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4- and 5-star hotels in Stornoway
A shortlist of 4- and 5-star hotels in Stornoway, from a castle setting to town-centre guesthouses and self-catering flats. It is for travellers who want a comfortable base in the main town on Lewis, whether for a short break, a couple's trip or a family stay.
Staying in Stornoway
Stornoway is the main town on Lewis and the Outer Hebrides, set around a working harbour where fishing and commercial vessels come and go. Lews Castle, a nineteenth-century building in wooded grounds, and the Museum nan Eilean are the best-known attractions, while the town centre holds shops, cafes and restaurants. Beyond the town, the island offers walking, birdwatching and prehistoric sites such as the Callanish Standing Stones, which makes Stornoway a practical base for exploring the wider island.
Most of the hotels on this shortlist sit in the town centre or within a short walk of it. The Cabarfeidh Hotel is on Perceval Road South, and the guesthouses and flats cluster around Bayhead Street, Kenneth Street, Church Street, Matheson Road, Newton Street and Stewart Drive. Lews Castle stands in its own grounds, and Westview Accommodation is a little further out. An Airigh lies towards the edge of town, and Broad Bay House is 9.8 km from the centre at Back. This mix suits couples and short-break visitors who want to be near the harbour, families needing room for children, and business travellers who value a town-centre address.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Broad Bay House
Back, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereA 5-star house at Back, 9.8 km from the centre, with sea views and a patio or balcony to take them in. Free wifi, free parking and a restaurant keep the day simple, and pets are allowed. Best for travellers with a car who want space and quiet outside Stornoway, and who will use the beach nearby.
See Broad Bay HouseThe Cabarfeidh Hotel
Manor Park Perceval Road South, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereThis 4-star hotel on Perceval Road South is 0.9 km from the centre, so town is close at hand. Guests rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 384 reviews. A restaurant, a bar and room service cover eating without going out, and there is free parking and free wifi. Family rooms and a 24 hour front desk suit families and guests arriving late by ferry.
See The Cabarfeidh HotelAn Airigh
3 Airidh Ard, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereAn Airigh is a 4-star property 1.5 km from the centre with a garden, patio and picnic area, plus its own private beach. Kayaking, diving and fishing are all possible, and the kitchen, kitchenette and microwave make self-catering easy. Families get cots, high chairs and a playground. The guest rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 8 reviews. Suits those who want the outdoors on the doorstep.
See An AirighStornoway Apartment
18A Matheson Road, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereAt 18A Matheson Road, this 4-star apartment is 0.3 km from the centre, the closest kind of base for a Stornoway stay. A kitchen, dishwasher and fireplace make it feel like a home rather than a room, with a garden and terrace outside and free parking. Sports facilities include tennis, squash, bowling, mini golf and diving. Good for longer stays and groups who want to cook and spread out.
See Stornoway ApartmentHal O' The Wynd Guest House
2 Newton Street, Stornoway, United Kingdom
- Lounge
- Beach nearby
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereHal O' The Wynd sits on Newton Street, 0.6 km from the centre, a 4-star guest house with a sea view and a lounge to sit in. Free wifi, housekeeping and laundry service are provided, and special diets can be catered for at breakfast. Express check in and luggage storage help on ferry days. Suits guests who want a small guest house within walking distance of town.
See Hal O' The Wynd Guest HouseHebridean Guest House
61 Bayhead Street, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Business trips
- Free car parking
Why stay hereA 4-star guest house on Bayhead Street, 0.4 km from the centre, so the harbour and town centre are close. It offers free parking and a meeting room, and fishing and horse riding can be arranged. A surcharge may apply on some services. It suits guests who need a practical base and a room for a small meeting while in Stornoway.
See Hebridean Guest HouseWestview Accommodation
38 Westview Terrace Stornoway Isle Of Lewis, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereWestview Accommodation is a 4-star apartment 0.7 km from the centre, with a kitchen, washing machine and microwave for longer stays. Free wifi, free parking and a shuttle service are available, and the garden is a plus on fine days. Family rooms and cots are provided. Suits families or groups who want to cook and stay a few nights rather than one.
See Westview AccommodationJannel Bed & Breakfast
5 Stewart Drive, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereOn Stewart Drive, 1.0 km from the centre, Jannel Bed & Breakfast is a 4-star guest house with a garden, free parking and free wifi. Housekeeping, laundry service and luggage storage are on hand, and special diets are catered for. It suits guests who prefer a quiet residential street and a straightforward breakfast stay close to town.
