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Skye

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About Skye

The largest of the Hebrides, the Isle of Skye is a dramatic and remote place. Mist shrouded hills even out into heather clad moors, then rise up again into the jagged Cuillin Mountains before tumbling steeply into the sea. The best places to stay in Skye reflect this variety with its excellent range of cosy B&Bs, restaurants with rooms and smart country house hotels. Indeed the accommodation options have grown over the years as the number of visitors have soared.

Portree, the island's capital (and a great base for exploring the rest of Skye), is actually Scotland’s third most popular destination. It's close to the island’s museums, castles and ruins, and several of its distilleries.

But many come here for its epic scenery and fabulous opportunity for outdoors activities: hiking, cycling and climbing are high up many agendas. There are some pretty photogenic landmarks. For example the Old Man of Storr, a 50 metre high pinnacle of rock six miles to the north of Portree and just to the north of The Old Man of Storr is Kilt Rock, a basalt cliff, which has pillars which make it look like the folds of a kilt. The Quiraing, a basalt escarpment of pinnacles around Staffin Bay, is another of Skye's natural highlights. So is the Fairy Glen, which features small, conical hills around ruined cottages — a curious and atmospheric spot. Skye's flora and fauna are equally impressive and many come to see its Golden Eagles, Red Deer and Salmon.

The popularity of this island has sky-rocketed over the last decade or so and a word of caution — the roads can be very tiresome to navigate. It's pretty much single track the whole way round! This popularity also means that in the peak summer months it's very hard to find accommodation. If you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Skye from June to September you'll need to get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to stay on Skye

For a Special Occasion

  • Just a short drive from Skye Bridge, Kinloch Lodge is a converted 17th century hunting lodge, owned by food writer Clare MacDonald, and her husband Godfrey, who’s Clan Chief. So it’s got foodie, and historic credentials, and the result is a spectacularly beautiful, gourmet restaurant, with 15 elegant, traditional rooms filled with natural light and beautiful antiques. The cosy sitting room has an open fire and an enviable collection of whisky, and the views are incredible.
  • The House Over By are the rooms that are attached to the famous Three Chimneys Restaurant. Situated in an incredible spot, overlooking the sea off Dunvegan, the six guest rooms have wonderful views, and have been decorated simply and tastefully. The restaurant will be well known to food lovers, and won’t disappoint, and the whole experience is made more relaxing and memorable if you stay over. Very romantic.

For the Views

  • Positioned on a particularly dramatic peninsula, the Flodigarry hotel and restaurant is a view-full option — on a clear day you can see all the way across the water to the Wester Ross Mountains. The interiors are designed to complement the wild landscape, so you can expect lots of natural materials, think slate and stone, and plenty of wood. There are eleven rooms and suites, some romantically turned out, with antiques, four-poster beds and private balconies, and some more suited for families.
  • Greshornish House is luxurious, eight bedroom B&B, in a spectacular spot on its own peninsula, surrounded by ten acres of lush land. Inside are cosy log fires, welcoming sofas, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, The rooms are spacious, and the food is excellent too. Definitely a treat to come back to.
  • The Hotel Eileen Larmain is a 16-room hotel on a small harbour overlooking the Sound of Sleat. Each of the rooms has been individually designed and decorated with a collection of antiques and vintage pieces, and the effect is cosy and charming — perfect if you enjoy a home-from-home atmosphere. A much-heralded seafood restaurant and ocean views complete the picture.

For an Outdoorsy Stay

  • Toravaig House is a peaceful, contemporary hotel, with incredible Atlantic views but surrounded by landscape ripe for adventures. There are just nine rooms, plus an excellent seafood restaurant, and a cosy bar with a log fire and a superb selection of whiskies. This is an ideal hotel for trout or salmon fisher-folk too.
  • Coruisk House is a restaurant with rooms in a spectacular spot overlooking the Elgol peninsula, just behind the Cuillin Mountains. There are four rooms — two doubles and two suites — plus a charming little self catering cottage for three. The decor is classic but with plenty of luxe touches including antique furnishings, fine linens and freestanding bath tubs in the suites. The restaurant is Michelin recommended and serves the very best local meat and seafood.

