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Explore the area

  • Place, Dunnet Bay Distillery
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Dunnet Bay Beach
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Scrabster Ferry Terminal
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Airport, Wick (WIC)
    ‪38 min drive‬

Room options

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)
  • 54 sq ft
  • 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)
  • Garden view
  • 75 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)
  • 54 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)
  • 54 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)
  • Hill view
  • 75 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)
  • Sea view
  • 75 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King 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 Distillery - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Dunnet Bay Beach - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse - 11 min drive - 5.6 miles
  • Castle of Mey - 13 min drive - 6.9 miles
  • Scrabster Ferry Terminal - 16 min drive - 11.8 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

About this property

Northern Sands Hotel

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 tours/tickets and luggage storage. Other amenities at this beach hotel include an arcade/game room, a banquet hall, and a picnic area.
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.

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The price is $120
Mar 22 - Mar 23
Total with taxes and fees
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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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
  • 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. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.
  • 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.

How much does it cost to stay at Northern Sands Hotel?

As of Mar 21, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Northern Sands Hotel on Mar 22, 2026 start from $133, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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.

Is parking available on site at Northern Sands Hotel?

Yes, extended and self 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.

Is Northern Sands Hotel good for couples?

Couples will appreciate amenities at this hotel, including a Select Comfort mattress and a smart TV in each guestroom, and some feature sea view.

Does Northern Sands Hotel have a hot tub?

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.

Does Northern Sands Hotel have connecting rooms available?

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 that I can book at Northern Sands Hotel?

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

Northern Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 169 out of 222 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 45 out of 222 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 222 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 222 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 222 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Tracey and Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overnight stop that fitted our needs to be near ferries Welcoming staff, well presented accommodation, reasonably priced A good find for us which we will probably use again in the future
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

MARY, GRATIOT

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay and wonderful service
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

William, Dublin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is on the NC500 drive and close (5 min walk) to an idyllic cove
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louise

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff, amazing gluten-free menu, right next to the Distillery!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great service, friendly staff, nice food and great location for NC500 and beach access etc.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynne

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel within minutes to the gorgeous beach! Loved our stay here…food was excellent as were the staff. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Susan

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

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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
No negatives staff wer really nice and friendly, and the beach is lovely..regards Gary.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay, very comfortable and staff were wonderful.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Genevieve

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, modern, amazing food, great staff.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First visit for over 10 years and it didn't disappoint. The hotel is modern and the staff were all lovely and couldn't do enough to make sure we felt welcome. The bonus is that it's just a short walk to the beach
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erica M

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Simon

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

10/10

Excellent hotel. Friendly staff, clean room, great breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The comfort and cleanliness of the room were both excellent. What impressed us the most was the absolute perfect choreography of breakfast being served! The food was delicious and everything was served in perfect order so hot goods were hot and cold foods were cold when eaten. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Wonderful stay!!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janette

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
The staff were all really friendly. Good food at night and at breakfast. Comfortable room. Hotel in nice quiet location.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bipul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a lovely hotel to stay in. After a very lovely welcome and walked to my room. I had a lovely dinner and dessert followed by a walk to a beautiful surfers beach. I walked back and enjoyed a comfortable nights sleep. Great hotel and friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donald

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

10/10 Excellent

Ruen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really enjoyed my stay. Room was small but cosy. The fire alarm went off when i was eating breakfast, but these things happen. Staff were friendly and helpful and lent me a small screwdriver which i needed. I recommend this hotel
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really enjoyed our stay, it was short but sweet. Very comfortable and spacious room, loved the touch of naming rooms after clans
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

martin

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

Wonderful Location

Fantastic overnight stay, evening meal and breakfast excellent, staff friendly and very efficient. Wonderful location, would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025