Opened in 2022, the AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness is a 4-star hotel in the city centre, set on the eastern bank of the River Ness. The location is hard to fault for a golf trip: Castle Stuart (now part of Cabot Highlands) is around 8 miles away, Nairn Golf Club is roughly 16 miles east, and Royal Dornoch is about an hour up the A9. Inverness Airport is a 15-minute drive, and the railway station is around 800 metres from the door.

The style is contemporary European rather than tartan-and-tweed traditional – clean lines, muted tones, and a calm, design-led feel throughout the public spaces. Across the 191 rooms you’ll find air conditioning, soundproofed windows, walk-in showers, smart TVs and a proper workspace. River-view rooms are worth the upgrade. The on-site AC Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a tapas-style evening menu leaning on local produce. The AC Lounge handles cocktails and a decent wine list, and there’s a sun terrace for the rare warm evening. You’ll also find a fitness centre, 24-hour reception and a business area if you need it. Parking is on-site but limited (35 spaces, £10 per night) and works on a first-come basis, so it’s worth arriving early or arranging alternatives if you’re driving.