Shieldaig Lodge

We've just got home from our fourth visit to Shieldaig Lodge in the last year. As always it was a perfect break in the most beautiful surroundings. Having first discovered the hotel by accident last March we keep getting drawn back by its myriad charms. The staff are amazing. Each and every one we meet looks after us so well, from Ismet the general manager to the young waiting staff and Sandra the housekeeper. The view from the front is captivating, and there are few pleasures in life greater than sitting in the lounge enjoying a G&T while watching the seals playing in the bay. It's an experience that one can never tire of, regardless of the weather. The bar has over 200 whiskies and more than 80 gins, and the hotel offers a bespoke whisky blending package that allows you to tailor your own perfect taste. The rooms are stunning, it's worth spending a little more and getting a loch view room if available - you won't regret it! Dinner at Shieldaig Lodge is a must - reasonably priced and sourced locally whenever possible. Venison, cod, guinea fowl, the list goes on. Always cooked and presented perfectly. Just last night I had the most wonderful seafood starter followed by venison. Thinking about it makes me glad we're already booked to return in April. Equally impressive is the breakfast, a wide choice of pastries, cereals and fruits in addition to the incredible full Scottish cooked offering. Obviously the cooked is the highlight of the lot! Right on the doorstep there are more things to see and do than I could list here. A ten minute drive to Red Point beach, reputedly one of the Queen's favourites, the gardens at Inverewe, the perfumery and cafe at Aultbea (where the gorgeous breakfast black pudding is made) and the stunning drive to Applecross are all on the doorstep. If you're undecided on which hotel to book for your visit to the west highlands then I suggest you go and meet Ismet, Lisa and the team at Shieldaig Lodge. You'll love it!

NickB

We stayed over the Christmas period - 4 nights. Our trip North was good, even on the single track road nearer the Lodge. Amazing scenery. On arriving at the Hotel we immediately felt in a Christmas mood - Christmas tree in the hall, "Santa stop her" sign on the door and the very majestic staircase decorated in lights, baubles and holly - as indeed was the rest of the Lodge. Tastefully done. Cosy and warm. We were with 2 friends and we had booked rooms with a loch view - wonderful views of lawn, down to the sea and the herons, seals and various other birds. A warm room with very comfortable bed. A mix of old and new furniture with very striking lighting features - as there were in all the public rooms. Lots of hot water. We ate dinner every evening - Christmas day was a late lunch and a buffet in the evening which was a great idea. The food was very good with a great local produce content. Desserts were amazing. Breakfasts were excellent with a great choice of hot and cold. The bar offers a great range of whisky and gin - and a warming open fire. The lounge was warm and welcoming with an open log fire and a good range of seating and here we had afternoon tea - pies, cakes, meringues..... very good indeed. We took advantage of the snooker room as our after dinner exercise. Great fun. Wonderful walks all around the hotel - we walked to Badachro and on Boxing day we walked to the crashed bomber up on the hill. An excellent walk if quite demanding on rocky terrain, well worth the effort. Quite emotional to see the list of victims. During our stay the staff were friendly, helpful, efficient and professional. All in all we had a wonderful Christmas and would certainly recommend this hotel/lodge to our friends. We hope to return.

AnneD

My wife and I had the great fortune of staying at the Shieldaig Lodge in the summer of 2017. We found the lodge on the internet and took a chance. It is an old hunting lodge of the Shieldaig estate (Gairloch) that is located on the foot of an ocean Loch. It is in fantastic condition and located in A highland area that has much to offer. Gairloch and Poolewe have great small village charm and real Scots live there. We attended a caleigh in Poole that was a lifetime memory with the music, dancing, tea and cakes. Such warm and welcoming people. All ages and no previous dancing experience is necessary. The lodge has approx a dozen rooms, fantastic dining and the most welcoming and friendly staff. We got to know the staff that are mostly locals from the wait staff, bar staff, manager, gardeners, and falconer. Yes, they have a falconry on site and you can have a handling experience with Garith. I fell in love with a young barn owl that we flew on the estate. Also, shooting, stalking (deer observing) fishing (lake or ocean) and hiking is available. The Fairey Loch hike is very good. The trail head is on the property and crosses mores on the way to small upland lakes ( approx 2 miles max) where there is a memorial at the site of a WWII era B25 bomber that crashed while on the way home. Very moving. The terrain is spectacular with inspiring ocean/loch views. Here the war was very close to these people and country. I highly recommend this lodge for a very memorable get-away where you get to experience Highlander charm and hospitality in a setting that dates back to the Scottish great estate era.

