17 Best Places to Stay on the Isle Of Skye for Every Budget

Looking for the best places to stay on the Isle of Skye? After visiting the island a few times now (including on a car-free weekend!), I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best accommodation to suit your needs and interests. 

Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular destinations, which means there’s an overwhelming amount of choice when you’re deciding on places to stay. It’s also surprisingly big, so it’s a good idea to plan where you’d like to base yourself depending on what you’d like to do. 

To make it simple, I’ve included hotels, self-catered cottages, B&Bs, hostels and traditional bothies to suit a range of budgets. I’ve got you covered whether you’re keen to go hiking and sightseeing, want top-quality food, a dog-friendly break or a romantic escape.  

If you need a quick answer, I recommend basing yourself in Portree. As the main village on the island, it has the most restaurants and hotels, public transport links, tours and easy access to the Trotternish Peninsula, which features many of the island’s top landmarks, like the Storr and the Quiraing.

Oh, and if there’s one thing to take away from this post, let it be this: if you’re planning to stay on Skye, I highly suggest booking your accommodation in advance. I mean nine to 12 months out. Places get booked up months in advance, and prices tend to skyrocket – particularly in summer!

Already know your budget and travel style? Take a look at my top picks for where to stay. If you’re still deciding where to base yourself, I’ve included a quick guide to Skye’s main villages further down the post.  

Where to stay on Skye: Top Picks & Map

 If you’re short on time, take a look at my top picks in Skye, broken down by budget, location and travel style so you can see the best fit for you:

Use this map to get a sense of where to stay on the Isle of Skye and how far away each place is from the main villages, the ferry port and the Skye Bridge.

Best mid-range hotels on Skye 

Enjoy a little luxury without the enormous price tag with my pick of the best hotels on the Isle of Skye for a mid-range budget.

Viewfield House

Best for: Couples, solo travellers, first-time visitors, families and those wanting something special
Rating: 9.1 / 10 Superb
Price: ££-£££
Location: Portree
Facilities include: Free WiFi, free parking, bar, breakfast, facilities for disabled guests

Viewfield House is my favourite place to stay on Skye. This Victorian-era country house is packed with personality, with many of its original features still intact. It’s been the home of the Macdonald family for over 200 years. I stayed here on a weekend itinerary in Skye.

Set on 20 acres of woodland, the B&B is just a 16-minute walk from Portree, making it an accessible base for exploring the island with or without a car. It has an atmospheric lounge with a large, traditional fireplace, which I thoroughly enjoyed for my evening G&T. I was lucky enough to have it to myself, and I felt like I was the lady of the manor.

In the morning, you can wander down the grand staircase to the dining room where you can tuck into a traditional cooked Scottish breakfast at an extra cost. While it doesn’t offer dinner, you can have a few simple light bites if you’re peckish in the evening. I had a cheese platter during my stay, but it now offers a variety of pies with microgreens and buttered new potatoes.

The B&B has just 11 traditionally decorated rooms. Each has a modern en-suite bathroom, including some with bathtubs you can soak in after a busy day. Extra beds are available for children aged 12 and under, and there are a few single-occupancy rooms for solo travellers.

I stayed in a Top Floor Double, which can be turned into twin beds. I lovely view of Portree Bay and a bathtub. The room was located up two flights of stairs, and there aren’t any lifts. The B&B is available to book from April to mid-October.

Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Tripadvisor

Sligachan Hotel  

Best for: Couples, families, hikers and access to Sligachan Bridge and the Cuillin Mountains
Rating: 7.9 / 10 Good
Price: ££-£££
Location: Sligachan
Facilities include: Free parking, breakfast, restaurant, family rooms, free WiFi, bar, well-behaved dogs are welcome for an extra £35

Sligachan Hotel is a great value 3-star hotel located right next to Sligachan Old Bridge, a pretty landmark. It’s also on the crossroads of the A87 and A863, and its fairly central location makes it a handy base from which to explore Skye on a wider Scottish Highlands trip, including the Fairy Pools and Portree.

The hotel is family-owned and set in a historic building that was built in 1830. There are 21 modern and comfy rooms available, each with its own ensuite bathroom. Choose from singles, doubles, superior family rooms or the Pinnacle Suite, which can sleep up to six guests,

There’s also a museum, microbrewery and an award-winning on-site bar (Seuma’s Bar), which is the place to go for whisky and hearty local and seasonal dishes. If you’re a hiker or a nature lover, you have fantastic access to the Red and Black Cuillins from here.

Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Expedia

Greshornish House Hotel

Best for: Couples, solo travellers, families, those wanting a quieter escape  
Rating: 8.9 / 10 Fabulous
Price: ££-£££
Location: Edinbane
Facilities include: Free parking, free WiFi, bar, breakfast, restaurant, room service, family rooms

Rated as one of the most romantic hotels in Scotland, Greshornish House Hotel is a secluded four-star escape housed in an 18th-century manor. It sits on the banks of Loch Greshornish, surrounded by acres of private gardens near the village of Edinbane.

The family-run hotel is ideal if you’re a couple wanting a quiet getaway, and you’ll need your own car as it’s in a relatively remote part of the island.

The rooms are tastefully decorated, and there’s a choice of loch or garden views. Each room has a modern en-suite bathroom, traditional tartan furnishings and free toiletries. Most rooms sleep two guests, but there are two family rooms for up to three to four guests.

Downstairs, the on-site restaurant serves delicious Scottish cuisine, and local seafood is the highlight of the menu. You can kick back with a drink in the lounge before dinner or sit outside on a dry day. Breakfast is available here too.

Guest reviews rate the stunning location and peaceful, remote setting. They find the character charming and the food excellent, but there are some complaints about it being overpriced.

Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Expedia

The Portree Hotel 

Best for: Couples, solo travellers, car-free travellers, families and first-time visitors 
Rating: 8.3 / 10 Very Good
Price: ££
Location: Portree
Facilities include: Family rooms, free WiFi, room service, restaurant, breakfast, tea and coffee facilities, bar

If you’re visiting Skye without a car, The Portree Hotel is the perfect base. Set right in Portree’s main square, it’s just minutes away from buses that can connect you to other parts of the island and the mainland. 

The hotel is housed inside a grand-looking building that was built in 1875.  Its 24 rooms upstairs have traditional decor with tartan cushions, thick carpets and dark wood furniture. They’re modern too, with clean, ensuite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. Heads up, there’s no lift. 

Downstairs, Antlers Bar & Grill is one of the most popular places to eat in Portree. The restaurant offers a daily breakfast included in your stay, and ingredients are locally sourced. In the evening, you can curl up beside the fire at West Highland Bar, which often has live music on summer weekends. 

Guests rate the fantastic location and top-quality breakfast. They found the staff friendly and the beds comfy, but some complained about the cold rooms and lack of lift. Overall, it’s a handy base for couples, families and solo travellers with access to public transport and Portree.

Compare prices & check availability: Booking.com | Expedia

The Rosedale Hotel 

Tucked along the harbourfront in Portree, The Rosedale Hotel is a cosy hotel housed in a cluster of former fisherman’s houses. It’s another handy base if you don’t have a car or want to be in the centre of the village action, but you’re also by the sea!

It has just 17 en-suite rooms with sea-view options. Each one is simple and modern, with twin, double and family rooms available. They’re located upstairs, and there are no lifts. 

The hotel has a popular restaurant serving dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and seafood, and you’ll need to book a table in advance. Breakfast is also available on a Bed and Breakfast rate. 

Guest reviews highlight the great location, delicious breakfast and friendly staff. Some commented on the dated rooms and lack of accessibility. Overall, it’s best for those who want somewhere affordable with character and sea views. 

Compare prices & check availability: Booking.com | TripAdvisor

Skeabost House Hotel 

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more high-end, Skeabost House Hotel by Sonos Collection is a 4-star hotel on the shores of Loch Snizort which offers affordable luxury immersed in nature. 

The hotel is set within a grand 150-year-old property on private grounds just 10 minutes by car from Portree. It has just 21 en-suite rooms, each beautifully decorated with stylish furnishings, original fireplaces and modern bathrooms. Sea view, garden view and family suites are available. 

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea are served at the West Pier Restaurant, housed inside a huge conservatory offering generous sea views as you dine. Local, seasonal produce is the standard here, and you can expect a mouthwatering selection of fresh seafood. 

The hotel isn’t just a Skye base. It also offers a range of recreational activities, including some of the best salmon and trout fishing around on the River Snizort. Guests recommend the fantastic location, historic building and top-quality food. Some found the hotel a little overpriced, though.  

Compare prices & check availability: Booking.com | Expedia

Best luxury places to stay on Skye 

Luxury comes in different forms. Whether you want to be pampered in a hotel or a self-catered cottage, here are a few of my favourites. 

