Duisdale House Hotel

This charming hotel, nestled in a picturesque setting, is celebrated for its stunning views of the water and mountains, offering a tranquil escape on the Isle of Skye. Its signature feature is the combination of a serene, remote location with an exceptional dining experience that consistently receives high praise. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic and relaxing getaway, sightseers who appreciate a quiet base for exploring the island, and pet owners due to its very accommodating dog-friendly policy. While the remote location provides peace, guests should be prepared for longer drives to major attractions, making a car highly recommended. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room not directly above the kitchen to minimize potential noise, and be aware that while the hotel's dining is superb, exploring other local eateries might offer more variety for longer stays.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed for guest comfort and relaxation. The bar and lounge areas are frequently highlighted as cozy spaces, perfect for enjoying a drink, with a notable selection of whisky and gin. Guests appreciate the well-maintained gardens that contribute to the picturesque setting. While some reviews mention a hot tub, feedback is mixed regarding its availability and an additional charge for its use. Private parking is available and convenient, though some guests noted challenges with poor mobile network services impacting the use of nearby EV charging spots. It is worth noting that the hotel does not have an elevator, which guests with heavy luggage should consider, as rooms are located on upper floors. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally available, though some guests experienced inconsistent signal strength in certain areas.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and overall comfort of the rooms, describing them as spacious, tastefully decorated, and luxurious. The beds are frequently highlighted as exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Most bathrooms are noted for being clean and modern, often featuring good showers. However, some guests have pointed out specific issues, such as small showers despite large bathroom spaces, a lack of bath accessories, or an odd layout in some bathrooms. Noise can be a concern for some, with mentions of sounds from the kitchen below, thin walls, and slamming doors impacting tranquility. A few guests also noted issues with room temperature, particularly in rooms under the eaves lacking air conditioning. In-room amenities like complimentary toiletries, robes, and coffee makers are generally appreciated, though housekeeping consistency, such as replenishing supplies, received mixed feedback.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience is a significant highlight for many guests. Breakfast consistently receives high praise for its deliciousness, excellent quality, and wide variety of options. Dinner is frequently described as amazing, creative, and of a fine dining standard, utilizing local and fresh ingredients. The bar is also well-regarded for its cozy atmosphere and selection of beverages. However, a recurring theme in reviews is the high price of dinner, with some guests finding it to be poor value due to small portions and a perceived lack of simpler, more casual menu alternatives. While the food quality is generally high, a few guests noted inconsistencies, such as dishes lacking seasoning. Dining service is largely commended for being friendly, attentive, and professional, though some experiences included slow service, disorganization, or an additional charge for certain coffee types.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a defining feature, offering a stunning and picturesque setting with breathtaking views of the water and surrounding landscape. Guests appreciate the quiet and peaceful atmosphere, finding it a welcome retreat from more touristy areas. However, its remoteness is a frequent point of discussion; the hotel is a bit out of the way from major Isle of Skye attractions like Portree, necessitating a car for exploration as public transportation and taxis are not readily available. Despite this, its proximity to the ferry and a short walk to a pebble beach are noted advantages. Some guests also experienced challenges with poor mobile network services in the area, which can impact navigation and communication.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives overwhelming praise, being described as friendly, warm, welcoming, helpful, and attentive. Many guests highlight their professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is generally smooth, and staff are commended for accommodating various requests, including dietary needs and specific room preferences. However, some guests reported inconsistencies in staff knowledge regarding hotel policies and mixed messages on certain rules, such as where pets are permitted. A few reviews also touched on perceived issues with management or instances where the hotel seemed understaffed, leading to occasional delays in service, particularly during busy periods. Despite these isolated concerns, the overall sentiment is that the staff significantly contributes to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a very accommodating pet-friendly policy, providing amenities like a dog bed and bowl in the room, and allowing pets in the bar area. However, there is a notable pet fee charged per night, which some guests found to be expensive. The hot tub is another feature that comes with an additional usage fee or time limitations, which surprised some visitors. The hotel is a popular venue for weddings, with many guests praising the staff's ability to manage such events seamlessly. During the festive season, the hotel is beautifully adorned with Christmas decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests should also be aware that the hotel has a policy of not calling taxis for guests, and some of the main building's interiors are described as somewhat dated or traditional. While the bar prices are mentioned as being on the higher side, the quality of drinks is generally appreciated.