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Summary of reviewsThe Chieftain Hotel in Inverness garners positive reviews across several categories, positioning itself as a highly recommended choice for travelers. Centrally located, it offers the convenience of being within a 10 to 15-minute walk to the city center with easy access to major roads and public transport, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploration. Guests also appreciate the free parking and the dog-friendly atmosphere.
Breakfast at the Chieftain Hotel is highlighted for its quality and variety with many guests calling it one of the best they've had. Traditional British and Scottish options, cooked-to-order meals and an accommodating staff add to the enjoyable dining experience. Dinner also receives accolades for its diverse menu, delicious food and reasonable prices with stand-out dishes including beef and ale pie and chicken fajitas.
The staff at the Chieftain Hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. They go above and beyond to ensure guest comfort, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel staff, particularly those like Siobhan and Helen, are frequently mentioned for their exceptional service. The hotel's dog-friendly policy also earns positive remarks, adding to its charm for travelers with pets.
While room reviews are mixed, the positives include spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort with practical amenities and large family rooms being well-received. However, dated decor and occasional issues like low water pressure are noted. Cleanliness across the hotel is generally praised with many guests describing both rooms and public areas as immaculate.
The parking situation is lauded for being ample and convenient, enhancing the overall guest experience. The family-friendly atmosphere, spacious rooms with amenities for children, warm ambiance and accommodating staff make it a favorite for those traveling with kids. Moreover, beds receive mixed feedback, but many guests find them comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep.
Finally, while the hotel may not fully fit the boutique category, it offers a warm, cozy and charming atmosphere with a nostalgic Scottish ambiance. This inviting environment, combined with modern comforts, makes the Chieftain Hotel an appealing choice for many travelers. The only notable downside is the inconsistent quality of the free Wi-Fi, which some guests found frustrating.
Overall, the Chieftain Hotel provides an excellent combination of location, quality dining, friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a standout option for travelers visiting Inverness. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Boutique-style Hotel
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Small Hotel
Room Types
Double RoomWith en suite facilities, complementary tea and coffee, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV with Freeview.
Twin RoomWith en suite facilities, complementary tea and coffee, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV with Freeview.
Family Room (4 Adults)With en suite facilities, complementary tea and coffee, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV with Freeview.
Family Room (3 Adults)With en suite facilities, complementary tea and coffee, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV with Freeview.
Superior Double RoomA large double room with en suite facilities, complementary tea and coffee, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV with Freeview.
Triple RoomWith en suite facilities, complementary tea and coffee, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV with Freeview.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
The Chieftain Hotel enjoys a highly favorable location in Inverness, as highlighted by numerous guest reviews. Visitors appreciate that the city center is within walking distance, typically around a 10 to 15-minute stroll, making it convenient for exploring central Inverness, shopping, dining and local attractions. The hotel is also praised for being easily accessible from major roads and close to the train and bus stations, further enhancing its connectivity for travelers.
Many guests find the hotel's proximity to key landmarks, such as Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield, beneficial for sightseeing. The hotel is also well-positioned for travelers arriving or departing from the nearby airport. Its central location ensures guests have quick access to amenities and the vibrant heart of Inverness while still enjoying a quieter ambiance just outside the bustling city center.
Additionally, guests mention that the hotel offers free parking and the area around it is quite dog-friendly, adding to its convenience for travelers with pets. The hotel's positioning by a main road makes it easy to locate, although some reviews note a bit of road noise. Overall, the Chieftain Hotel stands out as an ideally situated accommodation for both leisure and business travelers seeking to explore Inverness.
Breakfast
The breakfast at the Chieftain Hotel receives high praise from guests for its quality and variety. Many reviewers highlight the excellent, delicious and superb breakfasts, noting the plentiful options available and the ability for meals to be cooked to order. The hotel offers a good mix of traditional British and Scottish breakfast items with specific mentions of superb Highland and full Scottish breakfasts.
Guests appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, who contribute to the enjoyable breakfast experience. Consistency in quality is emphasized with multiple mentions of the breakfast being the best they've had anywhere. The inclusion of breakfast in the room rate adds to the overall value and the option for guests to request specific dishes ensures there's something for everyone.
While there are a few mentions of less favorable experiences, mainly preferring self-service or noting poached eggs not meeting expectations, the majority of feedback leans overwhelmingly positive. The hotel also accommodates early risers with packed breakfast options, ensuring guests do not miss out regardless of their schedule.
