Tiree Scarinish Hotel

For our 30th Wedding Anniversary we decided on an idyllic island hideaway. Between my work schedule and other holidays, we’ve both been to most of our Scottish islands. Tiree was one I’d spent less than 24 hours on some 12 years ago and one my wife had never been to, so we opted for there. The Scarinish Beach Hotel seemed ideal as a base, so, after viewing it online and reading the reviews on here (good and bad) we decided to give it a whirl. The way we saw it, it was a work in progress, with, to steal anothers phrase, a minimalist beach vibe. And do you know what; it was excellent. We had the bigger room - room 12, the suite with the balcony overlooking the harbour. It was a stunning view. Yeah, so the door out onto the balcony is a bit rusty and creaky, but so what? This is not The Dorchester, nor does it claim to be. Yes, the bathroom is huge and there’s no bath and the water pressure isn’t terrific, but so what? A friend has a property in Balevullin and their water pressure is exactly the same - it’s an island thing. Yes, there’s no wardrobes and the living/sleeping area is absolutely humongous with umpteen windows and curtains that take an age to go around closing at night - but so what? This is just how it is. Besides, that room is designed to sleep 6 as there’s a sturdy pull-out framed sofa bed in the living area as well as the awfy comfy double bed and also a separate double room. I’ve been to posh gaffs that are supposedly ‘all that’ and hated them. We both loved this place. There is a charm about it. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. Sure, like everywhere else there could be improvements made, but show me a hotel that doesn’t? The biggest plus point for the hotel - as it should be in my opinion - are the staff. They were amazing; courteous, helpful, engaging and very friendly. Fiona, the manager, is a delight. We had breakfast each morning and have no complaints whatsoever about the quality or quantity of the food. The service for hot food was prompt and the young girl serving was utterly charming. We dined at the hotel on one evening - our anniversary. Again, the food was magnificent and the service was exemplary. I had previously emailed the hotel prior to heading to the island to book dinner for that night, stating that it was our anniversary. They confirmed our booking by return and also upon arrival. When we got into our room after checking in, they had left an anniversary card for us, 2 champagne flutes beside it and a bottle of fizz in the fridge. That’s a touch of class. All I will say is, that when we return to Tiree - and we will - we’ll try to book here again.

Great location, 15 mins' walk from the ferry, right on beautiful beach and 2 mins from the Co-op. Could do with signage from ferry terminal; also a 'reception' sign to indicate where the entrance is would be useful. (Simple stuff, not rocket science)! Single room too expensive at £110 a night for what it is, does not feel like value for money - poor view out over broken furniture, cigarette stubs and car park at back; no heating in room other than temperamental plug in heater; no remote for TV; no kettle - there's a nespresso machine but the water isn't hot enough for proper tea; no bedside lamp....no heating at all in bathroom, not even a heated towel rail. No staff uniforms (so hard to identify who is staff), breakfasts limited choice, food ok generally though. Looks like the hotel has been styled in a 'coastal' minimal, bare sort of fashion, all painted floor boards....but it's not very practical, feels chilly, sounds of feet very loud and slamming doors. Esp in chilly weather. My room was actually cold all the time as the plug in heater did not always work. It also had two nasty yucky marks on the wall - one on bedroom wall, one in bathroom, which the staff did clean for me when I asked, and which I appreciated, but I think the housekeeping is hit and miss. Again, that's a staffing and training issue that management could sort out. I think the hotel needs a revamp, some more comforts added, like kettles, side tables and lamps, some cosy rugs, as well as staff training and some sort of uniform....and probably a few more staff. Other guests complained about lack of anywhere to put their clothes as the rooms have no storage, just sparse hanging rails. Outside drying area for swimming gear would be practical and useful and an asset given the amount of surfing and other water sports on Tiree. It would take so little to turn this wee hotel into a gem - I hope the owners/managment take note (esp as the other large hotel on the island is currently closed).

Lovely place to stop in Tiree. I tried the hot chocolate and little did I know it was the best hot chocolate I have ever had. This is a must try!! I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the design of the place. I will be back for this cup of heaven! Thanks so much for the lovely chat as well with Fiona and the chef. Felt very welcome ☺️

Great fish and chips. Very fresh haddock, the best I've ever tasted! Took the dog and sat outside, but could have sat in the bar. Good service but could do with more choices with bitter. The rest of the hotel reception and restaurant look really smart but still beachy.

Attend a function evening at the Scarinish Beach Hotel this evening. The food was excellent and well presented, compliments to the Chef. The serving staff were profession and polite and made the dining experience as a whole fantastic night out. The decor was warm and well presented with lovely Christmas decor theme throughout the premises. Well done to the management and staff for making the function evening one to remember. Thanks you!

I was really surprised by this hotel. My experience of small hotels is not usually good. The room was cosy comfortable and warm for me arriving. comfortable bed and food was high quality. Will consider coming here again if in tiree again. Wasn't a fan of the bare floorboards in the bed room and the shower was tiny and a bit cramped. That said i would reccomend the staff are freindy and polite inwas amde to feel welcome.

We visited the Scarinish Hotel for coffee and had our meals there in the evening. The meals were excellent as were the drinks. The bar manager was friendly and we felt welcomed. No long wait for food as experienced in earlier reviews. Would recommend staying here but booked another hotel because of the reviews, but after visiting we wish we had booked here.

We stayed at the Scarinish Beach Hotel on a pool visit to the Isle of Tiree. This is an old hotel but had been updated. It was very comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was included in our stay and it was quite good. An added bonus was the bar at the hotel that provided an opportunity to chat with some of the local residents. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to visit Tiree

Heard good things so was disappointed with the service overall. Booked for 5.30pm - early dinner suits us with having wee kids. One other customer at a table when we arrived. By 7.10pm, only our table and the first table had been served any food. Booking for 5.30 and waiting until around 7pm for food (especially when you've got wee kids) is very poor. Staff might have been new, maybe the chef was new too, no idea. Felt sorry for the staff, clearly not their fault and were doing their best. Interior has been nicely refreshed but beyond that, disappointing. Bathroom had no toilet paper or anything to dry hands with either.