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Summary of reviewsPortree Independent Hostel offers a primarily positive experience for travelers, highlighted by its exceptional location in the heart of Portree on the Isle of Skye. The hostel is a convenient base for exploration, with close proximity to public transportation, restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Guests frequently praise its picturesque setting and easy access to the sea, which provides a serene backdrop.
The hostel is renowned for its excellent facilities, particularly a spacious and well-equipped kitchen praised for its cleanliness and organization. Despite some concerns over room size and ventilation, the ambiance is often noted as warm and comfortable. The positives of modern touches like USB outlets are occasionally overshadowed by less comfortable mattresses and the lack of privacy due to absent bed curtains. Nevertheless, the cleanliness and daily upkeep of the hostel offer additional comfort, even as some bathrooms and shared spaces experience lapses in cleanliness.
A significant highlight of the Portree Independent Hostel is the staff, who are consistently recognized for their friendliness and helpfulness. Their professionalism and attentive service contribute positively to the overall experience, even though there are occasional reports of less favorable interactions.
Despite some spatial limitations and areas for improvement in comfort, Portree Independent Hostel remains a favored choice for many travelers. Its combination of ideal location, commendable facilities, and warm hospitality make it a valuable choice for those wishing to immerse themselves in the charm of Portree and the greater Isle of Skye. Show more
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Room Types
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Small Twin RoomThe unit has 1 bed.
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Family Room with Shared BathroomThe family room includes a shared bathroom equipped with a shower. The unit offers 3 beds.
Quadruple Room with Shared BathroomThe quadruple room includes a private bathroom fitted with a shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Quadruple Room with Shared BathroomThe quadruple room includes a shared bathroom fitted with a shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Family Room with Shared BathroomThe family room includes a shared bathroom equipped with a shower. The unit offers 3 beds.
Quadruple Room with Shared BathroomThe quadruple room includes a shared bathroom equipped with a shower. The unit offers 2 beds.
Family Room with Shared BathroomThe family room includes a shared bathroom fitted with a shower. The unit has 3 beds.
Family Room with Shared BathroomThe family room includes a shared bathroom fitted with a shower. The unit has 3 beds.
Family Room with Shared BathroomThe family room includes a shared bathroom equipped with a shower. The unit offers 3 beds.
Guest Reviews
6.9
Rated
Location
Nestled at the heart of Portree, on the enchanting Isle of Skye, Portree Independent Hostel boasts an unbeatable location that travelers find both incredibly convenient and picturesque. Situated just a stone's throw away from the bus station, this hostel offers easy access to public transportation, making it an ideal base for exploring the town and beyond. Guests appreciate being right in the midst of the lively town center, with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions all within walking distance.
The centrality of the hostel is often highlighted, whether it's a mere two-minute stroll to the harbor or the convenience of a nearby large public parking lot for those traveling by car. The charm of this location is accentuated by its proximity to the sea, offering a serene backdrop for those seeking relaxation after a day of adventure on Skye.
Portree Independent Hostel doesn't only score high for its location; it also provides excellent facilities, including a spacious and well-equipped kitchen that receives consistent praise. Furthermore, the staff are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, enhancing the overall experience. This combination of perfect location, commendable amenities, and warm hospitality makes Portree Independent Hostel a prime choice for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the beauty and vibrancy of Portree and the Isle of Skye.
Rooms
Portree Independent Hostel offers a variety of room options that generally align with standard hostel expectations. Many guests appreciate the warm and comfortable environment, emphasizing clean rooms and bathrooms. The hostel's kitchen is particularly noted for being spacious and well-equipped, adding convenience to the stay.
However, space within the rooms is a common concern. Dormitories are reported to be quite cramped, with limited ventilation and storage, often described as airless or stuffy. Many guests express a desire for more distributed power outlets and additional storage solutions such as hooks or shelves, especially for upper bunk beds. The hostel’s smaller rooms tend to lack space for luggage, and there are mentions of the dorms being overcrowded.