See Jannel Bed & BreakfastStornoway Bed and Breakfast
29 32 Kenneth St, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Kitchen
Why stay hereThis 4-star bed and breakfast on Kenneth Street is 0.3 km from the centre, putting shops and the harbour within easy reach. Rooms come with a kitchen, kitchenette and dishwasher, so guests can prepare their own meals, and there is free parking and free wifi. A lounge and terrace add somewhere to sit. Suits longer stays and guests who want self-catering in the middle of town.
See Stornoway Bed and BreakfastJardine Apartment @ Cairn Dhu House
18A 1 Matheson Road, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereJardine Apartment @ Cairn Dhu House is a 4-star apartment 0.2 km from the centre, one of the closest addresses to Stornoway's centre. A kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine and fireplace make it a full home base, with a patio, garden and picnic area outside. Free wifi and free parking are included. Suits guests who want to walk everywhere and still cook for themselves.
See Jardine Apartment @ Cairn Dhu HouseLews Castle
Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereSet in the Lews Castle Grounds, 0.5 km from the centre, this 4-star apartment has sea views and a lift. A kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine and microwave are provided, along with free wifi and free parking. It is wheelchair accessible. Suits guests who want a stay in the castle grounds with space to cook and easy access to town on foot.
See Lews CastleLovely Light and Airy 1 bed Flat in Stornoway
27A Perceval Road South, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 4-star flat on Perceval Road South, 0.8 km from the centre, described as light and airy. Free wifi and free parking are provided. With little else listed, it suits guests who want a simple, well-placed base in Stornoway and plan to spend their days out on the island.
See Lovely Light and Airy 1 bed Flat in Stornoway44 Inaclete Road
44 Inaclete Road, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereThis 4-star house at 44 Inaclete Road is 1.0 km from the centre, with a kitchen, washing machine and microwave for self-catering. Free wifi and free parking are provided, and fishing, horse riding, tennis, squash, bowling and mini golf are among the activities within reach. A sofa bed and wheelchair access add flexibility. Suits families and active guests who want their own kitchen.
See 44 Inaclete RoadFlat 14d Bayhead
Flat 14D Bayhead Stornoway, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereFlat 14d Bayhead is a 4-star apartment 0.1 km from the centre, the closest in this list to Stornoway's heart. A kitchenette, kitchen and fireplace make it comfortable, and free wifi and free parking are included. Golf, tennis, bowling, mini golf and surfing are nearby. Suits guests who want to step out of the door into the town centre.
See Flat 14d BayheadHebridean Town House
10 Church Street Stornoway, Stornoway, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereHebridean Town House on Church Street is a 4-star apartment 0.3 km from the centre, with river and sea views. A kitchen, kitchenette and washing machine allow self-catering, and free wifi and parking are available. Pets are allowed. Suits guests who want a central base with space, and who may be travelling with a dog.
See Hebridean Town House
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broad Bay House | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | 9.8 km |
| The Cabarfeidh Hotel | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | 0.9 km |
| An Airigh | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | 1.5 km |
| Stornoway Apartment | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | 0.3 km |
| Hal O' The Wynd Guest House | ★★★★ | – | – | 0.6 km |
| Hebridean Guest House | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 0.4 km |
| Westview Accommodation | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 0.7 km |
| Jannel Bed & Breakfast | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 1.0 km |
| Stornoway Bed and Breakfast | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 0.3 km |
| Jardine Apartment @ Cairn Dhu House | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 0.2 km |
| Lews Castle | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 0.5 km |
| Lovely Light and Airy 1 bed Flat in Stornoway | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 0.8 km |
| 44 Inaclete Road | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 1.0 km |
| Flat 14d Bayhead | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 0.1 km |
| Hebridean Town House | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | 0.3 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
These four offer Family rooms, and three of them add a kitchen or kitchenette for preparing simple meals: An Airigh, Stornoway Apartment and Westview Accommodation. The Cabarfeidh Hotel brings a restaurant and 24 Hour Front Desk instead, useful when you would rather not cook. All four provide cots, and An Airigh adds a playground and high chairs.
