The hostel is an old farmhouse, sited in a quiet spot in the village. It is close to all the local attractions and pubs. We have a barbeque most nights in the summer and an open fire will greet you if you are visiting on a cold winters night. We have two seperate lounges so you can just chill out and watch TV or sit and chat and play games.
All facilities are modern and there are two self catering kitchens if you want to prepare your own meals.
Neraby horseriding, moutain biking and fishing on the Loch can be arranged, along with trips monster spotting.
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Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge Reviews
Verified Reviews by our Community
Wonderful.
I was traveling through Scotland with my two daughters and we were running late due to snow and when we arrived our room was warm and ready. A bus load of students had arrived and the owner had her hands full but still found the time to make us feel at home. It was clean warm and very friendly. My daughter said it was her favorite of our entire trip and I agree completely. If I come to Scotland again, and I will, Ill land here for sure. Thank you again for your kindnesses and hospitality.
Jeff Hankins
2012-04-27
USA
Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge is rustic, with mixed dorms that open onto a common outdoor patio. In the main building are the bar, kitchen, large and small dining rooms, and lounge, with family bedrooms upstairs. In effect, the dorms are cabins with all the additional facilities of a comfortable hotel.
The Location
The hostel is beautifully tucked among the forested hills, with Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness just a thirty-minute walk away. There is a grocery store and some breathtaking hikes just around the corner. The hostel is not hard to find. On the main road in Drumnadrochit, simply find the petrol station (on the edge of town closest to Urquhart Castle); across the road, there is a quaint street leading straight to the hostel. You cant mistake the building -- it has Nessie painted on it. If worse comes to worse, there are signs marking the way. Also, you will find ample parking space.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There are six beds per dorm, and they are comfortable and clean, though they lack nightlights. Small lockers with locks are available in the main building, and it would be wise to use them because security is minimal; the dorms and common areas are accessible without passing by Reception, and it is possible for the dorm door not to work at all.
The bathrooms have a more sketchy feel to them. They open onto the outdoor patio and are shared by men and women. They are a little dirty, though the murals brighten the environment. The showers have minimal water pressure, but there is hot water and space to change outside the curtain.
Common Spaces
The main building is arranged to encourage socializing. Most people frequent the three smallest spaces -- the kitchen, the smaller dining room, and the lounge, so it would be awkward not to start a conversation. The lounge is especially cozy, with couches arranged around a fireplace. The large dining room looks like a restaurant and, ironically, is a great room for being by yourself. The kitchen is well-equipped, but be sure to leave plenty of time for the stove to heat up; it takes awhile. The hostel also sells food, and the prices are very decent.
Summary
With a snug ambiance and friendly staff, this rural hostel is a pleasant resting point for travelers and vacationers alike. It is not posh, but it is comfortable, and it lets you enjoy being nestled in the Highlands.
Anna Dourgarian
2012-02-07
USA
Loved it!!
Under the circumstances in which I stayed not only was the hostel a wonderful place to say but the staff were more than fantastic. I have no qualms in recommending this hostel to anyone. It really is a pretty place locked away in a lovely town. Really want to go back!
LA
2011-01-22
Australia
Worst hostel in Scotland
This place is a complete nightmare and is the size of a medium size house. There is one downstairs bathroom in the main house for about twenty-four people. It has two showers, three sinks, and two toilets all in a very compact space. It is a mixed toilet so it can be really awkward trying to shower or do your business. I walked in on a girl stripping off to take a shower. No bathroom door either just a shower curtain in its place. The rooms are very small and crammed with beds. Ours had three bunk beds and a single and their was no room left. Not even enough space to store your rucksack and once again they were mixed so there was nowhere to get changed. The place also has no drying room so if you're wet forget it. There were about fifteen pairs of shoes and boots put against a small coal fire in the sitting room during the night to dry them out. The kitchen was small and cramped when more than four people were trying to cook. There was one large dining table that would seat about ten or twelve people. The sitting room only had seating for six people. There are a few rooms outside the main house in what look like horse stalls. The other walkers I spoke to staying there were not impressed and said the walls were so thin you could hear what was going on in the next room. On the positive side, Theres not really one other than the fact that it is directly on the route of the Great Glen way and it is a dry roof over your head. It is the only youth hostel in Drum so if you must/want to stay in a youth hostel than you dont have any choice.
