Overlooking the stunning coastline of Dunnet Bay, Northern Sands Hotel is a haven for relaxation and fun. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of two on-site restaurants serving local cuisine. Unwind in the garden or challenge your friends to a game in the arcade. The helpful staff has left a lasting impression on previous guests.
Enjoy your visit to Thurso with a stay at Northern Sands Hotel. You can relax with a drink at one of the 3 bars/lounges, and the 2 restaurants are nice spots to grab a bite to eat. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.
At a glance
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Hotel size
12 rooms
Arranged over 1 level
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
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Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Guests will receive an email within 72 hours before arrival with check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
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Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
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Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi and wired internet access in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Free onsite extended parking
DONE
Transfers
Airport shuttle from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM*
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
2 restaurants
3 bars/lounges
What to do
Beach nearby
Horse riding nearby
Fishing nearby
Working away
Meeting rooms
Conference center
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Tour/ticket assistance
Luggage storage
Facilities
1 building/tower
Garden
Picnic area
Arcade/game room
Banquet hall
Accessibility
Grab bar near toilet
Bathroom emergency pull cord
Room amenities
Be entertained
Smart television
Digital TV channels
Home comfort
Heating
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Select Comfort mattress
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Bathtub or shower
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi and wired internet
Free local calls
More
Daily housekeeping
Special features
Dining
Logans Bar - This bar specializes in local cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Pentland Lounge - Onsite restaurant. Open daily.
The Links - Onsite restaurant. Open daily.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of GBP 70 per vehicle (one-way)
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Cashless transactions are available.
National rating
This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.
Also known as
Northern Sands Hotel
Northern Sands Hotel Thurso
Northern Sands Thurso
Northern Sands
Northern Sands Hotel Hotel
Northern Sands Hotel Thurso
Northern Sands Hotel Hotel Thurso
Frequently asked questions
Does Northern Sands Hotel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Northern Sands Hotel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Northern Sands Hotel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Northern Sands Hotel?
Yes, there's free self and extended parking.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Northern Sands Hotel?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM on request. The charge is GBP 70 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Northern Sands Hotel?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM. Contactless check-out is available.
What is there to do at Northern Sands Hotel and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities like fishing and horseback riding. Enjoy amenities like 3 bars, an arcade, and a picnic area. Northern Sands Hotel also has a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Northern Sands Hotel?
Yes, there are 2 onsite restaurants, featuring local cuisine.
What's the area around Northern Sands Hotel like?
Northern Sands Hotel is located a short 10-minute walk from Dunnet Bay Beach.
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Northern Sands Hotel Reviews
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.6/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Staff & service
9.2/10
Amenities
9.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Service staff
Food
Room
Breakfast
Restaurant
Location
Beach
Bed
Vegetarian
Bar
What guests liked
Breakfast was consistently excellent, with a wide choice of items and dishes cooked to perfection. (15 reviews)
The beach is easily accessible and offers stunning views, perfect for a sunrise walk. (5 reviews)
The restaurant served excellent food with impressive gluten-free choices and generous portions. (4 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 12, 2025
Wonderful Location
Fantastic overnight stay, evening meal and breakfast excellent, staff friendly and very efficient. Wonderful location, would definitely stay here again.
martin
martin, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 19, 2025
Really enjoyed our stay, it was short but sweet. Very comfortable and spacious room, loved the touch of naming rooms after clans
Daniel
Daniel, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 10, 2025
A lovely hotel, staff were very friendly. I would definitely stay again.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
May 26, 2025
Directly on NC500, friendly staff, excellent breakfast.
Ian
Ian, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 14, 2025
The comfort and cleanliness of the room were both excellent. What impressed us the most was the absolute perfect choreography of breakfast being served! The food was delicious and everything was served in perfect order so hot goods were hot and cold foods were cold when eaten. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Wonderful stay!!!
Mary
Mary, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 20, 2025
Super nice staff, clean comfortable rooms, good quality bed, well situated in an incredible part of the country.
John
John, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 13, 2025
Outstanding amazing rooms brilliant food and great customer service
wee
wee, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 3, 2025
This was my forth stay at this property it's clean and tidy with friendly staff and on the NC500 route definitely recommend staying here
David
David, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 8, 2025
This hotel was just perfect for what we needed. The room was comfortable and spacious with all amenities in good working order. The staff were so polite and helpful. It all added up to a great stay before we boarded our ferry at Gills Bay.
George
George, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 13, 2025
Great hotel for the NC500
A great hotel, lovely rooms all with Scottish names. Great service and food.
Jill
Jill, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 17, 2025
From entering the hotel, the staff were lovely. The food was exceptional and service was first class. We met all the staff in the bar later in the evening and enjoyed the craic with them. Would absolutely recommend and plan to return soon.
Robert
Robert, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 22, 2025
Very good
Jefferson
Jefferson, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 30, 2024
Fabulous hotel
Fabulous hotel, staff really friendly and helpful
Robinson
Robinson, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 12, 2025
Nice room with comfortable bed, small area for making tea/coffee and good shower. The breakfast was ample and the staff were all very friendly and efficient. We had dinner there as there was not much in the way of other restaurants and it was fine - nothing special but hot, good portions and vegetarian options available. There is a bar at the hotel.
karen
karen, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 12, 2024
Wonderful place and great local fresh food
luc
luc, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 8, 2024
Very clean, helpful staff,lovely food would highly recommend anyone to stay here.
Pete
Pete, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Sep 10, 2024
Great location
Mark
Mark, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 27, 2025
The property has been decorated to a very high standard. Every area is spotless. The staff are all friendly and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. There is a wide choice of breakfast items and come cooked to perfection. It is a lovely calm place to stay. Loved it and already booked our next stay.
Liz
Liz, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 7, 2024
Great Location, Clean,Freindly staff
Ann was fantastic an asset to the hotel
Would stay again
Sue
Sue, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Nov 29, 2023
1 night stay, very comfortable friendly staff and good food
James
James, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 22, 2023
Lovely hotel, clean room, good food, great!
Matthew
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 30, 2022
Great Find
Great hotel food was very good with friendly staff will stay again
Steve
Steve, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 13, 2023
Excellent service, great food, well located
Christo
Christo, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 30, 2025
Lovey staff and service made our stay a joy.
Very reasonable too.
Thank you