Val Penny's Hotel and Restaurant Reviews The Traveller's Guide to Hotels and Restaurants around the World

I had been to the Isle of Skye, Scotland twice. On both occasions the weather had been beautiful. More frequent visitors assured me this was not typical! It recently occurred to me that I had not been to “the misty Isle” since they built the bridge from the mainland to Skye: from Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin. I did not realise the bridge had been completed in 1995! Time flies!

So it was a delight when my friend, Ann, agreed that the two of us should take a trip to Skye together. We arranged to stay in Broadford at the Dunollie Hotel. Broadford derives its name from Old Norse, meaning the wide bay. In later years, legend has it that Bonnie Prince Charlie gave the recipe for Drambuie to Clan MacKinnon, to thank the clan for helping him escape to France. Flora Macdonald, who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape, is also buried on the Isle of Skye, so there are a lot of stories from that time.

The hotel is not a particularly beautiful building, however, it is seated between the coast and the foot of Beinn na Caillich leading towards the famous Cuillin Hills. It is an ideal base from which to discover the area and its wildlife. It is also well-placed for exploring the Isle of Skye. Checking in was dealt with quickly and courteously.

All the rooms are en-suite and the hotel was spotlessly clean. The crisp white sheets and fluffy white towels made a really good impression. But it transpired that the hotel had only opened on the Monday before we arrived on the Friday and upon entering them our rooms were very cold. However they had a heater in them and this was very effective. By the time we came back to our rooms after dinner they were lovely and warm. We could feel the hotel opening as our stay progressed.

Each room has a nice, full hospitality tray of teas and coffees and good quality complimentary toiletries in the en-suite bathroom. The water from the hot taps was, indeed, always hot and there was a bath with a good quality shower above it. The beds were very comfortable and I was very pleased with my room. It was not fancy, but was more than adequate.

As the hotel had not been open long there were not very many staff to look after the guests. However, they were all very hard working and took good care of us pleasantly and with good humour. The bar and lounge areas had no particular style or welcoming atmosphere. However, they do have wifi.

The food was good. Breakfasts are buffet style. At dinner, our first and last courses were served to us but our main course was buffet style. The menu is interesting and varied. Vegetarians are catered for. The food is of excellent quality and there is plenty of it. If you want a drink from the bar with your dinner you have to buy it first and then take it with you to the diningroom. The hotel is not suitable for those who are wheelchair bound as there are stairs to the diningroom and no lift.

I enjoyed my stay at the Dunollie Hotel and would use this comfortable Scottish hotel again.

Valerie Penny