Top 10 Best Eriskay, Benbecula and South Uist Accommodation Options
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Looking for the best Eriskay, Benbecula and South Uist accommodation options?
Then you have come to the right place.
Best Accommodation
Don’t have time to read the whole post? The hands down best accommodation is Grianaig Guest House on South Uist!
There are not many hotels across Eriskay, Benbecula and South Uist. Those which exists are often outdated and in need of a refurbishment.
This has meant that several high-end B&Bs and guesthouses with hotel-standard accommodation are the best places to stay. Pods are another concept that has become very popular over the last few years.
However, it is difficult to get an overview of what accommodation options exist and which option is right for you.
I have travelled extensively across the Outer Hebrides and I have either stayed at or visited all the options below.
Based on my experience I have put together this list of the 10 best short stay accommodation options in South Uist, Benbecula and Eriskay.
The Best Eriskay, Benbecula and South Uist Accommodation Options:
- Best for luxury: Grianaig Guest House
- Best for self-catering: An Taigh Dubh
- Best for sea views: An Thaig Mor
- Best Lochboisdale accommodation: Brae Lea Guest House
- Best hotel: Polochar Inn
- Best for birders: Orasay Inn and Hebridean Stay
- Best pod: Meall Ard Self Catering Pod
- Best budget option: Hebridean Stay
The 6 Best South Uist Accommodation
Across the Outer Hebrides there are few hotels. South Uist is no exception. Guest houses and B&B’s are often the best places to stay. South Uist has some of the best!
Luxurious guest houses such as Grianaig has hotel standard rooms. Brae Lea Guest House, which provides accommodation in Lochboisdale, also has more modern facilities than most of the hotels on the island.
For anyone looking for self-catering accommodation South Uist has several pods. These are generally the only self-catering accommodation on South Uist that allow for shorter stays. Most cottages have a one week minimum stay.
Staying in a pod is a different experience to staying in a B&B or a hotel. However most have been built in the last few years so are more modern than many of the hotels on South Uist.
1. Grianaig Guest House
⭐️ RATING: 9.8 | 📍 LOCATION: Daliburgh | ✅ Book it!
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rooms: Grianaig Guest House is a luxurious guest house with 6 rooms.
4 of the rooms have super king size beds and smart TVs. The 2 smaller rooms have king size beds but no TVs.
All rooms have large en-suite bathrooms.
Common rooms: In the cosy guest lounge a wood burner is lit most days and you can sit and enjoy a hot drink.
There are no kettles in the rooms but tea, coffee and hot chocolate is available 24 hours in the lounge.
At certain times of day you might be lucky enough to find homemade cakes!
Breakfast and dinner: The food at Grianaig is one of the highlights so make sure you have dinner here at least once during your stay. Tables for dinner should be booked in advance.
The chef is one of the friendly owners and you can see him at work in the open plan kitchen.
Any dietary requirements are catered for and dinner has both vegetarian and vegan options.
Breakfast is exceptional and is served between 8 and 9 am. Guests taking the ferry early in the morning can have a simple breakfast before leaving.
Takeaway food and drinks cannot be consumed in the guest lounge. However, that is no problem since the guest house offers dinner and has a well-stocked honesty bar.
This is an exceptional guest house. Warm welcome, fabulous attention to detail, the most comfortable beds and truly excellent breakfast.
Lucy – (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Other considerations: There is an EV charger on-site and guests are charged per units used at the end of their stay.
Dog friendly?: No
Final thoughts: Grianaig Guest House is head and shoulders above the other South Uist hotels and B&B’s. However, it comes at a price.
Having said that you get what you pay for. Hotel style accommodation, fantastic food and nice common rooms. If you can afford it, this is the place to stay!
2. Brae Lea Guest House
⭐️ RATING: 9.2 | 📍 LOCATION: Lochboisdale | ✅ Book it!
Minimum night stay: 1 night
Rooms: Brae Lea is the best Lochboisdale B&B.
The bedrooms and bathrooms have recently been refurbished. Some rooms are a bit small with limited space to store luggage and some don’t have a TV. That can easily be solved by booking one of the large doubles.
All rooms come with ensuite bathrooms.
Common rooms: The guest lounge has also been refurbished and has a modern and clean look. It has views over the garden, a TV, games and there is a wide choice of books.
Rupert, the friendly host, has even written a guidebook for guests recommending places to visit on South Uist together with walks and restaurants.
