Kinloch Lodge is located on the southern end of the Isle of Skye. It is run by Lord and Lady MacDonald. There are two buildings which make up Kinloch Lodge. The original building, the Lodge, was one of the hunting lodges of the MacDonalds. A newer building, Kinloch, was built to increase accommodation at this justly highly rated hotel.The location is romantic, next to Loch Na Dal, which translates as the Devil's Loch. The Loch is a sea inlet with powerful tides. The trees and hills which surround Kinloch Lodge make you feel you are away from it all.Inside the original Lodge, the rooms vary in size and configuration but all are decorated in a homey country style. We had three of the most modestly priced rooms, and the amount of space varied. Some of the rooms with higher rates were very roomy. We found the beds very comfortable and the rooms very clean and fresh. The bathrooms are supplied with local Isle of Skye soap, and shortbread cookies await with the coffee and tea making supplies. Windows can be opened and views are either of the loch, or the sea.The real draw of Kinloch Lodge is Lady Claire MacDonald, a famous chef. Meals at the Kinloch Lodge are some of the best to be had in all of Scotland. Breakfast is a huge affair with everything from porridge to kippers, as part of the full Scottish breakfast. Lunch is available but not included in the price of the room. Dinner, however, is included and is another lavish meal. Each morning, guests are given the dinner menu and asked to select their choices for starters, mains, and sweets and can also make a wine selection from the very respectable cellar. Local produce is well represented and prepared to perfection.
We stayed for three nights and every meal was heavenly. You can start dinner by going to one of the drawing rooms for a pre-dinner libation. The rooms are tastefully decorated and filled with attractive items belonging to the MacDonalds. What I found most fascinating were the family pictures, which include Lord MacDonald dancing with the Queen! Meals were served in the beautiful dining room.The staff at Kinloch Lodge are outstanding. They are all very friendly, professional, and helpful.It is possible to dine at Kinloch Lodge even if you are not staying as a guest, and there's a gift shop full of wonderful food items made a Kinloch Lodge such as fudge sauce, as well as Lady MacDonald's cookbooks, and local craft items.The price was not cheap because it included breakfast and dinner, but once the quality of the food is considered, this is very good value. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.