Cuillin Hills Hotel

Best for: Couples, car-free travellers, special occasions, luxury travellers and first-time visitors 
Rating: 9.4 / 10 Superb
Price: ££££
Location: Portree
Facilities include: Free parking, free WiFi, bar, breakfast, tea and coffee facilities, room service, restaurant, facilities for disabled guests

Cuillin Hills Hotel is ranked among the best places to stay on Skye. Located in Portree, this four-star hotel is set within fifteen acres of private grounds and offers exceptional views of Portree Bay and the Cuillin Mountain Range.

The 39 rooms are individually decorated with stylish furnishings that complement the historic building. They each feature modern en-suite bathrooms. Choose from a sea-view room or a standard room that faces the garden. If you want to really splash out or make an occasion of it, I recommend the Turret or Deluxe rooms. 

Breakfast is included in the price of your room. The award-winning on-site restaurant is recommended in the Michelin Guide and has a prestigious whisky menu. Each dish celebrates seasonal produce from around Scotland.

Reviews highlight the top-quality food and outstanding service. They mention the friendly staff who are always willing to help, but a few complain about the price of a night’s stay here. Overall, it’s ideal if you’re looking for somewhere with a little more luxury than your average hotel, and access to Portree.

Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Expedia

Milovaig House

Best for: Couples, families, groups and those wanting their own space
Rating: 4.92 / 5 (Airbnb)
Price: ££££
Location: Glendale
Facilities include: Free parking, hot tub, self-catering facilities, free WiFi, welcome hamper, travel cot, washing machine, fire pit

Milovaig House is a luxurious holiday home for four in Glendale. Ideal for families and small groups, the property is the place to go for a remote pampered stay on the north coast of Skye. 

The property is a renovated 19th-century crofter cottage with 360-degree views and Nordic-style modern interiors for added comfort. The biggest luxury is the hot tub with beautiful views. On your arrival, you’re also treated to a selection of goodies in a welcome hamper. 

The sunroom has large floor-to-ceiling windows with a telescope for stargazing and dolphin spotting. There’s also a double-sided wood burner in the dining room for snug evenings in. It’s an absolute must-visit in the winter as you might just be able to see the Northern Lights!

Reviews frequently mention the brilliant views and secluded location, although some pointed out that the hot tub doesn’t heat up particularly well and there weren’t enough towels for the group.

Compare prices and check availability: Host Unusual | Airbnb

Kinloch Lodge

Best for: Couples, foodies, those wanting a quiet escape and those with dogs
Rating: 8.9 / 10 Fabulous
Price: ££££
Location: Kinloch
Facilities include: Free parking, free WiFi, bar, breakfast, restaurant, family rooms, room service, tea and coffee facilities, facilities for disabled guests, dog-friendly rooms

Kinloch Lodge is one of the most luxurious Isle of Skye accommodations if you want to push the boat out. The family-run 4-star hotel was once a 17th-century hunting lodge, and it can be found at the end of a long private drive on the banks of Loch Na Dal. 

Kinloch Lodge Hotel has a selection of beautiful rooms and suites that have been individually decorated with nods to the Skye landscape. Choose from cosy double rooms with sea views, spacious luxury rooms with enormous ensuite bathrooms, and entire suites that are perfect for families. 

The on-site restaurant is renowned for its divine seasonal menu that celebrates the area’s best ingredients. That includes seafood and award-winning porridge! It also has an impressive organic and biodynamic wine list to match. 

If you’d like to build a deeper connection with the surrounding landscape, the lodge offers wilderness activities, including foraging, fishing and even deer-stalking – much like its roots.

Guests mention the stunning views, great location and comfy beds. Some complain that the food wasn’t the best quality for the price and the lodge was a little cold.

Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Tripadvisor

Best self-catered cottages on Skye 

If you’re looking for more of a home away from home vibe, check out these two lovely, unique, eco and self-catered cottages on Skye. 

The Backrest

Located close to Dunvegan, The Backrest is a remote, eco-friendly self-catered cottage that sleeps up to four people. The property has been designed by local award-winning architects, and the furnishings are modern and comfortable. 

Much of the interior is influenced by the Danish hygge philosophy. Basically, it’s a comfortable and happy place. The kitchen has been designed with foodies in mind, so you have everything you need to whip up a delicious meal using locally sourced ingredients. 

Another big reason why I love this cottage is that it’s been built with the environment in mind. Heating and hot water are provided by an air-source heat pump powering the underfloor heating. Whilst staying here, you’re treated to lovely views, and you may even see the Northern Lights during the winter. 

Guests have found the remote location and amenities excellent. Many dog-owners love that they can bring their pet along. Honestly, the reviews are glowing, and I can’t find a bad word against it.

