This autumn we sent Chris Osburn on a long weekend to Scotland’s cultural capital, Inverness, where he checked into the rather sumptuous Highland Apartments by Mansley…
In A Nutshell
Highland Apartments by Mansley is a collection of 16 self-catering luxury apartments located in the heart of Inverness and set on the eastern bank of the River Ness across from Inverness Castle and steps away from most of the city’s best restaurants, bars, pubs, shops and other amenities.
What Makes It Special?
For a “best of both worlds” getaway, Highland Apartments fit our bill perfectly offering an urban base for rural pursuits. Hardly a raging metropolis, Inverness nonetheless has a compact city centre with a surprising abundance of excellent restaurants, bars and pubs. Our apartment was within a short stroll of most – as well as a quick and easy walk from the train station. But our main reason for visiting the largest city – and cultural capital – of the Scottish Highlands was to access the surrounding countryside. From Fortrose on the Moray Firth to Loch an Eilein in the heart of the Cairngorms, the range of beauty spots within an hour or so drive from Highland Apartments is vast. And of course, achingly scenic Loch Ness is only minutes away. Cruising around the lochs, bens and glen to muck about in the wilderness and then returning home to our city digs (and a hot bath and cup of tea) was a delightful experience.
Our Stay
We stayed three nights in mid October in a ginormous one bed, two bath apartment with an almost equally ginormous balcony overlooking the River Ness and with a view of Inverness Castle. Bed and furniture were plush and attractive. The contemporary, top-line open kitchen with large dining table was more than suitable for a self-catering holiday. For a few nights in town with daily excursions to the countryside, our apartment’s location (not to mention its secure and reserved garage parking) couldn’t be beat!
We Loved
Comfort and convenience were the key elements that made our accommodation such a lovely place to spend a few days. We would have loved to stay longer, see a little more of the city and a lot more of the Highlands.
We’re Not So Sure About…
Getting from one room to another proved to be a bit of a logistical challenge sometimes with respect to figuring out which light switches were for what and not having to backtrack in the dark to turn the lights out.
In The Neighbourhood
We really enjoyed being able to step out in the evening to walk along the river to the Ness Islands. A picture perfect set of two wooded isles in the midst of the River Ness and just south of the city centre, Ness Islands form a lovely little park connected to each other and the mainline by two Victorian suspension bridges.
From there we might have grabbed a bite or a pint or purchased some provisions for later before wandering back and calling it a night. Across the bridge from the apartment was Rocpool, an extra yummy option for seafood. Stumbling distance from our building’s entrance, Gellions Bar was and ace pub for chatting with locals and catching some live music. Tesco Extra, M&S, Co-op Food, a local market and local more retail were nearby.
Inverness Castle is essentially across the street from the apartment building.
The Guests
Guests included empty nesters on a shopping spree, millennial couples on a weekend retreat, business travellers and families.
It’s Perfect For
Highland Apartments by Mansley would be a smart choice for anyone looking for roomy and well kempt accommodations in the heart of Inverness. Even if self-catering’s not your thing, you’ll have no problem getting whatever you need just beyond the building’s doorstep.