Let us start by saying this: we strongly advise against visiting the Isle of Skye without booking your accommodation in advance.
We cannot stress enough how important it is to secure your accommodation as early as possible, especially during the summer months. Despite new holiday rentals popping up, the demand still exceeds the island’s capacity. In 2017 there were even anecdotes around that the police was involved and indeed discouraged people from coming to the island if they didn’t have accommodation booked.
Do not leave that to the last minute either, I think it is safe to say book at least 6 months in advance if you do not wish to pay premium price.
There’s a wide variety of accommodation available on Skye, ranging from campsites and pods to guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, and hotels. We’ve selected a few standout options to recommend in this article.
Before making a reservation it’s also important to consider whether you want to stay in one place during your entire visit or would you rather move every couple of nights?
Skye may look small on a map, but the driving can be tiring, as you will drive more that you are used to on a single track roads but also you may move slower than anticipated due to the number of cars on the roads. Hence it is crucial to plan wisely where you want to stay for the night.
Hassle-free trip to Isle of Skye?
Yes, it is possible with our ultimate e-guide:
- 370 pages
- Google map coordinates
- Interesting famous and off beaten track sites across whole island
- Detailed description of 26 hikes (including links to Ordinance Survey maps and trail head coordinates)
- Local knowledge, history and other stories
- Beautiful photographs to inspire your trip
Our number one tip? Reduce driving as much as possible.
Stay in one place for longer than a night — that way you can be more present and see what the areas has to offer, but it’s also more environmentally friendly (less laundry and cleaning = better for the planet).
Find your balance — and enjoy Skye without the scramble.
Broadford & Surrounds
Broadford serves as a primary hub for the southern part of the island, so finding an accomodation in the area is great idea. There is a big supermarket, many eateries options and good public links to different parts of Skye.
- Located in the heart of Broadford those luxuries cabins offer everything what you would expect when on holiday – a private bathroom, kitchen, and dining area.
- Flat screen TV and WiFi.
- Very clean and well maintained.
- Each cabin has a patio with outdoor furniture, to enjoy relaxing morning or evening.
- On the premises there is The Sprig Restaurant and a bar, and even more dining options are available nearby in the village.
- Breakfast options include full English/Irish, vegetarian, and vegan.
- Express check-in and check-out services.
- Crossroads Bed and Breakfast 9.2 /10
- B&B option near Broadford with recently renovated adults-only rooms, each with private bathroom.
- 30min walk and 4min by car to the heart of Broadford.
- Each room features sea, garden, or mountain views.
- Each room has modern amenities including free WiFi, TV, and kettle and tea/coffee.
- Guests prise the B&B for being immaculately and comfortable.
- Very friendly, warm and welcoming hosts.
- A continental breakfast included with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
- Broadford Backpackers Hostel 7.7 /10 or Skye Basecamp Hostel, Broadford Bay 9.1 /10
- Both hostels offer great budget friendly accommodations. Skye Basecamp is located literally in the middle of Broadford, while Broadford Backpackers Hostel is a bit further away from the main road.
- Broadford Backpackers Hostel is slightly bigger and has more single of double rooms, while Skye Basecamp Hostel is smaller and accommodation is more suited for families or bigger groups with only bunks type room available for singles or couples
- Both hostels are busy, so advance booking is recommended.
- Sligachan Hotel 7.5/10
- This is one of Skye’s most iconic establishments, set at the foot of the dramatic Cuillin mountains.
- It was originally built in 1830, serving as a base for early mountaineers and climbers and then became. Today it is a still busy hub for visitors and hikers. It features its ownits own museum, award-winning microbrewery as well as a popular whisky bar with hundreds of selections.
- The location of the hotel is hard to beat, many walks available at the doorstep, including Glen Sligachan or Bruach na Frithe.
- All rooms are en-suite, fitted with a TV, and feature free toiletries and a hair dryer. Some rooms offer mountain and garden views.
- Breakfast included and there is a pub next door.
- There is a private parking.
Portree & Central Skye
For many, Portree is the natural choice for accommodation — the island’s capital, centrally located and offering a full range of tourist amenities, including craft shops, cafés, pubs, local stores, and a touch of history. No surprise then that many look for their accommodation there.
