Balvraid Lodge Tomatin, Inverness, IV13 7XY, United Kingdom
#1 of 115 B&Bs and Inns in Inverness
Guests' ChoiceBased on 181 B&B reviews
10Cleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Location
9.7
Facilities
9.9
Staff
10.0
Value for money
9.9
Free WiFi
7.5
Each review score is between 1-10. To get the overall score that you see, we add up all the review scores we’ve received and divide that total by the number of review scores we’ve received. We are currently testing a weighted review system in Malta and Iceland (excluding hotel and vacation rental chains). For properties in these countries, the more recent the review, the bigger the impact on the total review score calculation. In addition, guests can give separate ‘subscores’ in crucial areas, such as location, cleanliness, staff, comfort, facilities, value for money and free Wi-Fi. Note that guests submit their subscores and their overall scores independently, so there’s no direct link between them.
You can review an Accommodation that you booked through our Platform if you stayed there or if you arrived at the property but didn’t actually stay there. To edit a review you’ve already submitted, please contact our Customer Service team.
We have people and automated systems that specialise in detecting fake reviews submitted to our Platform. If we find any, we delete them and, if necessary, take action against whoever is responsible.
Anyone else who spots something suspicious can always report it to our Customer Service team, so our Fraud team can investigate.
Ideally, we would publish every review we receive, whether positive or negative. However, we won’t display any review that includes or refers to (among other things):
To make sure reviews are relevant, we may only accept reviews that are submitted within 3 months of checking out, and we may stop showing reviews once they’re 36 months old – or if the Accommodation has a change of ownership.
An Accommodation may choose to reply to a review.
When you see multiple reviews, the most recent ones will be at the top, subject to a few other factors (what language a review is in, whether it’s just a rating or contains comments as well, etc.). If you like, you can sort and/or filter them (by time of year, review score, etc.).
We sometimes show external review scores from other well-known travel websites. We make it clear when we’ve done this.
These guidelines and standards aim to keep the content on Booking.com relevant and family-friendly without limiting expression of strong opinions. They are also applicable regardless of the sentiment of the comment.
Contributions should be travel related. The most helpful contributions are detailed and help others make better decisions. Please don’t include personal, political, ethical, or religious commentary. Promotional content will be removed and issues concerning Booking.com’s services should be routed to our Customer Service or Accommodation Service teams.
Contributions should be appropriate for a global audience. Please avoid using profanity or attempts to approximate profanity with creative spelling, in any language. Comments and media that include 'hate speech', discriminatory remarks, threats, sexually explicit remarks, violence, and the promotion of illegal activity are not permitted.
All content should be genuine and unique to the guest. Reviews are most valuable when they are original and unbiased. Your contribution should be yours. Booking.com property partners should not post on behalf of guests or offer incentives in exchange for reviews. Attempts to bring down the rating of a competitor by submitting a negative review will not be tolerated.
Respect the privacy of others. Booking.com will make an effort to obscure email addresses, telephone numbers, website addresses, social media accounts, and similar details.
The opinions expressed in contributions are those of Booking.com customers and properties and not of Booking.com. Booking.com does not accept responsibility or liability for any reviews or responses. Booking.com is a distributor (without any obligation to verify) and not a publisher of these comments and responses.
By default, reviews are sorted based on the date of the review and on additional criteria to display the most relevant reviews, including but not limited to: your language, reviews with text, and non-anonymous reviews. Additional sorting options may be available (by type of traveller, by score, etc.).
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
End of dialog contentReviewed: 18 June 2024
Cloe
GermanyThe location is magical lost in the countryside but only half an hour away from Inverness. It feels like a piece of paradise without having to drive too long to get to places of interest. It is beautifully decorated, cozy, warm and welcoming. The host are very friendly and have good recommendations, discret but always happy to have chat with you. Rachael welcomed us with a fresh pot of tea and a delicious lemon sponge cake. Breakfast is cooked fresh and is delicious. The house is a dream. We loved every bit of our stay. Extra points for the friendly 2 dogs who greeted us as we pulled in the drive way after a long rainy day on the road.
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: 18 June 2024
Alec
United KingdomExcellent welcome terrific hospitality everything was a1 worth trip just for the cake
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: 18 June 2024
Kristen
United StatesAbsolutely beautiful lodge and property with the best host. Rachael welcomed us like family and made us the best treats and breakfast. Will absolutely stay there again when in the Inverness area!
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: 18 June 2024
Daniela
United KingdomNothing. There is nothing in this place someone can complain about.
I was travelling with my mom, who loves the countryside and beautiful landscapes and I wanted to please her. This was the perfect place for it. Everything in this place is amazing, stunning views, room is clean and very comfortable, Rachel is exceptional and extremely kind with every single detail, from the tips to locations to go nearby, to the delicious breakfast in the morning, specially prepared with all care and attention. You will find homemade bread, compotes, cereal, fruits, coffee, tea, milk, and if all of it is still not enough, Rachel can prepare whatever kind of eggs with bacon you like. You can feel that this place is cared with much love. This is also a perfect place for couples, so if I have the chance to return to Inverness one day with my husband, I will certainly choose to stay here again. It is a little far from Inverness, but I cannot put this as something I didn't like, because it wasn't really a problem as I was with a rental car and I knew this beforehand. Also, with the surrounding views and the silence, the fact that was far, made things even better.
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: 12 June 2024
Suzanne
United StatesNothing.
We found the location convenient for our trips out to Culloden and Inverness. And returning after dinner to a warm fire was perfect. Rachel and James were great hosts. Breakfast was full buffet with granola, fruit, and yogurt, followed by a selection of prepared to order meals. We also loved talking to the other guests over breakfast before heading out for the day.
