Looking for the best places to stay on the Isle of Skye, Scotland? After travelling around the island, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best accommodation to suit your needs and interests.
Skye is a popular Scottish island, so there’s an overwhelming amount of choice when deciding on accommodation.
To make it simple, I’ve rounded up where to stay if you’re looking for hotels, self-catered cottages, B&Bs, hostels and traditional Scottish bothies. I’ve got you covered whether you’re keen to go hiking, sightseeing, star-gazing or just want a restful and romantic break.
In this Skye accommodation guide, I’ll dive into:
- The best Skye towns and villages;
- The best unique places on Skye;
- Amazing places to stay with dogs;
- Eco-friendly getaways for a lighter footprint
Looking for a quick answer? Here’s my top pick of where to stay:
Viewfield House is a gorgeous B&B in a 200-year-old manor house located just outside Portree. It’s set on 20 acres of woodland and has easy access to most attractions on Skye.
- Best bed and breakfast on the Isle of Skye: Viewfield House
- Best self-catering accommodation: The Tin Sheds
- Best place to stay with a hot tub: Milovaig House
- Best cheap accommodation: Skyewalker Hostel
- Best mid-range place to stay: Sligachan Hotel
- Best luxury place to stay: Cuillin Hills Hotel
- Best place to stay in Skye with a dog: Lusa Bothy
Still unsure about where exactly you want to stay on Skye? Check out my location guide below!
Best places to stay on Skye: location guide
Choose which area of Skye you want to base yourself in. Tip: if you want more of the action and accessible public transport, I recommend Portree.
Portree
Portree is the capital settlement of Skye. It’s a great base for your visit as it has the biggest range of restaurants, cafes and bars.
There’s also a bus station, which gives you easy access to the mainland. You can catch a bus from Fort William to Portree via the Skye Bridge.
Visit Portree’s harbour with its famous colourful houses, grab a coffee and a bite at Cafe Arriba and enjoy some fine dining at Seabreezes!
Best for: great restaurants, culture, most hotel options, bus hub
View where to stay in Portree.
Broadford
Broadford is another popular village on Skye. Mainly because it has the largest supermarket on the island. So, if you’re going self-catered and want to stock up, Broadford is the place to go!
There are also lots of restaurants, cafes and independent shops to browse. And you have epic mountain views! View Broadford accommodation options.
Best for: Hiking and outdoor adventures, coffee shops, the largest supermarket on the island
Uig
Uig is a small village located on the west coast of the Trotternish Peninsula (a popular Skye road trip route). It’s also near the Fairy Glen and Rha Waterfalls, two popular Skye attractions. View accommodation options in Uig.
Best for: Gorgeous landscapes, the Fairy Glen, off-grid Isle of Skye retreats
Armadale
Armadale is the place to be if you want to catch the short ferry ride to Mallaig on the mainland (from here, you can take the train over Glenfinnan Viaduct!).
Armadale also has a castle and an old war memorial. View accommodation options in Armadale.
Best for: the ferry to Mallaig and Armadale Castle & Gardens
Dunvegan
Dunvegan is famous for the castle of its namesake. The ancestral seat of Clan MacLeod, the castle is open to visitors during the summer months. Dunvegan has a few independent shops and cafes.
It’s a good place to be for Neist Point too. View accommodations in Dunvegan.
Best for: Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point Lighthouse and The Three Chimneys restaurant
Planning a Scottish Highlands & Islands trip? Check out this itinerary.
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 drive, I suggest staying in Portree as you have easy access to buses, hotels and restaurants.
For most attractions on Skye, Portee or Uig are great choices too.
Where to stay on Skye
Now you’re a little more familiar with the areas around Skye, I’ll go into more detail on the best hotels, B&Bs, guest houses and more on the Island.
Name: | Rated: | Why? | Price: | Book: |
Beautiful luxury lodge, incredible views | £££ | |||
Seaside holiday home, good for groups | £££ | |||
Budget-friendly place to stay in Portree | £ | |||
B&B in a manor house, near Portree, great breakfasts! | ££ | |||
Modern hotel with a brewery and restaurant | ££ | |||
Remote B&B with a legendary restaurant | £-££ | |||
Luxury hotel in Portree | ££-£££ | |||
Remote luxury lodge with a hot tub | £££ | |||
Luxury hotel with a spa | £££ | |||
Remote cottage with a great kitchen | £££ | |||
Traditional bothy with mountain views | £££ | |||
Cosy glamping huts for up to 3 people | ££ | |||
Budget-friendly glamping | £ | |||
A lighthouse on a private island all to yourself! | £££-££££ | |||
Budget-friendly glamping and hostel | £ |
Best unique stays on the Isle of Skye
Here are two of the top unusual and unique places to stay on Skye that are perfect for romantic and secluded getaways.
