What are your check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 4:00pm and check-out is by 12:00 noon.

If you'd like an early check-in or late check-out, please contact us in advance and we will do our very best to accommodate you, subject to availability. A charge may apply for late check-out. You are of course welcome to arrive earlier and leave your luggage with us while you explore Fort Augustus.

When is The Lovat open? Do you close in the off-season?

The Lovat is open year-round, though we do close for a period each winter. From early November, the hotel and restaurant operate on a reduced weekly schedule, closing on Sundays and Mondays (excluding the festive period). The hotel then closes fully from early January and reopens in mid-February.

We are open over the Christmas and Hogmanay period — contact our team on 01456 459250 or [email protected] for festive availability.

For the most up-to-date seasonal opening dates, we always recommend checking with us directly before booking.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary depending on the room type and rate selected at the time of booking. Please check the specific terms and conditions shown when you book, as these will apply to your reservation.

For any queries about your existing booking, please contact us directly on 01456 459250 and we will be happy to help.

When is the best time of year to visit Loch Ness?

Loch Ness is a year-round destination and each season brings its own magic to The Lovat. Summer (June–August) offers the longest days, lush green landscapes, and a busy, vibrant atmosphere — but it's also the most popular time, so we recommend booking well in advance.

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are wonderful for dramatic skies, fewer visitors, and the vivid colours of the changing Highland landscape. Winter stays have a wonderfully atmospheric quality — open fires, crisp morning walks along the loch, and our celebrated seasonal restaurant menus.

Are there any service charges or additional fees I should know about?

A discretionary 10% service charge may be added to your bill for dining at Station Road restaurant and for bar items. Our team can advise you on this at the time. We are always transparent about charges — if you have any questions, please just ask.

Is there Wi-Fi at The Lovat?

Yes — complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and restaurant. The password will be shared with you on arrival.

Do the rooms have air conditioning?

The Lovat does not have air conditioning — but given our setting in the Scottish Highlands, this is rarely needed. All rooms are equipped with a portable fan, and some room types also have ceiling fans. Windows can of course be opened to let in the fresh Highland air.

Is The Lovat suitable for a romantic break or special occasion?

Absolutely. The Lovat is frequently chosen for anniversaries, honeymoons, proposals, and romantic escapes. Our individually designed rooms, award-winning restaurant, and breathtaking Loch Ness setting make for an especially memorable stay.

Our Loch Nestle dinner, bed & breakfast package is particularly popular with couples, as is the Mòr tasting menu at Station Road restaurant. We're also happy to arrange special touches — please just let us know in advance what we can do to make your stay extra special.

Couples rate our location 9.3 out of 10 for two-person trips. We'd love to have you.

Is The Lovat family-friendly? Can children stay?

Children are welcome to stay at The Lovat. Guests aged 16 and above are charged as adults. If you are travelling with younger children, please contact us directly to discuss room options and any specific requirements your family may have.

Please note that cribs and extra beds are available in certain room types at this property, so we encourage families to discuss their needs with us in advance. For dining in Station Road restaurant, we recommend confirming arrangements with our team when booking your table.

Is the hotel accessible for guests with mobility requirements?

We have accessible parking on site and our Garden Rooms are ground floor and fully accessible. The Lovat has a lift in the main hotel. We strongly encourage guests with specific mobility requirements to contact us directly before booking so we can discuss how best to accommodate your needs and confirm which areas and room types are suitable.

Our team is always on hand to offer whatever assistance we can.

Which rooms have a view of Loch Ness?

A number of our rooms look directly out across the front lawn towards Loch Ness — one of the most iconic views in all of Scotland. The following room types are available with Loch Ness views:

The Apartment

Grand Master

Master Rooms — Loch View

Loft Rooms — Loch View

Our remaining rooms overlook the rolling hills and nearby village — peaceful and beautiful in their own right. All rooms are individually designed with eclectic décor and a considered nod to nature.

To guarantee a Loch Ness view, select a "Loch View" room type when booking, or call us on 01456 459250 and we'll help you choose.

What amenities are included in every room?

All bedrooms at The Lovat include:

• En-suite bathroom with bath or shower, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer
• Nespresso machine and complimentary tea and coffee
• Flat-screen television with digital channels
• Premium bedding and hypo-allergenic options available on request
• Complimentary sparkling water
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
• Desk and iron/ironing board
• Daily housekeeping
• A portable fan (ceiling fans in select rooms)

The Apartment additionally includes a kitchenette, and a separate sitting area with a sofa bed.