Temperature is another issue, with some rooms described as chilly or damp, while others note good mattresses despite the cramped conditions. The contactless check-in process receives positive feedback for its straightforward operation, and staff interactions are typically described as helpful and considerate.
Room rates are considered high for the space provided, especially in twin rooms. Some logistical issues are noted, such as insufficient bathrooms and occasional lack of privacy. Security storage is also highlighted as a missing feature in dormitories, and there are reports of unpleasant smells and external noise disturbances in certain areas.
Overall, the Portree Independent Hostel provides a satisfactory experience for travelers, maintaining cleanliness and comfort while grappling with spatial limitations and ventilation challenges.
Beds
Portree Independent Hostel offers an intriguing blend of experiences when it comes to its sleeping arrangements. While the bedding is noted for its clean linens and convenient modern touches like USB outlets, many guests express that the comfort level of the beds leaves much to be desired. Common observations mention the mattresses being either too soft, thin, or worn out, with some guests feeling the intrusion of springs, making for a less than restful night. Privacy is also a concern, as the beds lack curtains that might offer a more secluded sleep environment.
Though a few reviews acknowledge some degree of comfort in the beds, the consensus points towards a need for updating the mattresses, possibly replacing older ones from decades past for improved support and firmness. The room's spatial constraints and mixed decor add to the unique hostel ambiance, yet may also contribute to a less comfortable stay for some. Overall, while the hostel provides practical amenities, travelers might find themselves hoping for improvements in the comfort department to better align with their expectations for relaxation after a day exploring the stunning scenery outside.
Cleanliness
Portree Independent Hostel offers a mixed experience when it comes to cleanliness, falling short of expectations in some areas while impressing in others. Many guests praise the hostel for its very clean kitchen, which is often described as spacious, well-organized, and well-equipped, providing a comfortable space for cooking. The bathrooms receive a variety of opinions, with some visitors highlighting their cleanliness and maintenance, while others note issues such as ingrained dirt, mould, and fluctuating water temperatures. There are instances where facilities like toilets and showers are less than clean, and guests find themselves waiting to use them due to shared accommodations. Despite these drawbacks, many appreciate the clean and tidy atmosphere that is actively maintained daily. The hostel's rooms garner mixed reviews regarding cleanliness; some find them clean and comfortable, while others mention issues of dampness, cold temperatures, and unpleasant odors. The staff is frequently mentioned as friendly and helpful, contributing positively to the overall experience. While there are areas for improvement, especially regarding maintenance, Portree Independent Hostel manages to provide a decent level of cleanliness at an affordable price, with certain aspects standing out for their impressive upkeep.
Staff
Portree Independent Hostel has a reputation for its warm and welcoming staff, frequently praised by guests for their friendliness and willingness to help. Visitors often describe the team, including Roy and others, as incredibly friendly, helpful, and attentive to the needs of their guests, enhancing the overall hostel experience. Many highlight the pleasantness of their welcome upon arrival and commend the staff's professionalism and readiness to assist, whether providing extra amenities like duvets or sharing valuable local recommendations. The personnel at Portree Independent Hostel is noted for maintaining good communication with guests, making them feel comfortable and informed throughout their stay.
While most reviews focus on the positive attributes of the staff, there are occasional mentions of dissatisfaction. Instances of perceived rudeness or unfriendliness have been reported, though they seem to be exceptions to the generally favorable feedback regarding the staff's demeanor and helpfulness. Most impressions point towards a dedicated and supportive team, eager to ensure that guests enjoy their time at the hostel. Despite some mixed experiences, the predominant perception remains that the staff at Portree Independent Hostel significantly contribute to a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
No, Portree Independent Hostel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Portree Independent Hostel.
No, Portree Independent Hostel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Portree Independent Hostel.
No, Portree Independent Hostel doesn't have a gym.