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Baile-na-Cille
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#1 of 1 guest house in Timsgarry
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HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Property amenities
Free parking
Free breakfast
Restaurant
Beach
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Location
Timsgarry HS2 9JD Scotland
Getting there
Stornoway Airport
40.9 km•
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Car Hire
5 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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Good to stop on our tour of the islands for more than just one night. Isolated, but a well stocked local shop. We had a lovely 4 course dinner here on our first night, with other diners sat at an appropriate distance. Good selection of wines and beers available. Tasty breakfast. We were warned that he was unable to provide food our second night, this place is remote, so we used our “emergency” meal we carry of pot noodles! Room was clean and we were happy to strip and pack up our own bed linen to be “COVID secure” but a little uneasy that as he is so friendly and welcoming that he forgot his face mask while serving the food from table to table! But the quality of food and ambience worth the risk! Fantastic views and walks from the house.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent 4 nights at Baile na Cille in August and loved every moment of it. We stayed in the Hayloft Cottage which overlooks the mesmerising Uig Bay - when the tide is low you can walk out over the vast expanse of sand. It couldn't be more lovely. The cottage was also lovely, newly renovated with a beautiful new kitchen, which has everything you could conceivably need. It was extremely comfortable and well appointed. Richard and Joanna were incredibly kind and Richard gave us lots of great advice about the area and wonderful things to see. There is also a fantastic village shop in walkable distance which is a real bonus on the island.
We hope to return one day!
We hope to return one day!
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful sandy beach on the doorstep, herds of wild deer grazing on the hills, rabbits everywhere...
We spent 3 wonderful nights here and it was very relaxing. Richard is a great host and despite being busy made us feel most welcome. the room was comfortable with a small sitting room and the most spectacular views. Breakfasts were delicious and the evening meal we had there was a dinner party atmosphere. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to get away from it all.
We spent 3 wonderful nights here and it was very relaxing. Richard is a great host and despite being busy made us feel most welcome. the room was comfortable with a small sitting room and the most spectacular views. Breakfasts were delicious and the evening meal we had there was a dinner party atmosphere. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to get away from it all.
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Date of stay: July 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The greatest (and only) disappointment of our 3 week trip to Scotland. At 45 pounds pppn and 30 pounds pp for dinner, this is a grossly overpriced lodging. The price would be worth it, if the entire package was as advertised on the website. Our greatest disappointment was to discover that the "beachfront property", as advertised on the internet and via personal e-mail, was anything but. The beach was accessible, but only after climbing a stone wall, descending a bushy hill and walking some distance; impossible for my travelling companion who is phyically limited and uses a cane. The room was clean, but horribly ordinary and the proprietor promptly informed us that, if we opened the windows (the room was very stuffy) causing the front door to slam, we would be responsible for the possible resulting broken glass in the door. In advance, we had asked if/where smoking was permitted and were told that we could smoke in any of the 3 lounges, but not in our bedroom. Upon arrival, receiving the tour of the 3 lounges, we were greated with a scowl when asked which of the 3 we could smoke in. He informed us that they were non-smokers and didn't like it, but could "if we must". The 3 lounges, by the way, could only be accessed by cutting through the families living quarters, which was very uncomfortable. Breakfast and dinner was far above average - salmon with the best hollandaise sauce I've ever tasted and beautiful, fresh, local vegetables. However, at $65Cdn, not worth it. We thought, at least, the dinner price might include a glass of wine; especially when we entered the dining room and saw quite a selection. We were quickly told the price of the bottles and that we were welcome to them, if only we added the price to our bill. The dining room decor was distateful to us - filled with war memorabilia. As far as dining, if you stay here, you are pretty restricted to eating here, as it is very isolated: thus, the exorbidant price.
The "host" was anything but... a very stuffy, condescending, arrogant man, who had the annoying habit of looking over his glasses at you. When, on our first morning of what was to be three, we informed him we would be checking out, he was clearly displeased. If not for the $35 arthritis medication that my friend had brought him as a gift, I feel our departure would have been more unpleasant.
As far as Baile-na-Caile Guest House is concerned, I say save your money and give it a miss! Above all, don't believe what you see and read on the website!
The "host" was anything but... a very stuffy, condescending, arrogant man, who had the annoying habit of looking over his glasses at you. When, on our first morning of what was to be three, we informed him we would be checking out, he was clearly displeased. If not for the $35 arthritis medication that my friend had brought him as a gift, I feel our departure would have been more unpleasant.
