Top Hotels on the North Coast 500 – Family Friendly Picks
Looking for the best North Coast 500 hotels for your family adventure?
I’ve done all the digging from Facebook travel groups to trusted family forums to handpick the top hotels for families.
These are the stays that keep coming up again and again, and I regularly check and update this list to make sure you’re getting the most up-to-date info.
Plus, they’re listed under each region in the same order as our tried-and-tested NC500 itinerary, so hopefully this makes planning your trip a whole lot easier.
Prefer a different type of accommodation?
👉 Love cosy vibes and a personal touch?
Browse our favourite NC500 B&Bs and guest houses – full of Highland hospitality and charm.
👉 Need space to spread out?
See the best self-catering spots on the NC500 – ideal for family meals and relaxed evenings.
👉 Looking for something different?
Glamping pods, quirky huts, and unforgettable stays await – your adventure doesn’t stop at bedtime!
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NC500 Hotels by Region
Inverness-shire region
Redcliffe Hotel, Inverness – 3.7★
Stylish Georgian townhouse just a short stroll from Inverness Castle and the city centre. With 23 boutique rooms, a popular restaurant, and a secluded terrace for sunset cocktails. Run by a local family, it combines elegant character with friendly Highland hospitality. Sleeping arrangements vary from rooms with one extra-large bed and a double bed, one extra-large bed and two single beds, and one extra-large bed and a sofa bed.
Guests love: Excellent food served in the restaurant, spacious rooms, pizza terrace with traditional wood-fired pizzas and cocktails, private parking.
Nearby: Inverness Castle, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Bught Park, River Ness.
Top tip: Book a room on the ground or upper floors (avoid the basement), castle side is even better for `beautiful views.
The Black Isle region (North East Peninsula)
North Kessock Hotel, North Kessock – 4.4★
A charming waterfront hotel nestled in the Black Isle region of Scotland. Originally built in the 1800s as an inn for ferry passengers and fishermen, the hotel maintains its historic Georgian-style architecture while offering modern comforts.
Guests love: Amazing views over the Beauly Firth, quiet location, good food.
Nearby: Inverness Castle, North Kessock Community Pier (for dolphin watching), Abertarff House (oldest house in Inverness), Dolphin Spirit Inverness boat tour.
Top tip: Pre-book dinner at the restaurant as it’s very popular, plenty of parking, book sea view rooms if not travelling with kids (family room has two double beds garden view).
Easter Ross region (North East Coast)
The Station Hotel, Alness – 4.3★
The Station Hotel is a historic, listed building in the heart of Alness. It offers 23 stylishly refurbished rooms and two self-catering houses, with a range of different sleeping arrangements. All rooms are equipped with Freeview TV, complimentary WiFi, and en-suite facilities.
Guests love: Regular live music, steak nights, family fun days, discos, and seasonal events..
Nearby: Alness Heritage Centre, Fyrish Monument (one of the stops on our itinerary), Cromarty Harbour & Lighthouse.
Top tip: Great meals and good portion sizes, head to the coast and look out for dolphins.
Sutherland Region (North East Coast)
Bannockburn Inn, Helmsdale – 4.5★
The family-friendly Bannockburn Inn has been welcoming guests for over 170 years. It offers family-friendly, self-catering accommodation, along with a lounge bar, beer garden, and restaurant offering home-cooked meals. There is also safe storage for cyclists, as well as parking for motorhomes and campervans.
Guests love: Clean rooms and comfy beds – there is a family room and a two-bedroom apartment for families. Great food from the restaurant (pizza and fish & chips are highly recommended), and really frendly staff (always service with a smile).
Nearby: Timespan Museum and Arts Centre (Helmsdale history), Helmsdale Beach, Ousdale Broch (historic structure), Dunrobin Castle.
Top tip: Please note that the restaurant is closed (Jan – March) but the bar is open Tues-Sun. Cots are available upon request.
Caithness Region (North Coast)
The Portland Hotel, Lybster – 4.3★
The Portland Hotel in Lybster is a welcoming, family-run highland stay with comfortable rooms, hearty locally sourced food, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s ideal for families exploring Wick, John O’ Groats, or catching the ferry to Orkney.
Guests love: Super friendly staff, comfortable beds. free Wi-Fi.
Nearby: Whaligoe Steps (365 steps down to ancient harbour), Grey Cairns of Camster (ancient burial site), Hill O’ Many Stanes (mysterious Bronze Age site), Lybster Harbour, Caithness Animal Farm Park.
Top tip: The family room offers an additional single bed and cot upon request, other families have requested adjacent rooms.
Sutherland Region (North West Coast)
Bettyhill Hotel, Bettyhill – 4.6★
Bettyhill Hotel is a charming family-run hotel overlooking the stunning Torrisdale Bay. Originally an old coaching inn, it now offers furnished rooms with modern comforts, including Simba mattresses, free WiFi, and sea views. There’s also a restaurant where you can enjoy locally sourced meals reserved automatically for all guests.
Guests love: Picturesque location and inviting atmosphere, spacious rooms, amazing staff, fabulous breakfast, great for exploring the beautiful beaches nearby, plenty of parking.
Nearby: Farr Beach, Strathnaver Museum (8000 years of history), Borve Castle, Puffin Cove, Horse Riding at Torrisdale Stables.
Top tip: Very popular hotel so book in advance, go to breakfast early to get a table with a view.
Wester Ross Region (North West Coast)
The Royal Hotel, Ullapool – 3.9★
The Royal Hotel sits right on the edge of Loch Broom in the heart of Ullapool. It has 55 en-suite rooms with views across the beautiful harbour and mountains. It’s the perfect location for exploring the Highlands or catching the nearby Stornoway ferry. Guests can enjoy hearty meals and scenic views at the Waterfront Bar and Restaurant.
Guests love: within walking distance of the village’s shops and attractions, plenty for breakfast, comfortable rooms.
Nearby: Ullapool Harbour, Loch Broom, Rhue Lighthouse, Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, Ullapool Museum, Leckmelm Gardens, CalMac Ferry to Stornoway (Isle of Lewis).
Top tip: Book dinner in advance.
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