We try to avoid staying in Inverness as its hotel prices have gone through the roof since it got its "city status" and chain motels/hotels such as HI Express and Travel Inn prices are nudging towards £100 per night !!! Instead we try to arrange our journey to be able to overnight at Perth which is much less pretentious but on this occasion we had to book Inverness and fortunately, perhaps because it was in a slow period before Christmas, we got a price on line of just short of £60.
Given that HIE now throw in a "hot" buffet breakfast we took the offer and weren't disappointed in the hotel for that price. It was up to this chain's standards - ie you know what to expect - ie you can navigate to the loo in the dark without stubbing your toe on the bed etc etc. Nice touch here was the "soft pillow" offer which, after a long drive was most welcome.
The only real downside to this stay was the adjacent restaurant "The Snowgoose" which used to be pretty good for a pub supper but their standards have dropped and the food was neither hot nor particularly good quality. Maybe their microwaves were playing up as we weren't the only diners complaining about the food.
The bar wasn't a particularly pleasant experience either - not because of the drinks, but because of the surly bar staff. I was left to wait while two scottish customers who came in after us were served. Ok, perhaps I should have spoken up but should I have to ?
HI Express should "have a word" with the people who run the restaurant as it reflects badly on them as much as the restaurant given that it is located on the same property.

Just a Holiday Inn. but isn't it a beauty to know in advance what to expect? :)

though there were some things that made this Holiday Inn a very good Holiday Inn:
1) Staff was incredibly helpful, polite and courteous, always greeting you with a smile
2) Complimentary breakfast: much better than expected for a freebie
3) Very reasonable price: even on New Year night the cost of the room was very affordable
4) Extra electric heater in your room so you can make it as warm as you like.

As usual a reasonable night only one problem TV reception very poor need to be sorted.

Just had a two day break at the Express by Holiday Inn at Stoneyfield near Inverness.
First, the complaint.
On checking in and producing the printed form inviting us to take advantage of "Complimentary Wi-Fi during your stay" we were told that the Hotel were not doing this as they were changing providers and were maybe not going to continue the offer. As it was on the Hotel wbsite a few hours before we checked in, I found this strange. I tried to connect my laptop in the room and found that there was indeed a Wi-Fi connection available and I simply needed a vouched code for access. I duly returned to reception and after a little gentle persuation given a code by the duty manager. (which unfortunately expired on the second evening). My complaint is:- Why was I told that the provider was changing and the offer was not available, when it clearly was. Sorry guys, but if you advertise "complimentary Wi-Fi" when booking, you really shouldn't use excuses for not providing it.
OK that's that out of the way. The Hotel was fairly close to a sizeable retail park with a couple of fast food outlets and a big Tesco,so you won't starve. Quite a few other shops to browse as well.
A bus stop, where you can get a cheap trip into Inverness city is situated in the retail park, with very regular buses,so you can have a night out without worrying about driving, or taking taxis if you're on a tight budget.
The Hotel has a huge car park and a decent restaurant next door . The Snow Goose has a good menu and reasonable prices.
The rooms are modern and clean, with a good sized en-suite shower room. Unlike a lot of reasonably priced ( I hate the phrase "Budget") hotels, the room heating worked and was controlable by the guest. The bed was adequet but not as comfy as we had experienced in other Holiday Inns. The public areas were clean and modern, with little damage to fittings etc. The Great Room, with small bar and TV's was well furnished and again, spotlessly clean. Breakfast was served here from 06.30 til 10.00am, and was of very good quality. There was plenty of choice for all tastes, the tables were kept cleared and cleaned (the duty manager was
also helping when the restaurant was busy) The staff were polite and helpfull, as was Weronika, the young lady who looked after our room. It was nice to see a mixture of staff ages, as guests from teenagers to OAP's can feel comfortable asking for help. I wouldn't hesitate to use this hotel again, nor to recommend it for anyone who wants to visit Inverness, but doesn't want to shell out a fortune for some of the overpriced city places. Top marks Express by Holiday Inn, Inverness, thanks for a nice break (don't forget the Wi-Fi though)