Must-see hotels in Northern Highlands & Islands

  • Torridon

    Ullapool to Kyle of Lochalsh

    If you prefer the lap of luxury to the sound of rain beating on your tent, head for this lavish Victorian shooting lodge with a romantic lochside location…

  • Craigvar

    East Coast

    Luxury living with a refined touch is what you’ll find in this delightful Georgian house in Strathpeffer's heart. Classy little extras are all here,…

  • Toravaig House Hotel

    Skye

    This hotel, 3 miles south of Isleornsay, is one of those places where the owners know a thing or two about hospitality – as soon as you arrive you’ll feel…

  • Albannach

    North & West Coast

    The Albannach combines old-fashioned country-house elements – steep creaky stairs, stuffed animals, fireplaces and noble antique furniture – with…

  • Mey House

    Caithness

    Beautifully situated among green fields running down to water and with majestic views of Orkney, Dunnet Head and the nearby Castle of Mey, this modern top…

  • Summer Isles Hotel

    North & West Coast

    This is a special place, with cracking views and wonderfully romantic rooms (one themed on Charlie Chaplin, who stayed here), plus other suites in…

  • Mackays Rooms

    North & West Coast

    You really feel you’re at the furthest corner of Scotland here, where the road turns through 90 degrees. But whether heading south or east, you’ll go far…

  • Cloisters

    North & West Coast

    Superbly located Cloisters has three en suite rooms by an artistically converted church and absolutely brilliant views over the Kyle of Tongue and…

  • Ceilidh Place

    Ullapool

    This hotel is a celebration of Scottish culture: we’re talking literature and traditional music, not tartan and Nessie dolls. Rooms go for character over…

  • Pennyland House

    Caithness

    A super conversion of a historic house, this is a standout B&B choice. It offers phenomenal value for this level of accommodation, with huge oak-furnished…

  • Tamarin Lodge

    Ullapool

    Effortlessly elegant modern architecture in this hilltop house is noteworthy in its own right, but the glorious vistas over the hills opposite and water…

  • Plockton Hotel

    Ullapool to Kyle of Lochalsh

    Black-painted Plockton Hotel is one of those classic Highland spots that manages to make everyone happy, whether it’s thirst, hunger or fatigue that…

  • West House

    Ullapool

    Slap bang in Ullapool's centre, this solid house, once a manse, has excellent rooms with contemporary style and great bathrooms. There's no breakfast, but…

  • Hillstone Lodge

    Skye

    You can't help notice the many new houses on Skye that bear the hallmarks of award-winning local architects Rural Design – weathered timber walls and…

  • Mary's Thatched Cottages

    Skye

    These thatch-roofed dwellings (each sleeping two to four people) by the roadside as you arrive in Elgol from Broadford must be the island's cutest…

  • Polochar Inn

    Outer Hebrides

    This 18th-century inn has been transformed into a stylish, welcoming hotel with a stunning location looking out across the sea to Barra. The excellent…

  • 2 Quail

    East Coast

    Intimate and upmarket, 2 Quail offers a warm main-street welcome. Tasteful, spacious chambers are full of old-world comfort, with sturdy metal bed frames,…

  • Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse

    Trotternish

    This hostel enjoys a glorious setting overlooking Uig Bay, with superb views from its ultra-stylish lounge. The dorms have custom-built wooden bunks that…

  • Tigh an Dochais

    Skye

    A cleverly designed modern building, Tigh an Dochais is one of Skye's best B&Bs – a little footbridge leads to the front door, which is on the 1st floor…

  • Tigh Arran

    Ullapool to Kyle of Lochalsh

    It's hard to decide which is better at this sweet spot 2 miles from the Plockton shorefront – the warm personal welcome or the absolutely stunning views…

  • Borve Lodge Estate

    Outer Hebrides

    This estate on the west side of South Harris has developed some of the most spectacular self-catering accommodation in the Outer Hebrides, including the…

  • Langass Lodge

    Outer Hebrides

    The delightful Langass Lodge hotel is a former shooting lodge set in splendid isolation overlooking Loch Langais. Refurbished and extended, it now offers…

  • Raasay House

    Skye

    Beautifully renovated Raasay House (originally the laird's residence), just a short walk from the ferry pier, provides outdoor activity courses and…

  • Heb Hostel

    Outer Hebrides

    The Heb is an easygoing hostel close to the ferry, with comfy wooden bunks, a convivial living room with peat fire and a welcoming owner who can provide…

  • Port Carnish

    Outer Hebrides

    A beautifully designed timber building set on an old croft with a stunning outlook across the sands of Uig Bay, this romantic cottage offers luxury self…

  • Kintail Lodge Hotel

    North & West Coast

    Run with a friendly can-do attitude, this is an excellent haven of Highland hospitality on the main road right by Loch Duich. Superior rooms are…

  • Coul House Hotel

    East Coast

    At Contin, south of Strathpeffer on the A835, Coul House dates from 1821 but has a light, airy feel in contrast to many country houses of this vintage. It…

  • Dornoch Castle Hotel

    East Coast

    This 16th-century former bishop’s palace makes a wonderful place to stay. Standard rooms are compact but comfortable, although this is a spot to splash…

  • Altnaharra Hotel

    North & West Coast

    With two centuries of history as an angling destination, this remote, upmarket hotel has bags of character and is popular with fisherfolk. The variety of…

  • Torridon SYHA

    Ullapool to Kyle of Lochalsh

    This spacious hostel has enthusiastic, can-do management and sits in a magnificent location, surrounded by spectacular mountains. Roomy dorms and privates…

  • Acarsaid

    Caithness

    This ultra-spacious modern house overlooking clifftop farmland offers a big-hearted welcome and unusual amenities. Rooms are comfortable, with balconies,…

  • Shandwick House

    East Coast

    This centrally located, assured conversion of a historic building is a friendly and sound choice. Rooms are lovely: spacious and uncluttered, with respect…

  • Bettyhill Hotel

    North & West Coast

    This historic hotel has a fabulous position overlooking the marvellous perspective of the sandy beach fringing Torrisdale Bay. The owners have been doing…

  • Tigh-nan-Ubhal

    North & West Coast

    In the middle of Tongue and within a minute's stumbling distance of two pubs is this charming B&B. There are snug, loft-style rooms with plenty of natural…

  • Alladale Wilderness Reserve

    East Coast

    In deep wilderness near Croick, this lodge is part of a notable rewilding project. The main lodge (which includes meals) is, in summer, for entire hire…

  • Teuchters

    Caithness

    Right by the Gills Bay ferry, 3 miles west of John O'Groats, this purpose-built B&B offers three excellent rooms with modern en suites. Expect plenty of…

  • Applecross Inn

    Ullapool to Kyle of Lochalsh

    The hub of the spread-out Applecross community, this inn is a great spot to hole up, but you'll need to book ahead. Seven snug bedrooms all have a view of…

  • Smoo Lodge

    North & West Coast

    A sizeable former shooting lodge on ample grounds has been lovingly restored to a very high standard. Excellent rooms feature high-quality mattresses and…

  • Glenmorangie House

    East Coast

    Used by the Glenmorangie distillery to house visitors, this lovely 17th-century mansion also welcomes independent guests. It's in a very peaceful location…

  • Blue Reef Cottages

    Outer Hebrides

    These luxury self-catering cottages (sleeping two) were built to an award-winning architect's design using stone walls and a turf roof, with panoramic…