The Rosedale Hotel and Restaurant — Restaurant in Skye

Over our ten day holiday in Scotland we stayed in several hotels, but this was definitely the worst one. Even before arrival I was emailed to say that the restaurant was closed (but they were still doing breakfast). We arrived after a very long drive for a 3pm check-in to be told (in person) that we couldn't check-in till 4pm because the receptionist was tired and on a break. We persuded her otherwise. Then we were told that the room wasn't ready - which we discovered was not true. They did swap our room for a more accessible room with a harbour view, but that was the only good thing. The entrance round the back was filthy and overgrown, in via a "fire door" that opened from the outside onto the street (there were two other ways into the hotel that were equally unsafe and un-secure). Our room was very small and poorly appointed. The bathroom was so tiny that it was impossible to get changed in there and there was nowhere to put anything. The second day was worse. Despite being forced to book a specific time for breakfast (which we didn't really want to do), and turning up at the requested time, the dining room was full. We had to be served our breakfast (with two other couples) at tables outside of the dining room in the bar. The cold buffet was pathetically small and under-provided - no bread, no rolls, no toaster, no pastries - just cereal and juice. Main meals were orderd off a menu and took ages to arrive. My scrambled eggs were completely tasteless (I'm not even sure how that's possible), served with unbuttered toast. We had to ask (more than once) for butter, for salt & pepper and for tea/ coffee. A terrible start to the day. We then went out for the day, requesting for our room to be serviced, and leaving the "Please Service My Room" tag on the door. When we returned briefly at 2pm to change our shoes, the room had not been serviced, but the cleaner was in the next room. When we returned again at 5pm the cleaner had disappeared but our room had not been serviced. At Reception I was told that they'd had "a crazy day" and would "see what they could do" - which turned out to be nothing. Only by insisting did I get some clean towels and some toilet rolls. Totally unacceptable service and a very unhelpful attitude. On our final morning we had an early start and had specifically booked an early breakfast slot. When we arrived they had us down for a completely different (and much later) time. We explained the situation. In return we got a very rude response, as if it had been our fault. Only by insisting did we get into the Dining Room for our breakfast. My eggs Benedict were served on a completely cold, untoasted, unbuttered muffin - horrible. Frankly we were glad to leave and get away. The place is run-down, a maze of dark, narrow corridors and staircases. The emergency signage is very little, and there was nothing at all in our room about escape routes. The place seems to be in some difficulty, running on a shoestring with what seemed to be agency staff. The impression is that they are just winging it. It doesn't feel as if they are properly in control. We did not feel comfortable there. There was very little that was welcoming in any sense. They appear to be just keeping going and are definitely not customer-focused. Sorry to be so negative, but it really was...

The Rosedale Hotel, ensconced within the otherwise beguiling environs of Portree on the Isle of Skye, presents an experience that may indeed be likened to a journey through time—a venture into the shadows of yesteryear, though regrettably without the expected refinements of modern hospitality. Upon our arrival, we were greeted not by warmth or conviviality, but by a chill both in atmosphere and demeanor. The building, antiquated to a fault, bore the unmistakable air of neglected grandeur, now faded into disrepair. For the princely sum exacted by the establishment, one might reasonably anticipate an oasis of comfort and elegance; alas, such anticipations are sorely misplaced.

To compound the inconvenience, parking proved an insurmountable challenge, with nary a provision made to accommodate even the most determined guest. The checking-in procedure, furthermore, is prescribed for the rather unorthodox hour of 4 p.m., thus curtailing one’s stay most indelicately. Departure, meanwhile, is mandated at the wholly unreasonable hour of 10 a.m., leaving little opportunity to savor even the smallest comfort.

The chamber we were allocated was of a diminutive nature, astoundingly so given the tariffs in question. Nestled precariously along the bustling thoroughfare, the room suffered greatly from the incessant din of passing travelers, thus entirely bereft of the tranquility one typically associates with the Highlands. As for the supposed provision of WiFi, one might do better to seek communication by carrier pigeon, for its appearance was as fleeting as its speed was glacial.

Of peculiar note was the so-called “breakfast arrangement,” wherein guests are assigned a rigidly proscribed interval of fifteen minutes to partake of the morning repast. Should one fail to observe this punctuality, they are cast into the wilderness of starvation, for no quarter is granted. The lack of flexibility in this arrangement may have been tolerated were it not compounded by the conspicuous absence of cordiality among the staff. Chief among them is an enigmatic figure named “Cris,” whose demeanor and gait suggest he may indeed have been tethered to his post since the seventeenth century. ” Presiding at the front desk—a gentleman who, though cordial in manner, exhibited a dryness so profound as to feel almost automated, as if he were reciting responses directly from a well-worn manual. His politeness was mechanical, devoid of warmth, and his phrases seemed rehearsed, a series of stock responses delivered with precision but little heart.

In summation, The Rosedale extends an invitation not to repose, but to endure—a trial of patience punctuated by exorbitant cost, indifferent service, and a distinct lack of amenity. It may suit the avid antiquarian; yet, for the traveler seeking even the most modest measure of comfort, it is, quite simply, an...

Overall nice with a lot of character but rather dated looking.

Visited 15th Jan 2024 for 4nights. On reception there was a very nice chap (Chris maybe) polite and welcoming. Showed us to our room and quickly went over a couple things.

Hotel - Portree isn't large so it's a short walking distance from the main bus stop but down a slight hill (tricky when it snows or icy) big white hotel. Corridors are narrow and winding and bland. Room was a decent size. Bed linen was clean and a good size. Had 2 chairs, a wardrobe, storage heater, extra small portable radiator, large TV, large mirror with desk and stool. Hairdryer, kettle and some booklets with things to do etc. extra blankets and towels. Room only gets housekeeping if requested. Shower/bath and the shower gel etc. decent sized window and we had a sea facing room 2 up so had a great view. BUT The room next to us had a plate of chips on the floor at the door for atleast 3nights. The walls had marks and chips that looked old. Bed was 2 mattresses pushed together. Carpet was dirty. Windows had loads of condensation in the morning with puddles covering the window ledge. There were 2 mousetraps under the bed (which I noticed on last day due to something falling down the back of it)- well you would leave a plate of chips for atleast 3nights (they were there when we got to our room and plate was gone on Thu) it snowed for most of the time we were there and only salted the path 1ce into hotels. Really annoyed us that there was a fire exit at the top of hill to the back of the hotel but obviously not allowed to use - would have helped in the snow as my partner has mobility issues.and there is no lift either so ask for a ground room if you struggle - you will.not get a good view tho as there will parked cars/vans blocking the view.

All staff were nice. And we had breakfast all mornings. The full breakfast was decent portioned. French toast (with bacon and syrup was brilliant) had small Nutella packets, fruit, yoghurts, muffins and cereal as extra. Restaurant was same room, we did goto it once but left due to not liking anything...