Breakfast and dinner: rates include a delicious hot breakfast.
Dinner is only available at the B&B in the winter months. The host can help with suggestions for where to have dinner but remember it is essential to book in advance.
Lovely place, Rupert was really friendly and attentive, room was clean, and lounge was lovely. Breakfast was standout, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs were to die for.
Danielle – (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Other considerations: The B&B has its own EV charger which can be used with the zest app.
Dogs welcome?: No
Final thoughts: There are two hotels in Lochboisdale but this South Uist bed and breakfast is the best place to stay.
After the recent refurbishment the rooms and guest lounge look modern and welcoming.
It doesn’t provide the same luxuries as Grianaig but it has a lower price point to reflect that. Overall it is the top pick of mid-range options on South Uist.
3. Polochar Inn
⭐️ RATING: 8.4 | 📍 LOCATION: West Kilbride | ✅ Book it!
Minimum night stay: 1 night
Rooms: The standard doubles, and especially the bathrooms, are snug. For extra space and sea views book a superior double.
Common rooms: A Harris tweed theme runs through the hotel giving it character. There is a guest lounge, bar and restaurant at the hotel.
At the front of the hotel are tables and chairs providing views out over the Atlantic Ocean. It is the perfect place to have lunch or to watch the sun set.
Breakfast and dinner: Having a restaurant on site is a big plus. The Polochar Inn consistently gets good reviews for the food and guests really like the breakfast.
In addition to a full Scottish breakfast with hand-made potato scones the breakfast menu includes many other hot options.
For dinner they serve local seafood such as scallops and lobster but there are not many vegetarian options. Book dinner in advance even if staying at the hotel. South Uist don’t have many restaurants so tables book up fast.
Amazing breakfast! Lovely location. Really welcoming staff. Great restaurant and bar.
Jeremy – (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Other considerations: The Polochar Inn is located at the southern tip of South Uist, a short drive from the causeway to Eriskay. Hotels are few and far between in the Uists and there are no Eriskay hotels.
The Polochar Inn is a great location for visiting the southern end of South Uist and Eriskay. But it is a long drive to explore the islands further north such as North Uist and Berneray.
Having said that, the best way to visit the islands further north is by staying a few nights in one of the best hotels in North Uist after you have visited South Uist and Eriskay.
Dog friendly?: They have a couple of dog friendly rooms.
Dogs are allowed in the bar area where you can enjoy the same menu as in the restaurant. Dogs are not allowed in the restaurant.
Final thoughts: The Polochar Inn is the best South Uist hotel. However, the rooms could do with refurbishment.
Given the cost is about the same as the top end guest houses on the list, whether the Polochar Inn right for you depends on what type of experience you are looking for.
One plus with the Polochar Inn is because they more rooms it often has last-minute availability.
4. Meall Ard Self Catering Pod
⭐️ RATING: 9.5 | 📍 LOCATION: South Lochboisdale | ✅ Book it!
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Rooms: Meall Ard Self Catering Pod has a double bed, a small sofa, TV, dining table and a kitchen area.
A toilet and shower cubicle are in a separate room. Highland soap products, towels and bed linen are provided.
Breakfast and dinner: The kitchen has an oven, hob, microwave, kettle and toaster as well as a fridge and sink. Tableware and all the pots and pans you need to cook are provided.
I’ve stayed in pods before and love them. Gorgeous Meall Ard is truly in a league of its own. It’s outstandingly well equipped, comfortable and very cosy.
Vicki – (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Other considerations: What makes this place special is the location. It has fantastic views and it is very private. There is only one pod and there are no houses close by.
The decking is perfect for sunset and it even has outdoor lighting for romantic evenings.
Dog friendly?: No
Final thoughts: Meall Ard Self Catering Pod is the best short stay self-catering accommodation in South Uist.
It is more expensive than other pods of a similar size. However, the private location with beautiful views makes it worth the extra cost! Looking at the reviews you can see that other guests think so too.
5. Orasay Inn
⭐️ RATING: N/A | 📍 LOCATION: Lochcarnan | ✅ Book it!
Minimum night stay: 1 or 2 night
Rooms: Orasay Inn has two categories of rooms, the larger ones have balconies with great views over the moorland and out to sea.
Rooms are clean but could do with a refurbishment.
Common rooms: A large lounge is available for guests to relax in after a day exploring the islands. There is also a restaurant and a balcony looking out over the moorland.
