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Northern Sands Hotel

3.0 star property
Beach hotel near Dunnet Bay Beach

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Photo gallery for Northern Sands Hotel

Beach nearby
Game room
Deluxe Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom | View from room
Point of interest
3 bars/lounges

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

Map
Dunnet, Dunnet Head, Thurso, Scotland, KW14 8XD
  • Dunnet Bay Beach
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Castle of Mey
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Wick (WIC)
    ‪33 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk

Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 54 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Double or Twin Room

Classic Double or Twin Room | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk

Classic Double or Twin Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 54 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed

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

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk

Premier Double Room, 1 King Bed, Sea View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 75 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk

Deluxe Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 75 sq ft
  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Triple Room, Garden View

Deluxe Triple Room, Garden View | View from room

Deluxe Triple Room, Garden View

  • 75 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed OR 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

Single Room, 1 Twin Bed | 1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk

Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 54 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Thurso

Dunnet Bay Beach is a short stroll from Northern Sands Hotel, and other popular attractions like Mary-Ann's Cottage are within a 10-minute drive. This 3-star hotel welcomes guests with 12 rooms and conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a conference center.

What's nearby

  • Dunnet Bay Beach - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Mary-Ann's Cottage - 8 min drive - 5.2 miles
  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse - 9 min drive - 5.6 miles
  • Castle of Mey - 11 min drive - 6.9 miles
  • Scrabster Ferry Terminal - 15 min drive - 11.8 miles

Getting around

  • Thurso Station - 15 min drive
  • Wick (WIC) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Northern Sands - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Castletown Fish & Chip Shop - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Castle Town - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Highlander Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Highlander - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Northern Sands Hotel

Beach hotel near Dunnet Bay Beach
Guests of Northern Sands Hotel enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and a conference center. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle (available on request) for GBP 70 per vehicle one-way. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage and tours/tickets. Other amenities at this beach hotel include an arcade/game room, a picnic area, and a banquet hall.
Smart TVs come with digital channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi and wired Internet. Select Comfort beds grant a restful night's sleep, and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Coffee makers, free local calls, and ironing boards are also available.

Languages

English

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM on request
  • Free extended parking on site

Food and drink

  • 2 restaurants
  • 3 bars/lounges

Restaurants on site

  • Logans Bar
  • Pentland Lounge
  • The Links

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Conference center
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Bathroom emergency pull cord
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Select Comfort mattress

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: GBP 70 per vehicle (one-way)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available during limited hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free extended parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

National rating

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

Property is 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

Is free cancellation available at Northern Sands Hotel?

Northern Sands Hotel provides free cancellation on certain room rates. To learn more, review the cancellation policy on our site.

What is there to do within easy reach of Northern Sands Hotel?

This hotel in Thurso is within a 10-minute walk of Dunnet Bay Beach and Dunnet Bay Distillery. You'll also find Dunnet Head Lighthouse and Mary-Ann's Cottage within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Northern Sands Hotel?

Yes, self parking and long-term parking are offered for free at the hotel.

Does Northern Sands Hotel have a casino on the premises?

No, Northern Sands Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Northern Sands Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Northern Sands Hotel?

Couples will appreciate amenities at this hotel, including a comfy mattress and a smart TV in each guestroom with some featuring sea views.

Are there hot tubs at Northern Sands Hotel?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Northern Sands Hotel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Northern Sands Hotel has 2 restaurants, and serves breakfast for a surcharge.

Will Northern Sands Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Northern Sands Hotel.

Are there connecting rooms at Northern Sands Hotel?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How close is the airport from Northern Sands Hotel?

The closest major airport to Northern Sands Hotel is Wick (WIC), which is 18.1 mi away (29 minutes by car). Another top airport is Kirkwall (KOI), which is around 27.9 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at Northern Sands Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Northern Sands Hotel.

Northern Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 139 out of 187 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 41 out of 187 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 187 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 187 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 187 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Clive

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovey staff and service made our stay a joy. Very reasonable too. Thank you
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super nice staff, clean comfortable rooms, good quality bed, well situated in an incredible part of the country.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay, very convenient if using the Gills Bay ferry to Orkney as only 15 minutes away from terminal. Newly refurbed room, comfortable bed, excellent shower and great food served in bar/restaurant at both dinner and breakfast. All staff encountered very cheery. One small critique - the Smith room could do with a lamp for in the evening, rather than just the harsh spotlights. Even a dimmer switch would do the job! Wi-Fi in room could also be better as signal quite poor. Those small issues aside, a great stay and would visit again when the opportunity comes up.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer Anne

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

wee

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Outstanding amazing rooms brilliant food and great customer service
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derek

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Les

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lesley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely remote hotel in a great location

Lovely location can walk to the beach. Rooms very clean and comfy if a tad on the small side for a double room, very tight at the bottom of the bed. Fantastic food for both dinner and breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robinson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fabulous hotel

Fabulous hotel, staff really friendly and helpful
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roger

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heidi

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Patty

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely visit

Beautiful place. Staff were really friendly
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Chris

Business traveler
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

luc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place and great local fresh food
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kylie

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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 👌😊
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Maurice

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Dining area too big and lacked warmth and atmosphere .
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay was lovely! A great find!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024