Borodale House - Isle of Raasay Hotel

is a lovely, secluded, 3-star Isle of Skye accommodation set on the Isle of Raasay (Ratharsair).  To picture where it is located, imagine skipping a stone between the Scottish mainland, and the Isle of Skye.  Along the way, it would skip across Raasay.  The Isle of Raasay, which is Norse and means Roe Deer, being just 14 miles by 3 miles in size, has limited lodging options.  Borodale House is the only hotel on Raasay.

The hotel offers 12 en-suite rooms, 10 of which overlook the Sound of Raasay, with particularly lovely views of the Cuillin Hills.  Rooms vary from ’standard’ to ’superior’, and priced accordingly. Upgrade to the superior rooms, which are larger and include everything from fresh flowers and fruit, hand made chocolates, Isle of Arran toiletries and very luxurious towels and linens.

Indirectly affiliated with Borodale House is the Isle of Rona Lodge owner Bill Cowie.  If you would like a bit of an island-hopping holiday, and to get away from it all, then look no further.  Rona is only accessible by boat from Portree or Raasay, has abundant wildlife, ruined settlements to explore, great fishing and more.  There are three holiday cottages, a bothy, camping or a bed and breakfast to choose.

Just like Rona, Borodale House is not open all year-round, so be sure to call well in advance, particularly during the cooler months of the year.  The hotel can be reached via the Sconser ferry terminal at Portree.

Many photos of Raasay feature the familiar flat-topped peak of Dun Caan, towering over the island at 1456 feet.  There are plenty of interesting geologic features, as well as plant and animal life, which are unique to the island such as the Raasay vole, pine martens, mountain hares, white-tailed sea eagles and the magnificent golden eagles.  There are numerous red deer, rabbits, otters and even water shrews.  Some of the more noteworthy plants include the carline thistle and red broomrape, plus several pines, ferns, orchids and saxifrages.

If you are looking for one of the Isle of Skye Hotels which is off the beaten path, unspoiled, and something special, consider Borodale House on the Isle of Raasay.

Address: Isle Of Raasay Hotel, Isle of Raasay, Isle of Skye, IV40 8PB

Telephone: 01478660222

Website:  Borodale House Isle of Raasay Hotel Website

Uig Hotel on Uig Bay

is found on the Trotternish Peninsula and has relaxing views of Uig Bay and Loch Snizort and surrounding area. Start with the crocodile and scallops, a bit unusual, but worth the risk, move on to the Springbok fillet, and be sure to leave room for the lovely pudding and perhaps a Scottish coffee.

The Uig Hotel has 15 rooms which face Uig Bay and makes this property a good selection for those wanting an authentic Scottish accommodation at a Skye hotel.  At one time this was a coaching inn with former steading, Sobhraig House, above the hotel.

Ferry connections between Lochmaddy on North Uist and Tarbert on Harris make this accessible, yet the perfect place to get away from it all.  Have a beverage in front of one of the warm fires, or in the sun-lounge which overlooks the bay.

Sobhraig House has been converted to lodging with a very high standard, and its rooms have lovely views as well.  There’s no hustle and bustle that you get at the large properties in Sleat or Portree, and serves as a good stop for a night as you plan a multi-day tour of the Isle of Skye.

Address: Uig Hotel, Uig, Isle of Skye, IV51 9YE

Telephone: 01470542205

Website:  Uig Hotel Website

Duisdale House Hotel

is a gorgeous Victorian house set on a hillside in Sleat featuring bold modern colours, fabrics and wallcoverings.  Superior rooms include four poster beds and wonderful views.  The restaurant is the perfect romantic setting, being candlelit and with log fires in winter.  Be sure the check out the Skye langoustines or Scotch beef, topped off with one of a wide selection of whisky’s.

Whether you prefer a garden, forest, or view across the Sound of Sleat, there’s a room for you.  The views truly have to be seen to be fully appreciated.  Duisdale House Hotel is the perfect getaway for couples having a romantic holiday or celebrating a special occasion.  If you’re looking for Isle of Skye accommodation, be sure the check out Duisdale House before booking!

Duisdale House Hotel is one of the Isle of Skye Hotels popular for weddings, receptions and honeymoons, thanks to it’s warm, romantic design and furnishings, fabrics, and attention to detail.

We recommend this 4-Star hotel for weddings, because they know how things work.  From use of the hotel and gardens to printed wedding menus, table plans, linen napkins, cake knife, custom menus, wines, the whole nine yards.

We’re not alone in our love for Duisdale as a wedding venue.  Just check out their website where links are posted to visitor comments and awards they’ve won.  Or, look at the popular review sites and see how well they score.  You won’t be sorry.

Address:  Duisdale House Hotel, Isle Ornsay, Sleat, Isle of Skye, IV43 8QW

Telephone: 01471833202

Website:  Duisdale House Hotel Website

Ardvasar Hotel

is one of the oldest, if not THE oldest Isle of Skye Hotels, having been built just after the turn of the century, in the early 1800’s.  Its idyllic setting, with incredible views of the Knoydart Mountains and the Sound of Sleat, are quite noteworthy and show off the splendor of the West Highlands of Scotland.

Be sure to take the route through Mallaig, which deserves some time in its own right, before heading over on the ferry to Armadale, which is just a few hundred metres to the Ardvasar Hotel.

The rooms, all 10 are en-suite of course, vary in price from £48 to £115 per person, per night, and include breakfast.

The menu features local game, seafood, and of course Angus beef, which is sure to please.  If you’d prefer, there are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and a range of dining options to suit your tastes and needs.

I find refreshing the fact that the hotel is children and pet friendly, just by letting them know in advance.

Address: Ardvasar, Sleat, Isle of Skye, IV45 8RS

Telephone: 01471844223

Website: Ardvasar Hotel Website

These reviews will begin in 2009, and should be quite refreshing.

Isle of Skye Yachting

Whether you prefer to sail or motor, there selection is good.  Isle of Skye Yachts offer a wonderful skippered charter service, usually lasting a week, or bareboat charter service for those skilled already. Many people enjoy circumnavigating the Isle of Skye, dining either out on the boat, or at remote sites, checking out the wildlife including seals, whales, dolphins, sharks and puffins, and taking in some hillwalking, especially at the harder to access from roads points of call.

If you’re not an experienced skipper, but would like to learn, you’ll be pleased to know that Isle of Skye Yachts are an approved Royal Yachting Association training centre.  Personally, I prefer to take advantage of the skippered charter service myself!

At last count, the fleet consisted of 10+ yachts, ranging in size from the ‘Sleat Princess’ at 33 feet (with 6 berths) up to the ‘Countess of Sleat’ at 44 feet in length, with 10 berths.  There is plenty of room for everyone, and a good time to be had by all.

The current fleet consists of:

• Countess of Sleat - 44′ - 10 berths - Elan Impression 434
• Sandpiper - 43′ 9″ - 10 berths - Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43
• Sapphire - 42′ 11″ - 8 berths - Beneteau Oceanis 423
• Spirit of May - 40′ -  6 berths - Dufour 40
• Sleat Lady - 39′ 4″ - 8 berths - Beneteau Oceanis 393
• Sleat Queen - 38′ 5″ - 8 berths - Beneteau Oceanis 381
• Sonas Mhor - 37′ 5″ - 8 berths - Bavaria 36
• Thistle - 37′ 5″ - 8 berths - Bavaria 36
• Janet Macarthur - 36′ - 8 berths - Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i
• Lady Naomi - 36′ - 8 berths - Legend 36
• Sleat Princess - 33′ 9″ - 6 berths - Bavaria 32

Yacht reservations are recommended well in advance, though on occasion you may get lucky with a last minute booking.

