Rocpool Reserve
14 Culduthel Road, Inverness IV2 4AG Scotland
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Room & Suite (114)
Dining (75)
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About
#1 of 1 boutique hotel in Inverness
Location
4.5
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.7
Value
4.1
Travelers' Choice
5 Star boutique hotel opened in February 2006. A totally renovated Georgian Townhouse featuring stunning modern original design. The hotel also has a 2 red rosette restaurant and our "R-bar" for cocktails as well as a wide variety of other drinks . We endeavour to use as much local produce as possible.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot tub
Free breakfast
Taxi service
Baggage storage
Concierge
24-hour front desk
Parking
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Shoeshine
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Room features
Soundproof rooms
Bathrobes
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Safe
Bottled water
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Hair dryer
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Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Boutique
Green
Languages Spoken
English
Location
14 Culduthel Road, Inverness IV2 4AG Scotland
Rocpool Reserve
Getting there
Good for walkers
Grade: 82 out of 100
82
Inverness Airport
8.2 mi•
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Rental Cars
12 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
846Reviews9Q+A100Room tips
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We had a great one-night stay at Rocpool. The room , as well as the bathroom was huge; large comfy bed. Excellent breakfast. Easy walk into the town centre. The staff were great, really helpful and very attentive.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
The lack of welcome upon arrival, where we had to search the corridors to find a member of staff, was an early warning of the night to come. 30 minutes were spent at the bar, at which we were served 1 drink and mostly ignored…whilst being 1 of 2 couples present. After, we were shown through to our table, where we had to request further drinks (that didn’t arrive until the main course). The food was average at best for the city and certainly not worth the prices this places thinks it has the confidence to charge. For some reason we were served a tasteless loaf of bread between starter and main: which was best ignored. Considering that 2 waiting staff had 5 tables between them they were either new to the service industry or ill prepared: the result was the same. For desert the options were limited and the idea of further drinks or coffee was either forgotten or incomprehensible. The venue itself is tired and dated, with a distinct lack of atmosphere, in place of some music you’re most likely to spend an evening hearing the table adjacent chew their food. Overall, a venue clearly past its time and relying on a reputation it may once have had (?). But certainly not somewhere I would wish to spend a night in 2023…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Book elsewhere
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Booked the Rockpool reserve as a last minute stay and boy was it worth it. I've stayed in many 5 star hotels across the country and as you expect, great accommodation and food for the most part. The one thing that stood out for me above anything else and what generally makes my stay in a hotel feel special is the way we are made to feel. Sometimes the personal touch is lacking... sometimes you can be made to feel like its overdone and false kindness. Struan made us feel so comfortable and welcome. So naturally helpfully and relatable without having the false feeling sometimes attached to high end hotels. We only stayed one night but Struan was absolutely fantastic, such a genuine young man that made us feel so comfortable. Professional yet witty and extremely personable. Me and my wife both agree he is a special talent within hospitality as after all, being made to feel special with humility, class and a funny side when appropriate is hard to come by. Fantastic chap!…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
This is not a five star hotel despite it pushing the image on its website and advertising. The food and rooms are vastly overpriced. If it was rated 3 or 4 star maybe but expectations are not when it try’s to present as quality establishment.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
When I booked the hotel, I made sure the gent who took the call understood the night we would stay would be our wedding night. We booked the hotel as it is allegedly a 5 star hotel. A 5 star hotel, according to Which has these features, with relation to the staff and facilities. All staff demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to help (1 star) Good guest service and staff should provide prompt, courteous and efficient service (3 star) Very good social skills and anticipation of individual guests' needs evident (4 star) Higher staffing levels (4 star) Staff should anticipate individual guests' needs to create unique and memorable experiences (5 star) We could not book the room with the hot tub, but, we plumped for the next room down, the decadent room. The image clearly shows a free standing bath and a very large walk in shower, and with this we booked the one night. When I arrived to check in, I was early, and the very nice lady gave me the paperwork and allowed me to sign up and leave my car in the car park. I asked about a potential upgrade and was told the hotel was full, so no chance of room movement. After we had had our wedding lunch in Inverness, we walked up to the hotel and checked into the room. There was no free