Isle of Skye hotels

This absolute stunner is without question one of the best hotels in Isle of Skye. That’s not just down to the fact that the property itself is great, with classic Scottish style and rooms that suit all budgets. It’s also because of its incredible setting. Found within 15 acres of gardens and mature woodland, the hotel is situated right on the Sound of Raasay in pretty Portree, with sweeping views of the Cuillin.

You can use the hotel as a base for exploring these local sights on foot, which is best done with a local guide so you can choose safe routes and learn about the fascinating landscape. Or you can simply marvel at them from a distance while enjoying a cup of tea.

Whichever you choose, you’ll also find plenty of attractions close by to make your trip memorable, from wildlife tours to trips out on the water.

It's the remoteness that makes this glorious, white-washed manor house one of the best hotels in Isle of Skye. Arriving here along a narrow, single-track road on the Greshornish peninsula, it feels as if you’re leaving the world behind – at least for a few days.

I love how Greshornish House Hotel really goes deep with its Scottish roots, with guestrooms featuring tartan drapes and carpets, massive beds – some of which are four-poster – and a dining room looking out over the well-kept grounds.

You could quite happily spend a few days here doing little else other than taking in those gorgeous views over the loch. But you can also easily drive out and head to Broadford, or go deeper into the island to explore its iconic fairy pools and walks.

Marmalade is a clear contender for one of the best boutique hotels in Isle of Skye. I can’t get enough of its singular approach, with a spectacular 19th-century manor house which dates back to 1817 standing next to a defiantly modern extension that exudes class.

The rooms are just as impressive, whether you choose a space in the original house, with its period features and views down to the water and the mountains beyond, or one in the newer building, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows. On upper floors you’ll feel as if you’re in the tree canopy, while lower floors open out onto the lovely grounds.

You can easily get into Portree on foot from here, as well as head out on distillery tours of the island. It’s best to enjoy the latter after the superb buffet breakfast – I highly recommend the Full Scottish.

Ullinish House is the real deal. This is one of the best hotels in Isle of Skye thanks to its location on the wild west coast, as well as the fact that it’s pleasingly small. There are just seven rooms to choose from within this wonderful space, originally built for the local Macleod clan in 1757.

I love how exquisite the design is here. Guestrooms come with ornate oak bed frames, each one featuring different, intricate wallpapering, some with wood panelling. Sash windows, meanwhile, look out over the gardens and rugged mountains.

Best of all, you can walk to the ancient fortress of Dun Beag Broch, wander onto the island of Oronsay at low tide, or take your binoculars to spot dolphins and otters. For me, this is a luxury escape unlike any other in one of the wildest parts of Skye.

This joyous bed and breakfast, a short drive north of the main town of Portree, can rightfully call itself one of the best hotels in Isle of Skye.

It’s a lot more remote than other Portree hotels, but with that comes a sense of truly immersing yourself deep within the wild beauty of Skye. The rooms are sharp and clean, and have lovely bathrooms. But my favourite spot is the main lounge, where a roaring wood burner awaits your return after a long day out in the hills.

I also love the fact the owners offer packed lunches, perfect for those who want to get out into nature without having to worry about finding a place to grab something to eat.

There’s a reason Creagory Skye rates so highly. This is a stay that puts guests front and centre, with owners who not only know everything it’s possible to know about Skye, but who are also very happy to share it with everyone who stays here.

That means you’ll be armed with knowledge of the best local walks, the finest distillery tours and the best boat trips for spotting otters, white tailed eagles and dolphins. And that’s before you even consider the tastefully decorated rooms and the incredible breakfast, which features locally made products and will set you up for a busy day ahead.

One of the best hotels in Isle of Skye for location, you can stroll into the centre of Portree in just five minutes, all the better for grabbing souvenirs from the local shops and catching a glimpse of the breathtaking views.

A roaring fire in the lounge, a bar featuring Skye’s finest tipples, access to some of the most phenomenal countryside in all of Scotland. That’s what awaits you when you check into the Skeabost House Hotel.

This Victorian mansion – complete with its own turret – stands proudly on the banks of Loch Snizort, where you can take afternoon tea on the patio or eat fresh seafood from the in-house West Pier restaurant.

My favourite thing is that the hotel is set on eight miles of river, offering some of the best salmon fishing in the Highlands. You can book time with the in-house ghillie, who’ll be able to take you out, giving you the chance to spend some peaceful time in natural beauty. That’s what makes this one of the best hotels in Isle of Skye for nature lovers.

Right in the heart of Portree, Braeside Guest Rooms is a great option for those who want characterful accommodation that won’t break the bank. I love the old farmhouse building, which features delightful rooms that are comfortable and within easy of reach of the best the village and Skye at large has to offer.

Step outside and you’re right on the water, ready to head out on a tour to catch a glimpse of Skye’s rich and varied marine life. And because Portree is the main hub of the island, it’s easy to strike out from here by car to more remote spots, such as the under-visited pools at Torrin, which have amazing views of the Cuillin too. The key to this place is its great hospitality and pleasing simplicity.

This dog-friendly hotel in Portree is one of the best hotels in Isle of Skye. The reason is simple: it’s right within the main village, close to some excellent pubs and restaurants, and also happens to have excellent, comfortable rooms that won’t leave you out of pocket.

There are plenty of lovely local touches, from the tartan carpets to the 18th-century portraits lining the walls. The restaurant here is particularly good, with a proper emphasis on local produce.

The staff are super helpful and can let you know about the best places to walk and explore during your time on Skye. It’s also worth noting that the inn offers free parking, so it’s easy to explore more distant attractions during your stay too.

The name might seem deceptive, but the Skye Photo Centre is one of the best hotels in Isle of Skye. This small bed and breakfast in the tiny village of Camastianavaig is unlike anywhere else on the island.

Its remoteness lends it a special charm, with views over to Raasay and the magical light which has drawn artists and photographers here for decades. The welcome you’ll receive is second to none, and the fact you can learn about taking amazing images of the surrounding countryside is an added bonus.

I love this wilder side of Skye, and the fact you can stay in the heart of it here makes this one of the most unique hotels in Isle of Skye.