Hame Hotel
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom
We’ve had our eyes on Skye for years, fuelled by a hunger to experience its epic landscapes. The island’s topography is extraordinary: a circus of jagged mountain peaks, jostling lochs and mythical fairy pools. But finding a chic hotel or B&B on the island is not easy – we've been looking for years. And then we hit the jackpot: a place which is high on style and service, and which for some reason remains under the radar of most visitors.
Tucked away near Dunvegan in the island’s northwest corner, sweet little Hame gazes out over Loch Vatten. The landscape here is ruggedly beautiful: a stark scene of open plains giving way to sapphire-blue water and the Cuillin Mountains beyond. In keeping with the tranquillity, the hotel seamlessly fuses calming Nordic design with home comforts. The bedrooms are simple but smart, featuring muted grey tones and woollen throws. If you're coming as a group, you can book the whole of the main building (4-5 bedrooms), and have the place to yourselves – with or without staff to cater and plan activities.
In its B&B guise, breakfast is all part of the experience, with hearty Scottish fare on offer in a light-filled, glass-walled dining room overlooking the loch. You are encouraged to treat the place like your home; manager Ada offer local info as well as a help-yourself supply of local Scotch. We’ll take ours in an armchair by that roaring log fire, please!
Tucked away near Dunvegan in the island’s northwest corner, sweet little Hame gazes out over Loch Vatten. The landscape here is ruggedly beautiful: a stark scene of open plains giving way to sapphire-blue water and the Cuillin Mountains beyond. In keeping with the tranquillity, the hotel seamlessly fuses calming Nordic design with home comforts. The bedrooms are simple but smart, featuring muted grey tones and woollen throws. If you're coming as a group, you can book the whole of the main building (4-5 bedrooms), and have the place to yourselves – with or without staff to cater and plan activities.
In its B&B guise, breakfast is all part of the experience, with hearty Scottish fare on offer in a light-filled, glass-walled dining room overlooking the loch. You are encouraged to treat the place like your home; manager Ada offer local info as well as a help-yourself supply of local Scotch. We’ll take ours in an armchair by that roaring log fire, please!
Highs
- A very peaceful and secluded setting with panoramic views over Loch Vatten, the Cuillins and MacLeod’s Tables
- Stylish Scandi design creating a calming ambience to match the tranquil surroundings
- Warm and friendly service from the staff
- Homecooked Scottish breakfast served in a lovely dining room with wild and watery views
- Very dog-friendly
Lows
- It’s remote and not the easiest to find; you’ll certainly need a car and a good map (mobile signal is patchy on Skye)
- You’re a drive away from most shops and restaurants
- We’ve heard a few rumblings about hallway noise in some rooms, but you won't hear a peep from outside
Best time to go
The weather on Skye can be changeable, so come prepared for all seasons. April and May bring spring flowers, the best chance of dry weather, and fewer crowds (and midges). July and August bring lots of visitors - make sure you book well in advance. We think September and October are two of the loveliest months to visit, with fewer people, dramatic skies and still-warm seas. Don't write off the winter months, either; Hame Hotel's roaring fire will keep you toasty, and there's a good chance of having local sites to yourself - just remember to layer up!
Our top tips
Book early. The combination of limited accommodation on the island and such spectacular scenery means rooms get booked up months in advance – especially ones as smart as these.