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Balmacara Hotel

eeee - (888) 323-5826
Balmacara Hotel, Balmacara, Inverness -(888) 323-5826
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4
HOTEL RATING: 
VERY GOOD
4 out of 5 (1268 Ratings)
4.8 miles Eilean Donan Castle
v7 mins driving
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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

0.5

Poor - 0.5 out of 5

Bilale Sun, 3 August 2025

Terrible and very overpriced. Not...

Liked: Very good location not far from Skye bridge
Disliked: It is not a 4 star hotel. Not at all. The staff was awkward and the atmosphere was eerie. To name a few problems :- No wifi (it works -badly- only from the lobby)- our room was very hot with little aeration, (the window could barely open)- the water was either boiling hot or very cold - the cleaning was done badly (dirts, no shower gels..)- room just above the kitchen (on top of the smells, Indian music played all evening)The price is way too expensive for the service offered. Big regret.

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Kenneth Fri, 1 August 2025

Good

Liked: It was a very nice hotel , staff very friendly but struggled to understand customers.
Disliked: It is a beautiful hotel

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Eduardo Sat, 26 July 2025

Ok

Liked: Very cozy
Disliked: Restaurant was VERY expensive and food qas not very good

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Barry Fri, 18 July 2025

Very good

3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Dewi Thu, 17 July 2025

Can be better & value...

Liked: Location.
Disliked: expensive for the room/ facilities provided.

1

Poor - 1.0 out of 5

David Mon, 7 July 2025

Won’t be coming back.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Unfriendly welcomeVery poor value for moneyNoisy from bar in room. Asked for a room with outside access but was 1st floor. Curtain didn’t work and pulled one completely off the railBreakfast very basic for price. Poor selection. Breakfast only ran until 9. Staff heard saying ‘no more’ even when people still eating. Lights in room were turned off as we were finishing eating. Very rude and obvious. Bumpy mattress. Very uncomfortable. Ridge running right across at shoulder level.

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Roland Wed, 2 July 2025

Great location, eat elsewhere

Liked: Location, location and staff
Disliked: Coffee machine didn’t work, dirty towels left in bathroom from previous guest and dinner expensive for quality provided and drinks are Edinburgh prices

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Jordan Tue, 1 July 2025

Exceptional

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

György Mon, 30 June 2025

Exceptional

2.5

Fair - 2.5 out of 5

Dhanashree Sat, 21 June 2025

Stay was ok.

Liked: The view from the room & the size of the room was good.
Disliked: Hygiene wasn’t at its best.The housekeeping staff did not clean the room Nor changed the towels. Used towels were rolled and kept on the bed. Dust bins were not cleaned.

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Balmacara Hotel Balmacara, Inverness