In Portree

  • The Bosville Hotel is a chic offering on Portree’s harbour. Transformed from an inn into something more Scandinavian looking, with a restaurant that locals love as much as the visitors, this is a smart option. There are just 20 rooms and suites, decorated with plenty of white, pale woods, stylish black and white photos of the island, and orange throws. Family friendly, and all about local produce.
  • The Marmalade Hotel is a Georgian-built manor house (plus sleek modern extension) just outside Portree, overlooking the harbour. The interiors have been renovated with contemporary style, and decorated in a muted greys, whites, sea blues, and gorse yellows. It also boasts lovely gardens, a great view and Chargrill Restaurant specialising in steak and seafood.

For Families

  • Mint Croft is a couple of converted Highland buildings in a spectacular spot. The accommodation is all self catering, but they do offer breakfast. One of the buildings has a turf roof, with exposed stone walls and a freestanding stone bath. The other suites have two storeys and a good sized living room, — ideal for families. Peaceful and secluded with lovely views.

For Romantics

  • Duisdale House is an 18 room hotel, converted from a 19th-century hunting lodge on Skye’s stunning southeast coast. The decor is rather grand, with the option of four-poster beds and open fireplaces, if you’re looking for a romantic recommendation. There’s also a hot tub on the terrace, and the restaurant has 2 AA Rosettes, with a menu that makes the most of Skye’s seafood. The garden is beautiful, and they have a wedding license.

For an Island Escape

  • Glenview is another charming, and great value, B&B, located 15 miles north of Portree. There are just three guest rooms, the best with incredible views over the Trotternish peninsula. Perfect for walkers, explorers, surfers and for anyone seeking out a peaceful escape.
  • Canowindra B&B is a four-room B&B just a couple of miles to the south of Portree, in a peaceful spot. This is a great choice for anyone looking for a proper escape, complete with simple decor in pale colours, cosy communal areas, and a no-children policy.

For Great Value

  • Woodbine House is a five bedroom B&B in Skye's northern village of Uig. The decor is simple and cosy, and the owners are very friendly. One of the suites would be perfect for families, and there are self catering facilities. Great value, and ideally located for exploring the whole isle or island hopping via the Uig Ferry.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com,

Travel Information

  • There’s an airport in the Hebrides, Stornoway Airport, but it may be more convenient to fly in to Inverness, from where it’s just over two hours by car to Skye, or a two and half hour train journey to Kyle of Lochalsh station, and then a bus or taxi ride across to Skye from there. It’s possible to catch a bus from Inverness as well, but you’re looking at several buses and a journey time of around five hours. Glasgow Airport is the closest international airport, but it’s about four hours away by car, or ten hours by rail, which is about the same as London's airports. If you're coming from the mainland you can take a ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, run by the Calmac company, or you can drive over the Skye Bridge. City Link also offers coaches from Glasgow and Inverness to Skye.
  • The easiest way to get around Skye is by car, and if you want to hire one we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Scotland’s unpredictable weather is well known, and Skye is subject to all the usual recommendations about packing wet weather gear whatever the season. The mildest months are April through October, and this is definitely the time to travel if you want to book boat cruises or tours, as most trips will operate fairly reliably. If you’d like to see the amazing marine animals of the region, September is the best time to travel. Visit during the winter months and you’ve a chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Seals visit the Hebrides in the summer months, but this is also the worst period for midges. Some tourist businesses close between November and March, so do you research extra carefully if you want to travel during this window.

Still not sure where to stay?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Skye

Best Hotels in Skye

  • Woodbine House Portree, Skye 5 rooms from £69

    Back to Nature  -  Skye is the ideal place to get back to basics and return to the wind and the wild.
    Local exploring  -  A great base for exploring the beauitful west coast of Skye.
    Kayaking  -  Guests can hire sea kayaks to explore the surrounding coastline.
    Birdwatching  -  Skye is a great spot for puffin watching.
    Views

    A delightful B&B on the west coast of the isle of Skye. The rooms have a homely feel and there's an excellent family suite. With self-catering options, it could be perfect for a family or group trip to Skye. Friendly owners and a great location prove a winning combination. See More

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  • Glenview Portree, Skye 3 rooms from £90

    Back to Nature  -  Escape to the picturesque, wild Scottish island of Skye with it's dramatic landscapes and stunning wildlife.
    Local exploring  -  The perfect base for exploring the amazing island of Skye, with cosy beds and hearty meals.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the iconic natural landmarks such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Trotternish Ridge.
    Great walks  -  There is superb walking around the nearby Trotternish Peninsula.
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyParking

    A charming and homely B&B run by helpful owners, on the picturesque island of Skye. The rooms are cosy and comfortable with stunning views of the Trotternish peninsula. The superb restaurant focuses on local produce such as oysters and venison. Perfect for a remote getaway. See More

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  • Greshornish House Isle of Skye 8 rooms from £100

    Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Tennis
    TennisRestaurantGardenPet friendlyViews
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

    Remote but luxurious B&B on its own private peninsula on the Isle of Skye. 10 acres of land provide stunning views. Log fires and rustic charm. Luxurious rooms and tasty food. See More

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  • Toravaig House Isle of Skye 9 rooms from £105

    Fishing  -  The Hotel is perfecly located to indulge in salmon and trout river fishing as well as trout and arctic char in nearby Lochs
    Great walks  -  Wild coastal scenery, deep fjords and secluded windswept bays and a wealth of history make for excellent walks
    Sailing  -  The owners offer a day excursion around Skye on their luxury yacht Solus
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    RestaurantGardenViews

    A peaceful contemporary hotel set overlooking the Atlantic waters. Log fires and a choice selection of whiskies can be enjoyed after a day pursuing one of the many outdoor activities on offer. A restaurant serving freshly caught seafood perfectly rounds off this award winning gem of a hotel. See More

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  • The Bosville Hotel Portree, Skye 20 rooms from £110

    Foodies  -  The chefs at Dulse & Brose let local produce shine in this restaurant that is as popular with locals as visitors
    Active Holiday  -  The island has lots of beautiful hiking routes making this a great option for a walking holiday
    Great walks  -  The Quiraing trail is an iconic hike along the Isle of Skye’s Trotternish peninsula
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the pristine rock pools known as the Fairy Pools
    RestaurantParking

    A small boutique hotel packed full of charm set on Portree's harbour. Rooms have a Scandi-chic feel with soft grey hues, pale wood furniture, and local black & white photographs. The restaurant is a real lure attracting locals and tourists alike. An atmospheric base to explore the island from. See More

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  • Marmalade Hotel Skye 11 rooms from £143

    Country Escape  -  A cosy rural property surrounded by lush gardens, with a great view across the bay to the Cuillin range
    Great walks  -  Embark up the rocky hill called The Old Man of Storr, and head on the wonderful mountain walks in the Cullin range
    Local markets  -  Explore the markets, boutiques and cafés of the quaint and picturesque harbourside town of Portree
    Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
    RestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A stylish hotel in a Georgian farmhouse with lush gardens and stunning views to the sea. Featuring a chic colour palette of slate greys with touches of sea blue and gorse while simple rooms are smart and cosy with fitted carpets and throws. Don't miss the top-notch cuisine served in the restaurant! See More

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  • Canowindra B&B Portree, Skye 4 rooms from £145

    Local exploring  -  A great base from which to explore the stunning Isle of Skye.
    Fishing  -  Your hosts can point you in the direction of some nearby hill lochs full of brown trout.
    Great walks  -  The surrounding landscape is full of wonderful walking routes.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the beautiful nearby Dunvegan Castle.
    Garden

    Canowindra B&B is a charming guesthouse just a couple of miles south of Portree. Peace and tranquility is ensured with a quiet location, excellent rooms and ever helpful hosts who are always on hand to point you in the direction of a good walk. See More

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  • Coruisk House Skye 4 rooms from £150

    Local exploring  -  Perfect for exploring the south coast of Skye with cosy beds and hearty meals waiting for you on your return.
    Country Escape  -  This stylish hotel makes the perfect bolthole for a rural escape to the rugged, wild landscape of Skye.
    Sights nearby  -  Historians will enjoy visiting a local Neolithic stone circle, several chambered cairns and the High Pasture Cave.
    Birdwatching  -  Birdwatchers can go in search of golden eagles and peregrin falcons.
    RestaurantGardenParking
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Tucked away on the picturesque peninsula of Elgol, Coruisk House offers a superb restaurant with elegant rooms sleeping up to 10. Two doubles and two suites are stylish and comfortable with warm colour schemes and luxurious furniture. For intrepid mountaineers the nearby Cuillin's lie in waiting. See More

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  • Flodigarry Portree IV51 9HZ, Skye 11 rooms from £160