How much does a room cost per night?

Room rates at The Lovat vary by room type, season, and availability. As the only 4-star hotel on Loch Ness, we offer an exceptional standard of accommodation and hospitality in a truly unique setting.

The best rates are always available when you book directly with us. Midweek stays and off-peak months (February, March, October) typically offer the best value.

Book direct at thelovat.com for the most competitive rates and to access our exclusive offers and packages.

Is breakfast included with my room? What's on the menu?

Breakfast is available to all hotel guests and can be added to your room rate (it is not automatically included with every rate, so please check at the time of booking). It is widely considered one of the highlights of a stay at The Lovat.

The breakfast menu spans a generous range:

• Full cooked Scottish breakfast with all the trimmings
• Continental selection — pastries, fruit, yoghurts
• Green juices, oats, and lighter options
• Vegetarian and gluten-free choices available

Is there a pool, hot tub, or spa at The Lovat?

The Lovat does not have an on-site pool, hot tub, or spa. However, we believe the Highland landscape surrounding us — and the Loch Ness shoreline just five minutes' walk away — more than compensates. We do offer our popular Loch Ness 'Dook' - wild swimming in Loch Ness. You can read more about our Loch Ness 'Dook', and the benefits of wild swimming - HERE 

Our team is happy to recommend local wellness experiences and activity providers in the area if you'd like something restorative during your stay.

Do I need to book a table at Station Road restaurant?

Yes — and we strongly recommend booking well in advance. Station Road is a 3 AA Rosette, Michelin Guide restaurant that draws guests from near and far, and it can become very busy, particularly during summer months and at weekends.

Booking a room at The Lovat does not automatically allocate a restaurant table — hotel guests and non-residents book on equal footing. Please reserve your table as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Tables can be booked online at thelovat.com/dining or by calling us on 01456 459250.

Which days is Station Road restaurant open?

Station Road restaurant's opening days vary by season. From early November through to reopening in February, the restaurant closes on Sundays and Mondays. During our main season (March–October), the restaurant is open Tuesday - Sunday.

We always recommend confirming current opening days directly with our team before your visit, particularly if you have a specific evening in mind.

Dinner Service — 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Tuesday-Sunday (booking essential)

Afternoon Tea — 12noon – 2pm, Wednesday–Sunday

Lounge Menu — 12noon – 2pm, Tuesday–Sunday

Breakfast — 7:30am - 9:30am, available daily for hotel guests & non-residents

You can view our sample menus - HERE 

What kind of food does Station Road serve?

Station Road is a destination restaurant led by Head Chef Sean Kelly, earning 3 AA Rosettes and recognition in the Michelin Guide. The cooking is deeply seasonal, drawing on locally sourced Highland produce, foraged ingredients, and Chef Kelly's own kitchen garden.

We offer two menus:

• Mòr menu — our extended fixed menu, a full gastronomic journey through the seasons
• Mion menu — a shorter fixed menu, equally considered and beautifully executed

Menus change regularly in line with seasonal availability. Please note the restaurant primarily offers fixed menus rather than à la carte dining.

Can you cater for dietary requirements and food allergies?

Our menus draw on seasonal, local ingredients, which means they can change regularly. We can accommodate vegetarians, pescatarians, and many allergies or intolerances — but we do need at least 48 hours' notice before your visit to honour dietary adaptations.

Please note: we are currently unable to fully accommodate allium-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets within our tasting menu format. We kindly ask for your understanding and confidence in our preparation.

All dishes are prepared in an environment where allergens are present. We follow best practice at all times but cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free kitchen.

We do not adapt menus for personal dislikes, but we always strive to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. If you are making a group booking, please inform us of all dietary requirements at the time of booking — requirements declared on the day cannot always be catered for and a charge will still apply.

We do offer dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options on our breakfast menu. Please advise our team on any dietary requirements during check-in.

What does The Waypoint bar offer?

The Waypoint is our hotel bar, serving a carefully curated selection of cocktails, mocktails, spirits, wines, and local Highland drams. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring Loch Ness.

The Waypoint bar is a drinks-only space, though we do offer a lounge menu (light bites) available between 12noon and 2pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Do you serve afternoon tea? Do I need to book?

Yes — our Afternoon Tea is an experience like no other. It’s a mini tasting menu with a selection of delicious treats to reawaken the taste buds - balanced between savoury and sweet to bridge the gap between breakfast and dinner.

Afternoon Tea is served between 12noon and 2pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Booking in advance is essential as availability is limited.

Can I get lunch at The Lovat?