Great Glen Way Walker
2009-07-17
Scottish
I stayed here a couple of years ago, so my impressions may not be current, but it really was lovely. Drumnadrochit is a pretty village on Loch Ness (apart from the very tacky Loch Ness monster museums). The hostel was cosy, friendly, and clean.
Kate W
2007-04-25
Scotland
Some of the photos on this site don't really tell the truth. The main living room is grubby and the couches are well-worn and the washable covers are really dirty (a cat has scratched them all too). The fridge was disgusting and must have only been cleaned just before the last inspection! I was really disappointed with the hostel and won't stay there again. When I arrived there was no one there, so I went in and waited by the fire. Eventually some other guests returned from the bar and called the owner who lives a few houses away. She is friendly and helpful, but seems very preoccupied with many other commitments. I was charged more than the current Independent hostel brochure stated (even in Feb., which is very much low season), and the cost was about 3 or 4 pounds more than I would have paid in Inverness where there would have been more to see. The room was damp-smelling and really stuffy since the door automatically closed and there is no ventilation. The heater in the room worked but the knobs were melted, perhaps not so safe. No heating was on in the morning in the main area but the owner arrived after 9 a.m. to put the heater and fire on (just as I was leaving). The unisex bathroom in the main house look clean and modern however the showers are really terrible. When you put the shower to warm, there is little more than a trickle coming out (not enough to fill your hands in ten seconds) and it is no where near hot enough. There is no heating in the bathroom and there is no door dividing the bathrooms from the main stairway/front door area -- so it is very cold in there -- especially when you are naked and standing under a trickle of lukewarm water! The owner doesn't seem too worried about it. When you are traveling a good shower can make all the difference. Maybe the owner should take a shower in there? Apparently the shower in the wooden bunk house behind the main house aren't too bad though.
LT
2007-02-14
This was the worst accommodation I have ever stayed in. We arrived to the sound of blaring music and this continued for most of the afternoon, evening and night. The staff were quite positively rude. We stayed in a twin room, which was little more than a garden shed and we were slightly disconcerted by the skull wearing sunglasses outside our window. During the evening there was a loud party and this continued into the early hours of the morning, with music, chattering, smoking, drinking, and general noise outside. I would not wish to stay here ever again.
S Maidment
2006-09-06
What a treasure on the Great Glen Way hike! I hiked 22 miles to get here and the owner couldn't have been nicer. She spent about 15 minutes amending a free map so I could be sure to see all of the local sights in addition to the great info posted in the living room. There was free coffee/tea, spacious hot showers, clean sheets and blankets and it was a clean hostel overall. I didn't feel uncomfortable with the owner/family they were just like other guests! Discounts on bike rentals (6 days) and 1/2 price admission at Loch Ness 2000 what more could you want?
Johanna
2005-09-28
Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge Reviews from the Web
Patrick and Nikki are lovely hosts. As soon as I arrived Patrick told me everything about the town, how to get around, nearest shops and restaurants.
The location is very convenient as it is at only 25 minutes walk from Urquhart Castle and 10 minutes walk to the town centre.
However, the room I was staying in it was quite small but had 3 bunk beds and a single bed. There were 5 people including me and we could barely move. Surely the person who arranged the furnitures must be a master at tetris
Dany78
2022-06-03
Another enjoyable stay at Loch Ness Backpackers, great friendly staff, Richard was friendly at the bar. They didn't mind me hobbling around whilst they were cleaning.
eleanorheptinstall7062
2022-05-12
I would advise anyone passing to stay! After having a bad experience with another accommodation, me and my partner booked this hostel last minute. We checked in and met the owner, who could not do enough for us. The facilities are super clean, owner is extremely knowledgable, welcoming and friendly and was a brilliant host. He upgraded us to a family room free of charge. We shared a few drinks on the evening and had a really long conversation before heading to bed. Thank you.
smouty_lad1888
2021-09-02
It's a lovely place to stay. Not to far from a small town that has some lovely places to eat and shop. The rooms were nice and clean and very nice for the price. The gentleman working there was super nice and accommodating. Definitely 100% recommend this place.
jarrodbongers5169
2021-08-23
Excellent quiet place to stay, more intimate atmosphere, very friendly staff, excellent beer and whisky at the bar and extremely clean!
alexcars6705
2021-07-11
We stayed for 1 night, couldnt imagine a nicer place to stay. The owner, was lovely to chat to and attentive to our needs. Would highly recommend Loch Ness Backpackers to anyone visiting the area.
ktfree
2021-07-10
Fantastic hostel. Stayed a few times now and will definitely be back. Patrick is very helpful, rooms are comfortable and hostel is very clean. Having the bar is a bonus. Perfect location for walkers and cyclists.