As far as Baile-na-Caile Guest House is concerned, I say save your money and give it a miss! Above all, don't believe what you see and read on the website!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Responded 10 Feb 2006
Sorry this is not strictly a review as this is 'stuffy landlord' Richard replying. I love the idea of free speech and , as on E bay, am just taking the chance to comment on the feedback and correct two or three errors of fact. We are most sorry that this guest did not enjoy her stay. We try to make every guest happy which is how we have survived at Britain's most remote guest house for 27 years and where returnees and referals account for over 80% of guests. Out of over 2000 guests in 2005 she was our only early departure and we are very sorry she did not raise a single one of these issues either when with us or later; it would have at least allowed us to correct a few serious misconceptions. We are , indeed, right beside a wonderful two mile white sand beach with the Hills of Harris beyond. You do not have to climb any wall to get to it, just walk down a short path through 2 gates (anti sheep!) straight onto the the shore, a max of 20 yards. No bushes,either, as this is the Isle of Lewis with very few trees! I can only think that this guest went in the wrong direction. Our site is hilly and we make clear that it is not really suitable for the handicapped , though you can drive right up to this and several of the other fantastic beaches, though, just along the coast road. Our 3 lounges (TV lounge, main sitting room, games room) are NOT reached through the family living quarters which are all on the third floor and inaccessible to guests. There are plenty of other places to eat on Lewis and Harris and we are glad this guest gave our cuisine very high marks. There are two other restaurants within 3 miles: one is run by the community and is very low priced and the other is the Michelin recommended Bon Aventure which is more expensive than we are and where the wine is far more than the fixed 10.50 and 14.50 pounds of all our wines (half bottles always available).There are also plenty of good value B and Bs to stay in the area at around half our price.I note that B and B in old buildings in places like Sanibel, Amelia Island or Key West in Fl. (where I am writing this) are far more than our rates as are most dinners down here on Sanibel Island. On the smoking we are on far stickier ground. We have tried to make our bedrooms non-smoking and discourage smoking inside where possible. We are following public feeling on this and this will soon be the law in public places in Scotland. However, in our 27 years experience , nothing stops a nicotine addict from smoking and we then take two or three weeks to get the smell of smoke out of the bedroom. This guest actually informed us straight away on arrival that they would be staying one night not the three booked.If I was displeased it is because she showed a lack of knowledge of UK hotel law; once she has booked a hotel in Britain the situation is unlike the USA; the hotel HAS to keep the room available.In our case that is one room out of 7 main rooms. You can imagine her reaction to a reverse situation where she arrived for three reserved nights and was told her that she could only have one! As it happens, we had a waiting list and were able to fill 'her' room. Then onto the personal remarks about me and I have realised that she is absolutely right!!I DO peer over my glasses!I need the glasses for paper-work, cooking and serving but do not need them for any longer distances.Often they hang on a string round my neck but often I must just peer over them.Sorry that is irritating; like any old git I am trying to avoid wearing glasses all the time. Talking of health I was very grateful for the present of medecine she brought; keeps me going out on our lovely tennis court. So I would repeat that we are sorry this guest did like us. Even if you do not come to us, I can totally recommend all the Outer Hebrides. There are super places to stay on all the islands and each island has this wonderful mix of white sand beaches, unspoiled hills and welcoming people many of whom are among the last gaelic speakers in Britian. You can also make sure you prepare for your vacation in Britain. There are several independent (ie non payola) guides to accomodation and food in Britain.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Scottish scenery makes Baile-na-Cille special! Our room was large but very dated, not decorated for I would guess 5 years with a separate aged bathroom and no shower, which was dirty. Food was good and the night was made by some of the other great guests' conversation, I really enjoyed the quirky war remenants and target practice planes. After reading some other reviews I can see what some people mean by Richard's sometimes eccentric and rude attitude. We ended up giving feed back to Richard in the morning regarding the room. He responded by immediately assuming that we were raising the substandard condition of the room in order to get some kind of discount, and we found his tone rude and insulting. We paid £100 for the room and £30p/p for dinner.
There is no doubt this place has some of the best views Scotland has to offer, but if you are looking for real Scottish hospitality, a warm friendly host that puts tourism, guests and Scotland first this is not it!
There is no doubt this place has some of the best views Scotland has to offer, but if you are looking for real Scottish hospitality, a warm friendly host that puts tourism, guests and Scotland first this is not it!
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Date of stay: September 2011Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Cleanliness
Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There is no doubt that the views from Baile-na-Cille are second to none. We took a beautiful walk along the white sandy beach. The sea was crystal clear and the beach almost deserted. Sheep were grazing down on the beach. It was so calm and beautiful.
The accommodation however was very disappointing. The rooms had been hoovered but needed a good clean. Seals around the windows were filthy and down the back of a very uncomfortable and squeaky bed was filthy. The decor was dated and no, not antique or in keeping with the caracter of the building just old fashioned. The part of the building we stayed in was obviously renovated on the cheap. Cracks on ceiling and floors. You could hear everything in the other rooms oh and the doors don't lock.
