Of all the wonderful places to stay in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland it is to Stornoway that most people head when taking a vacation or visiting on business. Many visitors choose to stay in Stornoway guest house accommodation rather than in hotels or self catering. The Outer Hebrides/ Western Isles are a rather unique set of islands off the west of Scotland with the Isle of Lewis (where you will find Stornoway) being the largest of them all.
The Isle of Lewis is widely known to consist mainly of barren moor land but ask anybody in your Stornoway guest house and they will be eager to tell you of some of the most beautiful places to be found in the whole of Scotland and some say the UK & Europe too. For several miles along the south west coast of the Isle of Lewis spectacular shell sand beaches punctuate the otherwise rocky coastline. Large stretches of outstanding beaches are there to be enjoyed, often they are all to yourself. So, if you are planning to visit the Outer Hebrides remember to allow time to visit this lovely area.
At the start of the twentieth century Stornoway appeared to have a bright future ahead. There had been much investment in the town, which had a number of fine buildings including several large banks, and business was booming. However the local economy was dependant upon the herring fishing and, with Stornoway being one of the largest herring fishing ports in Europe, most other businesses where ancillary to the fishing industry. Sadly the herring industry fell into extreme decline following World War One and the town faced hardship. Today the harbor still has an active fishing fleet which helps to create a most wonderful atmosphere, especially when the boats are landing their catch.
Across the harbor to the other side can be seen Lews Castle which is surrounded by the most incredible grounds that are well worth an hour or two of your time. If you are staying in a Stornoway guest house it will be unlikely that you will be any great distance from the castle grounds. If you can find the time it is strongly advised that you take the time to wander around the grounds which have some really interesting aspects such as the Creed, a small but very pretty river.
Choosing accommodation can be problematic, this can also be true when visiting the Isle of Lewis. Do you prefer to stay in a central location so that you get the many benefits of being in a modern town or do you choose to stay in a more rural location so that you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenery (while still being close to amenities). With this in mind we have chosen two properties to look at, on Stornoway guest house and one set in the countryside only a few minutes from the town.
If you are looking for a quiet location with gorgeous sea views and countryside then the luxurious Holm View Guest house is for you. If you are lucky you will have the pleasure of enjoying a Hebridean sunset in a most wonderful setting able to return to the most comfortable accommodation to be found in a guest house on Lewis. All this and Holm View is only a few minutes drive of the town center of Stornoway.
The Thorlee is to be found right in the very middle of the town of Stornoway. Within easy reach of all of the town’s many amenities and excellent transport links the Thorlee is best suited to those who prefer to be at the very heart of a town. Staying in the Thorlee means that all the pubs and restaurants are within walking distance allowing you to thoroughly enjoy Stornoway’s night life.
Wherever you decide to stay on the Isle of Lewis, be it in a Stornoway guest house, bed and breakfast, hotel or a more rural location we can almost guarantee that you will be impressed at the hospitality. The islands are well known for being extremely friendly and this is most evident when you stay in a guest house. We can almost be certain that you will be so impressed with the Outer Hebrides that you will want to return at your earliest opportunity.
