A beautiful boutique lodge on the north shore of Loch Ness, Loch Ness Lodge offers just 12 rooms and suites in a Victorian house surrounded by woodland. The lodge features a log fire lounge, a drawing room for afternoon tea, and excellent home-cooked dinners using local Scottish produce. The perfect romantic Highland escape.
Loch Ness Lodge is a boutique luxury hotel occupying a handsome Victorian house at Brachla on the north shore of Loch Ness, set within private wooded grounds with direct access to the loch foreshore. The property sits on the B862, the quieter eastern road that runs along the north and east shores of Loch Ness, approximately 12 miles south of Inverness. This positioning gives the lodge a genuine sense of Highland seclusion and removes it from the busier tourist traffic of the A82 on the western bank, while keeping Inverness and the broader Highlands within easy reach by car. The lodge has just 12 rooms and suites, making it one of Scotland's smallest and most intimate luxury properties. Accommodation ranges from Classic Rooms with loch-glimpse views through the woodland to the larger Laird's Suites with generous sitting areas and premium bathroom suites. Many rooms feature traditional Scottish furnishings — tartan textiles, tweed, and natural wool — alongside well-specified contemporary fittings and log fires or wood-burning stoves that are essential on colder Highland evenings. Dining at the lodge takes place in a single dining room and is served collectively each evening in the tradition of Highland house party hospitality. The menu changes nightly and is built around local Highland produce: venison from the surrounding estates, salmon and brown trout from local rivers, foraged ingredients gathered from the lodge's woodland, and Scottish cheeses sourced from artisan producers. Afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks in the drawing room are integral to the lodge's rhythm. Breakfast is cooked to order and consistently praised for its quality. Wildlife on and around the loch is one of the lodge's greatest natural assets — otters, ospreys, red kites, red deer, and red squirrels are all regularly sighted on and around the property. The lodge team can arrange Highland experiences including boat trips on Loch Ness, visits to Urquhart Castle, guided fishing, and whisky distillery excursions.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Loch access
- Fishing available
Location
Brachla, Loch Ness, Inverness IV3 8LA
Highlights
- Loch Ness setting
- Only 12 rooms - intimate and personal
- Scottish home-cooked dinners
- Log fires
- Wildlife and walking
Tips for visiting
- The eastern shore road (B862) that passes the lodge is far less trafficked and more scenic than the main A82 on the opposite bank; the full circuit of Loch Ness makes an excellent full-day drive.
- Wildlife spotting is best in the early morning and at dusk; the grounds around the lodge and the loch shore path are particularly productive for otter sightings.
- Boat trips on Loch Ness — including water-based visits to Urquhart Castle — can be arranged through the lodge team and provide a very different perspective on the loch from road travel.
- Loch Ness Lodge is adults-only; this should be confirmed before booking family trips, as the property does not accommodate children.
- Winter visits offer dramatically reduced visitor numbers elsewhere on the loch, spectacular Highland skies, and the chance to spot red deer stags at close range — the lodge's log fires and whisky selection make the season particularly atmospheric.
Accessibility
Loch Ness Lodge is a Victorian property set within wooded grounds on sloped terrain leading to the loch shore, and the building's historic character means some areas involve steps and uneven surfaces. The lodge has limited accessibility adaptations; guests with mobility requirements should contact the property directly before booking to discuss the most suitable room options and access arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
How many rooms does Loch Ness Lodge have?
Loch Ness Lodge has 12 rooms and suites, ranging from Classic Rooms to the larger Laird's Suites. The small number of rooms ensures a personal and intimate atmosphere throughout a stay.
Does Loch Ness Lodge serve dinner?
Yes, dinner is served each evening in the hotel dining room, following a set menu prepared from local Highland produce. The menu changes nightly. Dinner is included in certain room rates; guests should confirm at the time of booking whether it is included or separately charged.
How do visitors reach Loch Ness Lodge from Inverness?
The lodge is approximately 12 miles from Inverness along the B862, a 20-to-25-minute drive. There is no public transport to the lodge; guests need their own transport or should arrange a taxi from Inverness.
Does the lodge sit on Loch Ness itself?
Yes, Loch Ness Lodge sits directly on the north shore of Loch Ness with private wooded grounds running to the loch foreshore. Urquhart Castle, one of the most visited points on the loch, is approximately 18 miles away on the western shore.
Are dogs welcome at Loch Ness Lodge?
The lodge is pet-friendly and accepts dogs in certain rooms. Guests travelling with pets should notify the property at the time of booking to ensure that appropriate accommodation is allocated.