Portree Stylish Stay | Marmalade Hotel Review
Looking for the perfect Portree getaway? We’ve got you covered. Read our review of our latest stay at Marmalade Hotel, an uber stylish small hotel in the town’s leafy outskirts that makes the perfect Skye base.
By: Lesley Stewart | Updated March 2025
Marmalade Hotel, Portree
Tucked away in the leafy outskirts of Portree lies Marmalade Hotel, a boutique bolthole that was the perfect base on our most recent trip around the Isle of Skye.
When I was researching for this trip, I wanted a location that would be an excellent base for successful exploring and have amenities within easy walking distance. Portree was the perfect option—there are restaurants, cafes, boutique stores, and practical shops, plus it’s within easy reach of the island’s highlights.
The next decision? Finding the perfect hotel, something cosy but stylish, a place to truly relax after days spent exploring.
Enter Marmalade Hotel, a former manor house reimagined as a chic small stay.
There are only 34 rooms, so it's intimate but not overly so. The grounds are aesthetically pleasing and offer just as much by way of amenities. Complete with a contemporary restaurant, cocktail & whisky bar, outdoor sauna, and relaxation room, it’s easy to see why this is one of Portree’s most popular stays.
Walking into the hotel, my first impression was the welcoming vibe created by the friendly staff, who are a font of local knowledge.
And, having hiked The Storr earlier that day, I was worried about muddy boots, but needn’t have been concerned; it's clear that Marmalade Hotel is that perfect blend of relaxed luxury we love so much.
The rooms
Dinner reservations made and private spa access secured, we headed straight to our room for a much-needed freshen up. Having stayed in sister hotel The Bosville, I’ll be honest: my expectations were high, but wow, Marmalade Hotel delivered and then some.
Our room was gorgeous.
A king-size, super comfy bed dominated the space, with luxurious soft furnishings and locally made textiles from Skye Weavers. The decor is suitably stylish and given a contemporary spin thanks to bold colours and a plethora of sumptuous materials across heavy cushions, throws, and curtains.
The room was spacious, with a chaise lounge (perfect for reading), desk, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flooded the room with light and forest views.
Everything in the room was geared towards relaxation, including the bathroom, which was given an extra lift with Highland Soap toiletries, fluffy robes, and a rainfall shower so glorious I had to be practically dragged out!
Our room - a premier double - was the ideal place to unwind after action-packed days exploring Skye.
Every day we returned to the hotel tired, and having such a comfortable space to relax in was utter perfection. I especially loved the thoughtful list of modern extras, like the Nespresso coffee machine and Bose sound system.
The space
After a day of battling the Scottish elements, the hotel’s wood-fired sauna and relaxation room are the perfect place to relax. There are comfy daybeds for lazy lounging, herbal teas, and garden views with ever-changing light.
If you can tear yourself away from the spa, the guest lounge beckons. Complete with books, games, and a chessboard, order a cocktail from the bar and relax amidst a sea of jewel-coloured velvet cushions and comfy sofas.
The food
When it comes to food, there’s no shortage of eating places in Portree. However, the hotel’s restaurant, Chargrill, serves a fantastic menu of crowd-pleasing favourites cooked on the grill but with serious 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: we ordered heaps and they were all delicious but the heritage carrots with fermented carrot top pesto and hot honey yoghurt, and broccoli with Isle of Mull cheddar espuma and almonds were our favourites.
When it comes to atmosphere, at first glance, I thought the dining room was all fine dining decor and formality. Yet, once in our seats by the old fireplace, the vibe was oh-so-relaxed, with a team of friendly staff only too happy to help.
The wine list is a hit, and the dessert equally delicious. Of course, produce is sourced locally from the West Coast’s natural larder, and I loved that the list of suppliers was shown on the menu.
Absolute foodie heaven!
The breakfast
One of my favourite meals, a hearty and delicious breakfast is essential to a good hotel stay.
In Marmalade, breakfast is served in the restaurant, and I’m happy to report was a delicious offering. We started with a tower of pastries, yoghurt, and grabaola. Followed swiftly by full Scottish (for him) and perfectly poached eggs with avo on sourdough (for her).
In Summary
Uber-stylish stay with spa meets historic manor house; an idyllic setting and excellent eatery make this boutique hotel the perfect Portree getaway.
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 to drive 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.
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