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Summary of reviewsThe Ulbster Arms Hotel near Thurso receives high praise from guests for its exceptional offerings and charming atmosphere. Nestled in the picturesque village of Halkirk, the hotel boasts a prime location perfect for exploring the North Coast of Scotland. Its tranquil surroundings, proximity to natural attractions, and convenience for travelers make it a favored destination. Guests are delighted by the serene river nearby, providing peaceful walks and easy access to popular sites like Wick and the North East Highlands.
Dining at the hotel is notably well-regarded, with breakfast offerings celebrated for their exceptional quality and variety. Guests enjoy an extensive selection of delicious options, supported by the friendly and attentive staff, which enhances the overall dining experience. Dinner at the hotel's restaurant features excellent local cuisine, with dishes such as Cullen Skink receiving commendations. The quality of the food and service ensures a memorable culinary experience.
Rooms at the Ulbster Arms Hotel are frequently praised for their cleanliness, spaciousness, and modern amenities. Guests appreciate the immaculate, beautifully decorated rooms, some offering picturesque views and additional living spaces. The accommodations are a harmonious blend of comfort, luxury, and relaxation, with well-presented bathrooms further adding to guest satisfaction.
The hotel's dedication to exceptional service is highlighted by warm, friendly staff who go out of their way to provide a pleasant stay. Many reviews mention their professionalism and kindness, contributing significantly to the welcoming atmosphere. Cleanliness throughout the hotel is consistently noted, with facilities meticulously maintained and well-organized.
Additional perks include ample on-site parking and a commitment to being dog-friendly, making the hotel accommodating for both visitors and their pets. While minor critiques are occasionally mentioned, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with guests lauding the Ulbster Arms Hotel as a serene retreat with excellent service, inviting accommodations, and delightful dining experiences. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Premium Double RoomThese rooms have individual touches such as a welcome pack with an assortment of natural Arran Aromatics toiletries and delicious Halkirk biscuits. Each room has its own bathroom, a TV, and free Wi-Fi.
Double RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Executive Lodge Room (Milton)A seating area with a flat-screen TV, a desk and a private bathroom are provided in this spacious double room. The unit offers 1 bed.
King Room (Uah Lodge)A seating area with a flat-screen TV, a desk and a private bathroom are featured in this spacious double room. The unit offers 1 bed.
Large Twin Room (Uah Lodge)Providing free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin room features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a wardrobe, as well as an electric kettle. The unit offers 2 beds.
Queen Room (Uah Lodge)Offering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a wardrobe, as well as an electric kettle. The unit offers 1 bed.
Family Room in Dale LodgeFeaturing free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The family room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Small Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Family RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The family room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Standard Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as heating. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Location
Nestled in the picturesque village of Halkirk, the Ulbster Arms Hotel enjoys a prime location that guests have praised for its tranquility and convenience. Situated near the serene river Thurso, this beautifully appointed traditional hotel offers stunning surroundings that make it an ideal base for exploring the North Coast of Scotland. Whether embarking on adventures around the NC500 or setting off early for the ferry in nearby Thurso or Scrabster, visitors find the hotel perfectly positioned for their travel plans. Notably, its proximity to river walks adds to the charm, providing serene outings away from the hustle and bustle. The hotel is centrally located for easy access to popular destinations such as Wick and the North East Highlands, making it a favorite among travelers. Guests appreciate not only the beautiful setting but also the comfort and cleanliness of the accommodations. The peaceful atmosphere, coupled with a good price/performance ratio, ensures a memorable stay for all who visit.
Breakfast
The Ulbster Arms Hotel near Thurso consistently receives praise for its breakfast offerings, with guests highlighting the exceptional quality and extensive variety available. Many reviews convey satisfaction with the delicious and plentiful options, ranging from traditional Scottish breakfasts to a diverse selection of both hot and cold dishes. The breakfast buffet is described as rich and phenomenal, with the option for guests to order whatever they desire. Additionally, the friendly and attentive staff contribute positively to the breakfast experience, enhancing the genial atmosphere of the hotel. Overall, the breakfast at Ulbster Arms Hotel stands out as a memorable aspect of guests' stays, celebrated for its taste, variety, and great service.
Dinner
Tucked away near Thurso, the Ulbster Arms Hotel offers a dining experience that has consistently left guests impressed. The evening meals are frequently praised for their brilliance and delicious nature. The hotel's restaurant shines with a blend of excellent local cuisine, making every dinner an exquisite delight. Guests are encouraged to try local specialties like the Cullen Skink, which adds a distinct flavor to an already remarkable menu.
Both dining in the restaurant and enjoying bar meals offer satisfying experiences, where the food quality is consistently rated as amazing and delicious. The extensive and satisfying breakfasts complement the evening dining perfectly, ensuring guests start their day on a delicious note.
