If you are wondering where to stay in Fort William for your upcoming trip, this article has gathered together the best accommodation in Fort William for all travel styles and budgets.
Fort William is the second largest town in the Scottish Highlands and is known as ‘the outdoor capital of the U.K.’ It is best known for its incredible Highland scenery but it also offers opportunities for climbing, mountain biking, hiking, watersports and skiing.
Plus, it is packed with historical sites and well known filming locations. There will be something to see and do in Fort William, no matter what your preference may be.
Fort William makes a fantastic base from which to explore the Scottish Highlands as well as the nearby islands of the Inner Hebrides, including the famous Isle of Skye.
Where to stay in Fort William – Quick Picks
| AREA & HOTEL | COST | RATING | BOOK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort William | |||
| – MaClean Guest House | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| – Central Studio | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| – Nevis Bank Inn | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| Fort William Waterfront | |||
| – Glentower Lower Observatory | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| – Myrtle Bank Guest House | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| – Cruachan Hotel | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| Banavie | |||
| – Culacrick Guest House | $ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| – Ben Nevis Manor Lodge | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| – Inverlochy Castle Hotel | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| Glenfinnan | |||
| – The Princes House Hotel | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| – The Armoury | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| – Glenfinnan Pods | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
Best areas to stay in Fort William
Fort William is located at the base of Ben Nevis and sits at the head of Loch Linnhe. The Fort William area is made up of several villages a short drive apart with Fort William town at the centre. Each of the villages offer something different for visitors.
Central Fort William provides quick and easy access to shops, restaurants and cafes and has good transport links and nightlife. It is also the best area to stay if you are visiting Fort William by train.
Nearby Banavie sits just over the River Lochy on the road to Glenfinnan. This village has a train station so it is a good option if you are travelling by train but prefer more rural stays.
Glenfinnan is a 30 minute drive from Fort William but it is such a fantastic location it deserves to be included in this list of where to stay in Fort William.
Visiting Fort William FAQ
When is the best time to visit Fort William?
A Scottish summer has long daylight hours with – hopefully – dry, warm days (though it’s always best to be prepared for all weathers in Scotland no matter when you visit).
Summer days can be packed with sightseeing and all the fantastic outdoor activities the Highlands have to offer. Don’t forget your midge repellent if you are going anywhere near water. Scottish school holidays run from the end of June to mid August.
Winter brings snow and freezing temperatures with shorter daylight hours but you can enjoy sightseeing and skiing in an idyllic picture postcard environment.
Spring and Autumn are quieter times to visit – with the added bonus of no midges!
What is the best way to travel to Fort William?
You can fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow and continue by train to Fort William. The West Highland Railway from Glasgow to Fort William takes less than 4 hours and is one of the U.K’s most scenic rail routes.
Alternatively, travel to Fort William by train from London Euston on The Caledonian Sleeper train. After a stop in Edinburgh, the train continues on to Fort William.
For detailed information on how to visit Fort William check out our essential Fort William travel guide here.
Fort William
If you want great nightlife, a range of dining options and easy transport links around the Highlands, stay in the centre of Fort William. There are also lots of things to do in Fort William that you will be able to visit on foot.
Stay in the area around Belford Road if you are travelling to Fort William by train. The rail station is located here, as is the Fort William Information Centre.
If nightlife is your priority choose the lively Waterfront as your base.
Things to see and do in Fort William
- Learn about Scottish history at the West Highland Museum.
- Try a wee dram at the Ben Nevis Distillery
- Private Tour of Ben Nevis from Fort William
- Explore the Old Fort which gave Fort William its name
- Go shopping for souvenirs at Ben Nevis Highland Centre
- Stretch your legs on a section of the West Highland Way hiking route
- Take a boat trip on Loch Linnhe
Read more – Things to do in Fort William
Where to stay in Fort William
MaClean Guest House – Distance to rail station: 4 minute walk
MaClean Guest House is easy to find as it is on the main road in Fort William and it offers free parking and a shared lounge. The ensuite rooms have a double or single bed, a kettle, desk and a flat screen tv and there are family rooms which sleep up to four people (in proper beds, no sofa beds).
The guest house is room only so you will need to go elsewhere for breakfast but as you are in the heart of Fort William you won’t have to go far to find a full Scottish breakfast.
Central Studio – Distance to train station – 6 minute walk
This nicely decorated studio apartment is perfect for couples who want to self-cater. The studio has a double bed, a dining table, sofa, tv and a kitchen equipped with a full oven, microwave and fridge.
Guests have free WiFi, parking and a deck from which you can see the Jacobite Steam train pass by. The studio is small but it is cosy and equipped with everything you need in an unbeatable location.
Nevis Bank Inn – Distance to train station – 10 minute walk
The Nevis Bank Inn is a 4 star hotel situated on the banks of the River Nevis. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and offers guests free WiFi and parking. Their ensuite rooms are a good size and feature double or single beds, desks and a flat screen tv. Each room has tea and coffee-making facilities and the ensuite bathroom has a bathtub as well as a shower.
Nevis Bank Inn also has a self catering apartment sleeping four in a double bed and sofa bed. It has a living area and a kitchen with an oven, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer. This is a great option for groups or families wondering where to stay in Fort William.
Fort William Waterfront (south of the city centre)
Glentower Lower Observatory – Distance from train station – 15 minute walk
This highly rated, comfortable and historic bed and breakfast is packed with charm and dates back to the late 19th century. It is a five-minute walk from the centre of Fort William and is situated on the banks of Loch Linnhe.
