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Summary of reviewsThe Portland Hotel offers a serene and convenient retreat nestled in a quaint village, appealing primarily to travelers on the iconic North Coast 500 route. Its strategic location provides easy access to northern Scotland's attractions and is a short drive from John o' Groats, making it an ideal resting spot for adventurers. Guests commend the hotel's charming interiors, ample parking, and warm hospitality, enhancing its appeal as a peaceful base away from the bustle of Wick.
Dining experiences at The Portland Hotel are noteworthy, with guests particularly praising the breakfast options, which include a hearty and well-varied full Scottish breakfast. The quality ingredients and warm atmosphere contribute to a memorable start to the day. Dinner also receives acclaim for its excellent variety, generous portions, and standout dishes like fish and chips, served in a cozy and welcoming restaurant environment.
Accommodations are marked by spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed rooms, frequently praised for their cleanliness and modern décor. While some minor areas may benefit from refreshment, overall, guests enjoy a restful night's sleep in cozy beds, complemented by the attentive service of the staff. The cleanliness standards are notably high throughout the hotel, further contributing to a positive guest experience.
The staff at The Portland Hotel receive widespread praise for their exceptional service, warmth, and dedication. They are consistently described as friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating, enhancing the overall guest experience. Their attentiveness extends to accommodating dogs, underscoring their commitment to guest satisfaction.
In summary, The Portland Hotel offers a relaxing and convenient retreat with excellent dining, comfortable accommodations, and standout service, making it a reliable choice for travelers seeking rest and hospitality in northern Scotland. Show more
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Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
The Portland Hotel provides free WiFi. Guests can enjoy seamless internet access during their stay.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Where is the golf course located?Outside the premises. Exact distance: 482m (Lybster Golf Club)
Answers last updated by The Portland Hotel
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Small Hotel
Room Types
Single RoomOffering free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. This single room features a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, flat-screen TV, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit offers 1 bed.
Twin Room with ShowerOffering free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. This twin room features a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, flat-screen TV, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit offers 2 beds.
Family RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. This family room has a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, flat-screen TV, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit has 2 beds.
Standard Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. This double room features a tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV, garden views, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. This double room features a tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV, garden views, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.6
Very Good
Location
Nestled in a small, quiet village, The Portland Hotel boasts a prime location praised by travelers for its serene and peaceful surroundings. Ideal for those embarking on the iconic North Coast 500 (NC500), it offers easy access to both northern Scotland and the east coast's destinations. The hotel serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions or as a restful pit stop along your journey. Its proximity to John o' Groats, with just a short 40-60 minute drive, makes it perfect for adventurers on the NC500 route. Visitors commend the charming, atmospheric interiors and the warm hospitality of the staff, alongside practical amenities such as a restaurant and ample parking right in front. Whether you're winding down after a long day's travel or seeking a strategic overnight stop on your way to the Orkney ferry at Scrabster, The Portland Hotel provides comfort in a lovely setting, away from the bustle of the main town of Wick.
Breakfast
The Portland Hotel provides a memorable breakfast experience that garners praise from its guests for both its variety and quality. Diners have the option to choose between a full breakfast, including a full Scottish option that many considered to be the highlight of their trip, or simpler options like bacon or sausage paninis. The consistently warm and freshly cooked meals, particularly noted for their great sausage offerings, leave many guests satisfied and impressed. The breakfast is often described as substantial and plentiful, offering a notable selection that includes both continental and cooked options.
The atmosphere adds to the dining experience, with the friendly and welcoming staff ensuring guests start their day in a positive way. While some elements, such as the continental breakfast, may be seen as basic or not up to date, the overall consensus is favorable, with many highlighting the quality ingredients used and the superb taste. Although a few guests note that hot breakfasts require an additional cost, the positive remarks on the excellent breakfast experience often overshadow these critiques. This family-run hotel shines through its exceptional service and the engaging breakfast experience that contributes to a memorable stay.
