Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can stay at Snowberry Cottage? 

Our licence allows up to four guests, including children over six. We cannot accommodate extra guests, and breaches may result in termination of your stay without refund.

What is your licence number?

Our short term let licence number is ES00156F, and our EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is D.

Do you accept children?  

We welcome children aged six and above. Due to proximity to a main road and unsuitable beds, we cannot accept younger children.

Do you accept pets? 

We’re unable to accept pets due to allergies. Assistance dogs are welcome — please let us know in advance so we can adjust our cleaning.

Is Snowberry Cottage accessible? 

The cottage is not fully wheelchair accessible. Please contact us if you have specific mobility needs and we’ll advise. You can always check on our Accessibility page

What amenities are included? 

We provide towels, bed linen (the beds are made!), a hairdryer in each bedroom, a cafetière with ground coffee, washing machine (with starter tablets), drying rack, and WiFi. 

We also provide a pint of milk (alternative available if you let us know in advance), tea, coffee, sugar, herbal teas, cooking oil, herbs, salt, pepper, vinegar and balsamic vinegar. 

Whilst we have a washing machine, there is no dishwasher or tumble dryer.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

There’s one king-size bed (not splittable) and two singles. We cannot provide extra beds.

How much does it cost?

Summer rates (April–September) range from £120–£250 per night. Winter rates start at £100. We charge per cottage, not per person. Prices may fluctuate due to dynamic pricing.

Do you have a minimum night stay? 

Yes — three nights in summer. In winter, or if there’s a small gap between bookings, we may reduce this.

Is there a restaurant nearby? 

Borve House Hotel and Restaurant is a five-minute walk. Booking is essential. They’re usually closed Sundays, but may open once a month — check their social media for updates.

Is everything closed on Sundays? 

Most shops and attractions are closed. In Stornoway, Tesco (12–8pm) and Engebrets garage (10am–4pm) are open. Some restaurants are open but require booking.

It is, however, still a wonderful day to get out and about - the trade off is that things are a lot less busy - so you will often find yourself walking through attractions without crowds of people doing the same thing! Most attractions are open, even if the visitor centre is not, and beaches are never closed!

How do I make a reservation? 

Click “Book Now” on our website for the best rates. You can also book via Airbnb or Booking.com, but we can’t refund price differences.

What is your payment policy?   

A £50 non-refundable deposit secures your dates. The balance is due two weeks before arrival. If booking within two weeks, full payment is required.

What is your cancellation policy? 

Cancel 15+ days before arrival for a full refund minus the £50 deposit. Cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable. We recommend travel insurance.

Can I change my booking?  

Yes — subject to availability. Your deposit will transfer to your new dates. Just get in touch.

What time is check-in/check-out?  

Check-in is from 4pm. Check-out is by 10:30am.

Can I check in early or check out late? 

Possibly. We’ll do our best, but it depends on other bookings. Let us know in advance and we’ll try to accommodate.

Can I leave my bags before check-in or after check-out? 

Yes — just let us know your timing. Bags are left at your own risk.

Do you have WiFi? 

Yes — free WiFi is available throughout the cottage. Login details are in the guest handbook.

Can I charge my electric vehicle?

No — domestic sockets are unsafe for EV charging. The nearest charger is 2.5 miles away at Galson Campsite. Find more information about that here.

Is the cottage warm in winter? 

Yes — the cottage is well insulated and heated. It’s cosy even in stormy weather. We have left full instructions in the kitchen, but we also have the heating on timers to ensure you are kept warm and toasty throughout your stay. The instructions are in case we haven't got it quite right, and it gives you much more flexibility.

Is there outdoor space? 

Yes — there’s a garden with a whirligig for drying clothes and outdoor seating on the outdoor decking for good weather days.

How far is Snowberry from Stornoway? 

We’re about 17 miles (30 minutes by car) from Stornoway.

Do I need a car? 

We recommend a car for ease and flexibility. Public transport is limited, you can find more information on our page here.

Where is the nearest shop or supermarket? 

There’s a small shop which is a five minute walk from the Cottage, and many small community shops dotted around the island. Larger supermarkets (Tesco, Co-op) are in Stornoway.

How can I verify your Four Star rating?

We’ve been awarded Four Stars by the AA for 2025. You can verify this on RatedTrips.com.

The Hebrides are beautiful in every season, but the weather can change quickly. We recommend bringing layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes, and something cosy for evenings. Even in summer, it’s wise to pack a warm jumper. If you’re visiting in winter, hats and gloves make outdoor walks much more enjoyable. 

We do have binoculars in the Cottage for you to use whilst staying with us - but it is still worth packing enough for all your guests!

Snowberry Cottage is designed to feel like a gentle retreat — a place to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Hebrides. We’ve tried to create a space that feels warm, calm, and welcoming, with thoughtful touches to make your stay feel restful and restorative. 

You’re very welcome to take photos during your stay, and we love seeing Snowberry through our guests’ eyes. If you share them online, feel free to tag us — it’s always a joy to see your memories. 

If you’re visiting for a birthday, anniversary, or other special moment, we’d be delighted to help make it memorable. Just let us know in advance and we’ll see what we can do. 

We strongly recommend travel insurance, especially if you’re relying on ferries or flights. Weather can occasionally cause delays or cancellations, and insurance offers peace of mind. If your travel plans change unexpectedly, let us know and we’ll support you however we can.