Lovat Hotel, Loch Ness

History

The Lovat, Loch Ness was built as a station hotel in 1860's. The first recorded date of the Lovat being a hotel was thought to have been in 1869, known simply as "The Inn" and run by one Murdoch Bayne. It was changed, however when the railway was built through Fort Augustus to Spean Bridge, to "The Lovat Arms & Station Hotel." The railway line opened on 22 July 1903, closed temporarily on 31 October 1911, reopened on 1 August 1913 and finally closed to passengers on 1 December 1933 and completely on 31 December 1946. The Lovat was sold to the North British Railway in about 1911 and would have been transferred to the London & North Eastern Railway in the grouping of 1923. When the railway closed down, the hotel became "The Lovat Arms Hotel". It is the Gregory family that are now building on the hotel’s history, rebranding & marketing the hotel, simply as ‘The Lovat’.

David and Geraldine, of The Torridon, acquired the property in June 2005, with their daughter Caroline, to give David a hobby during his retirement! Their valuable hotel knowledge & experience coupled with Caroline's vibrant entrepreneurial energy, has allowed them all to start propelling the hotel forward to become a leading hotel in the Highlands.

Food & beverage

Full English/Scottish breakfast included.

Dine in the Restaurant which offers a more finer dining 5 course culinary experience within an informal yet professional atmosphere. The restaurant menu changes regularly, promoting the team’s foraged products such as chanterelles, wild fruit & herbs. In 2007, the restaurant was named as a Top 10 Restaurant in Scotland by the Press and Journal and since 2009 has continued to hold its 3  AA rosettes for the quality of its cuisine. Open 5 Days a Week 7.00pm-9.00pm (Tuesday - Saturday). £50.00 per person

The Brasserie balances a relaxed dining atmosphere with an urban feel. Its modern décor and laid-back music captures a mood that’s bespoke to the Highlands, with quieter alcoves, an open plan seating and dining area merging with the bar. In 2007, the restaurant was named as a Top 10 Restaurant in Scotland by the Press and Journal and since 2009 has continued to hold its 3 AA rosettes for the quality of their cuisine. Open 7 Days a Week 12.00pm -2:30pm and 6.00pm-9.00pm (Sunday - Thursday) 6.00pm-9.30pm (Friday - Saturday). Times may vary, season dependant.

Relax in the bar where guests can either choose a more up-beat environment or retreat to the quieter corners of the hotel's Reception. The modern bar is a refreshing, with a well-balanced contrast to the traditional Victorian elements of the main hotel - the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail.

The Reception has an open log fire with surrounding sofas and individual chairs ideal for sipping a local Whisky or new World wine.
The Drawing Room also has an open log fire and sofas.

Separate children's menu available which incorporates freshly cooked healthy options. 

Grounds & Gardens

Outdoor terrace available in the warmer months for guests to enjoy.

Other facilities

The hotel has a lift and offers assisted facilities. The hotel holds a Civil Wedding license.

Pamper yourself with some in house beauty treatments from the resident beauty therapist.

There is plenty to do on the door step: such as sailing trips around the Loch and along the canal; mountain or canal side walks; fishing and golf as well as visits to traditional pubs and quirky craft shops and galleries nearby.