Orasay Inn is a little dated but its clean and well-maintained.
Breakfast and dinner: Breakfast is included in the room rate and there are several hot options.
The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. It is only open to guests. For many guests the food is one of the highlights of their stay. It is sometimes described as the finest in the Hebrides but that is a bit of a stretch.
Spacy room with great view on the landscape. Fantastic food.
Lizz – (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Dog friendly?: Yes, but dogs are not allowed in the dining room
Other considerations: The rooms with a balcony are perfect for birders. Hen-harriers and sea-eagles are often spotted over the moorland.
Final thoughts: The Orasay Inn is more of a family run bed and breakfast with a restaurant than a hotel. South Uist doesn’t have any hotels with the facilities you would except from hotels in larger towns and cities.
As long as you come with the right expectations – a friendly host, a good location for exploring the Uists but rooms which are a little dated – you will have a great stay.
6. Loch an Eilean Pod
⭐️ RATING: 9.5 | 📍 LOCATION: Gearradh na Monadh | ✅ Book it!
Minimum night stay: 2 nights
Rooms: Loch an Eilean Pod sleeps two adults. In an open plan is a double bed, TV, small sofa, dining table and kitchen. Bed linen and towels are provided.
There is a separate bathroom with toilet and shower cubicle.
Breakfast and dinner: In the kitchen area is an oven, hob, microwave, kettle and toaster, so in other words, everything you need to cook meals including cutlery and pots and pans.
Should you wish to eat out the Polochar Inn is within walking distance.
The pod has everything you need. Great sized shower. It was spotless on arrival and was very comfortable. The host was excellent.
Denise – (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Dogs welcome?: Check with the host
Other considerations: There is only one pod but it is right next to the owner’s house. The view from the balcony makes up for it being less private than some other pods.
From the terrace you look out over a small lake where you can watch the sun go down. Unfortunately, from inside the pod the views are out to the car park.
The pod is a 10-minute walk from one of South Uist’s amazing beaches and 5 minutes from O’Henley’s which serves ice cream! Or try one of the mountain bikes which you can borrow to get there even quicker.
Final thoughts: Being self-catering and with a minimum 2-night stay during the summer months this is the most budget friendly place to stay on South Uist on the list.
Top 2 Best Eriskay Accommodation
Eriskay is a small island and there is little accommodation. Eriskay have a couple of B&Bs and self-catering pods. There are no hotels in Eriskay.
Anyone looking for an Eriksay hotel should consider the Polochar Inn on South Uist which is a short drive away.
1. An Taigh Mor
⭐️ RATING: 9.9 | 📍 LOCATION: Eriskay Village | ✅ Book it!
Minimum night stay: 2 nights
Rooms: An Taigh Mor has 3 bedrooms – one deluxe room with sea view and two smaller rooms. The bedrooms are hotel-standard with large comfortable beds and excellent bathrooms.
If the deluxe room is free, book it since it is worth the extra cost.
Common rooms: Upstairs is a lounge with sofas, games and amazing views out to sea. Every room has tea and coffee making facilities and the guest area also has complimentary tea and coffee.
Breakfast and dinner: Guests rave about the breakfast. This Eriksay B&B serves a full English as well as other hot options. Dietary requirements can be catered for.
For dinner The Politican pub is a few minutes walk. Always book dinner in advance.
Wonderful hosts, picturesque location, top-class facilities, superb and varied breakfast cooked from local products, excellent pubs nearby.
Viktor – (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Other considerations: A locked shed where you can store your bike makes this a great option for cyclists.
Dog friendly?: Yes
Final thoughts: There are two reasons why this is the place to stay in Eriskay. The first is the high-quality furnishing of the B&B, Eriskay might not have any hotels but this is as close as you get.
The second reason to stay is the location. It is right next to the prettiest beaches on Eriskay.
2. Beag Na Haun Eriskay
⭐️ RATING: 9.0 | 📍 LOCATION: Haunn | ✅ Book it!
Minimum night stay: 3 nights
Rooms: Beag Na Haun Eriskay self-catering accommodation sleeps 2 adults. One big difference with this pod is that it has a separate bedroom with a door you can close. Bed linen and towels are provided.
In the living area is a small kitchen, sofa and dining table. The bathroom is a wet room and since there isn’t a shower cubicle the floor can get quite wet.
Breakfast and dinner: A wide range of breakfast items are left for guests inside the pod.
