We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.

Summer Isles Hotel

avatar-imageavatar-imageavatar-image
Traveller (277)
Room & Suite (72)
Dining (59)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

View prices for your travel dates

Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View all

About

#1 of 1 hotels in Achiltibuie
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
The Summer Isles Hotel and Restaurant is renowned as an oasis of civilisation tucked away in the ruggedly beautiful, wild and untouched landscape of the Western Scottish Highlands. The hotel is a favourite destination for food lovers, outdoor adventurers and for those looking for peace, tranquillity and fresh air. There are 12 bedrooms comfortable bedrooms with 8 enjoying wonderful sea-views across to the Summer Isles. Food is prepared using local ingredients where possible and it is heavily influenced by the coastal surroundings. In the evening, guests have the choice of dining in the restaurant or bar. The restaurant is smart but relaxed and looks out towards the Summer Isles. Eating in the bar is a more informal experience with the opportunity to meet the local community and enjoy a fine range of ales. The bar is dog-friendly.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Canoeing
Hiking
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Baggage storage
Newspaper
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Kids' meals
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Snorkelling
Fishing
Board games / puzzles
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
Express check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
Shoeshine
Show more
Room features
Housekeeping
Bottled water
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish, German, Hungarian
715Reviews4Q+A100Room tips

Reviews
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.