Service at mealtimes is consistently noted for its excellence, with friendly staff enhancing the overall dining atmosphere. Guests appreciate the great value for money, with the delicious and expertly cooked dishes providing true enjoyment.
The Ulbster Arms Hotel succeeds in creating a memorable dining experience, with its combination of excellent food and warm, hospitable service making it a fantastic spot for dinner after a day of exploring.
Rooms
Ulbster Arms Hotel near Thurso consistently impresses guests with its room offerings. Across numerous reviews, the cleanliness and spaciousness of the rooms are frequently highlighted. Many guests describe the rooms as spotless, immaculate, and beautifully decorated, creating a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. The accommodation is also noted for its modern touches and excellent facilities, offering comfort and ample space. Rooms offer picturesque views through generous windows and skylights, adding to the charm of the setting. Some rooms even boast their own lounge areas and river views, enhancing the experience.
Despite occasional comments about smaller room sizes and the unconventional placement of certain beds, the general consensus remains largely positive. Those staying in rooms in the annex or the lodges outside the main hotel particularly appreciate the additional space and beautiful decor. Guests also appreciate the modern and well-equipped bathrooms, contributing to a sense of luxury and relaxation. Overall, the Ulbster Arms Hotel provides a comfortable and serene retreat, celebrated for its attentive upkeep and inviting accommodations.
Beds
Nestled near Thurso, the Ulbster Arms Hotel offers guests a comfortable stay with beds that are often praised for their coziness. Many reviews highlight the hotel's "very comfy" and "very comfortable" beds, contributing significantly to a restful night's sleep. The accommodation boasts spacious rooms paired with large, inviting bathrooms, and decor of good quality. While the majority of beds receive commendations for their comfort, some guests have pointed out minor issues, such as slightly narrow beds for two people and challenges with certain bed placements. Despite these occasional critiques, the general consensus leans towards a positive experience, with many visitors noting the comfort and quality of their sleep during their stay.
Cleanliness
The Ulbster Arms Hotel near Thurso consistently impresses guests with its remarkable cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Visitors frequently highlight the spotless condition of the rooms, complemented by modern amenities and spacious layouts. The hotel's charm as a lovely old property is evident, yet it remains in excellent condition, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Guests appreciate the meticulous care given to both bedrooms and bathrooms, noting comfortable and well-presented accommodations with thoughtful details like big, fluffy towels. Additionally, the establishment is praised for being tidy and orderly throughout, with a clean and beautiful presentation that extends to the breakfast area, enhancing the overall pleasant experience. Whether staying in the main building or the lodges, guests can expect a spotless, warm, and comfortable visit at this hotel.
Staff
Nestled near Thurso, the Ulbster Arms Hotel is celebrated for its exceptionally friendly and welcoming staff, who consistently create an inviting atmosphere for guests. Visitors frequently remark on the staff's warmth and professionalism, highlighting their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The team is described as helpful, accommodating, and solution-oriented, making every effort to address guests’ needs with efficiency. The hotel's staff are praised not only for their fantastic service but also for their genuine kindness and enthusiasm. Reports of excellent service, paired with an appealing atmosphere, enhance the overall experience. Whether it's the young, energetic team members or the charming ladies serving breakfast, the dedication to hospitality is noted repeatedly. Additionally, guests appreciate the cozy public areas and local cuisine offered, complemented by the friendly and attentive service that defines a visit to the Ulbster Arms Hotel. Despite minor reports of young staff being occasionally unapproachable, the overwhelming consensus celebrates a warm, courteous, and memorable service.
Parking
The Ulbster Arms Hotel near Thurso receives consistently positive feedback for its parking facilities. Guests appreciate the ample and convenient on-site parking, highlighting the large parking lot located both in front of and behind the property. The hotel’s parking area is noted as being easy to find and offering plenty of space, contributing to the overall positive experience. The convenience and size of the parking facilities are frequently mentioned, with guests finding them to be especially valuable during their stay.
Dog Friendly
The Ulbster Arms Hotel near Thurso receives positive feedback for its dog-friendly facilities, earning praise for its warm welcome to both guests and their canine companions. Visitors highlight the accommodating atmosphere, noting that dogs are accepted with welcoming arms and easily accommodated throughout the stay. The hotel's staff is frequently commended for their friendliness and willingness to assist guests and their dogs. A specifically designated dog-friendly room ensures that all basic needs for visiting pets are covered, making it a great place for travelers with dogs. While the overall sentiment is positive, some guests feel that the dog-friendly approach could be perceived as more tolerant than enthusiastic.
No, Ulbster Arms Hotel near Thurso doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Ulbster Arms Hotel near Thurso.
Yes, Ulbster Arms Hotel near Thurso welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Ulbster Arms Hotel near Thurso.
No, Ulbster Arms Hotel near Thurso doesn't have a gym.