Edinbane Lodge

Edinbane Lodge on the Isle of Skye stands as a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, frequently lauded for its exceptional culinary offerings and impeccable hospitality within a beautifully restored 16th-century hunting lodge.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Edinbane Lodge garners an overwhelmingly positive reception, with an impressive "Superb" rating of 9.2 based on 234 reviews. Guests consistently describe their experience as "outstanding," "brilliant," "spectacular," and "exceptional" across various platforms. The property is recognized by the Michelin Guide and holds an "Exceptional" rating from The Good Food Guide, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier destination.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly enchanted by several aspects of Edinbane Lodge:

• Exceptional Dining: The restaurant's tasting menu is a consistent highlight, praised as "world-class" and "the finest meal" some guests have experienced in Scotland, often surpassing Michelin-starred establishments. The strong emphasis on fresh, locally sourced, and often family-provided ingredients is a significant draw.
• Outstanding Service: The staff receives widespread acclaim for being professional, knowledgeable, genuinely friendly, attentive, and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests feel like family.
• Charming Design & Ambiance: The lodge successfully blends modern luxury with traditional Scottish charm, maintaining the character of its historic origins. It's described as cozy, warm, and inviting.
• Comfortable & Luxurious Rooms: The accommodations are consistently noted for being very clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully appointed with high-quality furnishings and amenities.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Edinbane Lodge are a testament to discreet luxury and careful restoration. Each room is uniquely decorated, drawing inspiration from the rich hues and textures of the Skye landscape, featuring rich dark woods, earthy woven tweeds and tartans, soft-grained leathers, and sumptuous blue velvets.

While preserving their original charm, rooms are equipped with modern comforts including complimentary superfast Wi-Fi, 50" (some 4K UHD) Smart TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, a selection of teas, and homemade biscuits. Ensuite bathrooms are spacious and well-appointed, boasting Edwardian-style fittings, walk-in monsoon power showers, free-standing cast iron bathtubs, Bluetooth backlit mirrors, large fluffy Egyptian cotton towels, embroidered robes, and fragrant Highland or Skye toiletries. Some rooms also offer picturesque garden views or direct access to a private patio.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Edinbane Lodge is central to its acclaim. The restaurant, led by Chef Patron Calum Montgomery, offers a seasonal dinner tasting menu, currently priced at £160 per person (with an optional wine pairing for £95). The philosophy is deeply rooted in showcasing the "Taste of Skye," utilizing exceptional local ingredients often supplied by the chef's relatives and friends, including local fishermen, crofters, and foragers.

Highlights from the tasting menu mentioned by guests include hand-dived scallops, freshly caught monkfish, exquisite Wagyu beef, steamed brioche with wild black-garlic butter, and innovative desserts that reflect the island's natural elements. Breakfast, included with all room rates, is highly regarded as a "delicious start to the day," offering hearty porridge, poached Edinbane eggs with crispy bacon, traditional Scottish breakfast options, freshly baked sourdough, and a variety of beverages. The restaurant accommodates vegetarian and gluten-free diets, but regrettably cannot cater to dairy-free, egg-free, vegan menus, or allium/nightshade allergies.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Edinbane Lodge consistently receives five-star praise. Guests frequently highlight the staff's exceptional friendliness, professionalism, attentiveness, and genuine warmth. Many describe feeling instantly at home and treated "like family" or "top-tier guests," benefiting from an "unparalleled concierge experience." The team is commended for being knowledgeable about the menu and wine pairings, adding significantly to the overall enjoyment. Chef Calum Montgomery himself has been known to greet diners, further enhancing the personal touch.

6. Location & Accessibility

Edinbane Lodge is nestled in the tranquil village of Edinbane on the Isle of Skye, situated in a "leafy little hamlet" on a shaded riverbank. This location offers a peaceful retreat, "away from the crowds" often found in busier parts of Skye, making it an ideal, relaxing base for exploration.

The lodge is conveniently located approximately 20 minutes' drive from Portree, the island's capital, and about 10 minutes from the historic Dunvegan Castle. It also lies on the route to the iconic Neist Point. Free private parking is available on-site. The surrounding area provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

7. Value & Pricing

While Edinbane Lodge represents a luxury experience, guests generally perceive it as being worth the cost due to the exceptional quality of the food and service. The dinner tasting menu is priced at £160 per person, with an optional wine pairing at £95 per person. One review noted a meal for two with wine could exceed £400, indicating a significant investment in a fine dining experience. Given the limited seating in the restaurant and the bespoke nature of the stay, booking well in advance is highly recommended.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points of criticism have been noted:

• One guest felt the tasting menu's main course portion was "too small" and that the overall progression felt "a bit rushed," suggesting it could benefit from an additional course to feel more complete for a fine dining experience.
• Some general sentiment regarding tasting menus can be that they are "a bit pretentious" or that diners prefer larger portions of dishes they particularly enjoy, rather than many small courses.
• A specific dessert, a 70% Dark Chocolate with Edinbane Blackcurrant, was not to one diner's taste, finding it "a step too far."
• The lodge's restaurant has limitations regarding dietary accommodations, specifically being unable to provide dairy-free, egg-free, or vegan menus, or cater to allium or nightshade allergies.

Sources

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2. thegoodfoodguide.co.uk
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