Top 20 Places to Stay on the Isle of Skye in 2024

For every budget and travel style!

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20 Incredible Places To Stay On The Isle Of Skye, Scotland

Table of Contents:

Introduction

The Best Isle of Skye Accommodations

  • Hotels

  • Bed & Breakfasts & Inns

  • Cottages, Cabins & AirBnbs

  • Tiny Cabins & Glamping

  • Luxury Accommodations

  • Most Unique Stay

Map of the Best Places to Stay on the Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye Accommodation FAQ

 

Sunset view of the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye

ISLE OF SKYE QUICK GUIDE: TRAVEL RESOURCES 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

🚗 For a road trip around the Scottish Highlands, use RentalCars.com to search for the best rates.

🏨 Use Booking.com to compare the best hotels on the Isle of Skye. Vrbo is also very commonly used.

📌 Pro tip: not too keen on driving the single track roads? Book a guided tour for a stress-free adventure!

 

The Isle of Skye is the top spot for travelers looking for a mix of adventure, history, and jaw-dropping scenery in the Scottish Highlands. Whether you're exploring the magical Fairy Pools, hiking the dramatic Cuillin mountains, or visiting the island's historic castles, finding the right place to stay is truly the key to a great trip. 

As someone who has visited the Isle of Skye in every season, explored each & every corner of the island, and opted to book stays in all budget ranges (from camping to luxe hotels) - I’m excited to help you pick the perfect accommodation for your own style of travel.

This guide highlights the best places to stay on the Isle of Skye, including cozy B&Bs, charming cottages, luxury hotels, boutique inns, unique glamping spots, and more. No matter your preferred style, you'll find the perfect place to relax and enjoy the island's incredible beauty.

Are you looking for the very best places to stay on the Isle of Skye? These are my top 20 picks for accommodations (within every budget), as well as an interactive map to help with planning your trip! 

 

Don’t have time to read the full guide? Here’s a quick summary:

Top Pick for Hotels: The Bosville Hotel 

Top Pick for B&Bs and Inns: The Ferry Inn

Top Pick for Cottages & Airbnbs: Skye Eyrie Cottage

Top Pick for Glamping & Tiny Cabins: Skye Red Fox Retreat

Top Pick for Luxury Stays: Kinloch Lodge Hotel

Most Unique Accommodation: Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse

 

The Best Isle of Skye Accommodations

Hotels

1. The Bosville Hotel 

Source: Tripadvisor

Right in the heart of Portree, The Bosville Hotel combines stylish decor with gorgeous views overlooking the colorful harbor, making it a great spot to base yourself for exploring Skye. You’ll be within just a few steps of everything that Portree has to offer, and only a short drive away from many of the isle’s main sights (like the Old Man of Storr). The attached restaurant, Dulse & Brose, serves up locally-sourced Scottish fare that foodies will surely love.

2. Hame on Skye 

Source: Booking.com

 Hame on Skye is a peaceful getaway with Scandinavian-inspired rooms and sweeping views of the Black Cuillin mountains. Located under 3 miles from Dunvegan, this hotel is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. The on-site dining is equally as impressive as the views!  

3. Marmalade Hotel  

Source: Booking.com

The Marmalade Hotel in Portree is housed in a beautiful historic building dating back to 1817. This chic hotel offers modern, stylish accommodations with stunning views of the landscaped garden and Portree Bay - perfect for a comfortable stay in Skye’s busiest town.

4. The Bracken Hide

The Bracken Hide Hotel offers a unique glamping-inspired experience with comfy cabins and great amenities, all set against Skye's breathtaking landscapes. This brand new “wilderness hotel” also has an on-site whisky bar, restaurant, wild plunge pool, saunas, and thoughtfully designed lounge.


Bed & Breakfasts and Inns

5. The Ferry Inn

Nestled in the little seaside village of Uig on the northern Trotternish Peninsula, you’ll find The Ferry Inn. This cozy yet chic 19th century inn combines historic charm with modern comforts, and offers easy access to the ferry terminal and gorgeous harbor views. With only 3 rooms, you’ll want to snag a booking well in advance! There is also a lively bar (often with live music!) and a small plates-focused restaurant on site. 

