John and Elizabeth at Ardconnel House. I was travelling with my father, we had top floor twin room, Double/single and teddy bear and stayed for two nights. Modern bathroom, great amentiy options. This guest house was an absolute highlight of our fortnight in the UK. The gourmet breakfast was beyond words and yes, welcoming Vegemite on the breakfast bar. Dad enjoyed Stornoway black pudding, unique to the area. Shadow the dog is a joy, make sure you say hello. We arrived Sunday arvo and the smell of roast beef (for John & Elizabeth only) was so inviting we wanted to crash the party. Food aside, all of the attractions of Inverness are within walking distance. Park the car and leave it. If your travelling by car they can accomodate parking. We ate at Girvans for dinner which was lovely and Bella Italia which was ordinary. So much to see in the region, do what you please and be assured of a warm scottish welcome no matter where you go...none more so than Ardconnel House.

Wonderful B&B in a beautiful county.

I stayed at the Ardconnel House B&B for 5 days. I truly wish I could have stayed longer. John and Elizabeth provide a warm, friendly home away from home for travelers at suprisingly reasonable rates. The rooms are clean and comfortable, some with wonderful views of Inverness Castle and the river Ness. The B&B is within easy walking distance of shopping, historic attractions, excellent restaurants and both bus and rail stations. John and Elizabeth were both wonderful sources for local information and advice, were happy to help me in any way they could and cook a great breakfast (Elizabeth makes some of the best baked goods I've tasted too). I will certainly recommend them to friends and colleagues and I can't wait to come back again.

Country of Beauty

Traveled to Scotland September 17 to 25th. Started in Glasgow, rented a car and drove to Fort William. Awsome scenery. Drove the Road to the Isles, unbelieveable scenery. On to Inverness and Urquhart castle, Lock Ness more unbelieveable scenery. Stayed at Ardconnel Bed and Breakfast

which was a beautiful Victorian, fantastic breakfast and very accommodating hosts. Could walk though the city from the B & B. On to

Sterling and numerous historic sites. then on to Edinburgh. The people of Scotland are extremely friendly and most helpful. The weather was terrible but if you bring a raincoat and umbrella you will still enjoy your visit. It is extremely expensive. The food is OK but they do know how to make soup and pasteries. Unforgetable trip. Did get great rates from Otel. for hotels.