Redwood House & Restaurant

The hotel offers a truly unique and memorable escape, defined by its secluded location on a picturesque loch, where sheep often roam freely, providing a quintessential Scottish countryside experience. Guests are consistently captivated by the stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains, creating an atmosphere of profound peace and tranquility. This makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and peace seekers looking to unwind away from the bustling tourist hubs. The hotel is also well-suited for couples seeking a romantic and serene getaway, and for explorers who appreciate a quiet base after days of hiking on Skye. The staff's exceptional warmth and hospitality are frequently highlighted, making guests feel like family. To maximize your experience, it is advisable to arrive during daylight hours to navigate the single-track access road, and consider dining at the hotel given its remote setting.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently praise the hotel's inviting common areas, which are designed to maximize the enjoyment of the breathtaking surroundings. A standout feature is the relaxation room or sunroom, offering panoramic views of the loch and serving as a perfect spot for enjoying coffee, a whisky, or simply unwinding with a book. This space is often described as peaceful and comfortable, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. While some guests noted a lack of air conditioning in rooms, the overall temperature was generally comfortable. The hotel also features a bar area, providing a convenient option for drinks, though feedback on its consistent availability or full functionality was mixed. Additionally, a games room is available for guest entertainment. The hotel's facilities are generally well-maintained and contribute significantly to a relaxing stay, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the serene environment.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's rooms for their spaciousness and overall cleanliness, often described as spotless and recently renovated. The comfortable beds and high-quality linens contribute to a restful night's sleep, with many rooms offering stunning views of the loch or bay, enhancing the serene experience. Bathrooms are frequently highlighted as being very spacious, featuring great showers and sometimes even a hot towel rack. However, some guests noted a lack of shelving or tables in bathrooms for toiletries. While the rooms are generally quiet with no road noise, a few isolated comments mentioned an unpleasant smell or a need for mattress replacement. A recurring point of feedback is the absence of daily housekeeping or towel changes during multi-night stays, which some guests found unexpected. Additionally, there were mixed reports regarding hot water consistency in showers, though sinks generally had hot water.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives considerable attention from guests. Breakfast is consistently praised as excellent and varied, offered as a generous continental buffet. Guests appreciate the wide selection, which typically includes cold cuts, pastries, fruit, cereals, boiled eggs, cheeses, and various breads. While some guests expressed a desire for a cooked breakfast or traditional Scottish porridge, the continental spread is generally found to be satisfying and plentiful. Dinner is often described as delicious and high-quality, with many guests recommending it as a "world-class experience." Popular dishes include seafood, fish and chips, and vegetarian options. However, it is important to note that the restaurant is not open every night, with specific days (like Wednesdays) designated as pizza night due to the chef's day off, which some guests found disappointing or unexpected. Service for dinner was occasionally noted as slow.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a defining characteristic, consistently described as beautifully remote, secluded, and off the beaten track, offering profound peace and quiet. Situated directly on a loch, guests are treated to stunning views of the water and surrounding countryside, often with sheep grazing nearby, adding to the authentic rural charm. While this isolation is a major draw, the access road leading to the hotel is a frequently discussed point. It is a single-track road with numerous potholes, requiring careful driving, especially at night. Despite this challenge, many guests view it as a worthwhile trade-off for the tranquil setting, and some even find the drive charming. The hotel is conveniently located about 30 minutes from Portree and Dunvegan, making it a good base for exploring the northern parts of the Isle of Skye. Parking is readily available on-site.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness and welcoming demeanor. Guests frequently highlight their helpfulness and attentiveness, noting how they go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. Many reviewers felt treated like family, appreciating the warm and personal interactions. Staff members are often praised for providing valuable local recommendations for attractions and activities, enhancing the overall guest experience. They are also noted for their flexibility in accommodating requests, such as late check-ins and early check-outs, even preparing breakfast packages for departing guests. While the majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated comments mentioned some staff lacking experience or direction, but this is overshadowed by the consistent praise for their dedication and pleasant attitude. Overall, the service is a significant highlight, contributing greatly to the hotel's charm.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel primarily operates with an adults-only policy, though some reviews indicate that exceptions have been made for families with children. The hotel also appears to have a pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their furry companions, although one review noted a lingering "wet dog" smell in a designated pet room. A unique and charming aspect of the stay for some guests is the presence of friendly hotel cats, which occasionally visit rooms, adding a memorable touch to the experience. While the interior rooms are generally praised for their comfort and cleanliness, some guests commented on the exterior appearance and general maintenance of the property, describing it as somewhat tired or in need of a facelift, with outdoor areas appearing messy at times. Some rooms are equipped with a refrigerator and TV with movie access, adding to in-room convenience.