1. Lorien lodge (£££)
This beautiful luxury lodge for two is located in the village of Upper Breakish, with gorgeous views overlooking Beinn na Caillich and Broadford Bay.
Constructed out of Finnish pine, the lodge has everything you need for a cosy stay, including a well-equipped modern kitchen, large bathroom, open plan lounge area and free WiFi.
There’s also an outside decking area for al fresco dining on sunny days.
The best feature of this property is the enormous windows which offer amazing views from day to night.
Top features:
- Free WiFi
- Private garden
- Amazing views!
Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Agoda
2. The Tin Sheds Skye (£££)
The Tin Sheds are two eco-friendly holiday homes located in Broadford with spectacular coastal views. Each shed sleeps six people and has six bedrooms, including a master suite.
Ideal for families and friend groups, the holiday homes have a spacious open-plan kitchen and dining area to accommodate social evenings. Doors open out onto a waterside deck where you can hang out on good weather days. You may even be able to spot otters and seals here!
Combined with glorious floor-to-ceiling windows, a wood-burning stove and impressive eco credentials, the Tin Sheds are an ideal rural retreat for when you want to escape for a little while.
Top features:
- Wood burning stove
- An eco-friendly choice
- Open-plan living area with a great view
Compare prices and check availability: CoolStays
Best cheap accommodation on the Isle of Skye
It’s no secret that Skye is not the cheapest, but it is possible to visit on more of a backpacker’s budget. Here are two of the best hostels on Skye.
3. Portree Youth Hostel (£)
Portree Youth Hostel is a handy backpacker base in the heart of Skye’s capital. There’s a range of room types available, from shared dorms to private rooms with ensuites.
Rooms have secure lockers and USB charging points, and there’s a kitchen if you want to cook your own food. You can also order continental breakfasts to set you up for the day ahead.
The hostel is just a short walk from the nearest bus stop, so it has easy transport links if you’re keen to explore more of the island.
Top features:
- Singe, double, twin and family rooms available
- Certified by Green Tourism
- Shared lounge and kitchen
Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Tripadvisor
4. Skyewalker Hostel (£)
Located in the tiny village of Potnalong on the northwest of the island, Skyewalker Hostel is a nod to both Skye and Star Wars. The family-run hostel is set in a former school built in the 1920s.
There’s a choice of small dorm rooms, double rooms and family rooms. Every bed has a memory foam mattress topper for extra affordable luxury!
For something a little different, the hostel also has heated Jedi Huts in the garden, which have double beds and access to hostel facilities, including a shared lounge and kitchen.
In the summer, you can make use of the enormous garden, which has a solar dome and giant chess. Stay here if you want easy access to the Fairy Pools!
Top features:
- Glass solar dome in the garden
- Dorms, private rooms and Jedi Huts to stay in
- Frequent live music sessions
Compare prices and check availability: Hostelworld | Tripadvisor
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.
5. Viewfield House (££)
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 200 years.
Set on 20 acres of woodland, the B&B is just a short walk from Portree, making it an accessible base for exploring the island.
The B&B has a cosy lounge with a large fireplace, a great spot for an evening G&T or whatever tipple takes your fancy!
There’s also a lovely dining room where you can enjoy a traditional cooked Scottish breakfast in the morning and simple nibbles and light bites in the evening.
Choose from a range of pretty rooms with modern ensuite bathrooms. Some also have bathtubs so you can soak after a busy day.
Viewfield House is available to book from April to mid-October. I stayed here on my 10-day trip around Scotland’s West Coast.
Top features:
- Gorgeous lounge and dining room
- Amazing breakfast
- Free WiFi
Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Tripadvisor
6. Sligachan Hotel (££)
Sligachan Hotel is a great value 3-star hotel located in the village of its namesake.
There are 21 modern and comfy rooms available, each with its own ensuite bathroom. The WiFi is high-speed here, which is super impressive considering its remote location!
The Skye hotel is right next to Sligachan Old Bridge, a pretty Skye landmark. Legend has it that the waters under the bridge are enchanted, and washing your face there will give you eternal beauty!
Sligachan Hotel is a family-owned hotel built in 1830 and is a popular spot for hikers. There’s also a museum, microbrewery and an award-winning on-site bar (Seuma’s Bar) which is the place to go for local whisky and hearty seasonal dishes.
