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Summary of reviewsThe Royal Thurso Hotel, situated in the heart of Thurso, is renowned for its prime location, making it an ideal base for exploring the northern coast of Scotland. Guests appreciate the convenience of being within walking distance of local attractions, eateries and amenities, as well as the added benefit of free on-site parking and proximity to the train station. Despite being an older property, it is well-maintained and staffed by friendly and helpful personnel, contributing to its welcoming atmosphere.
The breakfast offerings at the hotel receive mixed feedback. Many guests praise the hearty and plentiful meals, which include a proper Scottish breakfast, noting the friendly and attentive service. However, some have experienced occasional issues with food quality and variety, as well as chaotic service. Consistently, an early breakfast service accommodates those needing to rise early.
Dinner at the Royal Thurso Hotel is frequently highlighted for its excellent quality and reasonable pricing. Guests enjoy a variety of menu options and commend the three-course dinner as exceptional value for money. The friendly and attentive staff further enhance the dining experience, despite occasional issues with meal quality and limited menu items.
Rooms at the hotel garner a range of experiences. Many guests appreciate the spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort of the accommodations with some noting recent updates to the rooms. However, the hotel's older charm is evident with decor and furniture described as dated. While some rooms face minor issues such as weak showers or street noise, the overall experience is generally positive.
Cleanliness in the Royal Thurso Hotel is frequently commended, particularly in the rooms. Guests find the accommodations clean and tidy with comfortable bedding. However, the public areas and bathrooms receive mixed reviews, occasionally in need of more attention.
The staff at the Royal Thurso Hotel are often praised for their exceptional service. Guests highlight the warm welcomes, efficient check-ins and helpfulness of both front desk and waitstaff members. This friendly and attentive service significantly enhances the overall guest experience.
Wi-Fi at the hotel generally receives positive reviews with most guests experiencing reliable and fast internet. However, a few have encountered connectivity issues and noted security concerns.
Beds at the Royal Thurso Hotel are mostly described as comfortable and clean, providing a pleasant sleeping experience. Some guests, however, have noted preferences for firmer or softer mattresses and mentioned occasional issues with pillow quality.
Overall, the Royal Thurso Hotel offers a decent three-star experience in a peaceful town. With its clean environment, friendly staff and convenient location, it provides good value for money, especially for short visits or overnight stays. While the hotel has room for improvements, it remains a practical choice for travelers with realistic expectations. Show more
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3-Star Hotel
The Royal Thurso Hotel is centrally located, within walking distance of the train station, shopping area, and beach. It offers spacious rooms and has a restaurant on-site.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Family Friendly Hotel
Cheap Hotel
Room Types
Twin RoomEach room features free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and tea/coffee making facilities. A hairdryer is also provided.
Single RoomEach room features free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and tea/coffee making facilities. A hairdryer is also provided.
Double RoomEach room features free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and tea/coffee making facilities. A hairdryer is also provided.
Triple RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. This triple room has a tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV, city views, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit has 3 beds.
Family RoomProviding free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. This family room features a tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV, city views, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit offers 2 beds.
Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. This double room has a tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV, city views, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
6.8
Rated
Location
Nestled in the heart of Thurso, the Royal Thurso Hotel boasts a prime location that guests frequently commend. It's perfectly placed for exploring the beautiful northern coast of Scotland and is within walking distance of many local attractions, eateries and amenities. The convenience of the location is particularly noted, especially for those catching an early ferry to Scrabster or heading south from Orkney.
The hotel is a short stroll from various food establishments, Tesco and Co-op, adding to its appeal. Free on-site parking is a significant plus, making it hassle-free for travelers with cars. Guests also appreciate the proximity to the train station, making it an accessible choice for all types of travelers.
While the hotel itself is described as an older property, it is well-maintained and the staff receives high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. The central setting means everything one might need is within easy reach, making it an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the local scene. Despite occasional street noise, the positives of this central location, including the easy access to shops, restaurants and pubs, far outweigh any minor inconveniences.
Overall, the Royal Thurso Hotel is highlighted as a comfortable and convenient base for visitors to Thurso, particularly those looking to explore the town and its surroundings before continuing their journey.
Breakfast
The Royal Thurso Hotel's breakfast offerings have garnered a variety of feedback from guests. On the positive side, many reviews praise the breakfast as very good, hearty and plentiful, often highlighting the friendly and attentive staff. Guests found the breakfast to be filling with a good selection of options and some noted the inclusion of a proper cooked Scottish breakfast. The breakfast service generally started early, which was convenient for early risers. Additionally, the breakfast was appreciated for being freshly made and of a good standard.
However, not all feedback was glowing. Some guests found the breakfast lacking in quality and variety with occasions where the food was cold or served in small portions. The breakfast buffet sometimes disappointed due to being hard and cold on certain days. There were also mentions of chaotic service, slow replenishment of items and limited options, particularly with cereals and fried eggs. While the breakfast room's atmosphere received mixed opinions with some likening it to a train station hall, the overall location of the hotel was generally favored.
Ultimately, while the breakfast at Royal Thurso Hotel is often well-received for its quality and staff service, there are inconsistencies that could benefit from addressing to enhance the overall guest experience.
Dinner
For travelers seeking a memorable dining experience in Thurso, the Royal Thurso Hotel offers a commendable option. Guests frequently highlight the excellent quality of the evening meals with several reviewers noting the delicious taste and reasonable pricing as standout aspects. The menu accommodates a variety of preferences, offering basic UK fare, including burgers, pizzas and chips, which many found satisfactory and tasty. Notably, the three-course dinner priced at £18 is deemed exceptional value for money.
The service at the hotel's restaurant is often praised with attentive and friendly staff enhancing the dining experience by recommending dishes and engaging in pleasant banter. Many guests appreciated the clean and spacious rooms, which added comfort to their stay, though the hotel itself is noted to be somewhat old and worn.
