The scenery on Scotland’s Isle of Skye is legendary.
The last ice age sculpted an otherworldly landscape of jagged mountains and epic seascapes, which you’ve likely seen featured 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 has specialised in self-drive holidays in Scotland for over two decades. We know that an outstanding place to stay makes all the difference to your holiday, which is why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand local knowledge.
Drawing on our wealth of experience, we’re sharing a list of some of our favourite places to stay on the magical Isle of Skye.
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 its reputation for serving exceptional cuisine remains to this day. A daily-changing menu focuses on Skye’s excellent local produce such as Sconser scallops and north Skye venison.
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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 with its stone walls and low ceilings, the contemporary bedrooms in an adjacent building called the ‘House Over-By’ feature modern amenities like DVD players and Bose Bluetooth speakers.
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This luxury guest house is located two miles south of the island’s bustling capital, Portree. Despite being only a short hop away from an array of excellent places to eat and drink, the location is wonderfully secluded and quiet.
Owners 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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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 local art from the Isle of Skye.
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Overlooking Portree’s colourful harbour and the Sound of Raasay, the Cuillin Hills Hotel boasts 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 yet is just a 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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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.
Owned by amiable Skye native Margaret Davidson, you are assured a warm welcome at this B&B 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 is set in a modern bungalow, just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Portree. What sets it apart are the exceptional hosts, Aileen and Thomas, who go above and beyond to ensure you’ll 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.
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Situated in 23 acres of picturesque woodland on the edge of a tranquil loch, this grand old hunting lodge is perfectly suited for lovers of the outdoors.
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, providing 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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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 is an ideal base for setting off on rugged mountain adventures, the hotel also allows guests to enjoy the sublime scenery from a comfortable distance. The vibrant Seumas’ Bar is perfect 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 is no shortage of excellent local beer.
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Choosing the right place to stay on Skye can be the perfect complement to the island’s spectacular landscape, making for an unforgettable experience.
If you’d rather leave the logistics to local experts, our award-winning self-drive holidays in Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales allow you to discover our incredible scenery at your own pace.
Please get in touch with our friendly travel specialists if we can help you plan an adventure on the Isle of Skye and beyond.
Content updated on 7th March 2025