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Summary of reviewsSandras Backpackers in Thurso receives commendation from travelers, primarily for its excellent location, friendly staff, and value for money. Situated in the heart of Thurso, guests appreciate its convenience, with easy access to bus and rail connections, proximity to the ferry for trips to Orkney, and nearby attractions such as the beach, restaurants, and bars. The hostel provides a welcoming and budget-friendly experience, with a well-stocked kitchen for breakfast and affordable laundry facilities.
The breakfast experience is a notable highlight, offering a generous and varied selection of items available throughout the day, fostering a friendly communal atmosphere. Rooms, though basic and occasionally in need of updates, are consistently clean, comfortable, and well-appointed, with many guests appreciating the warm and quiet accommodations. Some rooms feature private or en-suite bathrooms, though occasional issues with showers have been noted.
Guests value the cleanliness of the hostel overall, with well-maintained communal areas enhancing the venue's appeal. However, certain areas like bathrooms and the kitchen sometimes require more attention and cleanliness can depend on fellow travelers. The charming and hospitable staff, particularly noted is James, contribute significantly to the welcoming atmosphere, offering helpful and attentive service throughout the stay. The free Wi-Fi, while appreciated, can sometimes be unreliable in certain rooms, though it generally works well in common areas.
Accommodations provide mixed experiences with beds, as some guests find them comfortable and cozy, while others report discomfort due to lumpy mattresses or small sizes. Despite these challenges, many guests appreciate the budget-friendly nature and warm atmosphere cultivated by the staff. Overall, Sandras Backpackers presents a convenient and friendly base for travelers exploring Thurso, offering good value and a memorable experience. Show more
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Dog Friendly Hostel
Sandra's Backpackers Hostel allows dogs of any size without any additional fees. However, cats are not allowed.
Dogs Stay Free
Do you accept dogs in all rooms? No, some rooms only:
Is there an extra charge? Free! There is no extra charge. Dogs stay for free.
Should the dog owner notify you before checking in? Yes, During the booking process
What is the maximum number of dogs per room? Up to 2 dogs are allowed in each room.
Is there a maximum weight of dogs accepted? No
Are there any leash-free play areas? No
Should the dog be kenneled at all times in the room? No
Should the dog be kenneled/kept in a pet carrier at all times in public areas? Yes
Should the dog remain leashed at all times in the room? No
Should the dog remain leashed at all times in public areas? Yes
Are the dogs allowed on the furniture? No
What are the basic requirements to accept a dog?
Must be clean
Must not have fleas
Owners are responsible for any damage caused by the dog
Must not be left unattended in the room
Is there a refundable deposit to guard against damages? No
Do you have a written and comprehensive pet policy available on request? Νο
This hostel provides budget accommodation in Thurso, Caithness. It is suitable for backpackers exploring the northern coast of Scotland.
Small Hostel
4-Star Hostel
Hostel where Dogs Stay Free
Room Types
Small Double Room with Private BathroomThis room has a TV, free Wi-Fi, free bed linen and towels, and a private bathroom.
Triple RoomThis room has a TV, free Wi-Fi, free bed linen and towels, and access to a shared bathroom.
Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory RoomThis dorm has a TV, free Wi-Fi, free bed linen and towels, and access to a shared bathroom.
Double Room with Private BathroomThis room has a TV, free Wi-Fi, free bed linen and towels, and a private bathroom.
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
Twin RoomThe unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.0
Good
Location
Sandras Backpackers in Thurso boasts an exceptional location that is consistently praised by guests for its convenience and accessibility. It is perfectly placed in the heart of Thurso, offering easy access to bus and rail connections, making it an ideal spot for travelers exploring the area. Visitors highlight the proximity to the ferry for trips to Orkney and the short distance to the beach, adding to its appeal for those eager to explore local attractions.
The central location means guests can enjoy an array of nearby amenities, including various restaurants, bars, and takeaways. It's just steps away from the main shopping areas, making it easy for visitors to enjoy everything the town has to offer. For those seeking a quiet retreat, the surrounding area remains peaceful despite being in the town center.
The backpackers hostel offers excellent value for money, with facilities such as a well-stocked kitchen for breakfast and very affordable laundry options. The friendly and helpful staff contribute to a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. With such strategic positioning, Sandras Backpackers is an excellent base for anyone wishing to explore Thurso without sacrificing comfort or accessibility.
Breakfast
At Sandras Backpackers, the breakfast experience receives high praise, with many guests noting its generous and varied offerings. Visitors appreciate the self-service style, allowing them to enjoy breakfast at their own pace and on their own schedule. The extensive selection includes cereals, yogurts, toast, spreads, non-dairy milk options, and a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, and fruit juice. The well-stocked kitchen and dining area are equipped with all necessary utensils and condiments, making it easy for guests to prepare their own meals.
The breakfast, included in the stay at no extra cost, is described as both plentiful and accessible, with items available throughout the day. Many guests highlight the convenience of a fully stocked fridge, where they can help themselves to staples like bread, cheese, and jams. The communal kitchen setup fosters a friendly atmosphere, with breakfast being available all day, providing excellent value for money. Guests also note the central location of the hostel, which benefits from its proximity to nearby shops and takeaways. Overall, Sandras Backpackers offers a satisfying breakfast experience that enhances the overall stay.