Found the owner patronising and pompous, to put it mildly he was only interested in himself, he was a deluded laird. Not that he was Scottish!
The views and lack of availability will keep this place in business.
Get with the times smarten the place up and give it a good clean.
The accommodation however was very disappointing. The rooms had been hoovered but needed a good clean. Seals around the windows were filthy and down the back of a very uncomfortable and squeaky bed was filthy. The decor was dated and no, not antique or in keeping with the caracter of the building just old fashioned. The part of the building we stayed in was obviously renovated on the cheap. Cracks on ceiling and floors. You could hear everything in the other rooms oh and the doors don't lock.
Found the owner patronising and pompous, to put it mildly he was only interested in himself, he was a deluded laird. Not that he was Scottish!
The views and lack of availability will keep this place in business.
Get with the times smarten the place up and give it a good clean.
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Date of stay: June 2010
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We recently stayed at Baile na Cille begining of june, it is in a stunning location however the room was freezing cold and there was no hot water to have a wash.
There also seems to be some confusion about the type of accomodation. Hotel, guest house or B&B?
I have stayed in warmer huts with better facilites like hot water.
There also seems to be some confusion about the type of accomodation. Hotel, guest house or B&B?
I have stayed in warmer huts with better facilites like hot water.
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Date of stay: June 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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Location
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After a long and expensive journey to the beautiful Isle of Lewis we arrived at Richard's guest house (me, my husband and our two young children) at 6.30pm in the evening of our first booked night. When we arrived Richard told us he had no record of our booking and they were fully booked. We were all extremely disappointed, and not just because of money spent, more because of the weeks spent planning and months spent anticipating our trip to this particular guest house on Lewis.
To be fair to Richard he didn't try to deny the booking (although i did have a copy of one of many e-mails back and forth to prove the booking had it been necessary). Also he arranged for us to stay at a B+B down the road and he paid for this - however if we had wanted to stay in a B+B down the road we would have booked it in the first place. As I said money was not the issue.
After the initial disappointment we probably would have adjusted our expectations of the next few days and moved on - everybody can make the odd mistake. BUT there in lies the problem it seems it wasn't that unusual. Over the next few days I got the distinct impression that this was far from the first time this has happened. No wonder Richard didn’t seem too surprised that he had got it wrong.
As for Baile-na-Cille there is no doubt it is in a beautiful location and I'm not going to moan about every little thing I didn't like as I am sure I am far from objective. However I'm not sure we were going to have quite the experience we had envisaged even if we had stayed at Baile-na-Cille. I was a little disappointed to hear sonic underground (a very annoying children's programme) on the TV when we arrived - my son was temporarily thrilled though.
In the end we had a fantastic few days on Lewis. The island itself is absolutely beautiful and the B+B we stayed in was lovely - very friendly and comfortable - thanks Elma!!!
As for Baile-na-Cille beautiful location or not I will not be doing business with Richard again and if you book please double check your booking well before you arrive to avoid something similar happening to you.
If you are looking for alternatives in the area Elma’s B+B was really nice and very close to some fantastic beaches (see separate review). Also Bonaventure is in an unusual location with a lovely atmosphere and the food is beautiful.
To be fair to Richard he didn't try to deny the booking (although i did have a copy of one of many e-mails back and forth to prove the booking had it been necessary). Also he arranged for us to stay at a B+B down the road and he paid for this - however if we had wanted to stay in a B+B down the road we would have booked it in the first place. As I said money was not the issue.
After the initial disappointment we probably would have adjusted our expectations of the next few days and moved on - everybody can make the odd mistake. BUT there in lies the problem it seems it wasn't that unusual. Over the next few days I got the distinct impression that this was far from the first time this has happened. No wonder Richard didn’t seem too surprised that he had got it wrong.
As for Baile-na-Cille there is no doubt it is in a beautiful location and I'm not going to moan about every little thing I didn't like as I am sure I am far from objective. However I'm not sure we were going to have quite the experience we had envisaged even if we had stayed at Baile-na-Cille. I was a little disappointed to hear sonic underground (a very annoying children's programme) on the TV when we arrived - my son was temporarily thrilled though.
In the end we had a fantastic few days on Lewis. The island itself is absolutely beautiful and the B+B we stayed in was lovely - very friendly and comfortable - thanks Elma!!!
As for Baile-na-Cille beautiful location or not I will not be doing business with Richard again and if you book please double check your booking well before you arrive to avoid something similar happening to you.
If you are looking for alternatives in the area Elma’s B+B was really nice and very close to some fantastic beaches (see separate review). Also Bonaventure is in an unusual location with a lovely atmosphere and the food is beautiful.
