The family run "Drum Hotel" offers you a very warm and friendly visit to the Highlands of Scotland. Whether you are arriving by car, bus, cycling or walking the Great Glen Way, the hotel caters for all needs. We have 29 rooms: Single, Twin, Double and Family rooms including 2 with full facilities for our disabled guests. All rooms are ensuite with Sleepeasy beds, TV, phone, hairdryer, and hot drinks facilities.
Reviews (27)
Logan Castagno
Jun 15, 2022
We were SO underwhelmed with the presentation here and do NOT recommend. We learned a bit, but it was short and definitely overpriced for what we got from it. Veryyy outdated and the projectors were all over the room and confusing as to which one we should be watching. You can learn everything they tell you for free on Google in 15 min, so stop by to see the submarine on the outside (for free) and then skip the rest.
It's not magical or mysterious at all. They also don't share much about the first hand sightings, which is what we would have loved to hear about! Also the gift shop was a nightmare. Sold baby toys and the most random non Scotland related merchandise, but they did also have some relevant stuff. It was rough.
It's not magical or mysterious at all. They also don't share much about the first hand sightings, which is what we would have loved to hear about! Also the gift shop was a nightmare. Sold baby toys and the most random non Scotland related merchandise, but they did also have some relevant stuff. It was rough.
Carly Dobitz
Jun 07, 2022
I'm fully expecting to get attacked by the owner for a poor review like so many other people before me, but here is my opinion. It's a lot of money for a poor quality presentation. For such a high price point per ticket I was underwhelmed and left disappointed. Even if it was free I would still not recommend a visit. I don't know how a museum about a mythical creature can be so bland and somehow take the fun and mystery out of it.
Kristina Svaikova
May 22, 2022
Perfect place to learn about history of Loch Ness monster. Try to figure out is it true or just a story. Amazing time spent on a boat trip to hunt for Nessie (sadly couldn't find her) but maybe someone else will be luckier friendly, helpful and with a good sense of humour staff! Thank you very much for amazing and wonderful time!
Arjun Trivedi
May 22, 2022
Alan Pickett
May 19, 2022
Adrianell Poteet Sorrels
May 08, 2022
Really cool. Better than expected. I expected a low-budget couple of rooms with info about sightings and some research to read, but the museum presents a lot of info through a series of videos. You walk through very well designed scenes that set the stage and show videos explaining sightings and all the investigations done to try to find any evidence of Nessie and lets you make up your own mind what to believe.
Well worth a stop. A few shops are on site including a names research center where you can look up your family name origins for free and then purchase if you would like to take the info with you.
Well worth a stop. A few shops are on site including a names research center where you can look up your family name origins for free and then purchase if you would like to take the info with you.
Joanne Joubert
Apr 19, 2022
This is a really interesting exhibition centre, containing all the information you need to know about Loch Ness and the history and myths behind the lake. I found the experience very interesting, informative and easy to follow along. Each little section of the exhibition centre has a little short movie to tell the history and mythology behind the lake with interesting sound and light effects.
At the end of the tour there is a quaint souvenirs shop where lots of Loch Ness and Scotland related items can be purchased. I would recommend visiting this exhibition centre and I would recommend doing the walk through show. I would not recommend doing the walk through if you are have any photosensitivity or sound sensitivity as there are flashes and loud noises during the experience.
At the end of the tour there is a quaint souvenirs shop where lots of Loch Ness and Scotland related items can be purchased. I would recommend visiting this exhibition centre and I would recommend doing the walk through show. I would not recommend doing the walk through if you are have any photosensitivity or sound sensitivity as there are flashes and loud noises during the experience.
Bethany O'Malley
Apr 16, 2022
James Hisole
Sep 10, 2021
A great place to go to for those who want to discover the history and mystery behind the world famous Loch. In Drumadrochit area. Very informative and educational. Friendly reception staff. Boat tour of the lake is also booked here. Book in advance needed. Loads of shops onsite including the Nessie shop and hotel. Newly opened Great Glen Distillery, Scotland's Smallest Distillery is within the building as well. Very highly recommended Scotland experience.
Alice L.
Feb 12, 2020
Did some hitchhiking & camping with the most iridescent, wonderful friend - not a bad place to feel detached from the world and yet utterly independent! Would recommend taking a good look at a map before going inside the woods- make sure you are an experienced camper before venturing into these woods. It's important you have access to iodine pills or other water-cleaning substances since the weather is hit-or-miss and the streams do not look all too promising in their cleanliness. Biodegradable products are widely available- please help keep this landmark pristine! A pro-tip is to go in the spring (we went in May) for that glorious challenge of 11:30pm sunsets and flip-flopping weather (sun and rain) within minutes of each other!
Bill Y.
Aug 12, 2019
Matt G.
May 30, 2019
Well, if you're actively looking for a monster then pretty much anything looks like a monster. The water moved over there, Nessie is swimming under the surface! The guys that came up with this hoax had a good run and managed to give the local economy a good boost. How many of you would actually be going to this lake if it wasn't for this swimming brontosaurus? Matt G, you are such a party pooper.
