steviegene -

sorry for the late response.

We did the "standard return trip" on the Bella Jane. It's a pretty basic trip - they take you out on a small boat with about 12 people, stop by a rock where there are lots of sea lions (or seals? I forget!) then drop you off at a very scenic lake and come back & get you. Everybody gets a shot of whisky and you head home. Not for the seasick, but fun & scenic.

The pub at the Sligachan Inn is fun on a Saturday Night, live music, dancing, lots of general frolic. It's not small, tho.

Other than that we just drove around. Like janis says, all the towns are quite small & "villagey". You might want to arrange a hike in the Cuillins or rent bikes for a few hours.

Dunvegan Castle is cool - the fairy flag is there - but it's probably not up there among the top 10 amazing castles in Scotland, or anything. Just be prepared for nasty weather at any moment when you're near the mountains, even in summer, weather on Skye is notoriously changeable.

Anyone have an opinion on the location of Carbost for 2 nights?

We stayed at Tigh an Dochais in Broadford. And while it was more comtemporary it is beautiful!!! It's immaculately clean the views are stunning and the breakfast was the best of our trip. It has wonderful touches such as heated floors and high quality bath products. What made it great was that it was great for two night. We took the ferry in and explored sleat the first day and then did not have to drive too far to get to our accomodations. It was also closer to Elgol where the BellaJane and the Misty Isles boat trip heads out than Portree would be. Another advantage, for us, was that it is only 15 or so minutes from Plockton where we ate the best dinner of our trip.

About the boat trip -- I'm not sure what the difference is, but, we were told to take the Misty Isle trip because it was run by locals and was significantly cheaper than the Bella Jane. We loved it!!!

Carbost?- off the beaten track, but central

Anyone ever stayed at the Pier hotel? Overlooks Portree harbor.

You might want to consider the Eilean-Iarmain B&B, Isle of Ornsay on Skye; quite secluded, the food was wonderful and has great views.

The Eilean Iarmain is wonderful but is one of Skye's more expensive places. And, as has been mentioned before, the Sleat peninsula is not a central location if that's important.

Well we were considering Carbost, because it is central but as Sheila said-- "off the beaten path". However, I think the tourist season is really winding down...so now im thinking staying IN portree would be really nice. That way we are very central and also convenient to going out in the evening.

There is availability at the Rosedale Inn.
I am looking at the Peir house...which has gorgeous photos of their views, but none of their rooms.
Any other suggestions for staying in portree?

Actually its called Pier Hotel.

It may be different in tourist season. But, I have to say I was greatful we did not stay in Portree when we were in Skye. It was so dense (in buildings and population) compared to other places. Just my opinion.

misha, does portree seem touristy?
The place you stayed is booked, and we are struggling about where to stay.

I hate to say it, but compared to Broadford it was. One more thing -- my husband and I thought that Oban was awful -- don't waste your time there. Perhaps Neil Hope, the owner of Tigh an Dochais, could give you advice. He was so helpful. If you want to do a boat ride the second day and leave by the bridge on your way out -- I think, not that I am an expert, that you can't go wrong with looking around Broadford. We passed all sorts of wonderful looking B&B's on the road to Elgol too. But, I would be worried about driving those narrow roads late -- after dinner.

thanks misha, i'll keep looking.
Anyone else have an opinion.

Portree is a very nice little town - not touristy in the &quot;touristy&quot; sense. It does have hotels and restaurants - but that is because it is the <u>only</u> town on the island. Broadford isn't really a town - and not even much of a village. It is houses and businesses stretched along the main road. There are nice B&amp;Bs around Broadford - but it certainly doesn't have any &quot;charm&quot; as a village.

Be careful about Carbost - there are TWO Carbost's on Skye. One is NE of Portree near Skeabost. The other Carbost is W of Sligachan over on Loch Harport. This one is where Talisker Distillery is.

If you like the look of the hotel in Portree - it is very nice little town.

Portree is picured on postcards from Skye as well as in ads for Skye. It is, as janis has already stated, the only town on Skye but certainly a pleasant place and IMO not touristy.

If it's between Broadford and Portree, I'd choose Portree.

thanks everyone!
I still havent heard back from the place in portree...but Im thinking that staying in-town might be nice.

Well, since you're looking in Portree, I'llpoint you to the Royal http://www.royal-hotel-skye.com/. We stayed there two years ago for three nights. Our room overlooked the harbor quite pleasant. They also have a small parking lot around the corner, which is convenient. 91&pound; after September 29.

The Lower Deck restaurant, down on the quay, has very good seafood for a reasonable price. The Chandlery restaurant at the Bosville Hotel, up the road from the Royal, has great seafood at really high prices (Paris will seem a bargain). Lively pub with locals down on the quay, too. Quieter one at the Royal.

There are two very good hikes a few miles north of Portree -- the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. You can buy maps or guides at the outdoor store in Portree. Loney Planet's Walking in Scotland also describes them. I really encourage you to take at least one of these hikes. They are among my fondest memories of Scotland.

thanks Pausanias,
I think we would really like portree. My husband loves boats and the water. also, we are always up for a walk!

Does anyone have any information or opinions on the Rosedale Hotel or the Pier Hotel (both in portree)?

Didn't stay at them, but the Rosedale is directly below the Royal. You look over its roof to the harbor.

The Pier houses the lively -- not to say piratical -- pub I mentioned.

Your husband will love the harbor, which is full of working boats.

was it a very rowdy pub? Or rowdy in a good way?
Do you remember what the pierhouse looked like? Or what the views were like?