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Northern Sands Hotel

3.0 star property
Hotel with 2 restaurants, near Dunnet Bay Beach

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Northern Sands Hotel

Beach nearby
Deluxe Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom | View from room
3 bars/lounges
Point of interest
Game room
Overlooking the stunning coastline of Dunnet Bay, Northern Sands Hotel is a haven for relaxation and fun. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of two on-site restaurants serving local cuisine. Unwind in the garden or challenge your friends to a game in the arcade. The helpful staff has left a lasting impression on previous guests.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
  • Non-smoking
  • Free WiFi

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Near the beach
  • 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges
  • Conference center
  • Meeting rooms
  • Airport shuttle
  • Garden
  • Arcade/game room
  • Picnic area
  • Luggage storage
  • Limited hour front desk
  • Tour/ticket assistance

Feel at home (6)

  • Garden
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Digital TV service
The current price is AED 403
AED 483 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 6 - Nov 7

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

Single Room, 1 Twin Bed | Hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk, blackout drapes

Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Select Comfort bed
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • 5 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Triple Room, Garden View

Deluxe Triple Room, Garden View | View from room

Deluxe Triple Room, Garden View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Select Comfort bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
  • 7 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed OR 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Classic Double or Twin Room

Classic Double or Twin Room | Hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk, blackout drapes

Classic Double or Twin Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Select Comfort bed
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • 5 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed | Hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk, blackout drapes

Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Select Comfort bed
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • 5 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom

Hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk, blackout drapes

Deluxe Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Select Comfort bed
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • 7 sq m
  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premier Double Room, 1 King Bed, Sea View

Hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk, blackout drapes

Premier Double Room, 1 King Bed, Sea View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Select Comfort bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
  • 7 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

Exterior

Forss House Hotel

  • Pet friendly
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 219 reviews
The price is AED 322
AED 386 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Forss House Hotel
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About the neighborhood

Map
Dunnet, Dunnet Head, Thurso, Scotland, KW14 8XD

What's nearby

  • Dunnet Bay Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Mary-Ann's Cottage - 8 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse - 9 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Castle of Mey - 11 min drive - 11.0 km
  • Scrabster Ferry Terminal - 15 min drive - 19.0 km

Getting around

  • Wick (WIC) - 29 min drive
  • Kirkwall (KOI) - 106 min drive
  • Thurso Station - 15 min drive
  • Georgemas Junction Station - 20 min drive
  • Wick Station - 29 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Northern Sands - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Reel - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Logan’s Bar - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Northern Sands Hotel

Enjoy your visit to Thurso with a stay at Northern Sands Hotel. You can relax with a drink at one of the 3 bars/lounges, and the 2 restaurants are nice spots to grab a bite to eat. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 12 rooms
    • Arranged over 1 level
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 10 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
    • The front desk is open daily from 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM
    • Guests will receive an email within 72 hours before arrival with check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
    • This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi and wired internet access in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
    • Free onsite extended parking
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM*
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • 2 restaurants
  • 3 bars/lounges

What to do

  • Beach nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Fishing nearby

Working away

  • Meeting rooms
  • Conference center

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Luggage storage

Facilities

  • 1 building/tower
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Arcade/game room
  • Banquet hall

Accessibility

  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Bathroom emergency pull cord

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Smart television
  • Digital TV channels

Home comfort

  • Heating
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Iron/ironing board

Sleep well

  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Select Comfort mattress
  • Bed sheets provided

Freshen up

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Free local calls

More

  • Daily housekeeping

Special features

Dining

Logans Bar - This bar specializes in local cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Pentland Lounge - Onsite restaurant. Open daily.
The Links - Onsite restaurant. Open daily.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of GBP 70 per vehicle (one-way)

Policies

This property does not have elevators.
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Cashless transactions are available.

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.

Also known as

Northern Sands Hotel
Northern Sands Hotel Thurso
Northern Sands Thurso
Northern Sands
Northern Sands Hotel Hotel
Northern Sands Hotel Thurso
Northern Sands Hotel Hotel Thurso

Frequently asked questions

Does Northern Sands Hotel offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Northern Sands Hotel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at Northern Sands Hotel?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Northern Sands Hotel?

Yes, there's free self and extended parking.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Northern Sands Hotel?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM on request. The charge is GBP 70 per vehicle one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Northern Sands Hotel?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM. Contactless check-out is available.

What is there to do at Northern Sands Hotel and nearby?

Have fun with nearby activities like fishing and horseback riding. Enjoy amenities like 3 bars, an arcade, and a picnic area. Northern Sands Hotel also has a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Northern Sands Hotel?

Yes, there are 2 onsite restaurants, featuring local cuisine.

What's the area around Northern Sands Hotel like?

Northern Sands Hotel is located a short 10-minute walk from Dunnet Bay Beach.

