Balmacara Hotel
7.6
Very Good(525 reviews)
Balmacara Hotel Balmacara, Balmacara, Kyle IV40 8DH, United Kingdom
+44 1599 566751
Hotel Description
Balmacara Hotel, located in Balmacara, Kyle IV40 8DH, United Kingdom, offers guests a cozy and inviting atmosphere with stunning views of the Wester Ross hills. This family-run hotel sits on the shores of Lochalsh, providing easy access to some of Scotland's most iconic landmarks. Just 5 miles from the world-famous Eilean Donan Castle and a mere 4 miles from the bridge leading to the Isle of Skye, the hotel is perfectly positioned for both adventure and relaxation. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast eager to explore the nearby landscapes or someone looking for a tranquil retreat, Balmacara Hotel offers the ideal setting to unwind. The hotel's charming blend of modern and Victorian-style decor adds character to every room, making it a unique and welcoming place for visitors. Rooms come equipped with en suite bathrooms, satellite TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Many rooms also offer access to an outdoor deck with breathtaking loch views, making it easy to enjoy the surrounding beauty right from the comfort of your room. The hotel prides itself on offering guests a warm and homely experience, with a focus on personalized service that makes every stay memorable. Guests are invited to start their day with a full Scottish breakfast, included in the price of the stay, which will fuel them for a day of exploring the nearby sights. For dining options, the hotel features a restaurant serving locally sourced seafood and game, perfect for a taste of traditional Scottish cuisine. The hotel's coffee lounge/bar, with its 1930s-themed décor, provides a relaxing space to unwind with a drink while enjoying views of the Isle of Skye. Free parking is available on-site for all guests, and the property is smoke-free, ensuring a comfortable environment for all. While the hotel does not offer a fitness center or spa, its proximity to outdoor activities makes it a great choice for those who prefer to enjoy the natural surroundings. Whether you're in town for a short visit or planning a longer stay, Balmacara Hotel provides a perfect base for exploring this beautiful part of Scotland. With its central location near public transport and famous landmarks, it allows easy access to a variety of activities and attractions, making it an excellent choice for both couples and families looking to experience the best of the Scottish Highlands.
The Most Outstanding Trait
1. Views of the Wester Ross hills and Lochalsh from many rooms
2. Family-run hotel offering a personalized, home-like atmosphere
3. Free parking and smoke-free property for a comfortable stay
4. Restaurant serving locally sourced seafood and game
5. 1930s-themed coffee lounge/bar with views of the Isle of Skye
6. Full Scottish breakfast included to start your day
7. Proximity to iconic landmarks like Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye
8. Easy access to public transport and nearby sights
9. Some rooms offer access to an outdoor deck with loch views
10. A perfect base for exploring the Scottish Highlands and surrounding areas
8.0 Excellent
Location rating
Top sights
Eilean Donan Castle
7 min
Eilean Donan7 min
Loch Alsh1 hr 3 min
Bealach na BÃ 1 hr 3 min
Caisteal Maol12 min
Nearest locations
Sea View Restaurant
1 min
Pizza-Mia5 min
Hectors Bothy6 min
The Clachan7 min
Taste of India, Kyleakin8 min
The Legend of Saucy Mary Restaurant10 min
Castle Moil Restaurant10 min
Red Skye Restaurant14 min
See more Interesting locations
Good to know
| Check-in | 15:00 |
| Check-out | 12:00 |
| Location rating | 8.0 |
| Nearest airport | Inverness Airport |
| Travel time to airport | 1 hr 53 min |
Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)
Check-in: Fri, Dec 06
Check-out: Sat, Dec 07
$148
$130
$137
$137
$137
$137
$138
$136
$138
$141
$150
$148
$148
$144
$141
$150
$150
$169
$150
$150
$205
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Location
Balmacara Hotel Balmacara, Balmacara, Kyle IV40 8DH, United Kingdom
Airports:
Inverness Airport
Taxi: 1 hr 53 min
Transit:
Nostie Road End
Taxi: 3 min
Walking: 57 min
Village Hall
Taxi: 1 min
Walking: 18 min
Balmacara Hotel
Walking: 1 min
Camp Site Road End
Taxi: 1 min
Walking: 23 min
Business Park
Taxi: 2 min
Walking: 35 min
Nearby locations
8.0
Excellent Location
With views of Wester Ross hills, this straightforward family-run hotel on the shores of Lochalsh is 5 miles from Eilean Donan Castle and 4 miles from the bridge to the Isle of Skye.