    Active Holiday  -  Ideal for an outdoorsy holiday with a host of activities such as wildlife walks, guided mountain rambles, fishing or boat trips
    Great walks  -  Climb the Old Man of Storr, an iconic rocky hill, or head up on the wonderful mountain walks in the Cullin range
    Local markets  -  Explore the markets, boutiques and cafés of the quaint and picturesque harbourside town of Portree
    Sights nearby  -  Head to stunning natural landmarks such as Kilt Rock and the Trotternish Ridge
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Tucked away on a peninsula, this hotel and restaurant have breathtaking views across the sea to the Wester Ross mountains. Interiors reflect the wild landscape, with a palette of greens and browns and the use of natural materials. Rooms feature four posters and large windows to enjoy the views from. See More

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  • Duisdale House Sleat, Skye 18 rooms from £168

    Traditional  -  A nineteenth century hunting lodge that has been converted into a hotel
    Great walks  -  Skye is renowned for its fantastic walking for all abilities.
    Restaurant  -  The fine dining restaurant boasts two AA Rosettes
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Escape to this rural nineteenth century hunting lodge on Skye's stunning south-east coastline. Explore the extensive gardens and local beauty, before retreating back to cosy four poster beds in surprisingly modern interiors. Look out for statement wallpaper. Great for a romantic weekend away! See More

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  • Hotel Eilean Iarmain Skye 16 rooms from £195

    Hideaway  -  The perfect spot to getaway from it all, overlooking the Isle Ornsay lighthouse and the hills of Knoydart across the sea.
    Beach Life  -  Explore the stunning secluded beaches on Skye, with the nearest just a minutes walk from the hotel.
    Birdwatching  -  Skye is a great place for birdwatching especially puffin watching.
    Fishing  -  Take a sea fishing trip off the coast of Skye.
    RestaurantPet friendlyParking
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    A lovely hotel on a small harbour overlooking the Sound of Sleat. The individually furnished rooms are cosy and comfortable with many boasting great views. The standout feature is the hotel's heralded restaurant which focuses on local seafood and game. A remote gem. See More

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  • Mint Croft Waternish, Skye 2 rooms from £240

    Local exploring  -  This B&B is in a great location for local exploring on the Waternish peninsula; enquire with the hosts for recommended trips
    Hideaway  -  Located on the remote Isle of Skye and offering private suites, this hotel makes a perfect option for a hideaway holiday
    Romantic Break  -  With its beautiful seaside setting and quiet country atmosphere, this B&B is a wonderful setting for a couples' getaway
    Great walks  -  Explore the beautiful natural landscape of the Isle of Skye on a long walk; your hosts will be happy to advise you on routes
    GardenViewsNo pets

    This hotel is located on the Isle of Skye in several restored Highland buildings. The Blackhouse Suite has a traditional turf roof, exposed stone walls and a freestanding stone bath. The Stone Store Suite is two-storey with a generous living room. Enjoy in-room afternoon tea; a charming, quiet stay. See More

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  • Kinloch Lodge, Skye Isle of Skye 15 rooms from £280

    Foodies  -  Foodies won't be able to resist the stunning award winning restaurant — check out the taster menu with excellent wine pairings.
    Romantic Break  -  A picturesque south Skype romantic retreat offering excellent food, roaring fires, chic suites and long country walks.
    Great walks  -  Venture on a Wild Walk with resident naturalist Mitchell Partridge, packed lunches are provided on request.
    Fishing  -  The area won't dissapoint, keen anglers can fish for salmon, brown trout and rainbow trout.
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Stunning scenery, dazzling food and plenty of peace and quiet just a short drive from the Skye Bridge. The elegant and traditional rooms are filled with natural light. A cosy sitting room with an open fireplace is the ideal spot to unwind with a whisky, and the restaurant serves exceptional food. See More

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  • The House Over By Colbost, Skye 6 rooms from £345

    Great walks  -  The surrounding area is full of beautiful walking routes.
    Kayaking  -  Take the sea kayaks out and explore the Skye coastline.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit nearby Dunvegan Castle.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    RestaurantGardenViewsParking

    Home to lovely rooms and a magnificent restaurant, The Three Chimneys and The House Over By is a superb hotel on the Isle of Skye. Elegance abounds with its tastefully decorated rooms and stylish restaurant overlooking the sea. See More

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