Yes. We offer a lounge menu available between 12noon and 2pm, Tuesday to Saturday. This provides a relaxed, lighter dining option during the day — perfect between explorations of Loch Ness and the surrounding area.

Is The Lovat dog-friendly?

Yes — we warmly welcome well-behaved dogs at The Lovat. With five-minute access to Loch Ness and glorious Highland walks all around us, it's a wonderful destination for dogs and their owners alike.

Dogs are permitted in our designated dog-friendly room types and are welcome in and around the hotel grounds. They are not permitted in the Station Road restaurant or the green lounge.

Fort Augustus and the surrounding area offers exceptional walking for dogs — from loch-side paths to hillside trails. Our team will be happy to suggest the best local routes.

Which room types accept dogs?

Dogs are welcome in two specific room types:

Garden Rooms — Located in their own private quarters adjacent to the main hotel, each with a private wooden enclosure for your dog.

Deluxe Rooms — On the 1st floor of the main building. A great option for guests who prefer to be within the main hotel.

Please ensure you select a dog-friendly room type at the time of booking. Please contact us directly on 01456 459250 or [email protected] to confirm the current charge and any specific arrangements when booking with your dog.

What dog walks are there near The Lovat?

The Lovat sits in Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness, making it one of the finest bases for dog walking in the Highlands. Within minutes of the hotel you have access to:

• The shores of Loch Ness — a glorious lochside walk
• The Caledonian Canal and locks — a flat, scenic towpath walk
• The Great Glen Way — a long-distance trail passing right through Fort Augustus
• Suidhe Viewpoint — a short but rewarding hill walk with panoramic views over Loch Ness
• Forest trails in the surrounding glens

Our team can recommend the best routes for your dog and the conditions during your stay.

Where exactly is The Lovat?

The Lovat is located in Fort Augustus, at the southern tip of Loch Ness, Inverness-shire, Scotland. Our full address is:

The Lovat, Fort Augustus, Inverness-shire, Scotland PH32 4DU

What3Words location: fortnight.postcard.lakes

We are approximately 35 miles south of Inverness, set just minutes from the shore of Loch Ness and the famous Caledonian Canal locks.

Is there parking at the hotel? Is it free?

Yes — we offer free on-site car parking for all hotel guests. We also provide complimentary EV charging and e-bike charging for guests with electric vehicles or e-bikes. Accessible parking spaces are available.

How far is The Lovat from Inverness and Inverness Airport?

The Lovat is approximately:

Inverness City Centre - 35 miles / approximately 45 minutes by car

Inverness Airport (INV) - 42 miles / approximately 50-55 minutes by car

Urquhart Castle - 16 miles / approximately 25 minutes by car

Fort William - 32 miles / approximately 45 minutes by car

The A82 runs directly along the western shore of Loch Ness and is the main route linking Inverness to Fort Augustus.

Can I get to The Lovat without a car? Are there taxis or buses?

There are no taxi companies based in Fort Augustus itself. The nearest taxi firms are located in Inverness or Fort William, and transfers can be pre-arranged in advance — we are happy to assist with recommendations.

There are regular bus services connecting Fort Augustus with Inverness and other Highland towns. The Citylink and Ember services stop in Fort Augustus village, within easy walking distance of the hotel.

If you're visiting without a car, we recommend arranging a taxi transfer from Inverness in advance. Our team can suggest reliable local operators.

Is The Lovat on the North Coast 500 route?

The Lovat makes a wonderful base or overnight stop for those driving the North Coast 500. While Fort Augustus is not directly on the NC500 loop itself, it is very well positioned as a starting point or detour from Inverness, and many NC500 drivers include a night at Loch Ness as part of their Highland circuit.

Our team can help you plan your onward route and suggest the best roads and sights along the way.

How close is The Lovat to Loch Ness?

The shore of Loch Ness is just a five-minute walk from the front door of The Lovat. From many of our rooms you can gaze out across the front lawn directly towards the loch — one of the most iconic views in Scotland.

Fort Augustus sits at the very southern tip of Loch Ness, where the loch meets the Caledonian Canal, making it one of the finest positions on the entire waterway.

What is there to do near The Lovat and Fort Augustus?