In the kitchen area is a hob, sink and fridge allowing you to make simple meals. As an alternative to cooking yourself it is a 10-minute walk to the Politican pub or you can order dinner in advance from the host.
This pod is just brilliant – great view, and the comfiest bed I’ve slept in in a long while. Very accommodating and kind host. Lovely place.
Purni – (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Other considerations: The pod is right next door to the house of the owner but there is only one pod.
On the plus side, the balcony feels private and offers stunning views over the bay below. You can enjoy the same view from inside the pod.
From the balcony you can often see seals and most evenings Eriskay ponies wander the hillside.
Dog friendly?: Yes
Final thoughts: There is little self-catering accommodation on Eriskay, especially options that allows for shorter stays.
Although it might not be the most private location the views more than makes up for it.
Top 2 Benbecula Accommodation
There are two hotels in Benbecula. However both Benbecula hotels could do with a refurbishment. Therefore the two recommended places to stay in Benbecula are not hotels.
One is a cosy self-catering cottage whilst the other is a mix between bed and breakfast and self-catering. Benbecula doesn’t have the same top end guest houses as South Uist and Eriskay.
If top end is what you are looking for then stay at Grianaig Guest House on South Uist.
1. An Taigh Dubh
⭐️ RATING: 9.9 | 📍 LOCATION: Griminish | ✅ Book it!
Minimum night stay: 2 nights
Rooms: An Taigh Dubh is a traditional blackhouse from the 1800s. Blackhouses are stone cottages with thatched roofs.
An Taigh Dubh used to be a cowshed before it was renovated into a luxury self-catering cottage in 2022.
The cottage has one bedroom and is perfect for couples. The bedroom, bathroom and kitchen all have high quality furniture and fittings.
Breakfast and dinner: On arrival a welcome pack will be waiting for you with basic supplies.
The kitchen has everything you need to cook or restaurants such as Charlie’s Bistro and Stepping Stones are a short drive away.
Beautifully renovated property with a traditional thatched roof, traditional exterior with a lovely clean modern finish inside.
Andrew – (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Other considerations: The cottage prides itself on its green credentials which comes both from the products they use in the cottage as well as their commitment to biodiversity.
The cottage is on a croft and chickens, lambs and local wildlife such as deer often wander in the area.
Dog friendly?: Yes
Final thoughts: This is the best accommodation in Benbecula. Self-catering cottages are rarely available for less than a week and especially not high-end ones like this.
An added benefit is that the price point of this cottage is similar to that of many B&Bs making it fantastic value.
This is probably why it is often booked out. Rooms become available about 6 months in advance. Book when they are released for the more popular spring and summer months.
2. Hebridean Stay
⭐️ RATING: 9.4 | 📍 LOCATION: Liniclate | ✅ Book it!
Minimum night stay: 1 night
Rooms: Hebridean Stay has 3 bedrooms with large private bathrooms.
Common rooms: In addition to a lounge area, there is a fully equipped kitchen and dining table for guests to use.
Breakfast and dinner: Breakfast is self-service from the well-stocked fridge. In the fridge you will not only find breakfast food but complimentary beer, wine and whisky!
The large kitchen has everything you need to cook dinner and the closest supermarket is only 2-miles away.
For a meal out the Dark Island Hotel is a 10-minute walk but its worth making the short drive to Charlie’s Bistro. It is the best restaurant on the island. Make sure you reserve a table for dinner well ahead of time.
Fabulous location. The bedrooms were lovely with a very spacious bathroom in our room.
Tracey – (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Other considerations: The location is perfect for anyone into birds. From the breakfast table you might be lucky enough to see short eared owls and hen harriers are often spotted over the grassland.
Dog friendly?: No
Final thoughts: For budget accommodation in Benbecula you can‘t beat Hebridean Stay Bed & Breakfast. Benbecula is the ideal location to explore the Uists and for anyone walking the Hebridean Way.
FAQs About South Uist Hotels, B&Bs and Pods
Which island should I stay on?
Benbecula
The biggest benefit of staying on Benbecula is the geographical location. It is in the middle of the Uists and therefore the perfect base for exploring from Berneray in the north to Eriskay in the south.
Benbecula is where you will find the airport, hospital and many of the supermarkets. Having all these facilities makes it a good place to live and a great base for shorter stays.
However, the Benbecula beaches and the scenery is not quite as pretty as that of the other islands.
South Uist
The beaches in South Uist are amazing. In addition there are many interesting things to do on South Uist.
