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Sandra's Backpackers Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel in Thurso

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Photo gallery for Sandra's Backpackers Hostel

Interior
Breakfast area
Lounge
Free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Princess Street, Thurso, Scotland, KW14 7BQ
  • Thurso Beach
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Scrabster Ferry Terminal
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Dunnet Bay Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Wick (WIC)
    ‪36 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Family Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double or Twin Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double or Twin Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Thurso

Sandra's Backpackers Hostel places you within a 5-minute walk of UHI North Highland - Environmental Research Institute and North Coast Visitor Centre. This 6-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, coffee/tea in a common area, and laundry facilities.
View more Hostels in ThursoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Thurso Beach - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Scrabster Ferry Terminal - 3 min drive - 2.4 miles
  • Dunnet Bay Beach - 8 min drive - 6.2 miles
  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse - 21 min drive - 15.0 miles
  • Castle of Mey - 24 min drive - 16.3 miles

Getting around

  • Thurso Station - 6 min walk
  • Wick (WIC) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Commercial - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Top Joes - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Y not bar + grill - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Station Hotel Thurso - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Robins - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Sandra's Backpackers Hostel

Hostel in Thurso
Guests of Sandra's Backpackers Hostel enjoy free WiFi in public areas, coffee in a common area, and laundry facilities. Front-desk staff can help with luggage storage, and provide local restaurant recommendations.
Guests can enjoy free WiFi and TVs.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English

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Front of property

Pentland

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  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Partially-open bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 11 AM; Check-in end time: 10:30 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 10:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for free
  • Dogs only
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

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
  • Check-in: 11 AM—-10:30 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours.

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.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Sandra's Backpackers Hostel Thurso
Sandra's Backpackers Thurso
Sandra's Backpackers
Sandra's Backpackers Hostel Thurso
Sandra's Backpackers Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do around Sandra's Backpackers Hostel?

This hostel in Thurso is within a 10-minute walk of Thurso Beach and North Coast Visitor Centre. You'll also find Scrabster Ferry Terminal and Wolfburn Distillery within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Sandra's Backpackers Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't offer parking.

Does Sandra's Backpackers Hostel have a casino on the premises?

No, Sandra's Backpackers Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Sandra's Backpackers Hostel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

Are there hot tubs at Sandra's Backpackers Hostel?

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

Does Sandra's Backpackers Hostel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Sandra's Backpackers Hostel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Sandra's Backpackers Hostel allow pets to stay for free?

Yes, dogs can stay for free at Sandra's Backpackers Hostel.

Does Sandra's Backpackers Hostel have connecting rooms?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to Sandra's Backpackers Hostel?

The closest major airport to Sandra's Backpackers Hostel is Wick (WIC), which is 21.5 mi away (32 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Sandra's Backpackers Hostel?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at Sandra's Backpackers Hostel.

Sandra's Backpackers Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 34 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Mark

Disliked: Staff & service
My stay was saved by interaction with other travellers. The kitchen facilities were fine but the property as a whole was tired. I had what I needed but it is need of just a little bit of effort from the (new?) owners.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

kim

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent continent breakfast provided room are basic n request for towels Kitchen reasonable size Overall good Off street road parking
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

thomas

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good location and comfortable for the price
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

ALYSSA

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had a great stay here and it was brilliant. I would definitely come stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ngaio

Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Would stay again
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Susanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice room and friendly people.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

8/10 Good

Lord Ivor

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Lord1of Ukraine

The stay was good keep up the good work. Was a nice stay near railway station and shops.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022

6/10 Okay

George

Says it on the tin!

Almost cheap and almost cheerful, not the worst place I’ve stayed, but does what it says on the tin, and does it well! Nicely situated in the area, and just what you need for a backpacking stopover wash and brush-up.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

6/10 Okay

Rachel

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Lovely owners!

This is a basic budget friendly but safety conscious hostel. Kitchen access at the moment is limited but the owners were really good at helping us out!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Ryan

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

Great little hostel on the main Street

The stay was exactly what I needed, a good night's sleep in a solid hostel. It was offseason when I went, so not too rowdy, but I can imagine it's a great place for a party during the season. The kitchen is massive and has tons of stuff to cook your own meal - the lounge is connected so a good place to drink with some mates. The owner is super nice as well! I would definitely stay here again if I ever got the opportunity. Thanks team!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ester

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
the hostel is quite dated the room was cold and wet but the boss was very kind and helping
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

6/10 Okay

Fiona

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness

Does for a night or 2 but needs a good clean

They had overbooked the rooms somthere was a bit of panic at first. Room was adequate for what we paid but wouldn’t do any harm to have a proper clean, especially a bit of vacuuming. Free breakfast was a surprise and a nice bonus but could do with someone checking the items as bread was mouldy and butter looked horrible. But there was plenty extra so I just opened a new one. I know some would say you get what you pay for but I’ve stayed in plenty of hostels and paid less and it’s been cleaner. Does for a couple of nights if you’re not that fussy and just looking for somewhere dry.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Hugo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It has a good relation cost-comfort. All areas seemed pretty clean, nice kitchen with utensils to use. To improve, maybe bigger beds as they are a little small for two persons. The room is turned to the main street, and you may wake up in the middle of the night with road traffic noise, specially in the summer, when you leave your window open.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

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

avoid this hostel

I travelled up and it was so dirty and noisy I did not stay absolutely awful and should be avoided
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Nathan, San Diego

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, easy check-in, easy to park in nearby streets.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in May 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Has everything that you can expect for the price. The room was clean and the kitchen was nice.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

8/10 Good

Denise

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

Decent hostel.

It's decent for a hostel. Our room was not the double we had reserved, but James offered a refund and to connect us with a local B & B but we decided to stay at the hostel. They offer self serve breakfast cereals in the kitchen, the shower was hot, the WiFi worked and the sheets were clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Elvar, Reykjavík

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very central. Owners very helpful. Not wit breakfast but nearly everything you need is there to make a breakfast. Roomst small but practical
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018

6/10 Okay

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Decent stopover on the NC500.

Thurso is a town you can probably skip, but there aren't a lot of other options for larger settlements on the north coast section of the NC500, and it does seem the most populated. It may be the only one with Chinese takeout open until 11:30pm at least, and with a pub open after midnight. Sandra's itself is fine, nothing to write home about. They accommodated my late arrival with minimal griping and the place itself was ok. There is street noise all night and hallway noise from the flooring whenever someone walks by, which, if you're staying in one of the single rooms, is frequent because you're near the kitchen. WiFi didn't work in the room. Good budget option if you're passing through.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018