However, there were occasional disappointments. Some guests experienced subpar meals, such as a raw burger or lower-quality sausages and a few commented on the limited availability of certain menu items. Additionally, the dinner service ending early, at 7:30 pm, was an inconvenience for some patrons.
When it comes to breakfast, opinions were equally positive with guests enjoying a good variety and quality of food, though early Orkney ferry passengers missed out due to the timings.
Despite a few hiccups, the Royal Thurso Hotel’s dining offerings receive predominantly favorable reviews, making it a dependable choice for visitors to Thurso who value good food and warm hospitality.
Rooms
The Royal Thurso Hotel offers a mix of experiences when it comes to its rooms. Many guests have praised the cleanliness and comfort of the accommodations, noting that several rooms appear to have been recently updated. Spaciousness is a common highlight with guests appreciating the large, comfortable rooms that are well-suited for families and groups.
Despite some rooms being described as basic, they have been found to be cozy and equipped with the necessary amenities. Comfortable beds and clean environments are consistent themes, contributing to a satisfactory stay for many travelers.
There are, however, mentions of the hotel’s older charm with decor and furniture described as dated. Some rooms are reportedly small and cold with occasional issues such as weak showers or unkempt courtyard views. Noise can also be a problem, particularly for rooms facing the street or the square on weekends.
Overall, the Royal Thurso Hotel provides a range of room experiences, from well-maintained and spacious to somewhat outdated but functional. The hotel has a welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff, making it a decent choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and clean place to stay.
Beds
While staying at the Royal Thurso Hotel, guests have offered a range of opinions about the beds with the majority leaning towards a positive experience. Descriptive phrases such as comfortable, very comfortable and comfy bed are frequently mentioned, highlighting the overall pleasant quality of the beds. Guests have also appreciated the clean and inviting bedding, adding to the overall comfort of their stay.
However, not all reviews are without critique. Some guests found the beds to be either too hard or too firm, which is often a matter of personal preference. Concerns about the size of the beds were also raised with a few describing them as narrow, tiny or too short. Occasional mentions of issues with the mattress, such as being lumpy or having a dip in the middle, suggested some inconsistencies in bed quality.
The pillows received mixed reviews with some guests finding them nearly perfect, while others described them as flat or nearly non-existent. Despite these sporadic criticisms, many guests seemed satisfied with their sleeping arrangements, emphasizing the overall comfort and cleanliness of the beds.
In summary, the Royal Thurso Hotel generally offers a comfortable bedding experience, though it seems that addressing the occasional mattress and pillow concerns could further enhance guest satisfaction.
Cleanliness
The Royal Thurso Hotel, despite its dated appearance and some run-down areas, generally receives positive feedback regarding the cleanliness of its rooms. Many guests have reported that their rooms were very clean with some even describing them as impeccably clean and tidy. The bedding and towels were frequently noted as clean and comfortable, providing a pleasant experience. The staff is often highlighted for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
However, the hotel's public areas and corridors do not always meet the same standard with some guests finding them in need of more attention. Bathrooms receive mixed reviews; while some guests found them clean and equipped with relatively new shower cabins, others noted issues such as mold, dirt and insufficient cleaning during their stay. The furnishings and decor in the rooms were often described as dated but maintained cleanliness.
Overall, the Royal Thurso Hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with helpful staff, although it could benefit from updates and more consistent cleanliness in common areas.
Staff
The Royal Thurso Hotel is renowned for its exceptional staff, who consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Guests frequently mention the warm welcomes they receive upon arrival with numerous reviews highlighting the attentive and courteous nature of both front desk and waitstaff members. The reception staff are particularly noted for their efficiency and welcoming demeanor, making check-in and other interactions pleasant experiences.
Guests also appreciate the staff's willingness to accommodate special requests, such as arranging rooms close together and providing local information. Waitstaff are described as polite, attentive and diligent, enhancing the overall dining experience. Several reviews point out specific instances where individual staff members went above and beyond to ensure guest comfort, reinforcing the hotel's reputation for excellent customer service.
Despite a few isolated incidents of dissatisfaction, the overwhelming consensus is that the staff at Royal Thurso Hotel strive to create a welcoming and enjoyable environment. Their friendly and helpful attitudes contribute significantly to the positive experiences of guests, making the hotel a recommended choice for visitors who value exceptional service.
Wi-Fi
The Royal Thurso Hotel offers a generally positive Wi-Fi experience for its guests with many reporting reliable and fast internet throughout their stay. Guests appreciated that the Wi-Fi worked seamlessly without needing any annoying log-in screens. However, some reviews indicate room for improvement. A few guests encountered issues with the Wi-Fi connectivity, mentioning that it could be hit or miss or not working at all. There were also concerns about the security of the network with some noting it was not on a secure server. Additionally, while most found the Wi-Fi to be satisfactory, others had trouble with their TV not connecting or noted a lack of helpfulness from reception when internet issues arose. Despite these occasional setbacks, many reviews highlight a satisfactory Wi-Fi experience overall.
3 Star
Set in a peaceful, quiet town, the Royal Thurso Hotel offers a decent option for travelers seeking a central location and budget-friendly rates. With its clean and warm environment, the hotel provides good value, especially for those passing through or in need of an overnight stay. While it's clear that the hotel is working hard to improve and bring its facilities up to standard, guests can expect to experience a touch of old-world opulence at a three-star level. The hotel is pleasant and good for short visits, offering excellent value for money, despite its need for some updating. It's a practical choice for those with realistic expectations, keeping in mind the limitations of a three-star rating.
No, Royal Thurso Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Royal Thurso Hotel.
No, Royal Thurso Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Royal Thurso Hotel.