6. Edinbane Inn

Source: Edinbane Inn

The Edinbane Inn is known for its friendly vibe, live folk music on most Sundays, and delicious local food, all in a beautiful farmhouse-turned-inn and restaurant. There are 6 cozy rooms with Scottish-inspired touches, and breakfast is available for inn guests. It’s perfectly located in the village of Edinbane, right between Portree and Dunvegan.

7. The Stein Inn

Source: Wikimedia

The Stein Inn is actually the oldest inn on Skye - since 1790! This cozy and welcoming inn offers five comfortable, newly updated rooms and a casual locally-sourced restaurant on Skye's Waternish peninsula. You’ll also be greeted each morning by sweeping views of the Outer Hebrides outside of your window, as every room has a sea view!

8. Viewfield House

Source: Tripadvisor

Viewfield House is a gorgeous Victorian country house and “ Old Stables” with 13 cozy rooms, lush woodland gardens, bed & breakfast amenities, and plenty of old world charm throughout the historic interiors. It’s also been in the Macdonald family for over 200 years! A perfect stay for soaking up Skye's scenic beauty, all only a 10 minute walk from the center of Portree. Oh, and they have sailing excursions on their own private yacht. Count me in!


Cottages, Cabins & AirBnbs

9. Skye Eyrie Cottage

Source: Booking.com

Skye Eyrie Cottage is a charming luxury cottage on northern Skye, set beneath the towering Trotternish Ridge - only minutes from the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock waterfall, and more. This getaway offers two king size bedrooms, a bright open floor plan, wood-burning stove, and full-height windows framing the panoramic views across the sea. Perfect for a peaceful retreat or a romantic holiday on Skye.

10. The Crofter’s House 

Sources: Tripadvisor & Airbnb

The Crofter’s House is a renovated crofter’s cottage (built in the 1830s!) with modern touches. Nestled in a tranquil spot only 5 miles from Portree, this spot is ideal for a quiet escape with easy access to the town’s amenities. The small cottage is perfect for two guests, and features a warm minimalist interior design with a wood-burning fireplace for ultra-cozy vibes. 

11. Lusa Bothy

Source: Booking.com

Beautifully blending old and new, the Lusa Bothy is a quaint cottage that was fully renovated and transformed from an old animal byre! Thoughtfully upcycled materials and design elements are scattered between modern Scottish touches, making this bothy a properly cozy and quirky escape. Bonus: dogs are also allowed at Lusa Bothy!


Tiny Cabins & Glamping

12. Skye Red Fox Retreat

Source: Airbnb

Skye Red Fox Retreat offers a cozy, stylish haven with panoramic views, perfect for unwinding and soaking up the island's natural beauty. Labeled as a “glamping” cabin - it is really more of a luxe cabin retreat! This stay it fitted with every amenity and comfort you could need, plus unique features like an extensive glass-roofed deck area with antique roll top bath - perfect for a relaxing soak + stargazing.

13. An T-Iasgair Pod 

Sources: Airbnb & Instagram

Mountain and sea views meet at An T-Iasgair Pod - an incredibly unique tiny retreat perched on the most northern tip of the isle. Located on a working farm, you’ll also spot sheep grazing on the sprawling property. The “pod” is well-equipped with all essential amenities, an outdoor picnic table & fire pit area, and a small kitchen with some treats to get you started. This is truly the perfect escape for both relaxing and exploring in the wild Skye landscapes.

14. The Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse

Source: Tripadvisor

The Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse is a chic and affordable option, offering modern bunkhouse and stand-alone glamping pod accommodations with a friendly atmosphere in the heart of Uig. The private pod cabins are equipped with kitchenettes, small living room area, ensuite bathrooms, and a deck for the most breathtaking morning coffee views. Bonus: the pods are dog friendly! There are also hostel accommodations in the main building for those who want to save a few bucks. I can also vouch for these, they are the absolute nicest hostel rooms.

15. Lampay Chalets

Source: Booking.com

Lampay Chalets offer charming, self-catering accommodations with stunning sea views on a working croft, ideal for a relaxing stay on the island. Only a short drive north of Dunvegan, these dog-friendly small chalets are perfectly situated for exploring the northern part of the Isle of Skye.


