We’re just back from a packed weekend in Inverness. We ate out, we hunted for Nessie (no luck!), we visited Culloden, but a trip often starts when you open the door of your accommodation and it sets the mood for the trip. I have to say that the Highland Apartments by Mansely in Inverness are really quite fantastic. Genuine recommendation for anyone looking for contemporary, family friendly accommodation in the heart of the city.

Excellent riverside views at the Highland Apartments
Check In – Checking in felt desperately James Bond. Clear instructions told us to make our way along Bank Street, turn into a lane, collect keys from a well known restaurant, take the garage fob, magnetic swipe and yale, aim the clicker at the garage doors, collect the gun and assassinate the target. I made the last bits up, but whilst there isn’t a traditional manned reception these are very thorough instructions and you can’t go wrong. The lifts take you and your tots straight from the underground garage to your apartment.
Our Apartment – Our serviced accommodation was airy, bright and contemporary. The floor to ceiling windows let in vast amounts of natural light and led onto a large decking area which the tots adored. Running outside in their pyjamas, then bombing back inside through the patio doors, repeat x38, they were quite a sight for the neighbours. Our bedroom had its own patio door as well as an ensuite shower room which is always a luxury.

The master bedroom
The family bathroom was ideal for bathing grubby toddlers after days out exploring. The kids’ room had twin beds and its own patio door, which locked in two places to keep them securely inside! The modern white kitchen was kitted out with everything you’d need to prepare a proper family meal, it also had a dishwasher, fridge freezer and little details like dishwasher tablets, fairy liquid and cloths provided. A little carton of complimentary fresh milk in the fridge is a bonus. And once we got the tots to bed we popped the fizz open and chilled out in our own living room without worrying about waking up our cherubs.

Our own living room – space for the kids to play, and for the adults to play once their darlings are asleep
Location – Being right on the river was picturesque and quiet, yet we were completely central at the same time. Zizzi’s restaurant is literally downstairs, and there are nearby shops for picking up supplies. On the first night we ate out, following Tots2Travel reader recommendations, at Mustard Seed, a five minute walk from our Highland Apartment. Its Early Dinner menu is a bargain at £13.95 for two courses, and there’s also a dedicated children’s menu offering. My starter, of beetroot and artichoke salad, combined fresh ingredients that I love, but you so rarely see. My main, of grilled Seabass with garlic potatoes and olive tapenade, was equally satisfactory. On the second night, we ate in, making good use of the facilities that our apartment offered, cooking up the steaks we’d bought at Doonies Farm the weekend before.
Whilst being central the Highland Apartments are a mere fifteen minute drive down the west coast of Loch Ness to catch a boat to go Nessie Hunting with Jacobite cruises. We also visited the Loch Ness Exhibition and Visitor Centre near Drumnadrochit, and experienced the emotive Culloden Battleground. Posts to come on all these attractions soon. Easy underground parking, with a designated parking spot, meant that staying in central Inverness, and nipping back and forth to the apartment, was straightforward and hassle free.
Overall our first family weekend to Inverness was a definite success. I feel I’d still like to see more of this area, but for anyone looking for family friendly accommodation then the Highland Apartments definitely deliver.
The Lowdown – We drove directly from Aberdeen, stopping at Findhorn for a fantastic pitstop (read more here). Inverness is also well served by bus, train and its own airport.
If you like what you read then don’t miss a post, enter your email address in the ‘Follow’ box then click ‘Follow’ or join the conversation on Facebook, twitter, pinterest and instagram at Tots2Travel. Tots2Travel received two nights complimentary accommodation for review purposes. The tots now want riverside decking at home. For any queries or opportunities please email tots2travel@hotmail.com. All images copyright of Tots2Travel.
ChelseaMamma
It looks like the perfect base for exploring the area. We fell in love with Scotland and have so much more to explore
tots2travel
It was ideal. Hope you get a chance to return soon.
Baby Loves Travel
Inverness is on my wish list – I will make a note of these apartments #citytripping
tots2travel
Lovely contemporary and homely base from which to explore.
Bumble Bee Mum
A real pity you didn’t find Nessie.. That would have made a good story! Hahaha… #CityTripping
tots2travel
Think we’d be famous by now if we had!
MummyTravels
This sounds like a great base – and perfect for families. I totally agree that when you’re travelling with kids, accommodation can really make or break the trip. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
tots2travel
It was so modern and fresh too. The decking was a huge hit with the boys.
Anna
Haven’t been fortunate enough to make it there yet, but will definitely keep this place in mind when the time comes. Thanks for the review!
tots2travel
Inverness is a great base to explore the Highlands. You’re so central, then in the countryside in minutes.
fifi + hop
Nessie hunting sounds like so much fun! And the apartment looks awesome – having a living room while traveling with your family is always a major perk. #citytripping
tots2travel
It’s ideal to have your own space once the tots are asleep. Then we’re all ready for big adventures the following day.
Elizabeth
This looks like a great find! We loved inverness when we were there last year but didn’t love our hotel, so this seems like a lovely option! #CityTripping
tots2travel
This rivals any hotel. So modern and contemporary, yet homely. Everything seemed easy with the secure parking etc. so I would recommend it.
Cultural Wednesday
Bad luck with not finding Nessie, you’ll just have to go back but the apartments won’t make that hard! #citytripping
tots2travel
Exactly, a real Nessie hunter never gives up.
daislikethese
You can’t beat an apartment for family travel, and this one looks fab! Looks like you had a great time. #CityTripping
tots2travel
Sleek and modern, yet comfortable. Also love a really well stocked kitchen where you can properly cook!