It’s easy to understand why many thousands of people travel to the Scottish Highlands to visit Ben Nevis each year. Britain’s tallest mountain is nothing short of awe-inspiring, whether you’re taking in the view from a distance or attempting to summit this impressive peak. The best way to appreciate Ben Nevis is to spend a few days in the area, exploring the local attractions and enjoying all this beautiful corner of the world has to offer.
If you’re looking for a budget basecamp, the royal treatment, or something in between, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we provide the best accommodation options for every travel style so that you can make the most of your Ben Nevis adventure.
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Ben Nevis Accommodation Need to Know
Do I need an advance booking?
If you plan on visiting Ben Nevis during the high season (May through September), it is a good idea to book your accommodation in advance. The Fort William area is a popular holiday destination, as well as the end point for the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way walks. Therefore, many accommodations get fully booked up for most of the summer. Ideally, it’s a good idea to make reservations at least 3-6 months prior to your trip. In the winter months, especially on weekdays, you are likely to find much more last-minute availability.
Accommodation Prices
With accommodation options ranging from bunk rooms to castles, you can customize your Ben Nevis accommodation to fit your budget and travel style. Prices and accommodation options vary depending on the time of year, but generally speaking, here’s what you can expect to pay for accommodation near Ben Nevis:
- B&B/Guesthouse/Hotel: £75+ (per person/per night)
- Bunkhouse/Hostel: £35 (per person/per night)
- Camping: £10 (per person/per night)
We’ve provided our recommendations for high-end, mid-range, and budget options near Ben Nevis. We’ve defined those categories as follows:
- High-End: £70+ (per person/per night)
- Mid-Range: £40-70 (per person/per night)
- Budget:<£40 (per person/per night)
Ben Nevis Accommodation Directory
If you’re looking specifically for camping options near Ben Nevis, be sure to check out our Ben Nevis Camping Guide.
Budget Accommodation
Glen Nevis Camping & Caravan Park
Accommodation type available: Camping (tents, camper vans, caravans), Holiday Caravans, Self-Catering Lodges
This campground consistently earns excellent reviews, and for good reason. First off, the views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding landscape are simply stunning. In addition to yielding great scenery, the proximity to the wilderness means easy access to a number of great walking trails. Other great perks include clean facilities and a convenient and well-stocked shop on the premises.
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel
Accommodation type available: Shared dormitory rooms, Private rooms, Family rooms
Budget travellers of any age will appreciate the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel. This clean and modern hostel offers a wide range of convenient features at a great value. Glen Nevis Youth Hostel is well-positioned for walkers and just three miles from the Fort William town center. The hostel features both dormitory and private rooms, all of which have shared bathrooms. There is a lovely lounge area and a well-equipped communal kitchen. As an added bonus, snacks, drinks, and a full breakfast can be purchased during your stay.
Ben Nevis Inn
Accommodation type available: Private bunkrooms for 6-10 people
The Ben Nevis Inn is a great option for those traveling with a larger group. The rooms have been converted from typical dormitories to private bunkrooms. Each room comes equipped with towels and bed linens, a kitchenette with a microwave, toaster, and kettle, and a private bathroom. The Inn also features a wonderful restaurant that serves up delicious food and a great atmosphere.
Fort William Backpackers
Accommodation type available: Shared dormitory and private rooms
If you’re seeking a good budget accommodation in the heart of Fort William, you should definitely consider Fort William Backpackers. This friendly hostel has good facilities and tons of quirky charm. It’s set in a cozy historic house, which means that some features are a bit dated (such as the very limited number of outlets in the rooms). The hostel has a lovely lounge and communal kitchen, a very affordable continental breakfast option, and complimentary linens are provided.
Chase the Wild Goose Hostel
Accommodation type available: Shared dormitory and private group rooms
Chase the Wild Goose Hostel is located just outside Fort William in Banavie, near Neptune’s Staircase and the Caledonian Canal. It’s a convenient location for exploring all of the area’s attractions, while also enjoying fantastic views of Ben Nevis. The hostel features private rooms that are ideal for families or groups. There’s also an 8-bed dormitory smaller parties and solo travelers. The historic building was has been updated to provide modern comforts, while still maintaining plenty of traditional charm. A to-go breakfast can be purchased, if desired.
