ColbostDunvegan
Isle of Skye
Scotland
IV55 8Z

Phone: 01470 51 1258 (+44 1470 51 1258)

Fax: 01470 51 1358 (+44 1470 51 1358)

Located on the northern part of Skye, close to Dunvegan, The Three Chimneys and The House Over-By hotel together form one of the best "restaurant with rooms" that we have stayed at. We had heard and read so much about Shirley Spear and her restaurant, through newspaper articles and restaurant reviews, but it did little to prepare us for our visit there over Christmas.

Motoring up from Edinburgh of Christmas Eve, we arrived tired from our 5-hour drive, with some stretches done at a snail's pace due to snow blizzards on the high passes. What a relief to find the room was as lovely as the brochure stated, with a simple, uncomplicated layout that is welcoming to such weary travellers. As accommodation goes, The House Over-By is a real treat in the highlands, unlike so many hotels that have simply traded on their past glory, forgetting that visitors have higher expectations than those acceptable 10 years ago.

Breakfast, a test for many hotels, was great. Consisting of cereals, Scottish cheeses, cold smoked meats, smoked salmon, homemade breads, homemade jams, Skye honey with croissants plus fresh fruit salad and locally made yoghurt, breakfast was really enjoyable. Funny thing is that even though the breakfast was so good, the AA issued only two red stars because a hot breakfast was not served. (Recently, they have upgraded their rating of the hotel.)

Being only a stone's throw from the Restaurant (see our review of The Three Chimneys), guests can enjoy lunch and dinner there, or explore the island's other restaurants. For some reason, we found that we had almost forgotten to eat lunch while we admired the much-varied scenery Skye has to offer. If you want to try some of the other restaurants on Skye, Eddie and Shirley will gladly offer suggestions and directions.

Overall this is a great place to stay while exploring Skye. It is comfortable and welcoming, with the best restaurant next door. What more could a foodie traveller want from a hotel?