The Cabarfeidh Hotel · An Airigh · Stornoway Apartment · Westview Accommodation
Closest to the centre
Flat 14d Bayhead is 0.1 km from the centre, Jardine Apartment @ Cairn Dhu House 0.2 km, and Stornoway Apartment and Stornoway Bed and Breakfast 0.3 km. Hebridean Town House sits 0.3 km away on Church Street. These are the picks if you want the harbour, shops and restaurants within a short walk.
Flat 14d Bayhead · Jardine Apartment @ Cairn Dhu House · Stornoway Apartment · Stornoway Bed and Breakfast · Hebridean Town House
Pets welcome
Broad Bay House, The Cabarfeidh Hotel, An Airigh, Stornoway Apartment and Hebridean Town House all state that pets are allowed. Broad Bay House, at 9.8 km from the centre, gives a coastal setting, while the others keep you in or near town. Check each property's conditions for your pet before booking.
Broad Bay House · The Cabarfeidh Hotel · An Airigh · Stornoway Apartment · Hebridean Town House
Top-rated by guests
An Airigh carries a guest rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 8 reviews, making it the highest-rated property on this shortlist. The Cabarfeidh Hotel follows at 4.4 out of 5 from 384 reviews, a large and consistent body of feedback for a 4-star hotel 0.9 km from the centre. Both are good first stops when you are weighing options.
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Stornoway is reached by ferry from Ullapool on the Scottish mainland, a crossing of about two and a half hours, and by air from several Scottish cities including Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The ferry terminal and airport are both close to the town centre. Once in Stornoway, the town is compact and walkable, but a car is useful for exploring the rest of Lewis and Harris. Local bus services connect Stornoway with other parts of the island, and taxis are available.
When to go
The best time to visit Stornoway is from May to September, when days are long and temperatures are mild. Summer brings the highest chance of dry weather and allows for outdoor activities such as walking and visiting archaeological sites. Winter can be windy and wet, with shorter daylight hours, but the town remains accessible and offers indoor attractions such as Lews Castle and the Museum nan Eilean. Visitors should be prepared for changeable weather at any time of year.
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to Stornoway town centre?
Flat 14d Bayhead is 0.1 km from the centre, Jardine Apartment @ Cairn Dhu House is 0.2 km, and Stornoway Apartment, Stornoway Bed and Breakfast and Hebridean Town House are all 0.3 km away. An Airigh, at 1.5 km, and Broad Bay House, at 9.8 km, are further out.
Do any hotels on this shortlist have free parking?
Many do. The Cabarfeidh Hotel, An Airigh, Stornoway Apartment, Hal O' The Wynd Guest House, Hebridean Guest House, Westview Accommodation, Jannel Bed & Breakfast, Stornoway Bed and Breakfast, Jardine Apartment @ Cairn Dhu House, Lews Castle and others list Free car parking.
Are pets allowed in these Stornoway hotels?
Broad Bay House, The Cabarfeidh Hotel, An Airigh, Stornoway Apartment and Hebridean Town House all state that pets are allowed. Conditions vary by property, so confirm with the hotel before you travel with your pet.
Which is the top-rated hotel on this shortlist?
An Airigh has a guest rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 8 reviews. The Cabarfeidh Hotel rates 4.4 out of 5 from 384 reviews. Both are 4-star properties in Stornoway, though An Airigh is 1.5 km from the centre and the Cabarfeidh 0.9 km.
Which hotels suit families with children?
The Cabarfeidh Hotel, An Airigh, Stornoway Apartment and Westview Accommodation all offer Family rooms, and all four provide cots. An Airigh adds high chairs and a playground, while Stornoway Apartment and Westview Accommodation include kitchens for family meals.
Is there a hotel with a restaurant among these?
Yes. The Cabarfeidh Hotel lists a restaurant, along with bars, room service and breakfast in room. Broad Bay House also has a restaurant and bars, though it is 9.8 km from the centre. Other properties on the shortlist are guesthouses, apartments or flats without a restaurant.
Do any have a pool or spa?
None of the hotels on this shortlist lists a pool or spa among its facilities. The Cabarfeidh Hotel offers a golf course, and An Airigh lists a garden, private beach and picnic area. Guests looking for swimming or treatments should check elsewhere in Stornoway.
How do I get to Stornoway?
You can reach Stornoway by ferry from Ullapool, a crossing of about two and a half hours, or by air from Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The ferry terminal and airport are both close to the town centre, and the town itself is compact and walkable.