We were very pleased with all the aspects of our trip to the Outer Hebrides and Edinburgh/
Scotland
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Apr 30 - May 12, 2023
We were very pleased with all the aspects of our trip. I think it’s important to realize the smaller hotels have lots of history and sometime interesting room set ups, but everything works and the breakfast included feature is a real plus as the Scots put on a feast that sets you up for the day. We did not use a guide, but we hired local taxi drivers on three occasions that took us around Lewis, Harris, Skye,, and From Fort William back to Edinburg. Each had lots to tell us and teach us about the places we were. It was nice some days to go slow and stay on our own timeframe, hike, eat light and explore the local town.
The Edinburg B&B had a broken elevator and a story they were waiting for a part but I think that’s a long way out, but we found young men to haul our bags. Broadway House on Lewis is a gem, food , view, accommodations, proprietors. HEB360 local guide A+. RAASAY Distillery and the island itself a highlight. We got a taxi driver from Portree to go over on the ferry with his car and drive us all around the island before checking in…totally a must to do. The Distillery, like so many places, is waiting for more waitstaff to appear for the summer after college gets out. They are a small distillery working on how they want to grow, and share dining days with the inn next door.Lovely hikes there and an amazing view back at Skye. Garrison Hotel in Fort William is also a gem, Small rooms but we had every single thing thought out to be comfortable and charming staff. NEVIS Taxi a real find too, who took us to Edinburg. Hotel Du Vin a bit gloomy lobby and room but spacious and food , staff wonderful and a great location. A last stop before the airport. Security and check in for Edinburg airport , under a lot of construction can take more time than you think so give yourself a bit extra. Luigi from KIM KIM made it all . The plus is having everything paid for, the ability to edit a trip with your own preferences with someone who knows the area. A MUST is to book restaurants AHEAD of time. Everyone is short staffed and Skye in particular was difficult so were were glad we booked ahead as many other tourists ate from the grocery store shelves! We took ferries and taxis and planes.
The hospitality and the humor of the Scots is just wonderful.
Hotel Reviews
Comfortable Beds, Charming Library on second floor. A busy place. Elevator broken so ask for help. Breakfast generous. A good practical stopping place. Our room was on lower level. Could use better reading lights.
The view is spectacular, the decor is comfortable bright, the rooms are delightful, the proprietors cook, serve check in to see how you are, converse with care and animation. It is right on the sea, sheep on the lawn, a beach to walk on. By far one of the best places to “be”.
Old English is hotel with friendly staff, a basic dining room and a pizza (excellent)pub attached right near the ferry which is a plus, A small quiet town with a few cute shops, Harris Tweed, a craft show. Located in Tarbert before glorious beaches on Harris its a wonderful old fashioned place owned by a brother and sister intent on keeping the best of the old and adding on to it.
This is a basic hotel but with spacious rooms and a good location. Good solid breakfast. Handles a lot of vacationers. On the Main Street and the room was at street level but the town goes silent early. Reservations are a must and there are a number of good restaurants. If you want more charm there are places within a short walk on the harbor but if you want to be central and walk the town for a short stay this served us very well. A local advised us not to enter the pub attached so we did not.
Such a fun place to stay. Clever small rooms efficiently done, colorful functional. Check in was in the bar with very happy and fun staff. At the end of a pedestrian street, quiet. After some of the more interesting and rustic places we stayed this was a pleasant surprise. Breakfast was delicious, fresh juice, cooked to order,
Big old building near the modern Scottish Museum and University of Edinburgh. We were given a large room that had an old long tub to relax in, a sitting area and large bed. Very comfortable and nice to spread out in after two weeks on the road. The lobby and terrace area are a bit shabby but the lounge was comfortable as was the room. The lighting was a bit dark. The restuarant was wonderful and very interesting space. Staff bent over backwards.