Luxury Accommodations

16. Kinloch Lodge Hotel

Source: Booking.com

 Kinloch Lodge Hotel has been an upscale family-run hotel for five decades (and home to the Macdonalds for centuries!), offering a luxurious escape with stunning loch-side views. This former hunting lodge beautifully combines traditional Scottish charm with modern comforts. Guests can also enjoy an incredible meal at the on-site award winning restaurant, featuring locally-sourced ingredients. This stay is a perfect base for exploring the rugged Skye landscapes before an evening of relaxing by the fire.

17. Monkstadt 1745

Monkstadt 1745 is a historic luxury lodge & restaurant offering beautifully restored accommodations with a rich heritage. Set in an incredibly picturesque location (only 10 minutes north of Uig), the nearby coastline was actually where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed by boat with Flora MacDonald during his escape after the 1746 Battle of Culloden. Bonus: select lodge rooms are pet friendly!

18. Cuillin Hills Hotel

Sources: Booking.com

For an ideally located luxury stay, the Cuillin Hills Hotel should be at the top of your list. This hotel boasts elegant rooms with breathtaking views of Portree Bay and the Cuillin mountains, set on 15 acres of private grounds, while only being a 10 minute walk from the center of Portree. It was also rated in the top 10% of hotels worldwide by Tripadvisor

19. Skeabost House Hotel   

Source: Booking.com

Skeabost House Hotel, set in its own private grounds at the base of Loch Snizort, offers luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and a golf course - all only a 10 minute drive from Portree! Guests can expect cozy & modern accommodations with an equal touch of Scottish charm, beautiful loch views, and a serene escape at this historic Skye mansion-turned-hotel.


Most Unique Stay

20. Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage   

Source: Airbnb

Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage offers an incredibly unique stay in a beautifully restored lighthouse keeper's cottage, now a private self-catering accommodation, with spectacular sea views and a proper sense of adventure. Your own island in the Scottish Highlands! What could be better than that?!


Map of the Best Places to Stay


Isle of Skye Accommodation FAQ

What is the best part of Skye to stay in? / Where is best as a base for exploring Skye?

The best base for exploring Skye (especially for first-time visitors) will typically be Portree! This is the largest town on the isle, has plenty of shops and restaurants, and is fairly “centrally” located for exploring all parts of the isle. Other great choices are: Broadford, Uig, Dunvegan, or Kyleakin. This all depends on what areas you plan to explore & activities you have planned. If you’re looking for a quieter and more remote stay, consider one of the accommodations on the map above that isn’t right in the heart of Portree.

When is the best time of year to visit the Isle of Skye?

Overall, late spring (May) and early autumn (September or early October) are often considered the best times to visit, balancing good weather with manageable tourist numbers.

When should I book my accommodation on the Isle of Skye?

This highly depends on which season you plan to travel in! Here’s a rough guideline:

  • 6 to 9+ months in advance for peak season (June to August).

  • 4 to 6 months in advance for shoulder seasons (April to May and September to October).

  • 2 to 3 months in advance for the off-season (November to March)

How do you get to Skye? Can you drive to the Isle of Skye?

Driving is typically the best option for getting to Skye, giving you the most flexibility while exploring the island. Yes, you can absolutely drive to the Isle of Skye by crossing the Skye Bridge or taking the ferry from Mallaig.

*If you’re planning on renting a car to visit the Scottish Highlands, take a quick browse on RentalCars.com to find a good deal. This site pulls availability and best rates across all major car rental companies.

Alternatively, you can get to Skye via public transport - trains and buses run regularly, for those not keen on driving. This will require some extra planning with getting around the isle once you’re already there. If you opt for public transport, consider booking a guided tour to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights of the isle!

Guided tour recommendations:

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Can I fly to the Isle of Skye?

No, there is no airport on the Isle of Skye. The nearest airport is Inverness, which is roughly a 2 hour drive from Skye. Alternatively, most international flights will fly into Glasgow or Edinburgh, which are roughly a 4 hour (very easy) drive away.

What types of accommodation are available on Skye?

The Isle of Skye offers a huge variety of accommodations including: hotels, bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), guesthouses, luxury lodges, self-catering accommodation, hostels, campsites and caravan parks, inns and pubs with rooms, unique stays, and Airbnbs! The options are seemingly endless.

How much does it cost to visit the Isle of Skye?

This will greatly depend on your travel style (amongst other factors), but here is a rough idea on the low end:



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