standing bath, the walk in shower pressure was below average, no acknowledgement of our celebratory day or anything. But we had had a good meal and needed to rest after the day's exertions. The room overlooked the road, so we had to shut the windows. The aircon was operating well. Around 9pm, we decided to stretch our legs and go down to the bar and maybe get a sandwich. We witnessed one particularly trucculent female member of staff walk past us, not acknowledge us or even make space at the bar for us to sit. The lady behind the bar, I learned later, was the duty manager and she was making cocktails as the usual bar person was not in. I had to ask twice to get menus to order food from the trucculent one, but she ignored us and carried on filling drinks orders. The other member of staff couldnt actually serve drinks as she was only 16 We finally got our order placed and went to sit down. Now, I love the heat, having lived in the Sinai for 30 years, I enjoy the sensation, but the heating in the bar was oppressive. When our food turned up by the trucculent one, she plonked our plates down and walked off. My wife had ordered a salmon sandwich, which turned out pretty much as expected. I ordered a club sandwich. Mainly for the reason that this one was advertised with egg on it. A departure from a typical Club Sandwich and one of which I thought I would like What was presented to me was dripping in grease and the mayonnaise had made the bread all soggy and horrible. The egg had been fried in tainted oil and had a bitter after taste and had not been dabbed to remove the oil that was making the sandwich so un appealing. I had to leave half of it as the bread disintegrated and I was left with a gelatinous gooey mess on my plate. We returned to our room not particularly best pleased. When we turned the light out, after having closed the black out curtains, the room was bathed in a lurid green colour, which was emanating from the emergency exit sign. So, the point of the black out curtains was lost as the light inside the room was so powerful, we could still see each other from one side of the room tot he other! A fitful nights sleep ensued and then we went for breakfast. The number of guests was overwhelming for the solitary member of waiting staff. Who we found to be monosylabbic and not particularly welcoming. I had to walk through two rooms to find him to get more coffee, which frankly was weak and fairly tasteless. We had to get extra water and toast, which again was a long wait, followed by a search for the waiter. We are now hacked off. My wife made mention that the room we were staying in looked exactly like the chic room, not the decadent room we had paid for. In the image of the decadent room there is a bottle of wine and two glasses. Where was ours? It mentions complementary velvet bathrobes and slippers .. I couldnt find anything anywhere So, somewhat grumpy, I approached the duty manager to let her know of our complaints. To give her her due, she handled the complaint in a professional manner and comped us the room and all the food due to the lack of facilities we were expecting. The refund arrived in my account three days later. As I was leaving I heard that the roof was leaking so badly that they needed a complete refurb (in Oct) and potentially a new roof. This was not even close to being a five star hotel and for our wedding night, I was extremely disappointed in a hotel that tells us it is luxurious, and it clearly isnt. The amount we originally paid was not good value and to be fair, that price would have gotten you the same facilities in London, over looking the Thames. Very, very disappointed.…
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Check the room you pay for is the room you get
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Vicki and the entire staff at the Rocpool Reserve Hotel were exceptional. All of my (many) requests were handled quickly and efficiently. Our dinner at the restaurant was outstanding both in terms of service and quality. All if our breakfasts were delicious. Brava!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Vicki McQuillan, General Manager at Rocpool Reserve
Responded Aug 25, 2023
Dear ArtTraveler61, Thank you so much for your lovely words! It was our great pleasure to look after you on your visit to Inverness. We very much hope that we have the opportunity to see you again soon. Warmest regards Vicki McQuillan General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our 1st visit to Rocpool reserve unfortunately it will be our last. We booked for a bar meal and on arriving were virtually the only people in the bar despite being told we could only be fitted in at a certain time. We ordered wine and a meal with Charcuterie which we assumed would come as a starter. After at least40 mins our mains arrived I asked about our starter to be told it would be served alongside the main. I explained to the waiter I didn’t think this was right and asked for it to be taken away. On paying the Charcuterie was removed from the Bill, I payed in cash and was told there was no change available and they would have to raid the tip jar. A female who appeared to be the front of house manager approached us and I explained that I was not impressed by the service,(not the waiter) starter coming with main. To which she replied, you wouldn’t believe what some people ask for. I didn’t find her approach helpful or understanding and it was like she was trying to just bat me off. She said it must have been the way it was put through the till. A beautiful setting but what kitchen sends a sharing starter with a main. 🤷🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️ do not mix this place up with the real Rocpool across the river.…