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Date of stay: August 2007Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Baile na Ciele has an exceptional location to be sure.
The breakfast/dining room overlooks the vast expanse of the Uig sands, which are enchanting even in dull weather. The quality of the food is also very high - if slightly expensive for dinner (£30pp, plus £10.50/£14.00 for a bottle of wine). You will be treated to a range of local produce.
My main gripe is the general atmosphere. The property is in serious need of modernisation. To be frank, it feels like a youth hostel. Most of the walls are partitioned so you can hear everything else in other parts of the main guest complex...
With a different location and more competition, this place would be struggling. The proprietor is also incredibly patronising and at times, arrogant to the point of being offensive. That old adage - the customer is always right - simply doesn't compute here. If you do something to annoy the proprietor - spilling some food or setting the tea pot on the table without a mat - be prepared to be publicly lampooned.
I didn't travel 600 miles to Lewis - or spend good money on a B&B - to be treated in this way. Its idiotic and unprofessional.
Be warned also that dinner operates in a communal form. So the quality of your experience will depend on who else is staying and eating. If you are in a large group, you are afforded some degree of protection. If you are in a small group or a couple, you might want somewhere more private and romantic.
Overall, Baile na Ciele is a good base to explore the western coast of Lewis. Go with low expectations and an assertive attitude to deflect Golin's ego, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
The breakfast/dining room overlooks the vast expanse of the Uig sands, which are enchanting even in dull weather. The quality of the food is also very high - if slightly expensive for dinner (£30pp, plus £10.50/£14.00 for a bottle of wine). You will be treated to a range of local produce.
My main gripe is the general atmosphere. The property is in serious need of modernisation. To be frank, it feels like a youth hostel. Most of the walls are partitioned so you can hear everything else in other parts of the main guest complex...
With a different location and more competition, this place would be struggling. The proprietor is also incredibly patronising and at times, arrogant to the point of being offensive. That old adage - the customer is always right - simply doesn't compute here. If you do something to annoy the proprietor - spilling some food or setting the tea pot on the table without a mat - be prepared to be publicly lampooned.
I didn't travel 600 miles to Lewis - or spend good money on a B&B - to be treated in this way. Its idiotic and unprofessional.
Be warned also that dinner operates in a communal form. So the quality of your experience will depend on who else is staying and eating. If you are in a large group, you are afforded some degree of protection. If you are in a small group or a couple, you might want somewhere more private and romantic.
Overall, Baile na Ciele is a good base to explore the western coast of Lewis. Go with low expectations and an assertive attitude to deflect Golin's ego, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
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Date of stay: August 2009Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from ScottishRichard, Owner at Baile-na-Cille
Responded 13 Mar 2010
Just wanted to point out that there was something very odd about this guest. At the end of the meal we serve tea and coffee. I brought a Tea pot to this guest and asked him to keep it on a mat as it was extremely hot. Our dining table is made of 16th C timbers....When I came back to the table he had moved the pot directly onto the table..So I asked again that he keep the pot on a mat but when I returned he had moved it again onto the table..I admit that I was not very amused at that and suggested that I could come round to his house and put a boiling tea pot on his antique furniture. Anyway, for anyone remotely interested, just E mail us and I have photos of the damage he did to our ancient table. If anyone has suggestions for getting massive ring marks off old furniture please E mail me. Sorry to be rude but we do indeed expect a standard of manners- we are welcoming people into our home.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here while touring Lewis, and it had the best loch views we have ever had. Our room was too warm and the beds were a bit worn out. The B&B cost was a bit too high for the area (at £45 pp), especially for the buildings age. However, the dinner, though tasty, was definitely overpriced at £30 per person for a communal served dinner where we ran out of vegetable sides, and dessert was mostly old fruit. This very greatly increased our final bill. If you can come, skip the dinner for something in Stornoway if possible.
In sum, I can't recommend this location for a completely relaxing stay: there were a few too many shortcomings.
In sum, I can't recommend this location for a completely relaxing stay: there were a few too many shortcomings.
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Date of stay: July 2011Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
baile-na-cille hotel timsgarry
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandThe HebridesOuter HebridesLewis and HarrisIsle of LewisTimsgarry
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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Frequently Asked Questions about Baile-na-Cille
Which popular attractions are close to Baile-na-Cille?
Nearby attractions include Uig Sands (1.0 km), The North Harris Eagle Observatory (3.8 km), and Uig Museum (0.8 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Baile-na-Cille?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Baile-na-Cille?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Baile-na-Cille?
Conveniently located restaurants include Uig Sands Restaurant, Uig Community Cafe, and The Edge Cafe.
Are pets allowed at Baile-na-Cille?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Baile-na-Cille?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Callanish VIII (11.5 km).