Overall, the Chieftain Hotel seems to offer a breakfast that consistently delights its guests, making it a bright spot in their stay.
Dinner
Guests at the Chieftain Hotel have consistently praised the dinner offerings, highlighting the diverse selection available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant's meals are frequently described as great, delicious and well-presented, offering good value for money. Many reviewers noted that the food was not only tasty but also reasonably priced with standout dishes like beef and ale pie and chicken fajitas extravaganza receiving special mentions.
The staff's ability to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as gluten intolerance, also earned positive remarks. The pub and bar atmosphere, coupled with a variety of hearty and traditional pub food options, created a satisfying dining experience for many. The evening meals, in particular, were often described as excellent, brilliant or amazing, contributing to a pleasant stay at the hotel.
Overall, the feedback highlights a combination of good food, reasonable prices and a welcoming dining environment, making the Chieftain Hotel's restaurant a notable feature of the guest experience.
Rooms
The Chieftain Hotel seems to receive mixed reviews regarding its rooms, but there are certain consistently positive remarks that stand out. Guests frequently highlighted the cleanliness and spaciousness of the rooms, often noting that they were comfortable and well-maintained. Many praised the large room sizes, the comfortable beds and the practical facilities provided, such as tea and coffee amenities. Some rooms also featured nice views, adding to the pleasant experience.
However, a recurring theme in the reviews mentioned that several rooms and bathrooms appeared dated and in need of renovation. Issues such as low water pressure in the showers, noise from outside and occasional dampness were reported. Despite that, many guests found the rooms cozy, warm and welcoming, making for a restful stay.
In particular, the family rooms were appreciated for their spaciousness and well-equipped nature. There were occasional critiques about specific problems like mold, poorly sealed windows and outdated decor, but overall, the general sentiment about room comfort and cleanliness remained largely positive.
Overall, while the Chieftain Hotel could benefit from some updates and maintenance, it maintains a standard of providing clean, spacious and comfortable accommodations that many guests found satisfactory.
Beds
The Chieftain Hotel has received a variety of feedback regarding their beds with many guests praising the comfort. Positive reviews commonly highlight comfortable and very comfy beds, leading to great night’s sleep. Guests also appreciated the cleanliness of the bedding and the rooms overall. However, not all experiences were ideal; some found the beds too soft or narrow, while others described them as rock-hard or extremely uncomfortable. Despite these mixed reviews, several guests reported sleeping very well, thanks in part to warm duvets and cozy room environments. The experiences seem to vary with comfort levels largely depending on personal preference.
Cleanliness
The Chieftain Hotel stands out for its exceptional cleanliness, consistently praised by guests for its immaculate rooms and spotless public areas. Numerous reviews highlight the hotel’s clean and comfortable accommodations, often noting that both rooms and bathrooms are well-maintained and tidy. The hotel's cleanliness extends to clean towels and sheets, ensuring a pleasant stay. While the building is older, it is kept in impeccable condition, making it both charming and spotless. Despite one mention of black mold and dirty skirting boards, the overall impression is overwhelmingly positive with terms like "sparkling clean" and "spotlessly clean" frequently used. The hotel is not only clean but also well-located, providing easy access to Inverness and its attractions. The combination of cleanliness, comfortable rooms and friendly staff make the Chieftain Hotel a great option for travelers seeking both comfort and value.
Staff
At the Chieftain Hotel, one aspect that consistently stands out is the exceptional quality of the staff. Guests frequently describe the team as extremely friendly, helpful and accommodating. Whether interacting with the reception staff or being served in the restaurant, visitors note a warm and welcoming atmosphere that greatly enhances their stay.
The staff is praised for their attentiveness, going above and beyond to ensure guests' comfort and satisfaction. They are seen as polite, kind and incredibly pleasant, often being described as brilliant, fabulous and fantastic. Many guests appreciate the genuine warmth and care shown by the staff, who are always ready to assist with any request, no matter how small.
Special mentions often go to specific team members like Siobhan and Helen, who are highlighted for their exceptional service and management. Additionally, the hotel's dog-friendly policy garners positive remarks with many guests enjoying how accommodating the staff is towards their four-legged friends.
