Stein Inn Review, Isle of Skye: Staying at Skye’s Oldest Inn

The view from my room was easy to love. The shower took a little more negotiation.

That rather sums up my stay at the Stein Inn: lovely views over Loch Bay, a comfortable bed and plenty of character, alongside a few practical quirks worth knowing about. Downstairs, there was a lively restaurant and a portion of fish and chips that very nearly beat me. Upstairs, a low corridor and a compact shower reminded me that this was no purpose-built modern hotel.

For anyone considering the Stein Inn on the Isle of Skye, the question is not simply whether it looks appealing in photographs. It is whether this particular combination of old-fashioned accommodation, busy pub atmosphere and waterfront setting suits the way you like to travel.

Here is what stood out during my stay, what could have been better, and what I would check before booking.

Where is the Stein Inn?

The Stein Inn stands on Macleod’s Terrace in Stein, a waterfront village on the Waternish peninsula in north-west Skye. Its position beside Loch Bay is a large part of the attraction: a row of whitewashed buildings, the shoreline in front and the water beyond. The postcode is IV55 8GA.

For me, the loch views were among the best things about staying here. You do not have to build a whole outing around enjoying the setting; in the Lochbay room, it was waiting outside the window.

Parking and arrival

My parking tip from the visit is to look opposite the inn, or use the small car park a little further down the road. Treat those as places to check, not a guarantee of a space immediately outside.

I arrived after driving up from Loch Lomond and was too tired to film the room that evening. The room tour in the video was therefore recorded the following morning. It is a useful reminder not to make an already substantial travel day more demanding than it needs to be.

How old is the Stein Inn?

The inn describes itself as the oldest on Skye and gives its origins as 1790. Historic Environment Scotland dates the listed building more broadly to the late eighteenth century, connecting it with the planned fishing village developed for the British Fisheries Society.

There is an interesting detail behind the Thomas Telford connection. Historic Environment Scotland records a plan by Telford for an inn at Stein, but notes that the building actually constructed differs from that design. The connection is genuine, although describing the entire present-day inn as an unaltered Telford building would oversimplify the story.

It is a fitting introduction to a stay here. This is somewhere to appreciate for its history and individuality, rather than expect everything to conform to a modern hotel layout.

First impressions: maritime pictures, tartan and a golden ape

The reception quickly establishes that the Stein Inn has its own ideas about decorating.

Maritime pictures and nautical objects are everywhere, but so are neon signs and a golden model ape. Heading upstairs, the tartan carpet passes framed clamshells and artwork featuring people with animal heads. It is an unusual collection, and I thought it worked. There was always something else to notice.

Then comes a more practical introduction to the building’s character: the ceiling slopes down along the corridor leading to my room. Taller guests will want to pay attention rather than stride along looking at the pictures.

The Lochbay room: a comfortable bed and a lovely outlook

I stayed in the Lochbay room at the end of the corridor. It had a period-style interior, with a sofa, an animal-print covering draped over its back, traditionally styled radiators and a small worktable decorated with vases and plants. A fabric zebra on the wall continued the inn’s slightly unexpected approach to art.

The view mattered more than the window size

The windows were relatively small, but they looked straight over the loch. Opening them brought a pleasant cool breeze into the room.

That combination suited me well after the journey: somewhere comfortable to sit, fresh air and a view worth looking at. The bed was comfortable too, which matters rather more than an interesting ornament when you are ready to sleep.

The inn advertises five sea-facing bedrooms. My comments about the layout and bathroom, however, relate specifically to Lochbay rather than every room in the property.

What was provided?

Inside the suitably aged-looking storage cupboard were a hairdryer, coffee machine, tea and coffee, and a complimentary bottle of Highland Spring water. There was also an information book about the inn, with a lamp and radio beside the bed.

These were useful everyday comforts, without making the room feel as though it had been stripped of its older character.

The bathroom: clean, but a tight shower

The bathroom was spotless when I arrived. By the time I filmed it the following morning, I had already used the shower, which explains why the video shows it looking a little more lived-in.

The shower itself was my main reservation about the room. It was an enclosed cubicle with a tray, and I could only just fit comfortably inside. There was no bath in Lochbay, although toiletries were supplied.

For a short stay, that may be an acceptable compromise. If you particularly value a spacious bathroom, it's worth investigating before choosing this room.

Dinner at the Stein Inn: fish and chips with a lively atmosphere

The restaurant was packed on the evening of my visit. I didn't film dinner, but I managed to take a few photographs.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere. The room had the rustic feel of an old inn, and the evening buzz added to that impression. It was also noisy, so this is not the dinner experience I would suggest to someone whose first priority is hushed conversation.

My choice was fish and chips. The portion was enormous, and it tasted great: a straightforward meal that was particularly welcome after a long day travelling. The menu I saw was short and simple, rather than a lengthy collection of dishes trying to cater for every possible preference.