Traveller rating
  • 439
  • 154
  • 65
  • 37
  • 20
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
  • More
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
avatar-image
Curiosity54927011050 wrote a review Nov 2023
Cherbourg-Octeville, France3 contributions
Fantastic fresh fresh seafood and wonderfully cooked in such an innovative way - brilliant chef. Highly highly recommend. Manager was very attentive with the booking as he had a coachload staying in the hotel. We agreed to come a little later and it was perfect. Five of us all agreed it was the best dinner we had had for a very long time - we came from Dorset, Edinburgh and Northampton .. all with good restaurants near us. High praise!
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Simon Cotton, Owner at Summer Isles Hotel
Responded 5 Nov 2023
Dear Curiosity, Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I am so pleased to read that dinner was "best ever". High praise indeed! Chef Paul and his team have been doing great things in the kitchen and I am delighted to report that he will return in 2024. Our menus will evolve with a continued strong bias towards the wonderful seafood that is delivered fresh from the waters below the hotel. I remember the large party that stayed at the hotel. They opted for a set menu which clearly did not distract the kitchen from the food served at your table. That is good to read. Thanks for being flexible on timing. Best wishes Simon Cotton
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
WendyMac268 wrote a review Oct 2023
Isle of Skye, United Kingdom7 contributions4 helpful votes
+1
Really disappointing experience at The Summer Isles Hotel. This was supposed to be a treat for myself and my husband and we booked to stay in one of the junior suites. We really wanted to love this place but there were just too many negatives. The accommodation was not properly cleaned. I found some medication belonging to a previous guest in the lounge area which then made me realise things hadn’t been cleaned thoroughly. It’s an older building and obviously you get the odd cobweb here and there but they were everywhere and right round the ceiling round the bed area. The emergency lighting in the bedroom was full of dead bugs. The shower was grubby. There is no excuse for this. Clean accommodation is a basic standard and there are no excuses for anything less. Most of the staff at the hotel were lovely and really trying their very best although we got the distinct impression that there was nobody really in charge and they were all just trying to keep it all together. We had our dinner in the hotel the service was haphazard to be honest. There was a gentleman serving and he seemed to be undermining the younger members of staff by constantly asking ‘has nobody given you the wine list/offered you water/taken your order etc It was bizarre to say the least. The food itself was okay. The main meal was partially hot with some aspects of the dish luke warm. Portions were small and what should have been a highlight of the stay was extremely disappointing. We went back to the room and lit the fire which made the place feel cosy. The breakfast the following morning was really good and we were ready for it after the evening meal. I’m really sorry to be writing such a negative review but I don’t suppose anything will change if people don’t review honestly.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
Response from Simon Cotton, Owner at Summer Isles Hotel
Responded 25 Oct 2023
Dear WendyMac268, Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I am pleased that "most of the staff were lovely", the breakfast was "really good" and the fire made your room "feel cosy". I am sad to read that your accommodation was not properly cleaned and I agree that clean accommodation is a basic standard. Our Housekeeping Manager inspects all rooms after cleaning and before arrival of a new guest. If less than immaculate, the room is re-visited by the housekeeping team. Something has gone wrong and I apologise. I can't "dig deeper" as it is over one month since you stayed at the hotel. The gentleman serving, at dinner, was new into his role at the hotel. He was "shadowing" other team members. I guess he was asking lots of questions during the evening and it was certainly not a case of undermining the younger members. They were the ones providing him with advice and support! The "shadow" situation should have been explained to you. Please accept my apologies if this was not the case. Both Hotel Manager and Front of House Manager were on duty. Since your stay, we have started to provide a sharing dish of potatoes and seasonal vegetables which has been well received . This was in response to feedback from several guests. We do listen and things do change! A review (good or bad) will publish your thoughts to the wider world but the best time to raise any issue is during the visit. We can investigate/remedy a situation right away to improve your stay and - potentially - the stay of future guests. Best wishes Simon Cotton
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Barbara H wrote a review Oct 2023
Winchester, United Kingdom12 contributions
Totally amazing location and the whole stay made 5 star because of the lovely, lovely staff Dog friendly beyond belief, incredible food, clean and snug. Beautiful road for the drive-in and Lovely views to the Summer Isles Would highly recommend.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Simon Cotton, Owner at Summer Isles Hotel
Responded 12 Oct 2023
Dear Barbara H, Many thanks for taking the time to write a review. The team works really hard and they will be so pleased to read your comments. Best wishes. Simon Cotton
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Paul Q wrote a review Sept 2023
Moray, United Kingdom18 contributions6 helpful votes
+1
Great location, stunning views, deluxe suite - was beautiful, but you obviously pay the premium for it, restaurant experience ruined our stay. Australian waiter was very hospitable unfortunately thats where the good part of the stay finished. Hotel and food was expensive but was treating my partner as a surprise, and I guess because of location and time of year, you will be paying a premium. The restaurant was dog friendly, which as dog owners we didn't mind. However, one of the woman of the two, was clearly local and known, and very rude, and was allowed to let her 2 large dogs roam the restaurant and she didn't care about the dogs harassing other people trying to eat their dinner. We were trying to eat our steaks, and one dog kept putting its nose right up to our plates. We mentioned it to the staff and nothing was done about it, when trying to eat our desserts it kept happening again until we asked the lady to call her dog away seen as the staff did nothing about it. The steaks, we requested medium, but they were lucky to be as much as rare, and very chewy and inedible. We left