The West Highland Hotel

In this month’s blog post, we’re focusing on the home of A Write Highland Hoolie – the gorgeous West Highland Hotel in Mallaig!

The hotel has been a Mallaig landmark for over 100 years. It was built following the completion of the West Highland Line railway in the early years of the 20th century and was originally called the Station Hotel.

For the past 15 years, it’s been owned and run by Sine and Gavin Davis, ably assisted at times by their own children as well as an assortment of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relations. It’s a real family affair, and guests feel part of that close-knit circle as soon as they check in.

Every November, over Remembrance weekend, A Write Highland Hoolie takes over the entire hotel. We might be biased but we can’t imagine a more perfect setting for a book festival! Whether you’re a Hoolie regular or thinking about attending for the first time, you can be sure of a warm welcome from the minute you walk through the door.

With a crackling log fire burning in the foyer, comfy armchairs and a bar well-stocked with a huge choice of beers, wines and spirits, it’s the ideal place to relax at any time of the year. And that’s before you add books, books and more books and a packed programme of unmissable events when the Hoolie comes to town.

It all adds up to a fabulous house-party atmosphere where friendships are forged and discussions and debates continue far into the night. Luckily, at the end of every evening your bed is just a few short steps away!

The hotel’s location, perched above Mallaig, could not be more convenient for visitors. It’s just a five-minute walk from the railway station and ferry port, and there’s ample parking for those travelling by car.

Its elevated position means the hotel enjoys amazing views out across the water to the islands of Skye, Rum and Eigg, and it’s not unusual to spot marine life from the terrace. Last year, some humpback whales put in an appearance shortly after Natalie Sanders’ event on orcas, delighting everyone lucky enough to spot them.

When you book your Hoolie accommodation package at the West Highland Hotel, you’ll be able to choose from a number of room options ranging from Economy right through to the luxurious Hot Tub Studios. Your package includes all meals for the duration of the festival, but not your event tickets – those have to be purchased separately once booking opens in the summer.

To find out more or to book your accommodation, call the hotel direct on 01687 462210. Please don’t try to book online as all the rooms have already been set aside for Hoolie guests and will show as unavailable.

We’ll see you in Mallaig in November!