Top Attractions
Top Restaurants
Amenities and Facilities
Pets
No pets
Services
Front desk
Parking & transportation
Parking
Policies & payments
Smoke-free property
Food & drink
Restaurant
Bar
Breakfast
Wellness
No fitness center
No spa
Children
Kid-friendly
Internet
Wi-Fi
Pools
No pools
No hot tub
Rooms
Air conditioning
Reviews
100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo
7.0
10 reviews
Wonderful
5
Excellent
0
Good
1
Below Average
3
Not Good
1
Sven Gogalla
5/5
So first of: Absolutely genius chef in the kitchen. The food was amazing. So tasty, the flavors where so rich and deep... I could eat there all day. Absolutely 5 Star rating. The view was awesome with the Loch directly in front of our room. Super convenient location, and a perfect shower. Also the owners and the team are so nice and friendly. We will be back on enjoy the great food. Keep going guys! 💪
Owen Neochi
5/5
What an unexpected surprise. This hotel is great and way better than it looks on the Internet.The rooms are large, neat and modern. The bathrooms look newly renovated. The restaurant serves amazing food including a good selection of vegetarian.The staff are friendly and helpful. It was really nice to get a drink and sure outside in the sun and enjoy the evening view.They also provided a small fridge for those that need to keep medication cold
CH
Cameran H
3/5
Food excellent, if rather a limited menu. Perfect view of the loch. This was a hotel staffed by willing but exacerbated workers.  …
Elaine Flook
2/5
Very disappointed. We stayed 2 nights as Rabbies tour booked us. Upon arrival the desk person was curt and unwelcoming. We chalked up to busy.Our room was recently renovated , on first glance a lovely room. Not so. Our door did not lock properly as the bolt did not fit the receptacle. The new windows had keys in them but did not lock as they were not hung flush. Bathroom did not have towel warmer. Only one towel hook. A sink so small brushing teeth was difficult.Our room was cold...16 degrees in October!!! We asked desk to please adjust as thermostat was locked. Desk responded that cool was good for us. I insisted that it be at least 19. She said someone would adjust soon. After 2 hours I again visited desk. Was told that help was coming but they were BUSY. For 2 nights we slept with sweater and toques on. Windows that did not seal. Unfortunately when we were packing to leave we discovered a portable heater in a storage unit. Would have been helpful if staff had just told us that.Also we dropped something so moved the bed to retrieve it. We were shocked and disgusted to see an inch of dirt and dust bunnies. GROSS.We ate in the restaurant. Menu is limited. No vegetables. When I asked if there was any greens in the goat cheese SALAD I was told you are the second person to ask that. What's with you guys? There was a sprig of parsley on a bowl of goat cheese. Other meals eaten by my fellow traveller's were fatty meats, no greens, over priced burgers. I had 3 cold fish tacos.Even as a guest of the hotel you are expected to make dinner reservation. Second night I asked for my bill SEVERAL times. Waitress was the only one waiting several tables. I ultimately went out to the desk and demanded my bill. It was late, we were tired, and being ignored.Breakfast was good. Service in the mornings was good.Location is such that unless you have a vehicle to escape to real food you are captive.We visited Scotland for 2 weeks and this was the newest and WORST room and food on the entire trip.Rabbies needs to reevaluate giving this place so much business .
CE
Christopher E
5/5
Spent the night at Balmacara and it was wonderful! We were tired from a lot of driving but the hotel and its amenities were fantastic! Highly recommend the restaurant as the food was on point! Portions were great too! The staff went out of their way to see to all of our needs, all with a smile on their face.
HA
Helpful A
5/5
We really enjoyed our stay at this hotel. It is a bit far from Plockton but it has a beautiful view of Skye and Loch Alsh. Our room had a nice big window where we could look out onto the Loch. …
Joana Bicha
1/5
Very disappointing hotel! Ridiculously overpriced. The room was big, however was not clean. The floor and the windows were dirty (a big fly was smashed at the window from inside). The toilet floor was full of hairs and inside the shower there was an empty shampoo bottle from the previous guests. The kettle was dirty and when we complained to the receptionist the only answer was "OK, i will let them know" (no apologies or offer to change the kettle). Very unprofessional staff. The cherry on the cake was during the check out the staff at the reception ask us how was the stay and we said "more or less", his answer was just "OK, have a nice day!" (apparently to know what went wrong is not important!). Unfortunately we had to stay in this hotel because we didn't have another option, but if you have, please run away! Definitely we will never return to this place.
Andrea Maxwell
5/5
So impressed with the service I received here despite arriving on a busy Friday night. They went out their way to ensure I had something to eat the next day as was missing breakfast which I am so appreciative of. Rooms were lovely and comfortable bed and facilities. Would highly recommend!
Room 5
Service 5
Location5
CH
Catherine H
2/5
We have just returned from a 2 week trip around Scotland in our new campervan - a first for us. We visited the Isle of Skye and booked to stay at the campsite next door to the Balmacara Hotel for one night. …
PS
Pamela S
2/5
Location is very good but let down by indifferent attitude at reception. Maybe this has recently changed hands. I found reception staff abrupt and unwelcoming. …