Plan on spending at least 2 days here to explore South Uist and Eriskay. Add another day if you want to do one of the St Kilda or Mingulay boat trips.
Since South Uist is such a long island, base yourself around Lochboisdale or the middle of the island.
Afterwards, go north to see Hosta beach on North Uist and spend a spend a similar amount of time there in one of the best hotels on North Uist.
By splitting your time between South Uist and North Uist you will spend less time driving back and forth.
Eriskay
Eriskay is a small island south of South Uist. It is close to the ferry terminal for Barra or Vatersay but it is a long drive north to North Uist and Berneray.
You can do a day trip to see the Barra beaches. However, there are so many things to see on Barra and the island of Vatersay that these islands deserve more than a day trip.
The island of Eriskay has a couple of fantastic beaches. It is a good place to base yourself if you want to soak up the atmosphere of being in the middle nowhere.
Anyone wanting to see as much as possible in a short period of time should stay further north.
Should I book my accommodation before I book the ferry?
Yes, you should book accommodation before you buy ferry tickets.
For some hotels that means 9 months in advance, for others rooms are released 6 months ahead of time.
As long as you are flexible with where you stay you will find something closer to your time of travel. But it probably won’t be the options at the top of this list.
Ferry schedules are released at the end of January and they rarely change from one year to the next. When booking your ferry to the Hebrides, consider how reliable the different routes are.
Generally, it is better to get the ferry from Skye to Lochmaddy ferry terminal rather than from Mallaig to Lochboisdale.
What is a pod?
Besides the usual accommodation options like hotels and B&Bs, small cabins known as “pods” have become popular in the Outer Hebrides.
Pods usually have a similar setup with a double bed and a small open plan space with a kitchen and living room.
The bathroom, with a toilet and shower, is in a separate room. Despite being small pods are smartly designed to have everything you need for self-catering.
Looking online you might not always be able to tell if there are multiple pods close to each other or how near they are to the owner’s house.
Some are in picturesque locations with great views while others are right next to the owner’s house.
I have visited and checked the location of all the pods listed here. I have included how private each one is in the description so you will know what to expect from the pod you choose.
Many pods are advertised for four people but they are far better suited for two adults.
Also keep in mind how much luggage you’re bringing. Pods don’t have space for big suitcases and are great if you are traveling light. Try leaving your larger luggage in your car and only bring what you need for your stay.
Should I book self-catering accommodation?
Finding restaurants for dinner on South Uist can be tricky. Check in advance whether your accommodation serve meals or how far the nearest restaurant is.
On Benbecula and Eriskay it is easier to eat out but remember to always book tables for both lunch and dinner in advance.
Should I stay in one of the Lochboisdale hotels?
In my opinion no. There are several Lochboisdale hotels and guesthouses and I would pick Brae Lea B&B every time.
There are not many hotels in South Uist and most of them don’t provide the same level of comfort and services as the top end guest houses.
How good is the WiFi and phone reception in the area?
All the accommodation options on this list have WiFi. Most cafes and restaurants also have WiFi.
Outside of WiFi areas don’t expect to always be able to search the internet using your phone’s data since mobile reception can be poor.
Be aware that some of the time when you are driving around the islands you cannot even make phone calls.
Do I need a car to go to the Uists?
Yes, you need a car to go to the Uists. There is not much public transportation and it’s really hard to stay at any of the accommodation options mentioned here without a car.
For anyone travelling by public transport Brae Lea is in Lochboisdale village and is the easiest place to get to.
What is the best time to visit South Uist, Eriskay and Benbecula?
The best time to visit these islands are during the summer months when it’s warmer and rains less.
The highest chance of good weather is in May and June. The warmest months are July and August.
Final Thoughts: Eriskay, Benbecula and South Uist Accommodation
Eriskay, Benbecula and South Uist are amazing islands but it can be difficult to find good accommodation. Benbecula in particular has limited choice.
If you normally stay in a hotel don’t make the assumption that hotels are the best places to stay in the Outer Hebrides. That might be right for other locations but not here.
By staying at any of the accommodation options mentioned above you can feel confident that you have selected one of the best.
You might even want to think about spending a few extra days on North Uist. That way you can explore North Uist and Berneray at your own pace.
LOOKING FOR MORE ON THE OUTER HEBRIDES?
Top 10 Best North Uist Hotels, B&Bs and Pods
Top 10 Best South Uist Beaches