Other countries in Europe claim to have their own lake monsters and some believe that Nessie swims through a tunnel underground and pops his head up throughout the continent. Others believe that the Easter bunny is real. Nonetheless a beautiful lake with peaceful surroundings.
Other countries in Europe claim to have their own lake monsters and some believe that Nessie swims through a tunnel underground and pops his head up throughout the continent. Others believe that the Easter bunny is real. Nonetheless a beautiful lake with peaceful surroundings.
Rachel W.
Apr 27, 2019
Not sure I can add anything here that hasn't been said. I went with a MacBackpacker's tour, and so got to go to a private beach area to look for Nessie. We poured out a bit of whisky for her, and yet she didn't come! I did learn just how big this lake is, and that's about all I can truly say! A must-visit, of course, but not epic in any way.
Kanchan B.
Mar 14, 2019
Holy Moly! This is my second visit to check out the legendary Nessie, so cant believe that haven't written a previous review - rectifying that mistake now :- Loch Ness is a massively deep freshwater lake and it's actually fairly narrow, as we drove along one side of the loch and could easily see the opposite bank. Our guide pointed out that one side bisects with the Caledonian Canal, and so it's possible to take in a cruise that combines checking out both bodies of water.
Also to give an idea of how long it is, this loch extends from the city of Inverness in the north to Fort William in the south. The scenery surrounding this Loch is utterly magnificent and absolutely recommend stopping by to do a bit of monster spotting! Yelp 75/ 2019
Also to give an idea of how long it is, this loch extends from the city of Inverness in the north to Fort William in the south. The scenery surrounding this Loch is utterly magnificent and absolutely recommend stopping by to do a bit of monster spotting! Yelp 75/ 2019
Omar M.
Jul 23, 2018
Alysha M.
Jun 16, 2018
Anthony G.
Jun 01, 2018
How can one come to Scotland and not visit here?! Absolutely stunning scenery and yes, the weather will mostly likely be dreary but it just adds to the beauty. It was actually hot today: "summer is the nicest day of the year" as the locals say. You most likely won't catch a glimpse of Nessie but you'll stop enjoy every second of just being here. Highly recommended if visiting the highlands.
Cee K.
Aug 18, 2017
Jeff S.
Aug 11, 2017
Despite the silly legends and lore about the Loch Ness Monster, Loch Ness is a big and beautiful lake in the Scottish highlands with a picture perfect countryside surrounding it. If you can swing it, the boat cruise is a must (Jacobite Cruises). The wife an I headed down to the Loch around dusk to see it when there wouldn't be many people and we were not disappointed.
Kate S.
Aug 03, 2017
The boat tour is a must! Our guide Sean needs to be hired by Disney. He was so energetic and funny even though the crowd was ho-hum. He made us funny videos of Nessie "sightings" and taught us all about the formation and history of the Loch. Loch Ness and the cruise were definitely highlights of our time in Scotland.
April D.
Jun 13, 2017
Beautiful area to explore. Drive around the lake, take a hike, listen to the sheep in the fields, and of course hunt for Nessie. We did them all and we we're successful except for finding Nessie. It was probably too sunny for her that day and didn't want to burn. We had fun anyway, enjoyed the scenery. Wish we could've spent more time there but alas Glasgow was calling.
Kathleen D.
Mar 24, 2017
I wouldn't say that Loch Ness is the ~best lake ever, ~ but it is pretty cool to see, if only to match a lake to a legend. It's also a top tourist destination in Scotland -- so expect a good crowd no matter the month. I visited in November and it took me so long to review it because I didn't have cell service at all that far north. It really does feel like you're in the middle of nowhere as you approach Fort Augustus.
The town is really more like one long line of small buildings/eateries.and then the big ole lake. It looks like a lake. Dark water. Sign that says "Loch Ness." Perhaps Nessie, but no monsters popped out to chat with me, so I can't confirm or deny. Others on my tour did the "official" boat hunt -- but I opted to eat lunch on dry land instead. If you're in Scotland, I'd say it's worth it to take a tour here. You'll view a good part of the gorgeous highlands en route, if nothing else.
The town is really more like one long line of small buildings/eateries.and then the big ole lake. It looks like a lake. Dark water. Sign that says "Loch Ness." Perhaps Nessie, but no monsters popped out to chat with me, so I can't confirm or deny. Others on my tour did the "official" boat hunt -- but I opted to eat lunch on dry land instead. If you're in Scotland, I'd say it's worth it to take a tour here. You'll view a good part of the gorgeous highlands en route, if nothing else.
Kimberly W.
Aug 07, 2016
A visit to Loch Ness is an absolute must if you are in Scotland. I learned about the Loch Ness monster as a child in grade school and it was quite the experience to actually be able to go to the place I learned about so long ago in school! I took a tour from Edinburgh and the drive up is quite long and a bit boring but you can sleep on the way as there is a lot to look forward to!