Dinner
The Portland Hotel offers a dinner experience that has left many guests with positive impressions. Guests often praise the dinner menu, highlighting its excellent variety and the quality of the food. Dishes are described as amazing, fantastic, and lovely, with particular acclaim for the freshly cooked taste and generous portions that provide good value for money. The fish and chips, in particular, have been noted as a standout meal, bringing guests' dining experiences in line with some of the best in Ireland and Scotland. The restaurant is characterized as both cosy and welcoming, making for an enjoyable dining atmosphere. While there are some mixed reviews regarding the cost and simplicity of certain meals, most guests find the dining options satisfying and well-prepared, complementing the overall warmth of the hotel's hospitality.
Rooms
The Portland Hotel offers a stay characterized by spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed rooms. Guests have consistently praised the hotel for its large and airy rooms, which are often complemented by modern décor and comfortable furnishings. Many rooms are noted for their cozy and spacious beds, contributing to a restful night's sleep. Cleanliness is a standout feature, with rooms regularly receiving fresh towels and being well-maintained by the attentive staff. The rooms are equipped with good facilities, including large bathtubs and spacious showers, enhancing the overall comfort and convenience of the stay.
While the hotel provides clean and comfortable accommodations, some guests have noted that parts of the rooms and communal areas appear a bit tired or could benefit from redecoration. There are occasional mentions of small shortcomings such as the need for blackout curtains or stronger showers in certain rooms. Despite these minor issues, the hotel's location is highly regarded for its accessibility, and the friendly, pleasant staff further enhance the positive experience. Overall, The Portland Hotel offers guests a comfortable and enjoyable stay with well-equipped and spacious rooms ideal for relaxation.
Beds
The Portland Hotel has generally received acclaim for the comfort of its beds, with many guests noting their restful experience. Visitors frequently describe the beds as comfortable and super comfy, with some rooms even boasting a luxurious four-poster bed. The comfort extends beyond the mattresses, as guests appreciate the good quality of bed linen and extremely comfy pillows. Larger rooms with comfortable beds have also been positively highlighted, enhancing the overall guest experience. However, a few reviewers noted that certain mattresses could benefit from updates, indicating a need for some improvements in specific areas. Despite these occasional concerns, the majority of feedback celebrates the comfort and convenience, making it an appealing choice for travelers seeking a good night's rest after a busy day.
Cleanliness
The Portland Hotel boasts a generally positive reputation for cleanliness among its guests. Many reviews highlight the clean and comfortable rooms, emphasizing the high standard of tidiness throughout the hotel. Visitors frequently remark on the hotel's inviting atmosphere, describing it as a well-run establishment under its new ownership, which seems to have uplifted its cleanliness standards. Rooms are often mentioned as being warm, bright, and spotlessly clean, with comfortable beds contributing to a restful stay.
However, not all feedback is glowing. A few reviews point out areas needing improvement, such as window frames and sills, with some guests encountering spiderwebs and a musty smell in bathrooms. Despite these occasional issues, the consensus is that the hotel remains a clean and friendly dwelling, making it a reliable choice for travelers who value cleanliness and comfort.
Staff
At The Portland Hotel, guests consistently praise the staff for their exceptional service and warmth. Visitors highlight the friendly and helpful nature of the team, describing them as welcoming, accommodating, and attentive. The owner receives special mention for being particularly outstanding, while the reception staff are noted for their friendliness and welcoming demeanor. Guests appreciate the team's hard work and dedication, often mentioning how they go above and beyond to meet guests' needs. The staff's kindness extends to four-legged visitors as well, with several reviews highlighting their consideration for dogs. Dining experiences at the hotel also receive high marks, thanks to the excellent service provided by the bar and restaurant staff in the evenings. Overall, The Portland Hotel staff are described as a friendly, professional, and knowledgeable team who greatly enhance the guest experience with their exceptional service and commitment.
Parking
The Portland Hotel ensures a convenient parking experience for its guests, offering ample parking opportunities. The parking is easily accessible, with spaces located right next to the hotel and directly in front of it, making it simple for guests to find a spot upon arrival. The location features a spacious parking area that caters to various needs, including designated spaces for motorcycles. For those traveling by motorbike, sheltered areas are available, providing covered protection for vehicles. Whether arriving by car or motorcycle, guests have the added comfort of a reliable and accommodating parking environment throughout their stay.
No, The Portland Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Portland Hotel.
Yes, The Portland Hotel welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Portland Hotel.