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 rental 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 works as both hotel and rental. Two in one!
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, woollen throws and freshly cut flowers. 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, food is all part of the experience, with hearty breakfasts taking place in a light-filled, glass-walled dining room overlooking the loch. You are encouraged to treat the place like your home, the managers offer heaps of 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 owners and staff
- Excellent homecooked fare served in a lovely, light-filled 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)
- Only breakfast available, although from time to time pop-ups and guest chef residencies will be running (enquire when booking)
- You’re a drive away from 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. July and August bring lots of visitors - make sure you book well in advance. Don't write off the colder 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.
- Boutique Hotel or Rental
- 4-8 rooms
- Restaurant + honesty bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
The hotel is on one level, so all rooms are on the ground floor. They share a contemporary, pared-back style, and all are similar: you can choose double (a couple of these are kingsize) or twin beds. Expect wooden flooring, spotlight lamps and soothing grey hues. Locally woven blankets and woolly cushions add warmth, while photographs of Skye landscapes add subtle colour.
Ensuite bathrooms feature showers over bath and locally made toiletries from Highland Soap Co. All rooms come with tea trays and televisions, and can fit an extra bed or cot on request.
Features include:
- WiFi
Eating
Hame’s glass-fronted dining room is spectacular; on clear days you can see the Cuillins. Begin in the mornings with generous breakfasts and locally roasted coffee. Choose between homemade granola, piping-hot porridge, eggs done any way or the full Scottish fry-up, all served alongside that glorious loch view.
Other meals may be on offer if a pop-up kitchen or guest chef residency is in place, with a daily changing menu championing local produce. You can expect fresh seafood to feature regularly – we hear the local langoustine is excellent. In the evenings, retire to the lounge and help yourself to a Talisker whisky (made on Skye) or a Cuillin ale from the honesty bar.
For eating out, the nearest restaurant is The Old School in Dunvegan (5km), which comes highly recommended.
Features include:
- Children's meals
- Restaurant
Activities
- Explore Dunvegan Castle (5km), the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and the ancestral home of the clan MacLeod; stroll through its gardens, or take a boat out to the seal colony
- Hike the Cuillin Hills – they’re not for the inexperienced, so organise a guide and be prepared for narrow ridges!
- Visit the Talisker Distillery, set on the shores of Loch Harport, where Skye’s own Scotch whisky is produced
- Head south to Glen Brittle to see its picturesque Fairy Pools, a string of pretty streams and waterfalls set against a mountainous backdrop
- Head north to the Trotternish peninsula to walk the Old Man of Storr, a tall rock pinnacle formed by an ancient landside
- Foraging tours, braais and wild cooking can be arranged – ask staff for details.
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Wildlife
Kids
Kids are allowed at Hame Hotel, but it isn't catered towards families, especially those with young children. Beds and cots can be added to all rooms, and there are two twin rooms that could be booked out for older kids – though teenagers might get bored here. There are no real activities on-site for youngsters, but there’s endless space outside.
Family friendly accommodation:
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Baby equipment:
- High chair
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Kids Activities nearby:
- Farm animals
- Play park
- Woodland walks
- Cycling
- Searching for fairies at the Fairy Glen or Fairy Pools
- Dolphin and whale watching
Families Should Know:
Keep any eye on little ones when close to the loch shore.
Distances:
- Airport: 3 hours
- Hospital: 30 minutes
- Supermarket: 5 minutes (village shop in Dunvegan)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Hame Hotel is located 5km from Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, off the coast of Scotland.
By Air
There's no airport on Skye, so you'd need to fly to Inverness (210km from the hotel), Glasgow (350km) or Edinburgh (400km), and then drive or take public transport via the Skye bridge.
By Car
The Skye road bridge connects the Scottish mainland with Skye; it's a one-hour drive from the bridge to Hame Hotel. Alternatively, you can drive to Mallaig and catch the ferry to Armadale on Skye (45 mins). From Armadale it's a 75-minute drive to Hame Hotel. A three-pin plug point is available in the car park for electric vehicle charging - ask the hotel where to park before your arrival.
For car rentals, click here to see our recommendations.
By Public Transport
From Glasgow or Edinburgh, you could take a bus (or train-bus combo) via Fort William or Inverness to Portree on the island of Skye (6-7 hours); and from there a taxi (30 mins). But you might feel quite isolated without your own wheels.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Inverness Airport 210.0 km INV
- Glasgow Airport 350.0 km GLA
Other:
- Beach 4.8 km
- Shops 5.0 km
- Restaurant 3.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape