Nelson

Misha2,

I have a brief trip report here, which includes a bit on Skye. There is also a link to photos towards the end of the thread, if you are interested.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34839817

We discovered that Scotland makes up for it's small-ish size by having an overwhelming amount of options for the traveler. That's not bad, of course, but can make for many nights of head scratching during the planning phase.

Have a great trip.

my2cents

Regarding your original question about hiring a guide when you already have a rental car, my husband and I did exactly that for one of our days on Skye and were really glad we did -- even though we had a rental car and were doing just fine driving on our own. The island is so big, there's so much to see and it was nice to let someone else take care of driving so we could both just relax and enjoy the scenery for once without having to worry about navigation and keeping our eyes on the road etc. Plus our guide knew of all sorts of places and shortcuts and backroads etc. that we might not have found on our own and we saw alot in our day with him. It wasn't a necessity but it was a welcome luxury for us that we don't regret.

misha2

Nelson,

I loved your trip report and your description of Skye was part of what convinced me to choose it over Mull. I must be really tired. But, where did you stay on Skye?

My2cents -- I have had great experiences with guides in the past. Who did you use and how much did it cost?

my2cents

We used Red Deer Travel (we found them through the tourist info center in Portree). They booked the fellow on the spot for us and we met up with him not too long after around the corner. His name was Dennis and he was a fun old character who seemed to know practically everyone on the island. He normally does regular guided tours (with lots of people) but he was on a day off and didn't mind giving us a private tour instead. I wish I could remember how much we paid him but I can't right now; my receipts are still in a box in the attic...and me with my recent foot surgery and I can't climb stairs right now...poor me!! I'm usually more organized than this but it's been one of the most hectic years of my life. I just remember that it was an obscenely low price for a private tour and he wouldn't take a tip from us on top of it (so we sent him a bottle of really good local whisky and a thank you card instead). I hope this helps. If you Google "Red Deer Travel" Skye you'll get his info in the first item (he doesn't have his own website though).

Nelson

Misha2, In Portree we stayed at the Quiraing Guest House, a small B&B located 10 minutes walk from towwn center. Very clean and efficient, excellent breakfasts. The other guests were also all pleased with this choice:

http://search.visitscotland.com/site...amp;sortorder=

As noted in my report (glad you liked it) with the exception of one night in Broadford when I climbed Blaven we used Portree for our base. That worked nicely, but if you wanted to spend time in a charming hotel out in the country we really enjoyed our lunch and visit to Flodigarry, and would consider that for a return trip:

http://www.flodigarry.co.uk/

FlyFish

misha2 - Talisker is the only distillery on Skye, so was the only one I visited there although I've been to others on the mainland in past trips. Yes, I was quite glad I took the time to go - not so much to learn and see how whisky is made, as I already knew that, but to see where and how Talisker, which (along with Lagavulin) is tied for first place among my favorites, is made.

We stayed at Viewfield House in Portree, which was a wonderful experience. Rather than try to describe all the details, I'll simply give you the link, along with my unqualified recommendation. www.viewfieldhouse.com

misha2

Thanks. I've emailed all the places suggested and sent a general email vial skye accomodations out. So many places have en-suite baths. I assume that means a shared bath.

However, I really would like a private bath. Let's see.

My2cents -- I looked up red tree and figure I'll call them once I know where I am staying. I hope you feel better.

FlyFish

misha2 - No. "en suite" means "attached [to the bedroom]" or, in other words, "private." That's what you want.

misha2

Oh my gosh, I feel like such an idiot!!!

I have eliminated so many options because I misunderstood. I did think that the term seemed counterintuitive to what I assumed its meaning to be. But then I thought it perhaps meant between rooms.

How pathetic! Believe it or not I even studied French for three years!

FlyFish

I gather there are some parts of the world (Italy, maybe?) where an en-suite (attached) bath is not necessarily private and a private bath is not necessarily en-suite - i.e., it may be all yours but down the hall, but I think it's pretty safe to assume the terms are synonymous in the UK. At least that's always been my experience.

I think you'd find Viewfield House to be a great treat, by the way. It's a bit pricey but really special and different, with the kilted host/owner serving drams in the parlor after dinner, etc.

misha2

Thanks fly fish. It looks wonderful. I'm willing to pay extra for a memorable/stress-free experience.

janisj

misha2: Just to clarify for you: Private and ensuite don't mean the same thing in the UK

Private = your own private bathroom -- but NOT attached to your bedroom. It may be down the hall but you would be the only ones using it. These are mostly old houses so there isn't always space to have a bathroom attached to every bedroom.

Ensuite = your own bathroom attached to your bedroom.

Shared = A bathroom shared between 2 or more rooms.

misha2

Thanks so much. I should have asked from the start.