Rooms
Sandras Backpackers offers basic yet clean accommodations that garner positive feedback from guests for their practicality and value for money. While the rooms tend toward the smaller side, they generally meet the needs of travelers, providing comfort and essential amenities. The cleanliness of the rooms is consistently praised, with multiple guests noting that their accommodation was sufficiently warm, quiet, and well-appointed for a pleasant stay. Private and en-suite bathrooms are available, enhancing convenience for many visitors. Though some guests found the bathrooms a bit challenging due to leaking showers, others appreciated having these facilities in their rooms.
The hostel's location is a strong advantage, conveniently situated near eateries, public transport links, and local attractions. Common areas like the kitchen and dining room are larger than expected and well-equipped, although some visitors wished for a few more items for meal preparation. The welcoming and attentive staff contribute positively to the hostel's atmosphere, ensuring a friendly and helpful service experience. While some accommodations show signs of wear and might benefit from updates, the overall impression is of a straightforward, reliable guesthouse suited for short stays.
Beds
Sandras Backpackers offers a mixed experience when it comes to beds, with some guests enjoying their restful nights while others face some challenges. Many guests appreciated the comfort of the beds, noting them as a cozy and restful retreat after a day of travel. Some reviewers specifically highlighted the bedding as brand new, contributing to a comfortable experience. Another aspect that guests valued was the atmosphere of the common areas, which facilitated interaction among travelers.
However, not all reviews were positive, as some guests reported issues with the beds. Common concerns included lumpy and thin mattresses, which could lead to an uncomfortable night's sleep, and beds that occasionally felt a bit small or rickety. These reports highlight the need for possible improvements in the bedding quality to ensure a consistently comfortable experience for all.
In summary, while Sandras Backpackers can provide comfortable accommodations for some, others might find the beds less than ideal. Prospective guests might want to consider these varied experiences when planning their stay.
Cleanliness
In the heart of Sandras Backpackers, guests are welcomed with warmth, with clean and comfortable accommodation being a notable highlight. Many guests appreciated the rooms, describing them as clean and basic with an emphasis on cleanliness maintained by the staff despite being in constant use. Clean bed sheets and fresh-smelling rooms add to the venue's appeal, crafting a sense of comfort for weary travelers. The communal areas and lounge were also noted to be well-kept, providing a pleasant space to relax and mingle.
However, not all aspects of the hostel meet the high standards some guests expected. While some areas shine with cleanliness, others fall short. The bathrooms, although cleaned daily, receive mixed reviews regarding their hygiene, with some mentioning mould and grime. The kitchen, central to many guests' experiences, was acceptable for some but in need of a deeper clean according to others. Notably, guests remarked that its cleanliness is largely dependent on fellow travelers, with clutter and dirty dishes sometimes left behind.
Occasional issues with facilities such as showers not functioning properly and inconsistent water regulation have been pointed out, slight inconveniences in an overall comfortable setting. Dated decor and a lack of modernization detract slightly from the hostel's charm, yet the budget-friendly structure and welcoming atmosphere continue to draw patrons in.
Overall, Sandras Backpackers stands out for its affordability and welcoming staff, with cleanliness being generally satisfactory despite some notable exceptions. While some areas may benefit from a bit more attention, guests remain appreciative of the value and effort put into maintaining this budget-friendly hostel.
Staff
Nestled in the scenic surroundings of Sandras Backpackers, guests are greeted with an abundance of warmth and hospitality that makes for a memorable stay. A standout feature repeatedly noted by visitors is the exceedingly friendly and accommodating nature of the staff. With James often highlighted as a fantastic and wonderfully hospitable host, the team collectively ensures that guests feel welcome and at ease from the moment they arrive.
The management and staff demonstrate a commitment to providing helpful and attentive service, evident through the numerous mentions of a welcoming atmosphere and uncomplicated reception process. Staff members are frequently described as being friendly, helpful, and available, contributing to a relaxed and inviting environment where guests are comfortable interacting with fellow travelers.
Despite the occasional challenge in reaching the owner, once contact is made, guests benefit from a generous and considerate service, exemplified by gestures such as assistance with transportation to nearby locations like the ferry. Furthermore, the owner and manager earn praise for their genuine kindness, with efforts to address any issues promptly and effectively, often resulting in a tranquil experience thereafter.
Overall, Sandras Backpackers is celebrated for its personable staff who tirelessly work to create a cozy refuge from the outside elements. With a focus on friendliness and helpfulness, guests can expect a supportive and congenial stay in a charming locale.
Wi-Fi
Sandras Backpackers offers complimentary Wi-Fi, which is generally appreciated by guests for its convenience and as an added perk alongside the breakfast. Guests note the Wi-Fi often works well, particularly in common areas like the kitchen and some rooms. However, it appears there are occasional issues with connectivity, especially in certain rooms where the signal is weak or unstable. Guests who needed reliable internet service before checking into their rooms found alternative options nearby, like the neighboring Indian restaurant. Overall, while the Wi-Fi service receives mixed feedback, it serves its purpose for many travelers.
No, Sandras Backpackers doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Sandras Backpackers.
Yes, Sandras Backpackers welcomes dogs. For more information, read the answers to the Dog Friendly questionnaire
No, parking facilities aren't available at Sandras Backpackers.