Fort Augustus and the surrounding Loch Ness area offer an extraordinary range of experiences:

• Loch Ness boat cruises — Cruise Loch Ness offer informative and captivating cruises from Fort Augustus.  
• Urquhart Castle — the iconic ruined castle with more than 1,000 years of stirring history on the shores of Loch Ness, approximately 16 miles north by car.
• The Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit — the definitive exhibition on Loch Ness, the Great Glen, and Nessie.
• Caledonian Canal locks — a spectacular flight of five locks, right in the centre of Fort Augustus village, only two minutes walk from The Lovat.
• Falls of Foyers — dramatic waterfalls on the south-east shore, about 20 minutes by car.
• Suidhe Viewpoint — a short hillside walk with sweeping views over the loch and Great Glen.
• Cycling the Great Glen Way — we have mountain bikes available to use at the hotel. 42 Cycling offer bike hire and Highland cycling tours.
• Fishing — Green Highlander offer guided fishing trips and lessons filled with passion and expertise on the local waterways.  
• Woodlands, Glencoe — offer Segway tours, archery, e-bike hire, and more. 

Our team also works with Highland Tour Company to offer curated private guiding experiences — perfect for getting off the beaten track.

Is it possible to see the Loch Ness Monster?

The legend of Nessie has captivated the world for centuries, and Loch Ness remains one of the most mysterious and evocative bodies of water in the world. The loch stretches 23 miles long, averages 800 feet in depth, and holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined — so who can say what lies in its depths?

What we can promise is that gazing out across the loch from your room, or from the shore on a still misty morning, is a genuinely magical experience — whatever you believe.

The Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit, about 16 miles north, offers a state-of-the-art exhibition exploring the science, history, and legend of the loch.

Can I hire bikes at The Lovat?

Yes — we have a small fleet of mountain bikes available to hire for guests. Sizes available: 1 small, 2 medium, 1 large. Hire includes a helmet and bike lock. 

The Great Glen Way and surrounding trails offer superb cycling through glens and along the loch. Please contact our team for availability and to arrange your hire.

42 Cycling also offer mountain bike & E-bike hire and have a selection of Highland cycling tours.

What should I know about the Highland weather and midges?

The Scottish Highlands are famous for unpredictable weather — as locals say, you can experience four seasons in one day. We recommend packing:

• Waterproof and windproof outer layers
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Warm layers even in summer
• Midge repellent — essential from late spring through to September

Midges (tiny biting insects) are most active during calm, overcast conditions, particularly at dawn and dusk, from May to September. A good repellent makes all the difference. The good news: midges don't thrive in wind or bright sunshine — so on those beautiful Highland days, you'll likely have no trouble at all.

That said, the drama of the Highland landscape in rain, mist, and low cloud is something very special in its own right.

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Yes — gift vouchers for The Lovat make a wonderful present, whether for a night's stay, dinner at Station Road, afternoon tea, or a monetary voucher to spend across the hotel. They can be purchased online via the Gift Vouchers section.

How do I contact The Lovat?

Telephone - 01456 459250

Email - [email protected]

Website - thelovat.com

Address - Fort Augustus, Inverness-shire, Scotland PH32 4DU

What3Words - fortnight.postcard.lakes

Reception is staffed during hotel opening hours. Outside these hours, please leave a message and we will get back to you promptly.

Is The Lovat an eco-friendly hotel?

Sustainability and a deep respect for the natural environment are central to everything we do at The Lovat. We are a nature-led hotel — we move with the seasons, source ingredients locally and sustainably, grow produce in our own kitchen garden, and forage from the natural larder of the Highlands.

Our eco credentials are recognised by Green Tourism certification. We also offer free EV charging for guests and are continually reducing our environmental footprint as a business.

You can read more about our ethos - HERE

Do you offer laundry or dry cleaning services?

Yes — we offer dry cleaning and laundry services for hotel guests. Please speak to our team on arrival or during your stay and we will arrange this for you. Charges apply.

Can I host a wedding or private event at The Lovat?

Yes — The Lovat is an extraordinary setting for weddings and private events. We offer exclusive use of the entire hotel, restaurant, and grounds, providing a truly intimate and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Surrounded by the Scottish Highlands and just minutes from the shores of Loch Ness, the backdrop for your day is unlike anywhere else. Our experienced team will work closely with you to create something entirely personal.

You can find more information on weddings and events - HERE

To discuss your wedding or event, please contact us on 01456 459250 or email [email protected]. We'd love to hear about your plans.

Do you have facilities for corporate meetings or conferences?

Yes — The Lovat has a dedicated meeting room and event space suitable for corporate bookings, private dinners, and small conferences. The combination of an inspiring Highland setting, outstanding food from Station Road, and a genuinely attentive team makes for a very different kind of corporate experience.

Please contact us directly to discuss your requirements and check availability.