Skeabost House Hotel

The hotel, a beautifully preserved historic hunting lodge, offers a tranquil escape renowned for its stunning location amidst picturesque grounds and its exceptional staff. Guests consistently highlight the excellent food and the overall welcoming atmosphere, making it a memorable destination. It is an ideal fit for couples seeking a romantic and peaceful getaway, sightseers looking for a convenient base to explore the Isle of Skye, and families desiring a comfortable and attentive experience. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to make dinner reservations in advance due to the restaurant's popularity, and consider inquiring about specific room views or sizes if these are important preferences for your visit.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the hotel's historic charm and well-maintained common areas, particularly the lounge with its roaring fireplace, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for relaxation. The bar is well-stocked with local spirits and offers a good selection of drinks, though some guests found its layout less traditional than expected. Wi-Fi is generally reliable throughout the property, ensuring guests can stay connected. It is important to note that the hotel, being an older building, does not have an elevator, which guests staying on upper floors should be aware of, especially when managing luggage. While a former golf course has been rewilded, a convenient laundry service is available for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort is mixed but generally positive. Many guests praise the spacious and beautifully decorated rooms, often highlighting the comfortable beds and luxurious bathrooms with features like large baths or walk-in showers. Some rooms offer stunning views of the loch or grounds, enhancing the overall experience. However, a notable number of guests found their rooms to be small or tiny, especially "cosy double" rooms, sometimes with limited space for luggage. Some older rooms are described as dated or tired, with occasional reports of musty smells, stained carpets, or minor maintenance issues like broken fixtures or non-adjustable heating. Noise from creaky floors or slamming doors was occasionally mentioned.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives widespread acclaim, with many guests describing the food as excellent, superb, and a highlight of their stay. Breakfast is consistently praised for its delicious and plentiful options, including both continental and hot selections like traditional Scottish fare. The dinner menu, often featuring locally sourced ingredients like venison and seafood, is considered high-quality and offers a fine dining experience, though some guests found portions to be small for the price. The restaurant often provides lovely views over the grounds to the water, enhancing the dining atmosphere. The bar is also noted for its good selection of drinks, complementing the meal experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a beautiful and tranquil location set amidst picturesque grounds, often overlooking a loch or river, providing stunning views and a sense of peaceful seclusion. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the Isle of Skye, being a short and convenient drive from Portree, the island's main town, where guests can find additional dining and shopping options. While its slightly remote setting offers quietude, it means other restaurants are not within immediate walking distance. The hotel provides ample parking for guests, which is a significant convenience for those traveling by car to navigate the island's attractions and nearby points of interest like St. Columba's Isle.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives glowing reviews, frequently described as exceptional, friendly, helpful, and attentive. Guests highlight their warm welcome and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, from assisting with luggage (though some initial arrival experiences were mixed) to providing local recommendations and even arranging special requests. The check-in process is generally smooth, and the overall service contributes significantly to the hotel's welcoming and "home-like" atmosphere. Many guests felt genuinely cared for, noting the staff's professionalism and kindness as a standout aspect of their experience, making their stay truly memorable.

Additional Information
The hotel is a popular wedding venue, with many guests praising the staff's coordination and attention to detail for events, making it a memorable location for special occasions. It maintains a pet-friendly policy, though guests with dogs should be aware that public spaces within the hotel may have restrictions, and finding suitable outdoor areas nearby can be a consideration. While the interior is largely well-maintained, some guests noted that the hotel's exterior and certain older areas could benefit from some updates. The hotel offers a convenient laundry service for guests, and it's worth noting that despite its charm, some rooms might lack modern amenities like air conditioning, which could be a factor during warmer periods.