Mid-Range Accommodation
Bank Street Lodge
Accommodation type available: Private rooms
This no-frills accommodation offers private rooms and a central location at an affordable price. Each room has access to a private bathroom, either en-suite or across the hall. Rooms all come equipped with coffee and tea making facilities, toiletries, and linens. Be sure to pack your earplugs, as the walls are quite thin in this cozy old building.
Myrtle Bank Guest House
Accommodation type available: Private rooms
Everything about this guest house is truly magical. Set inside an 1890’s Victorian on the banks of Loch Linnhe, there’s no shortage of great views and ambiance. The service is top-notch and the price is right.
Nevis Bank Inn
Accommodation type available: Private en-suite rooms
The Nevis Bank Inn provides fantastic service at a good value. It is located just an easy ten-minute walk from the shops and restaurants in Fort William, while also being quite close to Ben Nevis and surrounding hiking trails. The rooms are large and exceptionally clean, and most feature a bathtub-perfect for soaking after a long day on your feet. The highly-reviewed Brown’s Restaurant is located inside the hotel and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Alexandra Hotel
Accommodation type available: Private en-suite rooms
If you’re looking for a good value in a central location, the Alexandra is a great option. This hotel is just a five-minute drive from the Ben Nevis trailhead and an easy walk to the shores of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil, as well as many shops and restaurants in town. All of the sparkling clean rooms come equipped with private bathrooms and tea and coffee making facilities. The beautiful historic building has lots of charm as well as ample free parking.
Ben Nevis Hotel and Leisure Club
Accommodation type available: Private en-suite rooms
The Ben Nevis Hotel and Leisure Club is a good cheap accommodation near Ben Nevis. While you’re not going to find 4-star luxury, you’ll find clean and serviceable rooms with thoughtful amenities. There is a pool and restaurant on site.
Treetops Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation type available: Private en-suite rooms
Located in Banavie, this beautiful B&B features incredible views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding Highlands. With just three guest rooms, the friendly hosts are able to provide attentive and individualized service to each and every visitor. The B&B is warm, spacious, and well-appointed, and the made-to-order breakfast is sure to be a highlight of your stay.
High-End Accommodation
Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Accommodation type available: Private en-suite rooms
A stay at this exceptional hotel will truly leave you feeling like royalty. Although it’s located a bit further from Ben Nevis, it is well worth the extra distance. Inverlochy Castle is set in an exquisite 19th-century manor surrounded by beautiful Highlands scenery. Each room is sumptuously decorated and features many unique and thoughtful touches. Be sure to indulge in the afternoon tea while you’re there, as it is not to be missed!
The Brevins Guest House
Accommodation type available: Private en-suite rooms
This gorgeous B&B features tasteful and spacious en-suite guest rooms with lots of thoughtful amenities. The Brevins is conveniently located between the Ben Nevis trailhead and the Fort William town center, meaning that either can be reached within a twenty-minute walk. The friendly service and excellent breakfast really make this accommodation memorable.
The Lime Tree An Ealdhain Hotel
Accommodation type available: Private en-suite rooms, self-catering cottage
If you’re looking for an excellent hotel in the heart of Fort William, look no further than the Lime Tree. The lovingly refurbished historic church features an award-winning restaurant and art gallery in addition to its well-appointed en-suite rooms. Be sure to take in the loch view from the lovely private garden or cozy up by the fire in one of the two lounges.
Glentower Lower Observatory
Accommodation type available: Private en-suite rooms
History enthusiasts will appreciate this atmospheric bed & breakfast, which is situated in one of Fort William’s most beautiful 19th-century buildings. Glentower was originally built as the home of the superintendent who oversaw Ben Nevis’ summit observatory, and its unique character continues to impress guests today. The B&B enjoys splendid views of Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour Hills from its central location. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and the breakfast is excellent.
The Garrison
Accommodation type available: Private en-suite rooms, bunk rooms, self-catering apartments
The Garrison is a lovely modern hotel in the heart of Fort William. The warm staff go above and beyond to ensure that guests feel welcomed and accommodated. The rooms are stylishly decorated and feature large, luxurious beds. Guests rave about the breakfast offerings, and pet owners will appreciate that the hotel is dog-friendly.
Have a Great Trip!
We hope you found this accommodation guide helpful and we wish you a wonderful visit to Ben Nevis! Be sure to check out our resources as you continue to plan your trip to the Scottish Highlands:
