I stayed in 'no.1 hotel in Scotland' - it's an ideal island escape

This Isle of Skye hotel was named best in Scotland in late 2025. Rosalind Erskine visited for a winter escape.

The Isle of Skye, I think, is at its most magical in winter. The short days and cold weather give way to stunning sunsets and sunrises, and there are far fewer tourists. You may also glimpse the northern lights.

It’s late November/early December when we visit Kinloch Lodge, located about 20 minutes drive from the Skye Bride, on the Sleet peninsula. Named number one hotel in Scotland in 2025 by Condé Nast Traveller's prestigious Readers' Choice Awards, this former hunting seat of Clan Macdonald has been in the same family for hundreds of years and is a relaxing bolthole in which to explore the famous island.

placeholder image — Kinloch Lodge on Skye | Kinloch Lodge

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Budget or boutique?

With less than 20 rooms across the north and south lodges - divided into cosy, luxury and suite offerings - this is a proper boutique hotel.

Room service

Our suite was in the south lodge, which is a more modern building in the grounds of the original lodge. Inside we enjoyed a large bedroom with a king sized bed and desk area, separate living room and huge bathroom with walk-in shower and bathtub. The bedroom and living room both had wonderful views across Loch na Dal, where we could watch the sunset in the afternoon. Decorated in a modern version of a traditional style with light green and white feature wallpaper and furniture, this was a very restful and comfortable room. The south lodge also has its own drawing room, with open fire, for guests to relax in after a meal or day out on Skye.

Archie at Kinloch Lodge on Skye | Rosalind Erskine

Wining or dining

Kinloch Lodge was opened as a hotel by Godfrey Macdonald (8th Baron Macdonald of Sleatand) and his wife, Lady Claire in 1972. It is now run by their daughter, Isabella and celebrated 50 years back in 2022 with the release of a beautiful coffee table book. Food and celebrating the island’s larder has been a big part of the Kinloch story, which is still evident today in the menus served in the panelled dining room (which is decorated with historic-looking portraits and artwork).

We had dinner both nights here from the daily changing menu. Starting with pre-dinner snacks, which when we stayed included: Skye smokehouse salmon tartare, herb emulsion and compressed cucumber; starters and mains were a mix of seasonal game such as grouse and locally caught fish such as turbot. Desserts included: milk panna cotta served with fresh heather honeycomb, bramble compote and blackcurrant clotted cream ice cream and sea buckthorn gateaux opera served with raspberry curd and passionfruit sorbet.

Breakfast is also served in the dining room and includes homemade granola; granary toast, homemade scones and a selection of homemade jam and marmalade; a full Scottish breakfast and lighter options such as scrambled free range eggs and Kinloch hot-smoked salmon on granary toast.

There’s also a cosy hotel bar, which has a selection of local gin and whisky including a few bottles from nearby Torabhaig distillery - an ideal place to unwind with a nightcap.

Worth getting out of bed for

The Isle of Skye has loads to offer, no matter when you visit. Kinloch Lodge is a short drive from the island’s newest distillery, Torabhaig, where you can visit for tours or to buy a bottle or two. Whisky fans can also visit Talisker and the newly Michelin recommended Three Chimneys at Talisker restaurant which is located right by the distillery.

We drove the hour journey from Kinloch Lodge to the Old Man of Storr walking route which wasn’t very busy and a lovely, hilly walk with Archie, our dog. Portree has some shops and it’s well worth visiting Birch (which has recently been recognised in the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026) for a very good coffee and sweet treat.

Little extras

Our room had bath robes and slippers and full sized, lovely-smelling Laura Thomas toiletries as well as tea and coffee making facilities complete with shortbread.

Guestbook comments

On the far edge of the Isle of Skye, where lochs meet mountains and time slows to the rhythm of the land, Kinloch Lodge is quietly redefining Highland hospitality. Once the hunting seat of Clan Macdonald, now a family-run retreat rooted in authenticity and nature, Kinloch offers a powerful lens through which to explore Scotland’s untamed beauty – especially in the off-season.