The inn’s website emphasises locally sourced produce and shellfish from Loch Bay. It also makes clear that availability, particularly for shellfish, depends on the weather. Treat its published menus as examples, not a guarantee of what will be served during your visit.

Based on how busy it was when I stayed, I would arrange dinner ahead of time rather than leave the evening meal to chance.

Breakfast: perfectly edible, but the vegetarian option was limited

After a good night’s sleep, I returned to the same room for breakfast. It retained that rustic atmosphere, with a wood-burning fire that was not lit during my summer visit.

I chose the vegetarian breakfast. It tasted fine, but the presentation was more straightforward than at some of the more upmarket hotels I had visited. More importantly, there was no dedicated vegetarian Scottish breakfast during my stay. The mushrooms ended up being the main event.

That would be my main food-related question before another booking: what can the kitchen currently provide for a substantial meat-free breakfast?

The online sample dinner menu lists vegetarian dishes, so my breakfast should not be taken as a verdict on every vegetarian option at the inn.

A note for halal-conscious travellers

My fish-and-chips order should not be read as confirmation of halal suitability. The inn’s online sample menu lists beer-battered haddock. Discuss ingredients, sauces and cooking arrangements directly with the kitchen before ordering, particularly when avoiding alcohol in food.

Wi-Fi and mobile reception: what worked during my stay?

Neither EE nor Vodafone had a usable mobile signal in my room.

The Wi-Fi was more helpful, running at around 20 Mbps during my check. That was enough for my needs, and Wi-Fi calling allowed me to make calls once I switched it on.

These are observations from one room during one stay, not a coverage survey or a promised connection speed. I wouldn't assume another network will behave the same way, or that the Wi-Fi will always match that measurement.

Before travelling, check your Wi-Fi calling arrangements and save essential booking information somewhere you can access without a mobile connection. Anyone planning to work remotely should ask about current connectivity rather than relying on my single test.

Accessibility and comfort: questions to ask before booking

My route to Lochbay involved stairs and a corridor with a low, sloping ceiling. The shower was also compact. Those details deserve attention when judging whether the room will suit you.

For travellers who need step-free access, have difficulty with stairs or require more space when showering, contact the inn about the exact room being offered. Ask about the route from the entrance, bathroom dimensions, shower access and any assistance available.

I would not describe the property as suitable or unsuitable for everyone with reduced mobility based on one room tour. Individual requirements need individual answers.

The same applies to noise preferences. Dinner was lively, but I reported a good night’s sleep; a busy restaurant should not automatically mean my bedroom was noisy.

What else is there to do around Stein and Waternish?

A stay here also gives you the opportunity to look beyond the inn. These are a few possibilities to consider when planning extra time in the area.

Visit the Skyeskyns tannery

Skyeskyns in Waternish offers tours explaining traditional sheepskin production. Its official visitor information says tours are free for individuals and family groups, with no booking required; different arrangements apply to organised groups.

There is also a useful accessibility distinction: the tannery entrance has level access from the car park, while the showroom is upstairs. Staff say they can bring a selection downstairs for visitors with limited mobility.

Consider a wildlife boat trip from Stein

Divers Eye Boat Trips operates from Stein, with options exploring Loch Bay’s islands, wildlife and local heritage. Its Lochbay Islands trip focuses on seals, seabirds and the surrounding coastline. Check the current programme and discuss boarding requirements before booking.

This is an option to research, not a promise of particular sightings. I would leave flexibility in the day rather than build an entire itinerary around seeing one species.

Plan a visit to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

Dunvegan Castle and Gardens is another option for a day out. Its published visitor season runs from 1 April to 15 October, with possible short-notice closures in adverse weather. Check the official information for your travel dates rather than assuming year-round access.

Loch Bay restaurant: an important 2026 update

The neighbouring Loch Bay restaurant is a separate business from the Stein Inn. It holds a Michelin star and offers a different dining experience from the pub meal described in this review.

🟠 Planning note: Loch Bay has announced that its final service will be on 31 October 2026. The restaurant says existing bookings on or before that date remain unaffected, with further reservations subject to availability. This announcement concerns Loch Bay restaurant, not the Stein Inn.

I did not review a meal at Loch Bay during this stay, so its reputation is not a substitute for a first-hand recommendation from me.

Is the Stein Inn worth staying at?

The Stein Inn makes most sense for someone who enjoys an old pub with rooms and is happy to accept a few compromises in return for atmosphere and setting.

The strongest parts of my stay were the loch views, comfortable bed, distinctive interiors and enjoyable fish-and-chips dinner. The points I would weigh against those were the cramped shower, low corridor, limited vegetarian breakfast and lack of mobile reception in my room.

Before paying, I would confirm the named room, what breakfast includes, the total price and the cancellation terms. A property can appeal enormously in photographs and still be the wrong choice when the bathroom layout or access does not work for you.

For me, the setting and character were the main attractions. Go expecting a historic inn rather than a polished luxury hotel, and you will be judging it on much fairer terms.

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