Telephone: 01471 844216

Website: Isle of Skye Yachts Website

Kinloch Lodge Hotel

is a luxurious one of the 4 Star Isle of Skye Hotels, set at the foot of Kinloch Hill.  This Country House Hotel is on the tranquil shoreline of Na Dal in Sleat. Decorated with sporting trophies, fine antiques and warm lovely paintings and prints, Kinloch Lodge Hotel typifies Highland hospitality. This property is the Highland home of Claire and Godfrey MacDonald, and is an excellent choice for accommodation on Skye.

Of course there are drawing rooms to enjoy a relaxing cup of tea or nightcap, a homey fire burning in the hearth, and wonderful hosts to make you feel at home. The food is local and seasonal, which is sure to represent the flavours of the Highlands.

The rooms feature superking-size beds, outfitted with crisp Egyptian cotton sheets, lambswool blankets, and plump pillows. All guest-bedrooms have flat-screen television plus dvd players, telephone, hospitality tray with fresh coffee, and homemade shortbread, plus a wide selection of books (both antiquarian and contemporary) from Lord Macdonald’s library.  Attention to details is obvious with the Added touches of fresh fruit, flowers, and candles lit during the turn-down service in the evening.

Kinloch Lodge Hotel meals are the epitome of fine dining.  Claire MacDonald, the hotel owner, is renowned for her cookery demonstrations world-wide.  Combine Claire with Roux brothers’ trained chef Marcello Tully, and you have an incredible team!  Meals are based on outstanding produce from Scotland’s rich seasonal larder including local poultry, game and shellfish, hot-smoked salmon from South Uist, and Buccleuch Estate beef.  The cuisine alone is reason enough to stay at Kinloch Lodge, or a trip to the Isle of Skye.

Address: Kinloch, Isle Ornsay, Isle Of Skye, IV43 8QY

Telephone: 01471833214 or 01471833333

Website: Kinloch Lodge Hotel Website

3 Types of Isle of Skye Hotels

A Hotel, as distinguished by VisitScotland, will have at least 20 rooms and have the same standard offerings as Small Hotels, such as facilities, meals, and drinks. It”s extremely uncommon to not find lunch available at an Isle of Skye Hotel. The larger hotels will have personality and a flair of their own, but will often not be managed day to day by one owner, which is common at the Small Hotels.

A Small Hotel generally ranges in size from 6 to 20 rooms for let. Bedrooms typically have some form of private facilities and are generally ensuite. While breakfast and dinner are regularly served, a select few may, on rare occasion, not offer lunch. A drinks licence is standard for Small Hotels, though some may carry the restricted licence. What sets Small Hotels apart from their bigger brother Hotels is the owner influence on the property. No two Small Hotels are the same, thanks to the style, and often personality, of the owner. These hotels are guaranteed to have a unique charm of their own, making them distinguishable from all others on the island.

Country House Hotels are frequently luxurious properties with large garden areas, and will be found off the beaten path in rural areas. In addition to the standard facilities, meals and drinks, you can count on finding some peace, quiet, and tranquility at a Country House Hotel.

~Veronica M., South Africa, December 2008

Dunvegan Hotel

is a fully non-smoking facility, on the Duirinish peninsula, and offers views of MacLeod’s Tables and Loch Dunvegan. Enjoy a relaxing meal of local seafood and shellfish, bird watching, hillwalking or just exploring the area and its history. Thursday through Saturday during peak season, there is live entertainment in the Cellar Bar, guaranteed to add to the charm of Scotland.

If you have a group of friends or family, consider the Bunkhouse, which sleeps 6, has an en-suite and central heating, and other standard amenities.  Whether staying in the main hotel or bunkhouse, I’m sure that you’ll agree this is one of the fine Isle of Skye Hotels.

From the restaurant, which is open Easter through October, there are fantastic views of MacLeod’s Tables and The Cuillins.  Adjoining the Cellar Bar is a waterfront beer garden and terrace, which are ideal for enjoying a cold beverage and colourful sunset.

Address: Dunvegan Hotel, Main Street, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, IV55 8WA

Telephone: 01471844223

Website: Dunvegan Hotel Website