Overall, the Chieftain Hotel staff excels in providing a welcoming, friendly and helpful environment, making guests feel truly valued and ensuring a memorable experience.
Wi-Fi
The Chieftain Hotel has received mixed feedback regarding its Wi-Fi services with a trend leaning towards the negative. Guests frequently reported poor and limited connectivity with some unable to access the Wi-Fi at all. The layout of the building seems to contribute to the weak and spotty signal, especially in the rooms where reception can be described as non-existent at times. There were mentions of the internet being slow or patchy, making it difficult to maintain a stable connection. While a few guests managed to log into the Wi-Fi in the bar area, the overall consensus points to an unsatisfactory experience with the hotel's internet services.
Parking
The parking situation at the Chieftain Hotel primarily receives positive feedback from guests. Complimentary parking is a significant advantage with many reviewers appreciating the free and convenient options available. Guests highlight plenty of parking spaces on-site and appreciate the availability of private and off-road parking. The parking area is noted for being ample, easy to navigate and adequate for various needs including hire cars.
Several reviews commend the hotel's parking as good, excellent and convenient, providing peace of mind especially for those who value having their vehicles close by. Others mention the ease of access with many parking spots available directly at the hotel, which is also beneficial due to its proximity to the city center – just under a ten-minute walk.
However, there are minor mentions suggesting that parking can be tricky at times and noting the first-come, first-served nature of the spaces. Despite this, the overall sentiment remains positive, making the Chieftain Hotel a favorable choice for travelers prioritizing convenient and free parking options.
Family
The Chieftain Hotel is widely recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere, making it a superb choice for travelers with children. Guests frequently highlight the spacious and well-equipped family rooms, which provide ample space and conveniences for both parents and their little ones. An ingenious feature in the bathrooms is the integral toddler seat in the loo, ensuring that even the youngest members of the family are well catered for.
The hotel exudes a warm, welcoming ambiance, fostered by its status as a family-run establishment. This homely feel is complemented by the accommodating and wonderful staff who go out of their way to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests. The family-friendly pub and dedicated kids' area add to the hotel's appeal, offering spaces where families can relax and unwind together.
Moreover, the hotel provides a kids' menu, further emphasizing its focus on younger guests. Whether staying in a family suite or a standard family room, visitors can expect to find everything they need for a convenient and enjoyable stay. The Chieftain Hotel's consistent family-centric approach makes it a top recommendation for those traveling with children.
Boutique-Style
The Chieftain Hotel offers a delightful boutique experience with a warm, cozy atmosphere. The hotel exudes charm and character with tasteful renovation and decoration that enhances its quaint, old-fashioned appeal. It combines a nostalgic and very Scottish ambiance, creating a homely and comfortable environment for guests. This independent hotel is known for its friendly atmosphere and uniquely charming style.
While the hotel provides a lively experience, it can be a bit rowdy at night. The small toilet/bathrooms may not be ideal for everyone, but this does not overshadow the overall enjoyable stay. The Chieftain Hotel is described as comfortable, lovely and exceptionally charming with a rustic, cozy and romantic British vibe.
Although it has a boutique feel, some may argue it doesn't fully fit the boutique hotel category. Nevertheless, it stands out as a quaint and inviting place to stay, perfect for those who appreciate a mix of old-world charm and modern comforts.
Dog Friendly
Nestled in a welcoming atmosphere, the Chieftain Hotel stands out as an exceptionally dog-friendly haven. Visitors traveling with their furry companions will find themselves at a place that truly caters to canine guests. From the moment of arrival, dogs are greeted with open arms. The reception area features water and biscuits readily available, ensuring pets are comfortable and well-fed. Many reviews highlight the extra mile the hotel goes by providing welcome packs for the dogs, complete with toys and treats.
The staff's friendliness towards dogs is frequently mentioned with personal touches such as offering breakfast sausages to canine guests and even inquiring if they require breakfast, showing a genuine care for the animals. Dogs are not just tolerated but welcomed with many guests noting that their pets felt loved by all staff members and enjoyed their stay.
The Chieftain Hotel doesn't shy away from embracing dogs fully, providing specific dog-friendly rooms that are accommodating and comfortable. It's evident that the hotel has a definitive policy in place that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of dogs, making it a top choice for those with pets.
No, Chieftain Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Chieftain Hotel.
Yes, Chieftain Hotel welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Chieftain Hotel.