most of both our steaks, and the staff could clearly see there was an issue. They came back and asked us about the steaks and she seemed very unsurprised by our response to the steaks, as though she knew they weren't going to be great. If we ordered something else, the food experience may have been different. In the morning it took nearly an hour from when we sat down to actually getting breakfast. The service was acceptable but the disappointing bit is that there is only one speed which they operate at which is first gear, or maybe we were just unlucky and experienced that for the whole trip. We did get a small discount knocked off the food bill due to the steaks when we were checking out which was good. The whole evening meal experience probably ruined the whole stay for us, I don't understand how any restaurant can allow dogs to roam a restaurant and go up to people's plates while they are trying to enjoy their dinner. Dog friendly I understand and appreciate, but please ensure did are under control, especially in a restaurant. My partner has a mild dog hair allergy (yes, even though we have dogs!) and she could've had a bad reaction for all we know!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: If you have allergies to dogs, please be mindful, the restaurant is small and locals tend to...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
Response from Simon Cotton, Owner at Summer Isles Hotel
Responded 3 Oct 2023
Dear DJPaulGC, Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I am pleased to read that you enjoyed the location, views, room and the hospitable service from our waiter. Dogs must not roam the restaurant! I have spoken to the team and they do remember the 2 large dogs. The owners (not locals) were asked to put their dogs on leads. It would appear that this did not happen. We should have been tougher on the guests in question and I apologise. Firmer instructions have now been issued to the team. I am disappointed to read about the steaks and the pace of service. One of the key reasons that people visit The Summer Isles Hotel is our food. We take great pride in all dishes and would never send a dish out knowing that it was "not going to be great". I apologise that the steak was not cooked as requested and that it was chewy. It is a shame that the steak was left rather than sent back after the first mouthful. Best wishes Simon Cotton
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
chucknonverbal wrote a review Sept 2023
Portland, Oregon23 contributions13 helpful votes
The hotel immediately gets a couple of stars for really stellar view and location, which is just wonderful AND another two stars for surprisingly terrific food and drink. Being in an isolated part of Scotland, we expected basically good food, but nothing like the amazing meals we had. The cheese soufflé was utterly memorable, among many winners. They somehow have managed to get a wizard in their kitchen. The staff generally were warm and helpful, and the dinning room and bar are very nice (gorgeous original paintings). Our room had everything we needed, but was a four out of five because it needed a bit of updating. This flaw never was impactful enough to tarnish all that is so very right about the hotel. Bonus: Our evening waiter James, was a special stand out...just a fine human being. Would return again in a New York minute.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Salad not on the menu but they will make you one a nice one if you ask.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Simon Cotton, Owner at Summer Isles Hotel
Responded 29 Sept 2023
Dear Chucknonverbal, Many thanks for taking the time to write a review. This year, our "average length of stay" is at a record high and your stay has certainly contributed - thank you. The chance to build a relationship with a guest is special and I am very pleased to read that James did a great job. The kitchen is doing a fantastic job and "the wizard" is very happy to read about his cheese soufflé! Point noted about room. This is "on the list" of Winter jobs. Please make sure to return when New York time allows! Best wishes Simon Cotton
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Mudgirl64 wrote a review Sept 2023
18 contributions1 helpful vote
This is a lovely hotel, I have stayed here before and had a wonderful time. I just think that it is a shame that we were turned away at 11.30am this week when we just wanted a coffee. We had driven a long way and were looking forward to that coffee. Coming back in half an hour wasn't an option for us. Oh well. Another time perhaps. What a shame.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Simon Cotton, Owner at Summer Isles Hotel
Responded 3 Oct 2023
Dear Mudgirl64, Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We recognise that there are limited options for coffee/tea in Achiltibuie and we aim to offer a service for as much of the day as is possible. At 11:30am, we have just said farewell to the final "check-outs" and the bar is about open. The hotel is a "hive of activity" and we do not always have the luxury of a free front-of-house person for coffee/tea service. Please accept my apologies. Best wishes Simon Cotton
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Stuart M wrote a review Sept 2023
6 contributions2 helpful votes
This used to be an excellent restaurant. New owners and a change of direction have left it place struggling to maintain prviously high standards. It is a far cry from the era when it had a Michelin star. it is now below average hotel food. The langiustine, claimed to be fresh in that morning, was slushy and lacking flavour and substance. If it was fresh, the chef had destroyed it in the kitchen. Other dishes were unimaginative. We ate also in the bar and found the food there to be well cooked and much better value.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Simon Cotton, Owner at Summer Isles Hotel
Responded 22 Sept 2023
Dear StuartM, In my view, a helpful trip advisor review will focus on facts, provide details and will be timely. Let me start with a couple of facts - the owners are not new and the seafood is always super fresh. If a chef "destroyed" a langoustine (it can happen), how did front-of-house and kitchen handle the situation? This is the type of detail that is helpful to a reader. "Other dishes were unimaginative" is a sweeping statement. Details would help both reader and hotel. Finally, the timing of a review is important. The review states that you stayed in June. If we have things to learn, it helps to know as soon as possible. I am pleased to read that you enjoyed your meal in the bar. Best wishes Simon Cotton
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
MarkSF1 wrote a review Sept 2023
San Francisco, California8 contributions2 helpful votes