The hotel is usually closed from December to mid-February.
Top features:
- On-site bar and restaurant
- Outside garden and kids’ play area
- Offers packed lunches
Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Tripadvisor
7. Greshornish House (£-££)
This B&B is a four-star accommodation with a fairly budget-friendly price point, offering the best of both worlds! Located near the village of Edinbane, the 18th-century manor sits on the banks of Loch Greshornish.
Ideal for those wanting a secluded hotel stay, Greshornish House Hotel requires you to have your own vehicle as it’s on a relatively remote part of the island.
The B&B is simply beautiful. Surrounded by private gardens, an on-site restaurant serving delicious Scottish cuisine, an outdoor garden and a bar. Breakfast is available here too.
The rooms are tastefully decorated, and there’s a choice of loch or garden views. Each room has a modern ensuite bathroom.
There is WiFi available, but it’s not super strong due to the nature of the remote location. I’d take that as an invitation to kick back and relax – no checking emails!
Top features:
- Breakfast available
- Amazing value price point
- Dog-friendly rooms
Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Tripadvisor
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 two of my favourites.
8. Cuillin Hills Hotel (££-£££)
You can’t go wrong with the Cuillin Hill Hotel in Portree for unrivalled hotel luxury. Ranked high among the best places to stay on Skye, the hotel is set on 15 acres of private land with stunning views of Portree Bay and the Cuillin Mountain range. There’s free private parking too.
The rooms are beautifully decorated and include modern ensuites. There’s a choice of sea view rooms too. 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, and the award-winning on-site restaurant has strong reviews. It has a prestigious whisky list too.
Top features:
- Breakfast included
- Boat trips leave from the harbour 0.5 miles away
- Restaurant with amazing views
Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Tripadvisor
9. Milovaig House (£££)
Milovaig House is a luxurious holiday home for four near the village of its namesake. 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 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 property is a traditional crofter cottage with 360-degree views and Nordic-style modern interiors for added comfort.
The sunroom has large floor-to-ceiling windows with a telescope for star gazing and dolphin spotting. There’s also a double-sided wood burner in the dining room for snug evenings in.
Milovaig House is an absolute must-visit in the winter as you might just be able to see the Northern Lights!
Top features:
- A hot tub!
- Double-sided wood burner
- BBQ and outdoor dining area
Compare prices and check availability: Host Unusual
10. Kinloch Lodge (£££)
Kinloch Lodge is the most luxurious Isle of Skye accommodation 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 ensuite 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.
Top features:
- Renowned on-site restaurant
- On-site spa
- Private nature experiences
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.
11. 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.
Whilst staying here, you’re treated to lovely views, and you may even see the Northern Lights during the winter.
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.
One small/medium, well-behaved dog is allowed to stay subject to agreement.
Top features:
- Wood burning stove
- Free WiFi
- Modern and eco-friendly interiors and design
Compare prices and check availability: Vrbo
12. Lusa Bothy (£££)
Lusa Bothy exudes tranquillity and traditional Scottish charm as an amazing accommodation choice for couples. It’s dog-friendly too!
The bothy is situated in Ashaig, just a short drive away from Broadford. You’re right on the coast, so you’re treated to 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 kingsize 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.
Top features:
- Eco-friendly design
- Dog-friendly holiday cottage
- Optional breakfast basket available
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.
13. 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 cabin 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!
Top features:
- Eco-friendly cabins
- BBQ area and shared kitchen
- Solar-powered USB charger
Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Tripadvisor
14. Loch Eyre Shepherds Hut (£)
Keen to escape the world for a while? Look no further than Loch Eyre Shepherds 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.
Top features:
- Wood-burning stove
- Complimentary breakfast
- Views overlooking Loch Eyre
Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com
The quirkiest place to stay on Skye
Planning a family trip or group getaway? This top pick is the ultimate getaway!
15. Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage (£££-££££)
Easily one of the best places to stay on Skye, Eilean Sionnach Lighthouses 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!
Top features:
- Your own private island and beach!
- Heated floors
- Wood burning stove
Compare prices and check availability: CoolStays
Map of the best places to stay on Skye
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.
Got a question about Skye or Scotland travel? Wondering what else there is to see on the West Coast? Let me know in the comments below!
Looking for more Scotland travel inspiration? Check out these posts!
- How to Do the Trotternish Loop on the Isle Of Skye, Scotland
- Isle of Skye 2 Day Itinerary: Amazing Things to Do
- Mull Accommodation: The Best Places To Stay
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