Inverlochy Castle Hotel

"The view of Ben Nevis is romantic" at this crenellated 1863 castle with "well-appointed rooms that blend the new and old seamlessly." The "really incredible staff greet guests with smiles" upon arrival. Tea in the "lovely drawing room is a high spot." Outdoors, try falconry, skeet shooting, and sheepdog herding demos. Three dining rooms serve "delicious dishes" from the same modern British menu.Good food, long walks? It’s hard to beat Inverlochy Castle, in Fort William, which sits right at the foot of Ben Nevis and is an excellent base for hikers wanting to tackle Britain’s highest peak. For those less keen to spend their time going up the 1,345 meter mountain, there are many more not-so-busy and less strenuous walks to be taken right from the hotel doors, and the Michelin-starred restaurant serving hearty British cuisine is a worthy post-hike reward. The castle, with its fantastic original crenelations, was built in 1863, and the 17 well-appointed rooms blend the old and new seamlessly with gorgeously plump beds, great views, reassuringly heavy drapery, and invitingly chic and modern bathrooms. Take tea in the drawing room, sip a single malt at the bar, watch a sheep-herding demonstration, or try your hand at falconry and skeet shooting. In the end you’ll most likely agree with Queen Victoria, who claimed she “never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot.”"