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Reviews

Northern Sands Hotel Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

9.6

Staff & service

8.8

Eco-friendliness

9.4

Property conditions & facilities

What guests liked

  • Breakfast was consistently praised for being delicious, with many guests noting the wide choice of items and excellent service. (17 reviews)
  • The beach is easily accessible and offers stunning views, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing walk or sunrise viewing. (7 reviews)
  • The restaurant served excellent food with impressive gluten-free choices and generous portions. (4 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

Service staff
Food
Room
Breakfast
Restaurant
Location
Beach
Bed
Bar
Vegetarian

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

From entering the hotel, the staff were lovely. The food was exceptional and service was first class. We met all the staff in the bar later in the evening and enjoyed the craic with them. Would absolutely recommend and plan to return soon.
Robert, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent service, great food, well located
Christo, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The property has been decorated to a very high standard. Every area is spotless. The staff are all friendly and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. There is a wide choice of breakfast items and come cooked to perfection. It is a lovely calm place to stay. Loved it and already booked our next stay.
Liz, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The hotel room was lovely and the people were so helpful and nice.
Sandra, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very good
Jefferson, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Outstanding property! Absolutely gorgeous, lovely rooms, fantastic bathroom- and the restaurant is top notch! We walked to the beach to see the sunrise in late September- and it did not disappoint. I was really looking forward to staying here and it was excellent in every single way!!!
Heidi, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely renovated property with a lovely little bar area with comfy sofas , staff so friendly and welcoming and a choice of 2 places with both having amazing food The bedrooms lovely and clean with a walk- in shower for some . Worth the drive up 👌😊
Susan, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great stay - thanks

The staff were friendly and helpful. The room was good and a brand new shower mat for the bath was provided on request.
Nicola, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic hotel highly recommend, foood is superb

Stay was for business. I ate at the hotel for 2 mornings and 2 nights. Food was absolutely outstanding. Staff were friendly and a good laugh beer was relatively cheap. Would definitely recommend a stay at this hotel 100 %
Stuart, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very nice hotel, very good service!!! Ideal por the NC 500
julio, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very comfortable
George, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Best NC500 Hotel

North Sands is one amazing hotel. Staff are so friendly, always having a smile and happy to chat. Food is out of this world, both breakfast and dinner. We are doing NC500 & Orkneys, it rained for 2 days, the staff could not do enough to ensure we dried out.
Carl, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Devon boy goes north

Overnight … staff very friendly, recently renovated but tiny room. Road view not sea view. Food predictable pub food with Scottish angle.
Stephen, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

Dining area too big and lacked warmth and atmosphere .
Maurice, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

6 stars if they had 6 available

Cant fault place from start to finish only stayed one night as was on the NC500 then onto Skye next day wish I booked two nights minimum First off hats off to housekeeping spotless immaculate perfect great job, next Julie she was an angel and last but not least lady on breakfast where do I start do they do Michelin starts for fry ups as they should do was perfect Thanks all will be back
Derek, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent stay.

Staff brilliant. Food first class. Room small but adequate since just sleeping in it. Spotless. Location perfect for seeing North Scotland. Would stay again. Left a pair of shoes and Jo sending on for me. Can’t ask for more
Barbara, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

THE ONLY COMMENT AS A CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM WAS THAT THE STAIRS WERE DIFFICULT TO CLIMB FOR DISABLED PEOPLE. HANDRAILS NEED TO BE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE STAIRS AND SHOULD BE ROUND IN SECTION FOR WHOLE HAND GRIP RATHER THAN FINGER TIP GRIP
Brian, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Diamond at the top of Scotland!

What a pleasant surprise. This hotel is wonderful. We were not expecting much, being the remote location, but Northern Sands exceeded all expectations!! They are kind and thoughtful and the room was great. My husband has celiac disease and they went above and beyond making sure he had everything gluten free. Thank you for your excellent service!!
Leslie, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Ok
paolo, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

The toilets near the restaurant were unclean, dirty underwear was found in the bin the bedroom and heating worked very intermittently and was controlled centrally, so rooms were extremely cold. However the radiator in the small bathroom was red hot and left burn marks on shoulder when negotiating getting in and out of the small shower cubicle. Evening food was not the best, tasted like reheated frozen ready meals. Breakfast however was very nice as was the staff in the morning.
Laura, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great service, friendly staff, nice food and great location for NC500 and beach access etc.
Colin, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Really nice stay

We had a really nice stay in this hotel. The staff were fantastic and the restaurant food and breakfast was very good. We highly recommend this hotel for your stay.
Susan, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely hotel in a good location for the beach. Had a single room which was plenty big enough with a nice shower room. Dinner and breakfast were very good. Would stay again.
Rebecca, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

10/10

Excellent hotel. Friendly staff, clean room, great breakfast.
Simon, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

L’hôtel dispose d’un parking, chambres très spacieuses et confortables. Le petit déjeuné doit être commandé la veille avec un large choix entre sucré et salé.
Nathalie, 1-night trip

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