Smithton Hotel

This hotel is widely celebrated for its exceptional hospitality and the consistently friendly staff who go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable beds and the overall cleanliness of the rooms, alongside the high quality of the food, particularly the breakfast. Its location, while slightly outside the city center, is ideal for business travelers needing easy access to the airport and for sightseers exploring nearby historical sites. Families and couples also find the hotel a welcoming base. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room not directly above the bar if you are sensitive to noise, and be aware that the hotel has multiple flights of stairs with no lift, which is a consideration for those with heavy luggage or mobility concerns.

Facilities & Amenities
While the exterior may appear dated to some, the hotel offers a comfortable and well-utilized bar and lounge area, which many guests find a pleasant spot for an evening drink or meal. The bar often features darts and pool tables, providing entertainment. Guests appreciate the convenience of free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. For those traveling with electric vehicles, the availability of EV charging on-site is a significant bonus. However, it is important to note that the hotel does not have a lift, meaning guests will need to use the stairs to access rooms on upper floors, which can be challenging with heavy luggage.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness of the rooms, often describing them as spotless and well-maintained. The comfortable beds are a standout feature, frequently mentioned as providing a restful night's sleep. While some rooms are noted for being spacious, others are described as more compact, though still perfectly adequate. The bathrooms are generally well-equipped, with many appreciating the good shower pressure and hot water. In-room amenities like coffee/tea service and modern conveniences such as USB sockets are also valued. However, some guests report issues with thin walls, leading to noise from the bar or adjoining rooms, and a few mention minor issues like small TVs or the use of paper cups for beverages.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel receives widespread acclaim for its dining options, particularly the breakfast, which is often described as amazing, excellent, and generous, featuring a full Scottish option cooked to order. Many guests highlight the homemade food and generous portions served for both breakfast and evening meals. Popular dishes include fish and chips, steak pie, macaroni cheese, and mushroom stroganoff, all praised for their quality and taste. The restaurant and bar areas provide a comfortable atmosphere for meals. While most feedback is highly positive, a few guests noted that the menu could be limited or that service could occasionally be slow during busy periods.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's quiet location in a residential area on the outskirts is a significant advantage for many guests, offering a peaceful retreat while still providing easy access to the city centre via a short taxi ride or nearby public transport. Its proximity to Inverness Airport makes it an excellent choice for travelers with early flights. The hotel also boasts good parking facilities on-site, which is a major convenience for those traveling by car. Additionally, its location is well-suited for exploring historical sites like Culloden Battlefield. However, guests should be aware that public transport options can be limited, especially late at night, and ride-sharing services like Uber are not readily available in the area.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional hospitality and friendly and helpful demeanor. Guests frequently commend their attentive service, noting how they go above and beyond to assist with various needs, from quick check-in processes to providing luggage assistance up the stairs. The team is highly praised for making taxi reservations, offering valuable local recommendations, and accommodating special requests such as preparing early breakfast or packed lunches for guests with early departures. This personalized approach and genuine care contribute significantly to a welcoming and memorable stay for most visitors.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that despite a somewhat dated exterior appearance, the hotel's comfortable interior and high standards of service are consistently praised. A notable characteristic of the property is the presence of multiple flights of stairs to access guest rooms, as there is no lift available, which is an important consideration for guests with mobility challenges or heavy luggage. Many reviews highlight the hotel's excellent value for money, suggesting that the quality of the experience, particularly the food and staff service, often exceeds expectations given the price point. The hotel also features a lively bar area that can generate some noise, particularly on weekends, which is worth noting for light sleepers.