MikeN

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Shieldaig. A former Victorian hunting lodge, the Shieldaig is a fine building in a wonderful setting right on the waters of Loch Gairloch. The place has a traditional feel, both in its decoration and in its service, which was no bad thing. Staff are extremely polite and well-turned out with in formal attire and the place has a fair few antiques (though it could always do with more), a traditional snooker and pool room, a bar and a traditional dining room. It was here, that we enjoyed the best that the Shieldaig can offer. With excellent table service we enjoyed a three course meal cooked by their French head chef featuring homemade bread, an aubergine and smoked duck canape, hot salmon tartare, venison and beef stovies, and chocolate torte among other things. This was all washed down with some very drinkable red wines. Breakfast was just as good, featuring a full Scottish breakfast including haggis and tattie scone. The room was also very pleasant, with some complimentary homemade shortbread and a decent bathroom. My only complaint would be that the bed was a touch small. Also, the place needs more tasteful old clutter to add to that old world feel. Aside from that, keep doing what you're doing Shieldaig, you offer something special compared to B&Bs and modern hotels.

JamesG

A fabulous charming period hunting lodge. From the moment you step inside you feel at home in this splendid accommodation. The staff are so helpful and don't hesitate to meet your needs. The lodge bar has an amazing selection of whisky and gin, or a cuppa if you wish. The quiet library and lounge, with roaring fire, offer tranquil escape with amazing views over the Loch and comfortable stylish decor. The pool room offers a full size billiards table for a relaxing afternoon of snooker or billiards. Easy to while away the hours. Our room was the family room. Very spacious with a super king bed, rollaway bed for our son (the only uncomfortable part of the stay - my son ended up sleeping on the sofa in the room, that was larger and heaps more comfortable than the roll a way) and plenty of room for a large lounge, occasional chairs, plus all our suitcases. The room was very tastefully and comfortably decorated in the hunting lodge style. We chose to dine in their dining room, they offer a 3 course dinner, with choice. The food was delicious and the dining room is intimate, also with a view to the Loch. A superb stay.

LormesherN

Having stayed here previously in the summer we were pleasantly surprised that when we decided to take a last minute Hogmanay break that there was availability. Initially we had some reservations about spending our New Year's Eve with a group of 6 other couples who we didn't know but these fears were soon put to rest. Ismet the manager and his team try hard to make you feel your enjoying a personal house party in a very beautiful part of Scotland, coupled with lovely food and a relaxed atmosphere. We wished we could have stayed longer as the weather was amazing, crisp and clear. This small hotel is a traditional gem in a stunning part of Scotland with a small but perfectly formed bar which has a huge array of gins and whiskeys on offer to tempt all visitors. Shieldaig Lodge has a small hotel team who deserve prise for making our visit so memorable, well done Charmaine, Alastair,Lisa, Ewan & our chef (who should have been brought out to meet us, however reserved)! We will return again soon.

SussexLassieN

Beautifully restored hunting lodge. Spacious rooms featuring traditional style, elegant furniture. Our room overlooked Loch Gairloch. Dining was elegant, traditional and creative, overall outstanding cuisine. Incredible selection of Scotch whiskey and beautiful lounge to sit, chat with other guests, and enjoy the ambience. The summit of our experience in the Highlands. We stayed there only one night, but will return. Lots to do at the Lodge's estate and environs.

AiclipideN

Shieldaig Lodge is fantastic....relaxing, comfortable, friendly, great food and service....Thanks to Ismet and his ‘Team'. We also had beautiful weather which allowed us to have a lovely walk to the Fairy Lochs and Crash Bomber sight which was very moving. This was our 2nd visit to Shieldaig Lodge and we enjoyed it even more than our 1st visit, so we booked a 3rd visit before leaving.

JoyF

We've just returned from a wonderful weekend break at this hotel. The location is stunning with beautiful sea views with an abundance of wildlife to see. The hotel is very comfy with beautiful furniture/decor. The staff were very attentive and the food first class. We cannot fault this hotel in any way and will hopefully return some day. Thank you

SteveK