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Balmacara Hotel

eeee - 0800 031 8416
Balmacara Hotel, Balmacara, Inverness -0800 031 8416
(Map)
4
HOTEL RATING: 
VERY GOOD
4 out of 5 (1340 Ratings)
4.8 miles Eilean Donan Castle
v7 mins driving
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL - 0800 031 8416
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The Spotlight on Balmacara Hotel

Lochside Charm with a Musical Twist Near the Isle of Skye

Nestled on the scenic shores of Loch Alsh, the Balmacara Hotel blends traditional Highland charm with modern comforts. Just a 5-minute drive from Kyle of Lochalsh—the gateway to the Isle of Skye—this cozy spot is ideal for concert-goers looking to unwind in a peaceful, picturesque setting. With views stretching across the water to Skye, and a pub that hosts regular live traditional music, the hotel offers both relaxation and entertainment.

Why Concert-goers love it

If you're catching a show in the Highlands or combining a concert with a scenic road trip, Balmacara Hotel offers a quiet yet music-loving base. The on-site pub features live traditional music, so you don’t have to go far to enjoy a tune. With free parking and a flexible 3:00 pm check-in, it’s easy to roll in after a day of travel. And thanks to the peaceful lochside location, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep after the encore.

Who this Hotel is great for

Groups of friends road-tripping through the Highlands
Solo travelers chasing a concert and a scenic escape
Couples looking to pair music with romance and stunning views
Fans wanting a quieter post-concert recovery spot
Budget-conscious music lovers who value charm over flash

Food and Drink Options

The hotel restaurant offers local specialties like seafood and game, with meals served overlooking the loch. A full English breakfast is available in the charming 1930s-style coffee lounge—perfect after a late night. While there's no 24/7 room service, the cozy pub atmosphere and hearty food more than make up for it.

Nightlife Options

The hotel’s own pub features regular live traditional music—a highlight for many guests. For those seeking more variety, nearby Kyle of Lochalsh offers a few local bars and pubs just a short drive away. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, ideal for winding down.

What People Say

Guests rave about the incredible loch views, the friendly staff, and the unique character of the rooms—some of which are furnished with Victorian antiques. Many applaud the traditional music nights and the quality of the local cuisine. It’s a favorite for travelers exploring the Highlands and the Isle of Skye.

Areas for Improvement

Wi-Fi can be spotty in some rooms, which might be a downside if you’re uploading concert photos. The hotel’s remote location means limited late-night transport, so plan accordingly if you're attending a show further afield. But if you're here for the nature and the music, it’s hard to beat.

The Bottom Line

For concert-goers craving Highland charm, lochside views, and live traditional music, Balmacara Hotel hits all the right notes.
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1 room
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2 guests
Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
j
Free Parking
w
Non Smoking
x
Free Breakfast
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
r
Pets Allowed
q
Accessible
Other Amenities
` Free Parking
` Garden
` Meeting/Banquet Facilities
` Room Service
` Bar
` Fishing
` Darts
` Canoeing
` Hiking
` Packed lunches
` Cycling
` Heating
` Fax/photocopying
` Diving
` Private check-in/check-out
` Shared lounge/TV area
` Beachfront
` On-site parking
` Family Rooms
` Free Wi-Fi
` Live entertainment
` Picnic Area
` Restaurant(s)
` Daily Housekeeping
` Convenience Store
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Wine/champagne
` Outdoor furniture
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
` Process in place to check health of guests
` First aid kit available
` Cashless payment available
` Mobile app for room service
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` Invoices
` All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
` Access to health care professionals
` Free face masks
` Contactless check-in/out
` Food delivery
` Audible alarm
` balcony/terrace
` CCTV security in common areas
` Daily disinfection
` Kid-friendly dinning
` Non-smoking property
` Restaurant (special diets available)
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
` Professional cleaning services
` Takeout dining services available

Balmacara Hotel Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Very Good (4 out of 5)

Write a review

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Mel Fri, 13 June 2025

Superb

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Keith Fri, 13 June 2025

Very good

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Wrasbhisa Thu, 12 June 2025

Exceptional

Liked: Beautiful decoration and very clean, Nice view in front of the hotel, Very good service.
Disliked: N/A

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

David Sat, 7 June 2025

Very good

3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Aiden Sat, 7 June 2025

Pleasant

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Claire Fri, 6 June 2025

Nice comfortable room, pleasant staff...

Liked: Room is of an excellent standard. It all looks very new. It is spotlessly clean. The staff is very helpful.
Disliked: Comparing with the many hotels we have stayed in we felt that over £350 for the room was excessive. Our booking stated mountain view but as the photos will confirm all we could see was a stone wall and a lot of brambles.The restaurant food was all right but nothing special. They charge £4.95 for a bottle of mineral water and £6.95 for a small dish of mash potatoe. They also apply a 12.5% surcharge to the bill. Breakfast which was included was very average.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Stan Fri, 6 June 2025

Very good

Liked: The whole interior of the hotel was freshly decorated
Disliked: The room was very small. The wi-fi was practically non existent

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Laura Fri, 6 June 2025

Great value near Skye

Liked: Location is great - right on the lochRooms was very comfortable

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Sodhi Thu, 5 June 2025

Good

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Sharon Sun, 1 June 2025

Very good

Liked: Restaurant was excellent.

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Balmacara Hotel Balmacara, Inverness