MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Options & Planning

Accommodation Options & Planning

Highlands And Northern Islands, Scotland

Skye Accommodation Landscape

Popular Accommodation Styles

  • Hostels:

    Budget-friendly dorms and private rooms, with self-catering facilities. Suited for solo travelers and groups.

  • B&Bs / Guesthouses:

    A personal touch, often with traditional Scottish breakfast. A chance to interact with locals.

  • Hotels:

    Standard amenities like en-suite bathrooms and on-site restaurants, mainly in larger towns.

  • Self-Catering Cottages:

    Private homes or apartments, ideal for families, groups, or extended stays, enabling cost savings on food.

Unique & Outdoor Stays

  • Camping:

    Designated campsites with facilities. Wild camping has specific responsible conduct guidelines.

  • Glamping:

    Comfortable camping in pods, yurts, or huts, blending outdoor living with modern comforts.

  • Croft Houses:

    Traditional small farmhouses, converted into B&Bs or self-catering units, offering an authentic rural experience.

  • Pods:

    Small, insulated wooden cabins with basic amenities, presenting shelter and comfort in a natural setting.

Where to Stay: Neighborhood Insights

Each area on Skye has its own distinct character, influencing your stay.

Portree: The Heart of Skye

Benefits
  • Central location for exploring Trotternish Peninsula.
  • Most amenities: supermarkets, banks, varied dining.
  • Good base for popular attractions.
  • Main bus hub.
Considerations
  • Can become very crowded in high season.
  • Parking can be difficult and often paid.
  • Lively atmosphere, potentially less quiet.
  • Higher accommodation prices.

Broadford: Gateway to the Island

Benefits
  • Convenient for arrival and departure from the mainland.
  • Has a large supermarket and petrol station.
  • Good base for exploring southern Skye.
  • Day trips to mainland attractions like Eilean Donan Castle.
Considerations
  • Less central for northern Skye attractions.
  • Longer drives to reach Quiraing or Storr.
  • Quieter than Portree, fewer dining choices.
  • Limited nightlife options.

Dunvegan: West Coast Tranquility

Benefits
  • Home to the famous Dunvegan Castle.
  • Peaceful atmosphere, feels less touristy.
  • Good base for Neist Point and Coral Beach.
  • Access to boat trips to seal colonies.
Considerations
  • Fewer dining and shopping options.
  • Longer drives to central and northern Skye.
  • More remote, less public transport access.
  • Limited amenities compared to Portree.

Safety & Proximity Notes

Safety Across Skye:

All areas on Skye are generally very safe. Main safety considerations pertain to natural hazards (weather, hiking conditions, narrow roads) rather than crime. Rural areas are very dark at night.

Transportation Hubs:

Portree excels for overall island exploration and bus connections. Broadford suits Skye Bridge access and mainland day trips. Uig is the best base for Outer Hebrides ferry trips.

Securing Your Stay

Careful planning secures the ideal accommodation for your Skye adventure.

Booking Timeline by Season

  • High Season (June - August): Booking is strongly advised 6-12 months in advance for prime selections and rates. Last-minute options are scarce.
  • Shoulder Season (April - May, Sept - Oct): Book 3-6 months in advance. More options than high season, with moderate prices.
  • Low Season (Nov - March): Book 1-3 months in advance. Greater flexibility, though some establishments close for winter. Confirm opening hours.

Recommended Booking Resources

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda for hotels, B&Bs, and some hostels.
  • Self-Catering: Vrbo, Airbnb, Sykes Cottages, and Cottages.com for vacation rentals.
  • Hostels: Hostelworld is a platform for finding and booking hostel dorms and private rooms.
  • Direct Booking: Many B&Bs and guesthouses accept direct bookings via their own websites, sometimes with better rates or terms.
Deposit & Cancellation Policies:
  • Policies vary by provider; many B&Bs may ask for a deposit upon booking.
  • Cancellation policies typically allow full refunds up to 7-30 days before arrival.
  • Always review the specific policy before confirming your booking.
  • Note any non-refundable deposits or fees for late cancellations.
Seasonal Pricing Trends:
  • Prices are notably higher during the high season (June-August) due to elevated demand.
  • Shoulder season prices are moderate, balancing cost and availability.
  • Low season typically presents the best value, though fewer options are available due to winter closures.
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is not customary; published rates are generally fixed.

Important Booking Notes

Pre-Booking:

Walk-in availability, especially in high season, is extremely rare, making pre-booking a necessity.

Trusted Options:

Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique house/pet-sitting exchanges.

Confirmations:

Always confirm details directly with your accommodation provider prior to travel.

Choosing Your Ideal Accommodation

Find the perfect match for your travel style and group.

Traveler Specific Recommendations

Family-Friendly Stays

Campsites present an adventurous option for outdoor-loving families. Larger hotels sometimes feature family rooms or connecting rooms.

  • Self-catering cottages for space and cooking.
  • Campsites for outdoor fun.
  • Hotels with family/connecting rooms.
Solo Traveler Picks

Hostels stand out for solo travelers seeking budget-friendly stays and chances to meet others. Many B&Bs extend a warm welcome and often feature comfortable single rooms.

  • Hostels for budget and social connections.
  • B&Bs for a warm welcome and single rooms.

Specialized Accommodation Types

Extended Stay Options

Self-catering cottages prove ideal for stays of a week or more, presenting a home-away-from-home feel and flexibility for prolonged exploration.

  • Self-catering cottages for week-long stays.
  • Flexibility for extended exploration.
Culturally Rich Properties

Some B&Bs or guesthouses are in historic buildings or traditional croft houses, offering immersion into the island's heritage. A few properties, like those on the Dunvegan Castle Estate, present an unique historical context.

  • Historic B&Bs and croft houses.
  • Properties within larger estates, like Dunvegan Castle.

Accommodation Comparison Chart

Type: Hostel Dorm

Typical Price: £25 - £45. Features: Budget-friendly, social, self-catering. Considerations: Less privacy, shared bathrooms. Best For: Solo travelers, backpackers, groups.

Type: B&B / Guesthouse

Typical Price: £80 - £180. Features: Local experience, breakfast included, personal service. Considerations: Less privacy than self-catering, fixed breakfast times. Best For: Couples, quiet travelers, local charm seekers.

Type: Hotel Mid-Range

Typical Price: £120 - £250. Features: Standard amenities, privacy, often on-site restaurants. Considerations: Less local character than B&Bs, higher cost. Best For: Families, comfort-seekers.

Type: Self-Catering Cottage

Typical Price: £100 - £300+ (per night, weekly usually). Features: Space, privacy, kitchen. Considerations: Often weekly rentals, no daily cleaning. Best For: Families, groups, longer stays.

  • Booking Platforms: Airbnb, Sykes Cottages, Cottages.com
Type: Campsite Pitch

Typical Price: £15 - £30. Features: Very budget-friendly, close to nature. Considerations: Basic facilities, weather-dependent. Best For: Campers, budget travelers, outdoorsy individuals.

  • Booking Platforms: Direct campsite websites
Type: Glamping Pod

Typical Price: £60 - £150. Features: Unique experience, comfortable, some amenities. Considerations: Small, limited space. Best For: Couples, short stays, unique experiences.

  • Booking Platforms: Booking.com, independent glamping sites

General Accommodation Advice

Book Well in Advance

Especially during peak season, securing your accommodation early is important for the best selection and value.

Explore Various Locations

Each village on Skye presents a distinct experience, from bustling Portree to tranquil rural areas.

Always Confirm Details

Review your booking and confirm directly with the provider before your arrival for a smooth experience.