Glentower has a restaurant, a garden, free WiFi and parking. The ensuite carpeted rooms have single and double beds with tartan throws, a flat-screen tv, desk, kettle and soft chairs.
The ensuite has a separate shower and a claw-foot bath tub. Some rooms have views of the Loch across the road from the hotel.
Myrtle Bank Guest House – Distance from train station – 16 minutes
Myrtle Bank is a 19th century waterfront guesthouse with direct access to Loch Linnhe. It has a shared lounge, a garden overlooking the Loch, luggage storage and a concierge service. Guests have free WiFi, parking and a Scottish breakfast is served daily.
The elegantly decorated, white tone ensuite rooms have double and single beds, a flat screen tv, desk and kettle. Some rooms have views of the Loch. If you are looking for Fort William accommodation with character and good customer service, Myrtle Bank is a great option.
Cruachan Hotel – Distance from train station – 15 minutes
The Cruachan is a grand, 3 star hotel just 50 metres from the edge of Loch Linnhe. The hotel has a restaurant, an evening bar, a terrace with scenic views and a useful lift. There is free Wifi and free parking.
The contemporary ensuite rooms have single and double beds, a tv, soft chairs and a desk. Single, triple and family rooms are available and some rooms have views of Loch Linnhe and the Morven Hills. Room rates include a Scottish breakfast.
Banavie
Banavie offers good transport links (including a train station) and will be a quieter, more rural stay than central Fort William which is a short four miles away.
Things to see and do in Banavie
- Watch the canal boat travel through Neptune’s Staircase, a series of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal.
- Explore 13th-century Inverlochy Castle
- Enjoy a stroll on The Great Glen Way which passes through Banavie
Where to stay in Banavie
Culacrick Guest House – 7 minutes on foot from Banavie rail station
This highly rated, traditional style guest house is perfect for couples travelling on a budget.
The simple but comfortable ensuite rooms are spacious and offer double or single beds, a tv, soft chairs and a kettle. Culacrick’s deluxe room is the largest and has a sofa in the living area.
Ben Nevis Manor Lodge – 10 minutes on foot from Banavie rail station
If you want great views of Ben Nevis and Highland Cows at your window, then the rural Ben Nevis Manor Lodge is the perfect choice for you.
This self contained wooden holiday home has a separate bedroom with double bed, a living room with a sofa and tv plus a kitchen equipped with a fridge freezer, washing machine and oven.
There is a deck so guests can make the most of the views. It is ideal for couples looking for a countryside Scottish stay.
Inverlochy Castle Hotel – 4 kilometres or a five minute drive from Banavie rail station
If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a Scottish castle surrounded by lochs and mountains, check out the 19th century Inverlochy Castle Hotel.
The 5 star hotel is set in a stunning West Highland landscape and features an award winning restaurant run by Albert and Michel Roux. Guests can enjoy on-site activities such as fishing, billiards, archery, clay pigeon shooting and tennis and will also have free WiFi and parking.
Each of the 17 rooms is individually designed and features a large double bed, a desk and armchairs. Suites sleep four in two double beds and have a spacious living area as well as a freestanding copper bathtub in the luxurious ensuite bathroom.
There is also a cosy two bed cottage in the estate’s gatekeepers lodge with its own kitchen for guests who like to self cater. Plus, if you are a Royal fan, you can even stay in a room in which Queen Victoria once stayed.
Glenfinnan
Although not technically part of Fort William, this popular destination is nearby so could be considered as a base for visiting Fort William. The two towns are a 25 minute drive or 17 kilometres apart.
Things to see and do in Glenfinnan
- Take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train over Glenfinnan Viaduct, also known as The Harry Potter Train after its immortalisation in the Harry Potter movies
- Enjoy a stroll around Loch Shiel
- Take a day trip to the stunning Isle of Skye by ferry from Port Mallaig, a 30 minute drive from Glenfinnan
Where to stay in Glenfinnan
The Princes House Hotel – 300 metres from Glenfinnan rail station
This elegant hotel near Loch Shiel is in the centre of Glenfinnan and has an award winning restaurant, a bar and offers free WiFi and parking.
The ensuite bedrooms feature mahogany furniture and have single or double beds, a flat screen tv and a desk. Interconnecting rooms are available for families or groups.
One room has a four poster bed and some rooms offer mountain views. Breakfast is included in all the room rates.
The Armoury – 500 metres from Glenfinnan rail station
The Armoury is a two bed holiday home that is so gorgeous you will not want to leave it. The luxurious stone house sleeps six in double, single and sofa beds and has a spacious living area with sofas, window seats, a tv, wood burning stove and two storey windows.
The kitchen is well equipped with a washing machine, dishwasher and oven plus there is an attractive garden with parking.
There is also an outdoor wooden deck with seating for guests to savour the views. Glenfinnan Viaduct is just over one kilometre away.
Glenfinnan Pods – 200 metres from Glenfinnan rail station
If you are looking for something a little different, how about a pod stay? Glenfinnan Pods offer small, two person wooden pods complete with a double bed, soft chairs, a kitchenette with a stove, kettle and fridge plus an ensuite bathroom.
Each cabin has private parking and a balcony or patio overlooking the loch.
Read more about visiting Fort William and the Scottish Highlands
I hope this article has helped you find the perfect accommodation for your trip to this stunning part of Scotland.
Read more about visiting Scotland in our practical guides:
