The Portree Hotel is a traditional inn on Somerled Square, the heart of the island capital, and its position is its strongest point. The harbour is about three minutes away on foot, The Lump is three minutes, and the pubs, cafes, shops and tour pick up points of Portree are on the doorstep. It is rated three and a half stars, and it suits visitors who want to be in the middle of the action and do not need a large room. There are five room types: singles of around 86 square feet, standard doubles of around 108 square feet, superior doubles of around 129 square feet, a family room of around 151 square feet that sleeps three, and a Deluxe Superking Double of around 172 square feet. Rooms have a shower, free toiletries, a kettle and free WiFi, with daily housekeeping, and the rooms are compact, so pack light.
Location and getting around
Portree is the best base for a first visit to Skye because tours and buses to the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, Dunvegan and the Fairy Pools run from here, and the town has the widest choice of places to eat. From this hotel you can walk to dinner, to the harbour, to the archive centre and to the viewpoints around the bay. The hotel does not offer parking, so plan to use a public car park in or near the town if you have a hire car, and ask when you book where to leave it overnight.
Eating and extras
The hotel has a restaurant and a bar, and meeting rooms and business services for small groups. Antlers Bar and Grill, the Granary, the Isles Inn and a pizza takeaway are all about a minute or two away on foot. Check in is in the afternoon and evening, with limited late check in, and pets are not allowed.
Who it suits and what to know: walkers and tour takers, solo travellers and couples who want a central, simple room and are happy to forgo parking and spa facilities. The square can be lively in the evening, so ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper. Rooms are small, particularly the singles and standard doubles, so choose the superior or deluxe room if you want more space.
Rates are generally moderate by Skye standards but rise sharply in summer, and cancellation terms vary by rate, so check when you book what you are paying for and when you can cancel. Because the hotel is so central, it also works well as a stop for a single night before an early tour or a morning ferry, when you simply want a bed, a hot drink and a short walk to the pickup point.
Why stay here
- ✓Central Somerled Square location
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Meeting rooms
- ✓Family room
- ✓Deluxe Superking Double
- ✓Daily housekeeping
- ✓Walk to the harbour
Good questions
How far is The Portree Hotel from the harbour?+
About three minutes on foot, since it stands on Somerled Square in the middle of Portree.
Does it have parking?+
No parking is offered, so plan to use a public car park and ask when you book where to leave a hire car.
Are the rooms large?+
The rooms are compact, from singles of around 86 square feet to a deluxe superking double of around 172 square feet.