The room was pretty nice, with a great view. Comfortable bed with good linens. The wi-fi signal was terrible, I gave up trying to use it. What really let down the overall experience was both meals I took in the restaurant. Service in both cases was incredibly slow. My evening main course took over an hour to arrive. The couple next to me had waited so long for their appetizer that they walked out. There’s no bread on the table so you’re left just staring at an empty table for eons. Portions are small and expensive. I had the venison which itself was fine, but the jus was bland and one piece of broccoli was soggy while the other was nicely done. So you have haut cuisine portions and prices but not the quality. I skipped dessert because, frankly, life’s too short. The next morning my cooked breakfast took 45 minutes. I asked for toast which hadn’t arrived after 30 minutes, so I asked again and got totally cold toast. The cooked breakfast should have had poached eggs but I got fried. When I asked for salt and pepper (why aren’t they on the tables), the waitress rolled her eyes. This is with 5 people in the dining room - two of whom only had fruit salads, so the chef was hardly overwhelmed. Just to see how it should be done, at the next hotel I got warm toast right away, and a cooked breakfast in 11 minutes - yes, I counted.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
Response from Simon Cotton, Owner at Summer Isles Hotel
Responded 15 Sept 2023
Dear MarkSF1, Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I am pleased to read that all was in order in your room. Your wider comments are helpful as we are always eager to improve upon the service offered to our guests. Our WIFI is strong and there is an automatic back-up system (4G) that "clicks in" on the rare occasions when the WIFI is down. I am aware that service has been slow several times in the last week. Kitchen and front-of-house have already tweaked procedures to make sure that sittings are sensibly spaced and the related communication to guests is improved. I do not normally respond to comments made about fellow guests but - in this case - I can advise that the couple left early as one felt unwell. They have since confirmed that they were very happy with their stay and will return. I will defend our prices "all day long" but I respect your opinion. There is no place for "rolling of eyes" and you absolutely should receive your eggs cooked as requested. Please accept my apologies. I will be speaking to the team about bread at dinner and timely toast in the morning. Both are good points. Best wishes. Simon Cotton
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Ali1234567 wrote a review Aug 2023
Wicklow40 contributions35 helpful votes
Last year we stayed two nights at the Summer Isles Hotel and liked it so much we decided to stay for longer this year. Good decision!:) I don't think I have ever felt so rested and refreshed after a holiday, and this is due to the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of this hotel and to the beautiful surroundings of the Coigach area. The hotel was so comfortable and there were so many sights, hikes, rock-climbs, boat trips and other activities for the outdoor type that we could easily have stayed a week longer. It's a long drive to and from Achiltibuie from the main road but worth every twist, turn and passing place. Our room was spacious and freshly decorated and we loved its separate entrance, picture window and large bathroom (with a very good shower and lots of hot bath water, not always guaranteed in rural Scottish hotels!). The main part of the hotel was gorgeous - the lounge was the kind of place you could spend hours sunk on a sofa with a book, glancing up towards the changing seascape. We found the food to be fantastic – we tried practically everything on the breakfast and dinner menus and were amazed at the what the talented chefs in the kitchen were producing. This food was as good as we had eaten anywhere, and worth travelling for alone. A special mention must go to the staff who never let their business get in the way of a friendly chat and we really appreciated their helpfulness and cheerfulness throughout our stay. It was also really lovely to hear from one young waitress about her upbringing and life in Achiltibuie; her pride in her community and her commitment to it was really inspiring for us to hear as visitors.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Simon Cotton, Owner at Summer Isles Hotel
Responded 5 Sept 2023
Dear Ali1234567, How rude of me to take so long to reply to such a lovely review! Please accept my apologies. I am so pleased to read that your return visit was such a success. For me, the hotel is all about the spectacular scenery, the peace and quiet and the food. It appears that you agree! This year, we employ more local staff than ever which is fantastic! Everyone will be delighted to read your review. Thank you Simon Cotton
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
County Down wrote a review Jun 2023
10 contributions1 helpful vote
Awesome location and views. Our host Alex was excellent. Room in the annex was very comfortable, great bed and large bathroom. Atmospheric bar with stunning views across to the islands. Absolutely wonderful breakfast. Would highly recommend.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Simon Cotton, Owner at Summer Isles Hotel
Responded 27 Jun 2023
Dear Sultan 1105, Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Great to read that Alex and team looked after you well. I think an "atmospheric bar" is good - glad you agree! Best wishes. Simon Cotton
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Previous
123456
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Achiltibuie area.
PRICE RANGE
£187 - £262 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
summer isles achiltibuie, hotel summer isles
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandScottish HighlandsRoss and CromartyAchiltibuie
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

SUMMER ISLES HOTEL - Updated 2024 Prices, Reviews (Achiltibuie)

Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Isles Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Summer Isles Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Achnahaird Bay (3.9 miles), Achiltibuie Artists' Gallery (0.3 miles), and Fisk Gallery Achiltibuie (0.6 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Summer Isles Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Summer Isles Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Summer Isles Hotel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Is Summer Isles Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.3 miles away from the centre of Achiltibuie.
Are pets allowed at Summer Isles Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Summer Isles Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, and Hungarian.
Does Summer Isles Hotel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is Summer Isles Hotel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.