The hype
Hikers adore the location and the hearty breakfast, but almost everyone mentions the steep price for what is essentially a refurbished pub.
Cluanie Inn
$180-280/ nacht
Boek dit als You're a Munro-bagging hiker or Skye-bound road tripper who wants a hot curry and a cold pint in the absolute middle of nowhere.
Waarom mensen ervan houden
- Unbeatable location right at the foot of the South Glen Shiel Ridge
- Surprisingly authentic Indian cuisine alongside Scottish classics
- Resident Highland cows you can actually meet and pet
Snel Overzicht: A historic, remote outpost with stunning views and great food, but the thin walls mean you might hear your neighbor's entire conversation.
Beoordeeld door @scotland_sidebyside_: I escaped to the Highlands for a few days and this place was pure magic. The mountain views are insane, and relaxing in the jacuzzi after a rainy hike was exactly what I needed. Plus, the bakery next door is dangerous!
Gast die hier verbleef zei
Reality check
The 'rustic charm' translates to creaky floors and zero soundproofing—you will hear footsteps, voices, and plumbing from adjacent rooms.
- You plan to hike the Seven Sisters or South Glen Shiel Ridge
- You love authentic Indian food (butter chicken in the Highlands!)
- You want a photogenic stopover on the road to Skye
Schoonmaak & Onderhoud
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally praised as 'spotless' and 'clean' in recent reviews.
- Bathroom hygiene: Modern and clean bathrooms. A viral complaint about mold from 2022 seems to be an outlier/resolved issue.
- Maintenance: Renovated recently, so fixtures are good, though the building's bones are old (creaky floors).
- Linens & towels: Fresh, good quality linens reported by most guests.
- Odors & scents: Usually fresh, though some hallways can smell of food/cleaning products.
Sleepability™
6GEMATIGD
0-4LUID
4-7.5GEMATIGD
7.5-10STIL
- Voices from neighboring rooms
- Creaking floorboards in hallways
- Plumbing noise from other bathrooms
Voordat je boekt
Goed om te weten
- The hotel is owned by Black Sheep Hotels (Indian ownership), which explains the excellent curry menu.
- Nearest gas station is technically on-site but often expensive; fill up in Inverness or Fort William if possible.
- Dinner reservations are recommended even for guests, as it's the only place to eat for miles.
Wat je mee moet nemen
- Smidge (midge repellent) - absolutely essential in summer
- Earplugs - for the thin walls
- Offline maps - Google Maps will die once you lose signal
Kamer Genie
Beste keuzes
- Highland Suite: The only room with a private in-room sauna (or Jacuzzi in the other suite)—worth the splurge.
- Mountain View Rooms: Ask for a room facing the glen for waking up to deer grazing outside.
Kamers om te vermijden
- Standard Rooms near the reception/bar: Highest noise traffic.
- Ground floor rooms: You will hear every footstep from the guests above you.
Kamer Aanvraag Genie – kopiëren en plakken
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a top-floor room away from the bar/reception area. If available, a mountain-facing view would be wonderful.”
Veelgestelde vragen & Verborgen tips
Alles wat je eigenlijk wilt weten voordat je boekt.
Is there cell phone service?
Virtually none. You will rely entirely on the hotel's Wi-Fi, which is generally okay but can struggle during peak usage.
How is the food?
Surprisingly good. The menu is a mix of Scottish staples (haggis, fish & chips £18) and genuine Indian dishes (butter chicken £22) which are highly rated.
Is it dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome for a fee of £25 per pet per stay. They are allowed in specific rooms and parts of the bar.
Is there a gym or pool?
No. There is a spa at their sister property (The Whispering Pine Lodge) about an hour away, but no facilities on-site at Cluanie.
Can I charge my EV?
There are no dedicated fast EV chargers listed on-site; the 'gas station' is old-school. Plan to charge in Invergarry or Kyle of Lochalsh.
What is the parking situation?
Free on-site parking for guests. Note that signs may say 'Patrons Only' to deter random hikers, but guests are guaranteed a spot.
Tips van Insiders
- ✨
The 'Landour Bakehouse' across the road is part of the hotel and serves excellent cakes and pastries—great for a hiking lunch.
- ✨
You can pay £2 to enter the paddock and pet the resident Highland cows (or just watch them from the fence for free).
- ✨
The tap water is safe but may have a slight brown tint from the peat—this is natural for the Highlands.
5 dingen die je moet weten voordat je gaat
💡The 'gas station' outside is extremely expensive—treat it as an emergency-only option.
💡The 10% service charge on food is 'discretionary' but added automatically; you have to ask to remove it.
💡Some 'Standard' rooms are quite compact; don't expect sprawling square footage unless you book a suite.
💡The Indian menu items often outshine the Scottish ones—don't be afraid to order curry in the Highlands.
💡The drive here from Inverness is stunning but deer are a major road hazard at dusk—drive carefully.
Lokaal Playbook
Kaart
Bekijk waar Cluanie Inn zich bevindt en wat er in de buurt is.