See all properties

Northern Sands Hotel

3.0 star property
Beach hotel near Dunnet Bay Beach

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Northern Sands Hotel

Enjoy a serene beach experience with access to the ocean.
Surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and stone wall, this traditional house offers a peaceful countryside setting.
Relax in a spacious room with a large bed, a separate single bed, and a desk for work.
Enjoy a drink at the hotel bar, where a variety of liquor bottles and glasses are on display.
Enjoy a game of pool or challenge friends to an arcade tournament in this lively room.
The Northern Sands Hotel overlooks Dunnet Bay, offering relaxation and entertainment. Guests enjoy meals at two restaurants with local cuisine. The garden is a peaceful retreat, and the arcade offers lively fun. Visitors appreciate the attentive staff.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Select Comfort bed
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
  • 54 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Double or Twin Room

Classic Double or Twin Room

Classic Double or Twin Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Select Comfort bed
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
  • 54 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premier Double Room, 1 King Bed, Sea View

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk

Premier Double Room, 1 King Bed, Sea View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Select Comfort bed
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
  • 75 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom

1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk

Deluxe Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Select Comfort bed
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
  • 75 sq ft
  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Triple Room, Garden View

Deluxe Triple Room, Garden View | View from room

Deluxe Triple Room, Garden View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Select Comfort bed
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
  • 75 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed OR 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

Single Room, 1 Single Bed

Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Select Comfort bed
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
  • 54 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the area

Map
Dunnet, Dunnet Head, Thurso, Scotland, KW14 8XD

What's nearby

  • Dunnet Bay Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Mary-Ann's Cottage - 8 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse - 9 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Castle of Mey - 11 min drive - 11.0 km
  • Scrabster Ferry Terminal - 15 min drive - 19.0 km

Getting around

  • Thurso Station - 15 min drive
  • Wick (WIC) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Northern Sands - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Castletown Fish & Chip Shop - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Castle Town - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Highlander Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Highlander - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Northern Sands Hotel

Hotel near Dunnet Bay Beach
Located close to Mary-Ann's Cottage and Dunnet Head Lighthouse, Northern Sands Hotel provides a garden, an arcade/game room, and 3 bars. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and local cuisine. Free in-room WiFi and a conference center are available to all guests.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self parking and extended parking
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), meeting rooms, and tour/ticket assistance
  • Luggage storage, smoke-free premises, and a banquet hall
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Northern Sands Hotel have amenities such as free WiFi.
Other amenities include:
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding and Select Comfort beds
  • Tubs or showers, free toiletries, and hair dryers
  • Smart TVs with digital channels
  • Electric kettles, heating, and daily housekeeping

Languages

English

Similar properties

Lounge

Greenland House B&B

  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Soundproof rooms
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, 195 reviews
The price is CA $241
CA $241 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 20 - Aug 21
Greenland House B&B

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM on request
  • Free extended parking on site

Food and drink

  • 2 restaurants
  • 3 bars/lounges

Restaurants on site

  • Logans Bar
  • Pentland Lounge
  • The Links

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Conference center
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Bathroom emergency pull cord
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Select Comfort mattress

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: GBP 70 per vehicle (one-way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.

Property is 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

Is Northern Sands Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Northern Sands Hotel?

As of Jul 21, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Northern Sands Hotel on Aug 17, 2025 start from CA $211.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Northern Sands Hotel?

Self parking and extended parking are free at this property.

What time is check-in at Northern Sands Hotel?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Northern Sands Hotel?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Does Northern Sands Hotel provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs 6:00 AM–10:00 PM on request. A fee of GBP 70 per vehicle applies.

Where is Northern Sands Hotel located?

Situated in Thurso, this beach hotel is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Dunnet Bay Beach and within 6 mi (10 km) of Mary-Ann's Cottage and Dunnet Head Lighthouse. Castle of Mey and Scrabster Ferry Terminal are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Northern Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 142 out of 191 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 42 out of 191 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 191 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 191 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 191 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A lovely hotel, staff were very friendly. I would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Directly on NC500, friendly staff, excellent breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super nice staff, clean comfortable rooms, good quality bed, well situated in an incredible part of the country.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

wee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Outstanding amazing rooms brilliant food and great customer service
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liz

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.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robinson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fabulous hotel

Fabulous hotel, staff really friendly and helpful
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jefferson

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

luc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place and great local fresh food
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clive

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovey staff and service made our stay a joy. Very reasonable too. Thank you
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pete

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, helpful staff,lovely food would highly recommend anyone to stay here.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lesley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely remote hotel in a great location

Lovely location can walk to the beach. Rooms very clean and comfy if a tad on the small side for a double room, very tight at the bottom of the bed. Fantastic food for both dinner and breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sue

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great Location, Clean,Freindly staff Ann was fantastic an asset to the hotel Would stay again
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely visit

Beautiful place. Staff were really friendly
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
1 night stay, very comfortable friendly staff and good food
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alastair

Liked: Amenities
The hotel was very clean and well run by staff. Food was lovely and staff very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel, clean room, good food, great!

10/10 Excellent

Christo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent service, great food, well located
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best stay of the trip, the staff were excellent, the hotel is in great condition beautiful inside the room was excellent, facilities great. The food was out of this world, best cooked breakfast of the journey, just a nice atmosphere.

8/10 Good

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The hotel staff were exceptional and the food was good.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heidi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Outstanding property! Absolutely gorgeous, lovely rooms, fantastic bathroom- and the restaurant is top notch! We walked to the beach to see the sunrise in late September- and it did not disappoint. I was really looking forward to staying here and it was excellent in every single way!!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel room was lovely and the people were so helpful and nice.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely renovated property with a lovely little bar area with comfy sofas , staff so friendly and welcoming and a choice of 2 places with both having amazing food The bedrooms lovely and clean with a walk- in shower for some . Worth the drive up 👌😊
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024