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: 5 June 2024
Valerie
United KingdomGreat choice of all kind of food
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: 3 June 2024
Chris
United StatesHonestly, we loved everything about the Balvraid Lodge.
While the property and accommodations were wonderful, Rachael provided world class service! The Balvraid Lodge is about 15 minutes from Inverness but it is well worth the trip.
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: 2 June 2024
Robin
United StatesThis was a postcard experience for those seeking an authentic bed & breakfast in the home of villagers. Tea served overlooking daffodils, holding a baby lamb to our grand suite made for a dreamy stay. Cozied by the fire meeting new friends is what this type of stay affords. Five stars! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home!
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: 2 June 2024
Dianne
New ZealandEverything was perfect .
It was extremely luxurious and Rachel was helpful and chatty and delightful.
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: 29 May 2024
Lisa
Netherlands-
We stayed at Rachel's place for 2 nights, which was too short. First, we were greeted by two amazing dogs. Then, Rachel made us tea and we enjoyed the garden of Balvraid Lodge. The pub nearby was great. Rachel made the most delicious breakfast. This was by far our best stay in Schotland. Thank you so much Rachel!
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: 26 May 2024
Simon
SpainTry as we could, we could not find anything that we did not like.
A very friendly and professional couple run this place, and its 4,000-acre sheep farm.The bedrooms and common rooms are furnished in a top-quality country house style. The log fires in the sitting room and kitchen/breakfast room were lit each day. The lodge is a beautiful building owned by the same family for many generations.The quality of the breakfast was equivalent to what you would get in a four or five star hotel. The lodge is in a very peaceful area, but well located for history enthusiasts (Culloden and its visitor centre), Loch Ness and Inverness.
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: 26 May 2024
Jeroen
NetherlandsNothing. Everything was perfect.
Beautiful castle, which has hardly changed since its construction, except that it is equipped with every luxury on the inside. Location in the middle of nature, a few km from civilization, you are almost alone. Very quiet area, you only hear the sounds of nature around you. Wonderful for walking, in both the woods and hills, and the castle's dog is more than happy to walk with you, which is great. Hostess is extremely nice and helpful. Reception with a wonderfully delicious piece of home-baked cake, and apart from the beautiful spacious private room with beautiful spacious toilet and shower, there is the opportunity to sit in a super cozy guesthouse, with lovely plush furniture and loaded with fun from the past. In fact, you can say that everything about this stay is 100% great. Never experienced anything like this before.
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: 26 May 2024
Jean
United StatesNothing, everything was wonderful I should have booked for longer.
The host and hostess were lovely and so welcoming. Nothing was too much trouble and was in a perfect location.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 22 May 2024
Joachim
GermanyThat we didn't book more nights...
We liked everything! James and Rachel are sensational hosts and provided us with the probably best B&B in Scotland. Starting with tea and cake for welcoming us to the great breakfast. Personal recommendations for food and trips were given, as well as die in the salon for a night cap. Thank you!
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: 22 May 2024
George
United StatesEverything was wonderful! Could not be happier.
Beautiful property! Super friendly and helpful hosts. They go above and beyond. The house is very well maintained. Excellent wifi! Breakfast is delicious — especially the lemon cake. We wish we could have stayed longer.
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: 12 May 2024
Audrey
France-
Everything was even better than in the description and pictures, spacious room and bathroom, comfortable beds, and a wonderful hostess. I hope we can come back.
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: 4 May 2024
David
United KingdomCan't think of anything
Everything was perfect. We even had perfect weather. Rachael and James were perfect hosts.
Stayed in May 2024
Reviewed: 29 April 2024
Paula
United StatesI can’t think of a thing.
This property was rich with authentic Scottish architecture and decor. A welcoming caretaker with a witty sense of humor. Couldn’t have been more inviting.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 16 October 2023
Chery
United StatesEverything was perfect. Location a little remote. But again Rachael gave us perfect directions
I can’t say enough about Rachael ,James, Margo and Nell(dogs). We loved every second there. Rachael gave us daily directions and suggestions for the days adventures. Her breakfast was amazing. I cannot say enough.
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 30 September 2023
Josephine
United KingdomThere was nothing we didn't like, except we would like to have stayed longer!
Genuine, friendly, engaging hostess. Lovely breakfast, good recommendation for eating out, and extra homely comfortable touches - a roaring log fire, comfy furniture, and a herbal tea!
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 24 September 2023
Jeffrey
United StatesLovely property. Extremely clean. Hosts were very helpful and super nice. Great breakfasts. Beautiful countryside.
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 18 September 2023
Martha
United StatesThere was not one thing I didn’t like.
The property and home are beautiful. There was a fire burning in the lounge each night and in the dining room each morning. The breakfast was amazing! The host was more than accommodating. She carried our luggage up & allowed us to combine breakfast items when we couldn’t decide on just one. This place would be hard to beat!
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 12 September 2023
Scott
United StatesAbsolutely spectacular location away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The properties are incredibly well-maintained with pheasant and other wildlife plentiful. 
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 7 September 2023
Hebe
United KingdomNothing
Location was beautiful! Breakfast was excellent and the welcome and attention from the hostess was amazing. We loved the spacious kitchen facilities and the sitting room with open fire. It was far beyond our expectations, a great experience.
Stayed in September 2023
Booking.com is part of Booking Holdings Inc., the world leader in online travel and related services.
We have more than 70 million property reviews, and they're all from real, verified guests.
1
The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property.
2
When guests stay at the property they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff are and more.
3
After their trip, guests tell us about their stay. We check for naughty words and verify the authenticity of all guest reviews before adding them to our site.
If you booked through us and want to leave a review, please sign in first.
End of dialog content