Raasay was an island we had always wanted to visit - we found a good weekend deal, checked the website and booked it. We had direct contact with hotel staff before our visit and they were friendly, and supportive. However, neither the contact with staff nor the website information gave any indication of what we would find. The website stated that Raasay House was in the process of being refurbished following a major fire and accommodation was being provided at Borodale House Hotel; it states that -
'Accommodation is now available at the Borodale House hotel just next to Raasay House. Originally built in the 1870s as the Estate Manager’s house, it passed through various owners before becoming a hotel in 1981. All but two of the twelve comfortable ensuite bedrooms have spectacular views across the sound of Raasay to the Cuillin on Skye. The café and restaurant, lounge and garden are all open to non-residents and all offer dramatic sea views.'
To say we were disappointed would be an understatement - we had anticipated a cosy, slightly old-fashioned, comfortable hotel possibly a bit dog-eared but hopefully with an open fire and some comfy chairs and sofas - somewhere! What we found was nothing like that! The condition of the hotel, its rooms, bathrooms, decor, furnishings, public areas etc were all pretty poor - the kindest analogy I can make is poor student accommodation from the 1970s! The bathroom door had a hole in it, the room furnishings were on their last legs - it really was not very pleasant and not what we were expecting. It was reasonably clean, the bed was comfortable and the dinners in the evenings were good and the wine list fine(thank goodness - it provided some relief!) - the breakfast on the other hand was not good - sausages reheated in the microwave which proved inedible, poached eggs that were grey and tasted heavily of vinegar....The staff were friendly and relaxed but their positive responses could not and did not make up for the inadequate facilities. I don't think our expectations were unrealistic or too high - but this has to be one of the most disappointing hotels we have ever been to. We didn't complain as there appeared to be no point, we were on the island for two nights and there is no other hotel - so we made the best of it and had a good time anyway but.....come on Raasay House you can surely do MUCH better than this particularly as you are the only hotel on the island?

We were booked to stay for two nights at Borodale House at the beginning of September. We only managed one night before leaving, and being honest, if the ferry had still been running the first evening we wouldn't have even stayed one night.

Upon arrival we were shown to our room (or sty, which is perhaps a more fitting name). The room was freezing cold, as was the entire wing of the hotel we were placed in. Given we had placed a courtesy call a few hours before arriving to say we were en-route, putting the heating on to make it welcoming wasn't much to ask for.

The room itself was in a very poor state. The main room door had a hole in it. as did the back of the bathroom door. The locks on both of these doors also failed to work. Impressive. I'm not sure you would want to lock yourself in the Bathroom however, given it was covered in mould and dirt.

The walls below the windows were also showing signs of damp/water damage. Last but not least, the bed... The mattress itself needs to be burned, no matter how you positioned yourself you'd be treated to a spring in your back.

I won't even go into much detail on the food. Suffice to say, you could probably rustle up a nicer meal using the kettle in the room. I pray they do not employ a chef.

It is a real shame that this will be many peoples impression of Raasay, as I believe it is the only place to stay on the Island. My advice to anyone considering a stay here would be to get an early ferry over, explore the island, take a packed lunch, and get the ferry back off before you are forced to stay!

Didn't stay here but stopped for lunch. Had the most wonderful panini. View and atmosphere very nice. Could have sat outside fussing the cats and looking at the view all day. Bliss.

Just back from a wonderful trip to Rassay:
As owners of a small hotel in Edinburgh we know how important reviews are. We had a great 3 day stay and would love to have stayed longer - plan to go back in October.

The hotel is not far from the Ferry so even if travelling on foot (we took our car over) its easily accessible.
We were not expecting a luxury room but were pleasantly surprised with our room with a fantastic view over the sea. 2 single beds together which made a comfortable large double. The room and ensuite were of a good size, very clean and comfortable the usual complimentary tea coffee hot chocolate Scottish shortbread etc were welcome after a long drive from Edinburgh. Bottled water is also provided in the room which is a good addition, as these can be refilled from the tap on other days if needed. We ate in the hotel for breakfast lunch and dinner - although we did buy a few items from the local post office which is only a mile from the hotel. So guests do have this choice if they wish to purchase extre food items.
The young team of staff were so friendly and couldn't do enough for us. Some previous guests had commented on slow service - we did not really find this but to be honest its not the sort of holiday destination you require really fast service as we were taking our time enjoying the views etc..
We were well set up for the day with a hearty breakfast. Enjoyed the home made soups at lunch times and sampled the local venison and fish in the eve. The standard of cuisine was much higher than we expected for a small island which must have difficulties with deliveries ets so we were pleasantly surprised. The prices were of an average with mainland Scotland - but to be honest we thought this was very fair as there is obviously more cost in bringing both staff and stock to the island.
Great trip to Brochel (may be wrong spelling) Our son managed to fish on the loch up here. Also had a great day out kayaking - the instructor was brilliant putting us at ease and making the whole experience one we won't forget. Make sure you also ask about Coasteering - although I didn't do this my son and husband thoroughly enjoyed it.
We took some bikes out, which was also a great way to see the other side of the island.
The bar is lively with a few locals which makes the whole experience very real. We will definitely be back.....Thanks guys keep up the good work.