Drumnadrochit is a lovely village. The hostel is only 5 minutes walking distance from Scotmid store and chinese takeaway. Will be back soon.
adavie25076
2021-06-26
Apart from the views along the Great Glen Way, staying at this accommodation was the highlight of our trip. The building is very clean, in an excellent location and all the amenities you may need. All of the necessary anti-covid measures were in place. The main reason to stay there though is the owner, he is a person who you just have to meet. He talked with us for hours, suggested ideal drinks for our taste and made the stay unforgettable. We are definitely coming back after covid is over
izabelaskow9821
2021-05-20
Very good, friendly and just what you would expect from a basic hostel. Well set up for covid gave reassurance.
ducatiandyda799
2020-09-13
Great little Hostel! Patrick is super friendly and had given us many interesting tips on what to do in the local area. The hostel is in close distance to a Co-op so it's easy to pickup supplies. The local area is full of different hikes / nature walks and things to do & see. Facilities were super clean & tidy. We very much enjoyed our stay!
apirnak3711
2020-08-29
Lovely place, ideally on the great glen way! Clean and very covid responsible. Allocated our own shower and toilet. Very reassuring. Lovely bar and outdoor facilities. Looks like a great spot when covid is over for a relaxing time away as well.
sdclayton20008771
2020-08-12
Liked: The atmosphere is fantastic and the staff is really friendly Didn't like: Nothing
Anonymous
2017-08-17
Liked: Good location. Helpful staff. Didn't like: N/A
Anonymous
2015-01-10
What an amazing hostel! Knowledgeable, friendly staff in a great location. Hostel was cosy, clean and had all the facilities you need. It was like a home from home. Loved it - would recommend to anyone.
Anonymous
2013-09-13
Very homely place and nice touch with the wood/coal burning fireplace in lounge area.
Anonymous
2013-01-05
Liked: Clean room. Owner showed your map of local area, good sightseeing areas and where to eat and drink. Didn't like: Showers
Anonymous
2012-05-17
Description
Location and Contact
Location
The hostel is located in the village of Lewiston, half a mile from Drumnadrochit, near the castle. If you are travelling by bus be sure to ask the driver to drop you at Loch Ness Backpackers in Lewiston or you will end up with a long walk.Map
Address: Coiltie Farmhouse, East Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Inverness, The Highlands, Scotland
Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge is listed on the following booking sites:
Hostelworld Booking.com Not listed at HostelsClubWebsite
www.lochness-backpackers.com/
Phone Number:
+44 (0)1456 450807
To add or correct information for this listing, please use the Listing Correction Form.
Facilities and Amenities
+50 Traveller
Digital Nomads
Family-Friendly Hostel
Party Hostel
Quiet Rest
Solo Traveller
Bedsheets
Lockers in Lobby
Luggage Storage
Parking
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons
Wi-Fi in Rooms
Breakfast (£3)
Dinner (From £5 upwards)
Towels (50p)
BBQ Grill
Bar
Board Games
Book Collection/Exchange
Clothes Dryer
Concierge/Info Desk
Credit Card Payments
Entirely Non-Smoking
Food/Restaurant
Gameroom
Hair Dryers
Hot Showers
Jobs/Work Available
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Movie Library/Rental
Outdoor Seating
Power Point/Sockets in Rooms
Wheelchair Accessible
Airport Pickup
Lockers in Rooms
Service Animals
Pet-Friendly
Genders: Males & Females
Max. Age: All Ages
Min. Age with Parent (dorms): All Ages
Min. Age with Parent (private room): All Ages
Min. Age without Parent: 17
Note: children U10 yrs not allowed to share in dorms unless with thegroup
Checkout: 10:00 (10 AM)
Curfew: No Curfew
Lockout: No
Maximum Stay: Unlimited
Minimum Stay: 1 night
Open Dates: All Year
Reception Hours: 8am-11pm
Size: Medium (30-60 beds)
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