Where to Stay on Isle of Skye, Scotland; The Best Hotels
The Isle of Skye continues to grow in popularity for travelers thanks to its incredibly stunning, highly Instagrammable landscapes. If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds (and the midges), late fall, early spring and even winter are all great times to visit this enchanting isle.
This post outlines where to stay on Isle of Skye based on their regional locations across the island.
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In A Rush? Here Are My Top Hotels on
Isle of Skye:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kinloch Lodge
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Skeabost House Hotel
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Uig Hotel
Where to Stay in Isle of Skye: My Experience
I first visited the Isle of Skye in 2023 - and I was immediately in love. We dedicated 3 days to exploring the island as part of a larger trip to Scotland. If I could do it again (and if I’d had more PTO to burn at the time) I would absolutely extend my time on the island to allow for more time to slow down and take it all in. There is so much to see that it’s easy to find yourself rushing through the sites to ensure you have time to get to the next stop.
Some of my favorite stops that I think you should include on your itinerary are the Old Man of Storr, Fairy Glen, Neist Point and the Fairy Pools.
In my opinion, the bare minimum I would plan for on Skye is 2 days, but really you could easily spend 7.
A note on the hotels below: I visited Skye in 2023 and explored across the island, but these accommodation recommendations are based on research, traveler reviews, and my knowledge as a Fora travel advisor rather than personal stays at each property. I've selected them for their quality, location, and consistent track record.
Tips for Visiting the Isle of Skye
Book as early as possible.
With Skye’s incredible popularity, sometimes there are more people than there are rooms - meaning accommodations book up well in advance. Book as early as you are able get the best stay.
Selecting a Home Base vs. Moving Around
One thing to consider when deciding on where to stay on Skye is whether you’d prefer to have a set home base or move around the island in coordination with your itinerary.
We chose to move accommodations to different places each night, to better position ourselves for each day of exploring - limiting the amount of time we had to double back along our routes. That said, I recognize that packing up and moving to a new hotel everyday or even every couple of days isn’t for everyone.
As you plan your trip - consider which is most important to you - less time in the car vs. less time unpacking/repacking.
The Best Time to Visit Isle of Skye
Peak season on Isle of Skye is from April to October. During this time,, accommodations book up far in advance and some may have minimum nights of stay. These factors can play a big role in selecting your accommodations.
On the flip side, some accommodations will close for the winter low season.
How Long Should You Spend on the Isle of Skye?
I recommend a minimum of 2-nights/3-days. This is enough time so see the highlights of this incredible island. For those that would like to linger, stays up to seven nights are a good amount of time to plan for.
What Kind of Accommodation is Available on Isle of Skye?
You’ll find a wide range of accommodation types on the Isle of Skye - ranging from inns to secluded, self-catering cottages (think AirBnB’s). Here’s an overview of the types of lodging you can find;
Inns
Luxury Hotels
Guesthouses
Bed & Breakfasts
Hostels
Lodges
Pub Stays
Glamping Huts
Caravan/Motohome Parks
Wild Camping
For the most unique short term & self catering rentals on Skye, click here.
Where to Stay on Isle of Skye, Scotland
Before we dig in to the specific hotels, I think it would be helpful to get an idea of the lay of the land so to speak.
The Isle of Skye is considered part of the Inner Hebrides - an archipelago along the west coast of Scotland. Most visitors to the Isle of Skye will arrive via the Skye Bridge which spans Loch Alsh between Kyleakin and the village of of Kyle of Lochalsh on mainland (can we call it that since it’s also part of an island?) Scotland.
I’ve broken out the island into regions to help you work out where to stay. These selections are curated based on their quality, location and continued positive reviews from other travelers.
I’ve included direct booking links here for your convenience BUT, many of these properties offer perks exclusively to bookings made on your behalf by a travel advisor - think complimentary room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, resort credits, early check-in/late check-out.
South
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kinloch Lodge
As one of the most luxe accommodations on the Isle of Skye, Kincloch lodge has been a family home for centuries and a lodge for 50 years.
The lodge is nestled between emerald hills and the wild shores of Loch na Dal, with views of the spectacular, rugged Cuillin Mountains in the distance. Each room offers Kinloch Lodge’s reflections on Skye’s distinctive landscape through colors and textures chosen to enhance the natural beauty of the isle.
The lodge features world-renowned on-site dining that features local produce, seafood such as Sconsesr scallops and wild game. For those who love outdoor activities, Kinloch Lodge offers a wide range of experiences including foraging, fishing, stalking, and even have the chance to spot wild otters.
Central
Portree
Located on the eastern side of the Island off the A87, Portree is the largest town on the Isle of Skye. This is where you will find the iconic scene of colorful buildings perched along the port. In Portree, you will find a variety of shops with locally made goods, local art, grocery stores, pubs, cafes and lodging options.
Consider staying here if you like easy access to a variety of modern amenities at your fingertips. While there are other smaller villages throughout the island, they have fewer amenities. Portree is also a relatively central location on the island, making it the ideal home base for exploring both the north and south of Skye without excessive backtracking.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cuillin Hills Hotel
Overlooking the town of Portree, the Cuillin Hills Hotel features a lounge, Malt Embassy offering more than 130 malt whiskies, a restaurant featuring stunning views and 15 acres of mature private grounds.
The Cuillin Hills hotel features 39 bespoke, individually designed bedrooms featuring contemporary style paired with a Highlands flavor.
⭐️⭐️ Portree Youth Hostel
Situated in the heart of Portree, the Portree Youth Hostel is the perfect option for budget travelers. It offers a range of accommodations from private en-suite rooms to spacious dorms with panoramic views of Portree Bay. The hostel is a short walk from restaurants and shopping, includes free wifi, a fully equipped kitchen and is a good option for travelers on a budget.