Compare prices and check availability: Vrbo | Expedia

Lusa Bothy

Lusa Bothy exudes tranquillity and traditional Scottish charm as an amazing accommodation choice for couples. Just a short drive away from Broadford, you’re right on the coast, giving you sea views in one direction and mountains in the other. 

Much of the decor is made from recycled wood and upcycled materials with many intriguing features that tell a story – like a wardrobe made from an upcycled chair.

Make no mistake, though, it still offers plenty of luxury. You can curl up in an armchair by the wood-burning stove, sleep in the king-size bed and take your home-cooked meals to the outside dining area for relaxed evenings in. It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

Reviews rate the quirky style, comfortable bed and hot shower. Being surrounded by nature is a real perk and a fun way to do a digital detox. Some people mention that as it’s an old property, it can be prone to damp. It’s also quite far away from most of Skye’s main attractions.

Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com

Best glamping on the Isle of Skye 

Immerse yourself in nature with these top-rated glamping retreats on Skye. 

Skye Eco Bells

Located near Dunvegan, Skye Eco Bells is a selection of cosy cabins that sleep up to three people. There are only three cabins and a bell tent here to keep the glamping site small and quiet. Each one has a wood-burning stove, an outside fire pit, and a BBQ area so you can sit under the stars. 

The glamping site has a shared, fully equipped kitchen, and there’s also a Shack where you can dine, cook and make a morning cup of coffee. 

In line with Skye Eco Bells’ eco credentials, there’s a greenhouse shower and composting toilets. All lighting is provided by rechargeable lights and candles. There’s no WiFi either, offering a much-needed digital detox.

Guests enjoyed the quirky decor and clean, cosy cabins. Some highlighted that there was no electricity or WiFi, which can be an adjustment. Overall, it’s ideal for those who don’t mind not having all the creature comforts but would like to stay somewhere unique.

Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Agoda

Loch Eyre Shepherd Hut

Keen to escape the world for a while? Look no further than Loch Eyre Shepherd Hut, located on private land between Portree and Uig. The traditional hut sleeps two and sits on the banks of Loch Eyre. It has a dining room, sitting room, bedroom and storeroom all rolled into one. The bathroom is a short walk away and has a shower. 

Inside, it has pretty interiors that make it feel airy and spacious. There’s electricity and a wood-burning stove for extra comfort. There aren’t any kitchen facilities, but you can order a takeaway or head to either Portree or Uig for a bite. If you want to stretch out a bit, you also have access to the Loch Eyre guest house lounge. 

Guests rate the cosy wood-burning stove and comfortable bed. They love the atmosphere of the twinkling lights and the array of breakfast nibbles. Some didn’t like that the bathroom was in a separate building and the location was hard to reach without a car.

Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | KAYAK

Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage

Easily one of the best places to stay on the Isle of Skye, Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage isn’t actually on the island because it’s on its own private island off the coast! The self-catered cottage is perfect for couples or a group of friends looking for a quirky weekend stay. It can accommodate up to eight guests, and dogs are allowed too. 

The private island is reachable on foot or by boat, and you can while away the days on the beach watching the wildlife. There’s a traditional pub across the shore if you want something a little more social in the evening. 

Inside, the cottage is well-decorated, and every bedroom has a modern ensuite bathroom. There’s a well-equipped kitchen too with views towards the Isle of Ornsay. Not a bad backdrop for cooking!

While there are only a few reviews for this property, they all highlight that it’s a unique and special experience with fantastic wildlife and a friendly skipper to ferry you to Skye and back.

Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Expedia

Where’s the best place to stay on Skye?

The best place to stay on Skye really depends on what you want to do and your travel style. If you have your own vehicle for travelling to Scotland, you have the flexibility to stay pretty much anywhere. 

If you don’t have a car, I suggest staying in Portree as you have easy access to buses, hotels and restaurants. The settlement is also at the base of the Trotternish Peninsula, which has some of the most beautiful scenery on Skye, including the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr.

If you’d like to see Dunvegan Castle or Neist Point, I recommend Dunvegan, but you’ll need a car as buses are limited. For the Fairy Pools and Talisker Distillery, Sligachan Hotel is a good option.

Where to stay on the Isle of Skye: Final thoughts

So, that concludes my guide to Skye hotels and accommodation. Whether it’s backpacker hostels, self-catered cottages, hotels or unique getaways, there’s somewhere for everyone on this island! I hope you found this Skye accommodation guide useful. You can read my full itinerary for the best things to do on Skye.

And lastly, make sure you book your accommodation well in advance. Skye is an extremely popular destination all year round, so don’t miss out as places get snapped up fast. Read my guide to help you choose the best time to visit too.