After a full day of winding along the single-track roads of Scotland’s Isle of Skye, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to unwind than Hame on Skye. Tucked away on the quieter northwest side of the island, this boutique hotel feels less like a traditional hotel and more like the stylish country home of a friend who happens to have impeccable taste.
The word hame means “home” in Scots, and that’s exactly the feeling the property aims to create. My teen daughter and I were there as part of the Taste of Skye Rabbie’s tour, and our group of eight travelers, plus our guide, were immediately welcomed inside to relax in the cozy communal living room as our luggage was offloaded. Games, books, and an honor bar were just a few of the elements that made us instantly love the space.
Hame on Skye sits just outside the village of Dunvegan, making it an excellent base for exploring the island’s western attractions while avoiding the crowds. It’s an easy drive to Portree, the Talisker Distillery, and the Fairy Pools, all of which we’d visit on our tour, but you feel like you are miles away, surrounded only by water and sheep farms. You’ll definitely want a car while you are there, or do what we did and avoid the stress by visiting via a Rabbie’s tour.
Guest rooms at the Hame Hotel
The guest rooms continue the hotel’s modern-but-cozy aesthetic. My room had two twin beds and plenty of areas for us to spread out our luggage and tuck jackets on door hooks. While the rooms make efficient use of space, travelers looking for sprawling accommodations may find them somewhat compact. When you come back after a day of exploring, you’ll be happy to see your room’s kettle waiting to warm you up.
The property has only ten guest rooms, a selection of king, double, and twin options, all with en-suite bathrooms featuring locally sourced bath products. Because of the intimate nature of the property, it’s best suited for adults rather than families with children.
One of my favorite features of Hame on Skye is the shared guest lounge. Rather than retreating to your room at the end of the day, you’ll probably find yourself lingering here with wee dram of whisky or a glass of wine you got from the honesty bar. Comfortable sofas were the perfect spot to review the next day’s itinerary and chat with fellow travelers.
- Get a universal plug adapter
- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Guided Tours in Scotland
- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
Dining at the Hame Hotel
Foodies will especially enjoy this spot, as a delicious breakfast is included with your stay. I had to try the haggis toast with homemade bacon and Talisker whisky jam, while my daughter opted for the berry-topped French toast. Both received excellent reviews from us and were the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring. You won’t want to miss the three-course dinner service, which included options like venison burgers and curried seabass.
Meals are enjoyed in the bright dining room overlooking the surrounding countryside. When the weather is good, the large doors are opened wide to let in the fresh air.
Final Thoughts
The Hame on Skye is open for guest reservations from mid-March through October. Rooms start at £159 per night, with breakfast included. Wifi is free, and all rooms have their own TV. They offer wellness retreats and other special events throughout the year.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
If you want to visit Hame on Skye with Rabbie’s, the three-day Taste of Skye: Wild Landscapes & Local Flavours tour starts at $623 per person.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer Kate Loweth. My stay at Hame on Skye was sponsored (paid for) by Rabbie’s Tours, but all the opinions are my own.