North
Uig
Uig is a village at the head of Uig Bay on the west coast of the Trotternish peninsula on the Isle of Skye. Nearby, visitors will find the Fairy Glen and the Quiraing. For travelers planning to continue on to the Outer Hebrides, the port in Uig offers ferry options to Lewis & Harris as well as Uist.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Uig Hotel
Perched on a hill above Uig Bay, Uig Hotel is perfectly situated for exploring the northern Isle of Skye. The Uig Hotel dates back to 1831, when it began as an old coaching inn.
The Uig Hotel offers dog-friendly family, triple and king hotel rooms adorned with tasteful tartan touches - most of which feature bay views. Be sure to meet doggie hosts Ziggie and Rosie during your stay.
Rated #1 Best Value on Isle of Skye by TripAdvisior.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Skeabost House Hotel
Skeabost sits at the head of the sea loch, Loch Snizort - try saying that 5x fast. Set in a historic mansion, Skeabost House Hotel is well positioned between Uig, Portree and Dunvegan. The rooms at Skeabost House Hotel embrace traditional Scottish character with a modern twist. Guests will find luxurious bathrooms and enjoy patios overlooking the sea. It is a great location for families, offering family suites equipped with bunk beds.
The Snizort is the primary salmon river on the Isle of Skye, and the Skeabost owns the fishing rights to the full river - making this hotel a fishermen’s dream.
P.S. The Skeabost House Hotel is dog friendly!
Colbost
Colbost is a small village in the northwest of the Isle of Skye, Scotland. It's the ideal base for exploring the northwest portion of Isle of Skye including Neist Point, Coral Beach and Dunvegan Castle.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hillstone Lodge
This contemporary option offers en-suite rooms with spectacular views of Loch Dunvegan and Dunvegan Castle. with just 3 rooms, this boutique lodge provides guests with free Wi-Fi, fluffy bath towels, bath robes and toiletries. The modern building, designed by award winning architects "Rural Design" to reflect the traditions and the heritage of the Isle of Skye, features ground floor rooms with their own terraces.
Hillstone Lodge is a short drive from the Three Chimneys, a Michelin Star restaurant that has been operating for over four decades. For foodies visiting the Isle of Skye, this is a must.
East (Broadford & Kyleakin)
The east side of the island — including Broadford and the village of Kyleakin just over the Skye Bridge — tends to have more budget-friendly and self-catering options than the resort-style properties elsewhere on the island. If you're arriving by car from the mainland, this is your entry point to Skye. I haven't included specific hotel picks here as the east doesn't have the same concentration of standout properties as the south and north, but it's worth knowing that short-term rentals are plentiful in this area for those looking for a more independent stay.
FAQs About the Isle of Skye, Scotland
What is the best hotel on the Isle of Skye, Scotland?
"Best" is a subjective term but for those looking for a luxury experience with incredible highland hospitality, Kinloch Lodge (1 Michelin Key) would sit at the top of the list.
What is there to do in Isle of Skye, Scotland?
For a relatively small island, there is an abundance of outdoor activities and other attractions. Some highlights include Talisker Distillery, boat trips to view local wildlife such as seals and golden eagles and tons of incredible hiking. You can easily spend 3 days and still not see it all. Check out my 3-day itinerary below for an overview of what to see and do!
Is Isle of Skye, Scotland worth visiting?
For sure! The Isle of Skye features incredible breathtaking landscapes at every turn. Some of these, like the Fairy Glen and Old Man of Storr feel otherworldly - others, are steeped in rich history and folklore. I absolutely loved my time on the Isle of Skye - it was an unforgettable experience - and I would go back in a heartbeat.
What is the best way to get to Isle of Skye, Scotland?
The Isle of Skye can be reached by car, ferry, bus or train. A rental car is going to be the best way to get to the Isle of Skye. While there is public transportation (buses) available to Isle of Skye from other destinations within Scotland, as well as on the island itself, it is not the most efficient way to get around. If you have a ton of time to spend and in no hurry, this could be an option but for travelers looking to see as much as feasible in a few days time, a rental car is absolutely the way to go. The journey time is approximately a 5-6 hour drive to the Isle of Skye from Scotland's central belt.
From Edinburgh:
From Edinburgh, there are a couple of routes but I prefer the one that follows along the A84/A85/A87 passing through Stirling, Callendar and eventually the Scottish Highlands.
From Glasgow:
From Glasgow, you'll meander along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond before driving through the spectacular scenery of Rannoch Moor. From there, you can either head west to Mallaig to take the ferry or continue north along the A82 and A87 to reach the southern shores of the Isle of Skye.
Driving on Isle of Skye
On the Isle of Skye, the roads are well maintained. You will find a mix of two lane and single-track roads. On single-track roads, when you come across another vehicle approaching, you should pull over in a passing place on your left. If the nearest passing place is on the right-hand side, wait on the left side of the road opposite the passing place allowing room for the oncoming vehicle to pull in.
Is There Public Transport on the Isle of Skye?
Yes! There are buses available connecting Portree, Uig, Broadford, Sligachan, Dunvegan and more. For a route map, click here.
Need inspiration for your next trip? Check out some of my other Scotland travel guides:
The Perfect 2-Day Edinburgh Itinerary
One Week Scotland Road Trip Itinerary
Top 25 Things to See & Do in Edinburgh
Where to Stay in Edinburgh, Scotland
The Complete Guide to Visiting the Isle of Skye in Winter
Most Unique Places to Stay on Isle of Skye
Want more tips, personalized recommendations and access to perks such as complimentary upgrades and spa credits?
I would love to help you book your Scotland getaway!
Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
