MacBackpackers Inverness Hostel and other Inverness, United Kingdom Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

This is part of the MacBackpackers network of hostels - so if you like them you'll love this one too.

Been around for years - this independent hostel started life poaching business from the then Youth Hostel opposite. Now the SYHA have moved to a new site, and other independent hostels have opened up in town nearer the train / coach stations.

But who cares? This hostel is quiet one minute then packed the next, as three tour buses pull up and disgorge there contents of cheery revellers.

Its a small, compact hostel. If you want to join a bus tour group - do so quickly - become part of the lively, happy throng - ohterwise it can be very frustrating - and you will have to go with their flow, sleep when they want, or not.

Unique Qualities: The location is nice, on a slight escarpment overlooking the river. The building is full of character, and decorated in the usual style, so very "student" feeling - plus plants and use of colour - not retaining the original buildings character.

Its about a 10 minute walk, through town to the hostel - and upwards - so maybe refresh at Macdonalds on the way. You have to walk past 3 other hostels on the way!

Breakfast service is continental style - ideal for a quick, no fuss start. I think its 1.50 still.

If you can get a quiet (no tour bus) night here - do - its good - but otherwise you will feel like the padding - filling up the edges.

Oh, btw - the "castle" is a modern construct and not worth getting excited about.

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Theme: Hostel
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$20  » Currency Converter
Address: 8 Culduthel Road, , Inverness, Scotland IV2 4AB
Directions: Walk up Castle Street - Macdonalds on your left, town hall and Tourist Info on your right.
At fork in road, take the left (technically straight on). Hostel is on right hand side, beyond Baz Backpackers Hostel (also good).
Website: www.scotlandstophostels.com
Other Contact: www.hostel-scotland.co.uk

One of the better places to stay in Inverness.

Surprisingly, this place is quite good. the staff may prove ellusive, and it may feel like a private house, a bit worn and carpets threadbare - but for the price wht can you expect!!

It has a nice conservatory and good location, on an escarpment over looking the river. (Its just nearer town than the MacBackpackers Hostel - also reviewed here on VT).

I'm getting a bit stuffy in my old age and tending to avoid city hostels in peak season, if possible, because I do not drink and nearly all hostellers do.

But I would recommend this hostel to people - assuming Barry is still running it. Check the Blue Hostel Guide - if its listed in there - good! Go for it.

Unique Qualities: Small, cosy house, beside a nice bar.

Great location, a bit out of the central street but in town centre, 3 minutes from Tourist Info and High Street.

Smaller than other hostels in town - your choice!

Has a nice chill out area and small conservatory.
Kitchen is small, but fine - will save you money!

See Blue Hostels Guide

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Theme: Hostel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$20  » Currency Converter
Address: 4 Culduthel Road, , Inverness, Scotland IV4 2AB
Directions: As for MacBackpackers Hostel, head up Castle Street, Macdonalds on your left. At first traffic lights and fork in road, take left (ie straight on) road and hostel is then on rhs, beyond the pub.
Other Contact: www.hostel-scotland.co.uk

Cigerette smoke in the only communal / eating room

I have to say, though this place isn't dreadful, its the one most likely to cause disappointment. So I see it as a "last resort".

A good place if you are super-chilled out and have no fears of theft or hassle, if you smoke and don't cook. If you are not fussy, this place will do.
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Unique Qualities: I felt the staff hadn't a good enough understanding or motivation to look after this place - I think their expectations are low and they cannot see it as the poor hostel it is.

After all, it has a great location and is well marketed, so I assume makes good money. Why change?

Security concerned me - with doors unlockable. The central location and noisy drunks (inside and out) left me with an unsettled night. (I'm 6'2" tall, btw).

Rooms were too crowded - obviously shoe-horning people in, and some bunks were wobbly. Under investment all around.

Cleaning was basic and staff interaction poor.

The promoted bbq and beer garden were non-existent.

But worst for me was the rubbish kitchen - very poor - and the lack of dining area (except the smoky lounge).

Not good - too risky - there are better places!

See web links below for other options.

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Theme: Hostel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$20  » Currency Converter
Address: 38 Eastgate, , Inverness, Scotland IV2 3NA
Directions: Opposite eastgate shopping centre - end of pedestrianised High Street.
Website: www.hostel-scotland.co.uk
Other Contact: www.syha.org.uk

superb communal lounge area overlooking High Street - a great place to chill and watch folk - and with kitchen adjacent - cheap brews of tea!!! Internet access there is good too.

Entry is off a side alley and is less than appealing - having to shout into an intercom to speak with reception. A bit off putting - but thank god it has security!!! (See Eastgate Hostel for comparison).

Once inside, you head upstairs to reception and the decor improves. So far so good.

Unique Qualities: Ho, Ho, suffers - like many independent city hostels from lack of staff training, motivation and cleaning. Under investment meant that decorating and refurbishment took years and I don't know if it is now complete. Certainly check this out before booking.

Some rooms are fine - some grotty.

The location and style make it inevitable that this place is going to fill with Backpackers happy with all night sessions (in the pub, lounge or bed) and it serves them well.

If you want to meet people - this is a good bet. If you want clean, safe, more formal surroundings - head to the SYHA Hostel, further out of town.

Ho Ho had a good manager when I was there but she left - so it may be struggling - unless they are lucky to find another as good as her.

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Theme: Hostel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$20  » Currency Converter
Address: 23a High Street, , Inverness, Scotland IV2 5XQ
Directions: High Street - the most central of all the hostels.
Website: www.hostel-scotland.co.uk
Other Contact: www.syha.org.uk