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Vicki McQuillan, General Manager at Rocpool Reserve
Responded Aug 21, 2023
Dear Kevin M, Thank you very much for taking the time to review your recent visit to the r bar at Rocpool Reserve. I can only profusely apologise for the confusion with regards to your starter. I do hope that once we had rectified our error that you were able to enjoy your meal. We really do appreciate all feedback, as it helps us learn from our mistakes and make changes for the future and I would like to assure you that we have taken on board your comments. Should we have the opportunity to welcome you back, please feel free to contact myself so that I can personally ensure your next visit to be flawless with a complimentary glass of champagne awaiting your arrival. Kind regards Vicki McQuillan General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is an exceptional hotel with a staff that goes above and beyond to make your stay special. We arrived to be greeted at the door with help with our luggage by Vicky. She gave us some highlights and sent us out to explore. Upon returning, our bags were on our room, and Sava helped us settle in. The breakfast was the best in Scotland. Everything was fresh and the table beautifully set. The service and food were expertly done. Seva helped us get a taxi and is an expert in her field. This was the best experience of our whole trip.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: All rooms are wonderful.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Vicki McQuillan, General Manager at Rocpool Reserve
Responded Aug 7, 2023
Dear 1991KEB, Thank you so very much for reviewing your stay with us. It was our great pleasure to be able to look after you during your time in Inverness. I hope the journey home was uneventful and that we get to welcome you again on your return to Scotland. Warmest regards Vicki McQuillan
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We booked the ‘Extra Decadent Room’ at a cost of $797 Australian, breakfast included. This meant it had a verandah with a hot tub on it. The staff were so lovely and friendly. Exceptional. My husband said the omelette he had for breakfast was the best he has ever had. I do have concerns for people with mobility issues as they will find it difficult to get in and out of the shower (as it is in the bath and a big step down). Also, the internet did not work in our and this made it difficult to access emails about our trip home etc., and the air conditioner did not work. We were recommended this hotel and we can see how it has immense charm and service.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Vicki McQuillan, General Manager at Rocpool Reserve
Responded Aug 7, 2023
Dear Patricialehfeldt, Thank you very much for reviewing your stay with us. I am delighted to hear that the staff looked after you on your visit. We are very proud of them, so your comments are appreciated. I will make sure Chef sees the feedback on the omelette, they are always a particular favourite in the morning. My apology again for the internet being down in your room when you visited, we have this all sorted now. I very much hope that we have the chance you welcome you back to Rocpool Reserve on another occasion. Warmest regards Vicki McQuillan
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Do not stay at this hotel. We paid £440 for a 1-night stay. The room was on the main road (as most are) so we could not open windows and the A/C did not work so we slept in a sauna. The GM Daniel offered to make an “allowance” against our bill but 10 days later has failed to do so. Breakfast was chaotic. It took over 1 hour to serve poached eggs. Spend your money more wisely (£20 cheaper!) and stay at newly opened Ness Walk (as we did on our return to Inverness). Now that was a 5-star experience with a fabulous restaurant and a fantastic room overlooking the Ness River (as they all do). Quiet, luxurious and clean.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Don’t stay there.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
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PRICE RANGE
$385 - $528 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
rocpool reserve hotel & chez roux hotel inverness, rocpool reserve hotel and chez roux, rocpool reserve inverness, rocpool reserve hotel inverness
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Culduthel Lodge
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandScottish HighlandsInverness
NUMBER OF ROOMS
11
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Claim Your ListingROCPOOL RESERVE - Updated 2023 Prices & Boutique Hotel Reviews (Inverness, Scotland)
Frequently Asked Questions about Rocpool Reserve
Which popular attractions are close to Rocpool Reserve?
Nearby attractions include Eden Court Theatre (0.3 miles), Inverness Castle (0.3 miles), and Flora MacDonald Statue (0.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Rocpool Reserve?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Rocpool Reserve?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Rocpool Reserve?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Castle Tavern, Tiger On The Wall, and La Tortilla Asesina.
Is Rocpool Reserve located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.6 miles away from the center of Inverness.
Are any cleaning services offered at Rocpool Reserve?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are there any historical sites close to Rocpool Reserve?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Inverness Castle Viewpoint (0.3 miles), Inverness Town House (0.4 miles), and Market Cross (1.2 miles).
Is Rocpool Reserve accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.