Inside stunning new riverside hotel, with rock-star food and A-list chef

SITTING proudly on the banks of the River Ness the new AC Hotel Inverness by Marriott brings style, luxury and a nod to the boutique to the Highland capital.

The design-led hotel is a subsidiary of your regular Marriott, so you can count on the efficiency and comfort the brand is renowned for worldwide.

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And don’t get mixed up — the AC doesn’t stand for air conditioning, although all rooms can be personally set to your own specs, whether it be taps aff or bunnets on.

AC stands for Antonio Catalan, who founded the chain in Madrid in 1997. After the 2008 economic crash, it was he who saw the way out of a devastating dip in the economic market by rebranding hotels and making them more individual.

Rather than mundane, run of the mill, there are splashes of colour and quirky seating, bespoke art and comfort. The man knows his stuff.

The site the hotel was built on had been derelict for many years. This was prime real estate going to waste but it’s now a place tourists and locals flock to, and after my stay there I can understand why.

On entering my room, I did what most of us do and immediately flopped onto the bed! Diagonally of course! Crisp white linen enveloped me in clouds of comfort. Bliss.

The view was stunning — across to the River Ness and, below, to tables on a large terrace, which was going to be THE place to hang out.

Back inside I had the coffee machine gurgling away as I investigated further.

There was a great little fridge to store what I liked in. None of the usual over-priced minibar shenanigans. They even offer a tuck shop in their reception.

I know, epic, right?

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Extracting myself reluctantly from my room I headed out to explore. There’s so much to do in Inverness and nearby. A little over 20 minutes away, over the Kessock bridge, on what is known as The Black Isle (not an island) is Singleton Distillery.

It might seem strange to describe a building as such, but this place is gorgeous. After a multi-million pound makeover the visitors centre gleams with polished copper and aqua. Like the native cold waters turning into warming Scotch.

There are tours and a choice of whisky tasting and for the designated driver even a take-home pack to enjoy later. Just pop in for lunch. Fabulous produce and mouth-watering desserts accompanied by signature mock/cocktails.

Crossing back over the bridge I spotted the Dolphin Spirit headquarters. Now I’m not suggesting going for a boat trip straight after a whisky tour but if you’re up for a bit of high-speed mischief these guys know their stuff.

A two-hour trip on Mischief passing the dolphin haven of Chanory Point and historic sites like Fort George will get the wind back in your sails — well it did mine for sure.

You’re equipped to the max, with all-in-one suits, lifejackets, binoculars and goggles to accessorise yourself. All that jiggling about fair made me hungry so I returned to the hotel for some rock ’n’ roll Michelin-starred chef delicacies.

AC Hotel Inverness is certainly privileged to have signed chef Ian Mackenzie.

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This local boy has returned to the city after cutting his teeth with Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White.

He’s upped his super cool status by travelling the world with the likes of J-Lo, Beyonce, Lizzo and Sirs Elton John and Paul McCartney.

Ian is so involved and excited by his opportunity at the AC Marriott that he turned down Bruce Springsteen and Metallica.

I myself would have second thoughts but then again a Pot Noodle or anything by microwave is my usual plat du jour!

The food was INCREDIBLE.

And the staff? I’ve never, in all my travels, felt more of a family feeling among hotel staff.

These fabulous people will carry this brand from infancy to fully established favourite in Scotland’s most northern city.

Inverness is the gateway to the wonderful sights of the Highlands. See for yourself at the AC Hotel by Marriott. It Rocks!

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