- Portree Youth Hostel 8.0/10
- Conveniently located in Portree’s city centre, this hostel is a busy hub for all who look for affordable accommodation or travel solo.
- The hostel offers variety of rooms: male/female dormitory rooms, family room or double room.
- All rooms are heated and offer towels and bed linen and kettle. Some have a private bathroom with a bath or shower and others have a shared bathroom.
- Vey specious and clean common area include: well equipped kitchen (with fridge), diner and rest room with a nice view.
- Very nice and welcoming staff.
- The Marmalade Hotel 9.8/10
- This building is grade “B” listed building, dating back to 1817 with quite modern deco inside.
- The hotel’s spacious rooms overlook the landscaped garden, Portree Bay, and the outline of Cuillin Hills.
- All rooms are en suite, with tea/coffee making facilities and a flat-screen TV.
- Breakfast is served daily and includes a buffet-style continental, and a cooked Full Scottish option.
- A continental, Full Scottish or vegetarian breakfast is available every morning.
- With an alfresco dining area and heated courtyard guests can enjoy peaceful evenings outdoor.
- Very friendly staff.
- Free car park.
- The Bossvile Hotel 8.4/10
- Located at the main road to the north of the island and providing fantastic views towards the harbour from the front – facing rooms, this hotel is a great option for those looking for very central location. Just be mindful that this means that it might be noisy at times.
- All rooms are en-suit with TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
- Dulse & Brose restaurant serves a wide range of freshly prepared dishes , check their very fresh seafood (book restaurant in advance, as it tends to be busy in the summer)
- Very tasty breakfast served daily.
- Important: Due to its location, No parking is available at the property.
- 13 Matheson Place 9.9/10
- Self catering option for 2.
- Charming one-bedroom apartment with a garden and a terrace, 15-20min walk from centre of Portree.
- Walking distance to local cafes, shops and pubs.
- Open plan bedroom/ living room with a small kitchen equipped with small stove, microwave, tea/coffee making facilities, toaster and fridge.
- Hosts provides basic supplies like tea, coffee, milk, salt&pepper etc
- Modern and specious bathroom with shower and all essentials.
- Very friendly and accommodating host.
- Off road parking space.
- Guests love how clean this place is.
- A welcoming house in Portree 9.3/10
- Self catering option for up to 4 people, 15-20min walk from the centre of Portree.
- Two-bedroom house with one double bed and one two single beds bedrooms.
- Cosy living room with sofa, TV and dining table.
- Specious well-equipped kitchen: fridge, microwave, electric hub and oven, toaster, kettle etc.
- Bathroom with bath and shower.
- Beautiful private garden.
- Lealt Falls Apartment 9.1/10
- Self catering option for 2, closed to Old Man of Storr and Quiraing.
- Charming, recently renovated one-bedroom apartment with a garden and a terrace, featuring sea and mountain views.
- Cosy open plan living room and well equipped kitchen.
- Very clean and cosy double bed bedroom and bathroom with a spacious shower.
- Very welcoming host. This property is one not to be missed.
Other locations
- This self Catering Studio with stunning sea views, located in Waternish Peninsula will be a great accommodation for those looking for a quiet spot, far from hustle and bustle of the island.
- Cosy accommodation for 2 ppl.
- It consists of one big room acting as living space/bedroom, well equipped kitchen and compact bathroom with shower.
- The living space features log burner for guests to enjoy.
- The hosts are around, but do not impose on guests’ privacy.
- This accommodation is perfect if you want to explore the norther part of the island.
- Aurora Rural Retreats 9.3/10
- Very compact newly refurbished chalet located near Neist Point Lighthouse.
- Apart from bed, table small sofa, there is fully equipped kitchenette, private bathroom with walk-in shower. Outside space consist of small terrace and parking space.
- This is perfect accommodation for 2 ppl for a short stay to explore Waterstein & Waternish peninsulas.
- Convenient self-check in.
If you still have not found what you were you were looking for, check more options across island:
Toravaig House Hotel – an award-winning Hebridean hotel located on Sleet Peninsula.
Coorie In – one bedroom self catering apartment on Sleet.
Bracadale House – B&B on Minginish Peninsula.
Garraidh Ghorm Pod – beautiful pod near Flodigarry.
Rha Ha Cottage – entire holiday home in Uig.
