10 Amazing Places to Stay on the Isle of Skye
The scenery on Scotland’s Isle of Skye is legendary. The last ice age carved up an otherworldly landscape of jagged mountains and epic seascapes which you’ve likely seen starring everywhere from Instagram to Hollywood films.
What you may be less aware of is that Scotland’s second largest island is home to an exceptional standard of accommodation, from homely B&Bs to luxury hotels.
Absolute Escapes have specialised in self-drive holidays in Scotland since 2004. We know that an outstanding place to stay makes all the difference to a holiday, and that’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.
Drawn from our wealth of experience, we’re sharing a list of some of our favourite places to stay on the magical Isle of Skye.
Best places to stay on Skye for foodies
Kinloch Lodge
Tucked away on the greener, southern shores of the island, this whitewashed former hunting lodge has an unbeatable location on the shores of Loch na Dal.
Food writer Lady Claire Macdonald (whose daughter Isabella now runs the hotel) established Kinloch Lodge as one of Scotland’s best places to eat as early as the 1970s, and their reputation for serving exceptional cuisine remains today. A daily-changing menu focuses on Skye’s excellent local produce like Sconser scallops and North Skye venison.
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Three Chimneys
The Three Chimneys is an acclaimed restaurant with rooms housed within a traditional Skye croft house on the shores of Loch Dunvegan. The fine-dining restaurant has built a reputation for serving international dishes sourced from local crofters, foragers, fishermen and farmers.
While the restaurant retains much of the original croft house character of stone walls and low ceilings, the contemporary bedrooms are in an adjacent building called the ‘House Over-By’ and feature modern amenities like DVD players and Bose Bluetooth speakers.
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Best places to stay on Skye for peace and quiet
Canowindra
Canowindra is a newly-built, luxury guest house located two miles south of the island’s bustling capital of Portree. Despite only being a short hop away from an array of excellent places to eat and drink, the location is wonderfully secluded and quiet.
Hosts Georgie and Rick have furnished the spacious bedrooms with stylish touches such as White Company linen, and guests are welcome to relax in their own large sitting room and conservatory dining room.
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Hillstone Lodge
Within walking distance of the famous Three Chimneys (see above) in Skye’s beautiful and remote north-west corner, Hillstone Lodge was purpose-built to maximise the views of Loch Dunvegan and the surrounding landscape.
Three boutique bedrooms feature TV/DVD players, Nespresso coffee makers, and showcase local art from the Isle of Skye.
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Best places to stay on Skye for inspiring views
Cuillin Hills Hotel
Overlooking Portree’s colourful harbour and the Sound of Raasay, the Cuillin Hills Hotel has a spectacular outlook with views stretching as far as the dramatic Cuillin mountains in the south. The hotel sits within 15 acres of secluded grounds but is an easy 10 minute walk from the centre of Portree.
With 39 bedrooms, this is one of the largest hotels on the island, but the cosy interior and warm hospitality ensure that a stay here feels far more intimate.
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Flodigarry Hotel
Located in the wild and rugged Trotternish peninsula in north-east Skye, this stately Victorian hunting lodge was built in 1895 and offers epic sea views towards Torridon on the mainland. There are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the vistas, including an attractively refurbished bar and outdoor terrace.
The Skye Trail – a magnificent, 80 mile long-distance walk across the island – begins at nearby Rubha Hunish.
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Best places to stay on Skye for hospitality
The Gables B&B
Owned by amiable Skye-native Margaret Davidson, you are assured of a warm welcome at the Gables in the southern outskirts of Portree. Margaret is full of local tips to help you make the most of your time on the island.
The comfortable bedrooms are tastefully furnished, and a full Scottish breakfast is served in the airy breakfast room which offers incredible views over Portree Bay.
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Medina B&B
Medina B&B is set in a modern bungalow a 10 minute walk from the centre of Portree. What sets it apart is exceptional hosts Aileen and Thomas, who will go above and beyond to ensure you have a relaxing stay in their home.
Two spacious double en-suite bedrooms are situated on the ground floor, each with a comfy king-size bed and a host of little extras to make your stay special. Medina B&B is next door to the Cuillin Hills Hotel (see above), and its sensational view across to Portree Harbour.
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Best places to stay on Skye for outdoor adventure
Skeabost Hotel
This grand old hunting lodge is perfectly situated for lovers of the outdoors, being set in 23 acres of picturesque woodland on the edge of a tranquil loch.
It is the only hotel on Skye with its own golf course – a nine-hole 18 tee shoreline challenge – while the fast-flowing River Snizort runs through the grounds and provides excellent salmon and trout fishing. Guests can also join day sails to the Small Isles and the remote Knoydart Peninsula on the hotel’s own yacht.
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Sligachan Hotel
A legendary haunt for hillwalkers and climbers tackling the nearby Cuillins, the Sligachan Hotel has provided a warm shelter from the elements since Victorian times.
While it’s an ideal base to set off on rugged mountain adventures, the hotel also allows guests to enjoy the sublime scenery from a comfortable distance. The vibrant Seumas’ Bar is ideal for a casual drink, while MacKenzie’s Bar offers a quieter setting for a meal with views towards the craggy summits. Adjacent to the Cuillin Brewery, there’s no shortage of excellent local beer.
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Visit the Isle of Skye
Choosing the perfect place to stay on the Isle of Skye can be the perfect complement to the island’s spectacular landscape, making for an unforgettable experience.
Scott Smyth
P.S. If you’d rather leave the logistics to local experts, our award-winning self-drive holidays in Scotland, England and Wales allow you to discover our incredible scenery at your own pace.
Please get in touch with our travel specialists if we can help you plan an adventure on Skye and beyond.
