"Fantastic pre-order system for breakfast with everything ready as ordered when you come down."
Richard from United Kingdom
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"My room was clean and comfortable. My evening meal was rump of lamb and it was cooked well."
Deborah from United Kingdom
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"Best fish and chips we have ever had!"
Donna from United Kingdom
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"Nicely appointed bedroom with comfortable king-sized bed, flat screen TV etc."
Bob F from United Kingdom
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"Great location for users either ferry and on N500 for that crowd. Really good restaurant."
Nicholas from United Kingdom
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Family-run beachfront hotel on Dunnet Bay with full Scottish breakfast and accessibility features
Dining & Local Produce
The on-site restaurant offers menus built on an extensive list of local produce, with a full Scottish breakfast served daily. Guests can choose from a variety of meal arrangements throughout the year, including special diet menus and kids' meals. The bar provides a wide selection of drinks, wine, and champagne, and hosts live music and themed dinner nights.
Rooms & Accessibility
Rooms are equipped with HD Smart TVs and private bathrooms featuring complimentary Scottish toiletries and a hairdryer. The hotel provides wheelchair-accessible rooms with emergency cords in the bathroom, toilet grab rails, and other facilities for disabled guests. Family rooms are available for larger groups, and daily housekeeping is included.
Location & Outdoor Pursuits
The hotel sits on Dunnet Bay beach, offering direct access to surfing, wind surfing, horse riding, and kite buggying. Dunnet Bay Distillery is a 1-minute walk away, and John o' Groats and Castle Gardens of Mey are within 16 km. Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain, is 3 km from the hotel.
Family & Pet-Friendly Amenities
Family-room arrangements cater to larger groups, and children can enjoy the games room, board games, and the on-site restaurant with kids' meals. The Dawg Shack is a fully enclosed outdoor space where guests with dogs can dine, with dog treats and water bowls provided. Free private parking and an electric vehicle charging station are available on-site.
Entertainment & Bar Facilities
The guest lounge features Sky TV for sports and entertainment, while the bar hosts live sport events and live music performances. Guests can play darts, pool, or join walking tours organised by the hotel. The designated smoking area and the picnic area with outdoor furniture provide additional spaces to relax.
Highlights
Dining: Full Scottish breakfast with local produce
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms with grab rails
Location: 1-minute walk from Dunnet Bay Distillery
Activities: Surfing, wind surfing, horse riding on site
Pet-Friendly: Dawg Shack for dining with dogs
Parking: Free private parking and EV charging
“This hotel presents a remarkably welcoming atmosphere, underscored by its attentive staff and a consistently high standard of cleanliness throughout. Guests will find the breakfast offerings plentiful and well-prepared, complementing comfortable rooms that feel recently updated. Its convenient parking and overall appeal make it a solid choice for travelers.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukhighlands
Select your room type
Northern Sands Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Twin Room
2 persons
13 m²
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
12 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
Coffee machine
room details
Family Room
2 persons
16 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
Coffee machine
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
Northern Sands Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Horseback riding
Golf course
Darts
Fishing
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Housekeeping
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Dinner
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Board games
Children's menu
Game room
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Beach access
Live entertainment
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
At Northern Sands Hotel, dining experiences celebrate the richness of local flavors and warmth of traditional hospitality. Guests can choose from cozy lounges to vibrant bars, each offering thoughtfully crafted dishes tailored to various dietary preferences.
The Pentland Lounge
Traditional British
Ambiance
A welcoming space with a classic feel, perfect for gathering with friends or family.
Key Offerings
Delight in a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options, ideal for a hearty breakfast or a relaxing dinner.
Reservation
Not needed
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Logan's Bar
Traditional and Modern Dining
Ambiance
Family-friendly with a blend of traditional charm and modern comfort, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Key Offerings
A selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options awaits, making it a versatile spot for any meal of the day.
Reservation
Not needed
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Links Restaurant
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-free Options
Ambiance
A relaxed dining environment that caters to diverse dietary preferences with care and creativity.
Key Offerings
Highlights include options for dairy-free and vegan diners, focusing on freshness and variety.
Reservation
Not needed
Hours vary.
Northern Sands Hotel Location
Northern Sands Hotel, Dunnet, KW14 8XD,
Map view
City landmarks
Beach
Dunnet Bay Beach
2.83 km
Landmark
Castlehill Heritage Centre
3.53 km
Landmark
Loch Heilen
4.24 km
Lighthouse
Dunnet Head
5.53 km
Lighthouse
Dunnet Head Lighthouse
5.78 km
Nearby
Museum
Mary Ann's Cottage
210 m
Dunnet Pavillion
Seadrift Visitor Centre
210 m
Restaurants
Northern Sands Hotel
0 m
Restaurant
Explore Dunnet
Explore the Area
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Dunnet Bay Beach
35 minutes' walk
Stunning sandy beach known for its natural beauty and vibrant sunsets, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.
Castlehill Heritage Centre
40 minutes' walk
Engaging local history center featuring exhibitions on the Highlands and interactive displays for all ages.
Loch Heilen
45 minutes' walk
Scenic freshwater loch ideal for picnics and bird watching, offering peaceful surroundings and marked walking trails.
Dunnet Head Lighthouse
60 minutes' walk
Iconic lighthouse with spectacular coastal views and informative visitor center highlighting maritime history.
Hiking at Dunnet Head
60 minutes' walk
Thrilling hiking trails offering breathtaking views of cliffs and wildlife along the northernmost point of mainland UK.
Yoga at Seadrift Visitor Centre
3 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions available, perfect for rejuvenating the mind and body in a tranquil, scenic environment.
Northern Sands Hotel Restaurant
5 minutes' walk
Local cuisine with a cozy ambiance, offering fresh seafood and seasonal dishes, suitable for diverse dietary preferences.
The Castle Arms Hotel
5 minutes' drive
Casual dining with a welcoming atmosphere, featuring hearty pub meals and a selection of local ales for a relaxed night out.
The Whisky Galore
10 minutes' drive
Charming bar with live music events and a wide selection of whiskies, casual vibe perfect for enjoying an evening out.
Dunnet Bay Distillers
11 minutes' drive
Craft distillery offering tours and tastings, great for learning about local spirits in a family-friendly setting.
Getting around
City Centre
Dunnet 3 min · 200 m
Airports
Wick John O'Groats (WIC) 44 min · 28.9 km
Kirkwall (KOI) 99 min · 65.5 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-22:00
Check-out
from 06:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 0.1 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
12
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Northern Sands Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Location
9.1/10
Staff
9.4/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Pros
Attentive staff
Good breakfast
Clean bar area
Cons
Dog accommodation
Small single room
External noise
Guest reviews
based on 681 reviews
8.8/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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