Once you arrive at the lake, there is a small shop where you can buy souvenirs. I would recommend going on the cruise as there is nothing to see or do if you don't go on the boat. The boat cruise is quite relaxing and the lake is gorgeous. The boat ride is about an hour from what I can recall, and you go past a beautiful castle along the way.
The drive back is spectacular. You go through the Scottish Highlands and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. It's a long day (12 hrs total) but the experience in hunting the Loch Ness monster is amazing. I really enjoyed it.
Once you arrive at the lake, there is a small shop where you can buy souvenirs. I would recommend going on the cruise as there is nothing to see or do if you don't go on the boat. The boat cruise is quite relaxing and the lake is gorgeous. The boat ride is about an hour from what I can recall, and you go past a beautiful castle along the way.
The drive back is spectacular. You go through the Scottish Highlands and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. It's a long day (12 hrs total) but the experience in hunting the Loch Ness monster is amazing. I really enjoyed it.
Dianna B.
Mar 08, 2016
Loch Ness has haunted me since I was a beanling. Stories of Nessie and the Loch Ness Monster were the bread and butter of my youth (Along with UFO's, Big Foot, and anything paranormal. WHAT? I lived for shows like "That's incredible" and "Unsolved Mysteries. But that's not what we're talking about is it?) I never thought I'd see the day that I'd ACTUALLY Get to see the Great LOCH NESS.
Nor did I ever think I'd get to see Nessie! (Spoiler alert, I found her!) The drive was absolutely stunning, it may have been a winter's day, but let me tell you, taking photos, experiencing something close to your first snowfall without a coat on, and being that close to a childhood dream? Nothing compares to it! A serious dream come true. No vacation is complete without a visit to the Loch.
Nor did I ever think I'd get to see Nessie! (Spoiler alert, I found her!) The drive was absolutely stunning, it may have been a winter's day, but let me tell you, taking photos, experiencing something close to your first snowfall without a coat on, and being that close to a childhood dream? Nothing compares to it! A serious dream come true. No vacation is complete without a visit to the Loch.
Marlon T.
May 23, 2014
Coming here is one of the most anti-climactic things on vacation ever. But the thing is, it's Loch Ness. I'm pretty much just some guy from the United States and what else do I think of in Scotland other than whiskey? Loch Ness. I came on a 40 tour, got a few photos of me and the Loch Ness, then went back to Glasgow. They were pretty much photos of me and some unidentifiable body of water.
I wasn't near any sign that said Loch Ness to prove it. You just have to believe the caption on the picture on my Facebook. On the ~8-hour tour I went on, we stopped at a bunch of non-memorable places. I really just wanted transport from and to Glasgow but had to bear the somewhat stupid stops at random places. For example, we stopped at a apparently haunted hotel (~300 years old) but it wasn't that interesting.
It would be more fitting to just tell the story about it than actually stop. The whole thing was super anti-climactic, especially because Nessie didn't even show up at the lake. But (this the key word) again, it's Loch Ness, and no trip to Scotland is complete without telling people back home that you went to the lake to find the Loch Ness Monster for at least look for 1 second.
If you have time to spare in Scotland, come check out Loch Ness! If you have more time, try to check out some distilleries in/around the Highlands to get some exclusive liquids to brag about to scotch/whiskey lovers.
I wasn't near any sign that said Loch Ness to prove it. You just have to believe the caption on the picture on my Facebook. On the ~8-hour tour I went on, we stopped at a bunch of non-memorable places. I really just wanted transport from and to Glasgow but had to bear the somewhat stupid stops at random places. For example, we stopped at a apparently haunted hotel (~300 years old) but it wasn't that interesting.
It would be more fitting to just tell the story about it than actually stop. The whole thing was super anti-climactic, especially because Nessie didn't even show up at the lake. But (this the key word) again, it's Loch Ness, and no trip to Scotland is complete without telling people back home that you went to the lake to find the Loch Ness Monster for at least look for 1 second.
If you have time to spare in Scotland, come check out Loch Ness! If you have more time, try to check out some distilleries in/around the Highlands to get some exclusive liquids to brag about to scotch/whiskey lovers.
Tony C.
May 05, 2014
It's a big hole in the ground full of water. No, seriously, though. it's absolutely gorgeous. It really is. Takes your breath away the sheer scale of it, and this was on a somewhat overcast day. On a blue skies, sunny day? I'd wager it's even better. If you're doing the whole touristy thing (like me) then this is an absolute MUST SEE. Wave to Nessie for me too. She's real, y'know.
Michael H.
Jan 08, 2009
Twenty three miles long. Second deepest freshwater loch in Scotland. Fabled home of the mysterious Loch Ness Monster aka "Nessie". I've been here numerous times and never seen the monster. What a disappointment. : On the plus side, the views are inspirational and the local people are friendly. On the negative side, the drive up the A82 can be soul destroying in the summer when you're caught behind tour busses and camper vans.