Marmalade Hotel, Portree
HANDPICKED COLLECTION
A boutique Stay on the Isle of Skye
Uber-stylish stay with spa meets historic manor house; an idyllic setting and excellent eatery make this boutique hotel the perfect Portree getaway.
Marmalade Hotel, Portree
Tucked away in the leafy outskirts of Portree lies Marmalade, a boutique hotel whose grounds are home to a wood-fired sauna, firepit, and forest views. Once a manor house, now a contemporary small hotel, this is a place to truly relax after days spent exploring the magical Isle of Skye. Rooms are gorgeously decorated - think big, super comfy beds, rainfall showers, and the most luxurious soft furnishings and locally made textiles.
It’s an easy walk to Portree with its colourful harbour, independent stores, and cocktail bars. But we don't blame you if you don’t want to leave the hotel. Onsite restaurant Chargrill serves a mouthwatering menu of elevated favourites, while the relaxation room and wood-fired sauna are tempting.
Day trips to Skye’s most iconic castles, landscapes, beaches, and waterfalls are easy, plus you can have adventures in the town’s wilder places, with walking trails and boat trips in Portree.
You could say a stay at Marmalade Hotel is the perfect blend of busy days spent exploring and evenings in utter relaxation. However, this hotel makes for a magical weekend getaway in its own right.
Luxurious, relaxed, cosy, and stylish - Marmalade Hotel is easily one of our favourite places to stay in Scotland.
Rooms & Spaces
Each of the 34 rooms features king-size beds and a thoughtful list of luxurious extras, including modern comforts like Nespresso coffee machines and Bose sound systems. The decor is suitably stylish and has been given a contemporary spin thanks to bold colours and a plethora of sumptuous materials across heavy cushions, throws, and curtains. Everything here is geared towards relaxation, so it’ll be no surprise that bathrooms are given an extra lift with Highland Soap toiletries, fluffy robes, and glorious rainfall showers.
After a day of exploring Skye (or battling the Scottish elements), the hotel’s friendly team will happily spark up the wood-fired sauna, chill in the relaxation rooms with daybeds, and revel in the sauna with its garden views and ever-changing light.
Or put your feet up in the guest lounge, complete with books, games, and a chess board amidst a sea of jewel-coloured velvet cushions and comfy sofas.
Food
The hotel’s restaurant, Chargrill, serves a fantastic menu of crowd-pleasing favourites cooked on the grill but with fine-dining flair; we highly recommend the cornfed chicken with corn puree & charred corn, and the mouthwatering rib eye steak.
Don’t hold back on the sides either, which are a touch of genius: heritage carrots with fermented carrot top pesto, & hot honey yoghurt, and broccoli with Isle of Mull cheddar espuma and almonds are quirky and delicious.
When it comes to atmosphere, at first glance, the dining room is all fine dining decor and formality. Yet the vibe is oh-so-relaxed, with a team of friendly staff who are only too happy to help. This is also where breakfast is served, an equally delicious offering with a tower of pastries followed by full Scottish (for him) and perfectly poached eggs with avo on sourdough (for her).
Of course, produce is sourced locally from the West Coast’s natural larder, and we loved that the list of suppliers was shown on the menu. Absolute foodie heaven.
Getting here
You’ll find Marmalade Hotel in a leafy, quiet suburb in Skye’s capital town, Portree. The easiest way to get here is driving yourself; it's a 3-hour drive from Inverness and a 5-hour drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow. But you can also take a bus directly from Inverness or Glasgow; the hotel is a 10-minute walk from the bus station.
In the area
You’re an easy 5-minute walk into harbour town Portree; visit the colourful houses and hunt for shells on the rocky beach.
Head to stylish Birch cafe for artisan coffee; beans are hand-roasted in small batches on the island.
Take a boat trip across Portree Bay to spot seals, the cleared village of Scòrr and Scarf Cave.
Walk a stretch of coastal path; the Scorrybreac Circuit is one of our favourites, with scenic views over the mountains and harbour.
Spend rainy days catching a movie in Las Cinema, complete with an excellent pizzeria. Or explore the boutique stores (ÒR and Skye Candle Co are our favourites).
In the evening, Portree is a lively spot. We recommend the charming Merchant Bar for whisky, the lively Isles Inn for local beers, and Caberfeidh Bar for cocktails.
Road trip around Skye’s highlights: the Old Man of Storr, Dunvegan Castle, and Kilt Rock to name only a very few.
Explore Skye’s lesser-visited peninsulas: Waternish, Sleat, Uig, and Elgol are quite spots with wild landscapes and epic coastal views.