Skeabost House is a Victorian hunting lodge built by the MacDonalds on the shore of Loch Snizort Beag, about six miles north-west of Portree, and now a four-star hotel set in extensive grounds. It combines country-house public rooms, with wood panelling, open fires and a bar well stocked with malt whiskies, with refurbished bedrooms, a restaurant with loch views and a short golf course in the grounds. The location is quieter than Portree but close enough to reach the town in fifteen minutes, and it sits conveniently between the northern sights of Trotternish and the castles and coast of the north-west.
Location
Skeabost is on the A850 road between Portree and Dunvegan, so it suits a stay that covers both the Trotternish loop, with the Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing, and the north-west, with Dunvegan Castle, Coral Beach and Neist Point. Portree is around fifteen minutes away for shops, pubs and restaurants, and Uig, for the Fairy Glen and the Outer Hebrides ferry, is around twenty-five minutes. The hotel stands in its own grounds by the water, so mornings are quiet and the walks along the loch shore start at the door.
Rooms and dining
Bedrooms vary from cosy rooms in the original lodge to larger rooms with loch views, and have been updated with contemporary bathrooms. The restaurant serves Scottish dishes using island produce, and the bar and lounges are popular spots for a whisky after a day out. Breakfast is available, parking is free and Wi-Fi is provided. Guest reviews regularly mention the warm welcome and the setting.
Who it suits and what to know: couples, small groups and travellers who want country-house comfort without being too far from Portree. Golfers can play the short course in the grounds. Book early for summer, when the hotel is popular with tour groups and weddings, ask for a loch-view room if available, and reserve dinner, as the nearest alternatives are a drive away.
Why stay here
- ✓Victorian lodge on Loch Snizort
- ✓Large grounds
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Bar with malt whiskies
- ✓Short golf course
- ✓Breakfast available
- ✓Free parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
How far is Skeabost House from Portree?+
About six miles, roughly fifteen minutes by car, on the road towards Dunvegan.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?+
Yes, it has a restaurant serving Scottish dishes, plus a bar and lounges with open fires.
Is there parking?+
Yes, parking is free for guests.
