As the ultra-busy period for visiter numbers to the Highlands fast approaches, may we use our long experience to give sage advice....
....Basically, if you're thinking of coming to the Highlands anytime between the last week of July and end of August, we strongly recommend pre-booking your accommodation before leaving.
For most of the year, there's more bedspaces available in the Highlands than there are visitors. However, there's certain times when it's the opposite scenario, such as May Bank Holidays and the above period. This year, and just to exasperate the situation, it'll be even busier due to the fact that more Brits are undoubtably holidaying at home, and the increase in continental visitors due to the exchange rate.
Whilst I appreciate that many people like to be flexible with their travel itinery, especially when car touring, this can leave the unwary a tad stranded. Every August, I see distressed people in our reception late at night who've been driving all evening trying to find beds that aren't available. It's equally distressing having to turn them away as the realisation dawns on them that they'll be sleeping in their car that night.
Common scenarios are continental visitors who fly into Glasgow Prestwick on a late-evening flight. By the time they pick up the hire car, navigate out of Glasgow and get up here, it's very late and nothing's left. Also, folk who decide on the spur-of-the-moment to drive up to the Highlands from London (Yes, people do!) for a whistle-stop tour, again arriving late.
Even visitors who do manage to book their night's accommodation on the day can have a stressful time Folk tell me how a good chunk of their morning has been spent phoning around establishments before finding availability. All time that could have been spent enjoying their holiday.
Inevitably, the good-value accommodation (like ours!) is what gets booked up first, so many folk have to book expensive rooms in hotels (which wouldn't have been their first choice) as that's all which is left.
Hopefully the above hasn't put you off visiting our marvellous country as it's not the intention! Simply put, a bit of prior planning can ensure a stress-free holiday when here. There are some excellent 3rd party booking websites available where accommodation vacancies are posted up by establishments. One we recommend and advertise on is www.booking.com
Have a good trip!
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