The Hostelz.com Review
Saucy Mary's Lodge is a unique establishment. The name Saucy Mary's applies to a pub, restaurant, cafe, general store, hostel, and B&B all in the tiny town of Kyleakin on Skye. Saucy Mary's credits its unusual name to a bit of local lore about a medieval princess who encouraged ships to pay a toll by being, well, saucy. If you want a hostel with lots of local character that's got a different vibe than your typical hostel, Saucy Mary's could be the place for you.
The Location
Saucy Mary's couldn't be easier to find -- from the central square of Kyleakin, stand facing opposite the ocean and you're looking right at it. It's less than fifty yards from the bus stop in the central square, and just about anything else in town. There's ample space to park, and you're within easy walking or driving distance of the larger town of Kyle across the straights. As for Saucy Mary's location to the rest of town, every store and restaurant in Kyleakin is within sight of the upper stories and just a few minutes walk. To check in to the hostel, one must go into the general store/cafe just to the left of the main Saucy Mary's building.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Dorms are of average size -- there is room to move, but not a ton of space between bunks. Bunk beds seem solidly constructed, and the mattresses are pretty good by hostel standards. The dorm we stayed in featured a large window with an ocean view, several easily accessible power outlets, and two plug-in electric heaters. Security of the dorms is also good with each dorm having its own key. Additionally, a key code must be entered on the door leading to the bar to obtain access to the hostel area.
Toilets and showers are provided in separate rooms, two of each per floor. Both are clean, and the showers are modern heat-on-demand units with good pressure and water as hot as you like it.
Common Spaces
Though the hostel is a bit short on the kind of common rooms you'd expect at most hostels, the pub and cafe downstairs means you have ready access to reasonably priced, if not overly cheap, food and beverages. The bar actually gets to be quite a happening place in the evening with music, pool tables, and a decent crowd that seems to be mostly locals. The noise can be heard upstairs in the dorms and may affect those that go to bed early, but everyone is out the door by 1 a.m. so most of the night is quiet.
Wi-Fi is provided free of charge, but probably due to the stone construction of the building can only be accessed in a portion of the bar and a glassed-in sun porch downstairs. Kitchens are also provided on each floor. The kitchens are clean and generously sized, with plenty of room to cook a meal and then enjoy it while taking in the ocean view.
Summary
Saucy Mary's offers quality accommodations at a reasonable price. You definitely sacrifice a bit of the backpacker-centric vibe and camaraderie that can be found at some hostels, but in return you get a unique venue with easy access to food, drink, and entertainment -- and more of a chance to meet the locals.
The Location
Saucy Mary's couldn't be easier to find -- from the central square of Kyleakin, stand facing opposite the ocean and you're looking right at it. It's less than fifty yards from the bus stop in the central square, and just about anything else in town. There's ample space to park, and you're within easy walking or driving distance of the larger town of Kyle across the straights. As for Saucy Mary's location to the rest of town, every store and restaurant in Kyleakin is within sight of the upper stories and just a few minutes walk. To check in to the hostel, one must go into the general store/cafe just to the left of the main Saucy Mary's building.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Dorms are of average size -- there is room to move, but not a ton of space between bunks. Bunk beds seem solidly constructed, and the mattresses are pretty good by hostel standards. The dorm we stayed in featured a large window with an ocean view, several easily accessible power outlets, and two plug-in electric heaters. Security of the dorms is also good with each dorm having its own key. Additionally, a key code must be entered on the door leading to the bar to obtain access to the hostel area.
Toilets and showers are provided in separate rooms, two of each per floor. Both are clean, and the showers are modern heat-on-demand units with good pressure and water as hot as you like it.
Common Spaces
Though the hostel is a bit short on the kind of common rooms you'd expect at most hostels, the pub and cafe downstairs means you have ready access to reasonably priced, if not overly cheap, food and beverages. The bar actually gets to be quite a happening place in the evening with music, pool tables, and a decent crowd that seems to be mostly locals. The noise can be heard upstairs in the dorms and may affect those that go to bed early, but everyone is out the door by 1 a.m. so most of the night is quiet.
Wi-Fi is provided free of charge, but probably due to the stone construction of the building can only be accessed in a portion of the bar and a glassed-in sun porch downstairs. Kitchens are also provided on each floor. The kitchens are clean and generously sized, with plenty of room to cook a meal and then enjoy it while taking in the ocean view.
Summary
Saucy Mary's offers quality accommodations at a reasonable price. You definitely sacrifice a bit of the backpacker-centric vibe and camaraderie that can be found at some hostels, but in return you get a unique venue with easy access to food, drink, and entertainment -- and more of a chance to meet the locals.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
November 2009
Their Description
Hostel An Eilean & Saucy Mary's Lodge Details
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Hostel An Eilean & Saucy Mary's Lodge Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Warm atmosphere, clean beds, sinks in room, hot showers we were surprised at how much we liked it here, as the reviews on some websites say its not good. we stayed in the part above the pub and it was great the room only had three beds, great view of the water, had our own sink and vanity mirror right in the room, with full toilet and shower across the hall. the showers were awesome! — happy! , canadian (2009-10-30)