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Northern Sands Hotel

3.0 star property
Beach hotel with 2 restaurants and bars/lounges

Choose dates to view prices

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

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services
The current price is ฿3,543
฿4,252 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Single Room, 1 Single Bed

Single Room, 1 Single Bed | Hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk, blackout curtains

Single Room, 1 Single Bed

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Select Comfort bed
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • 5 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single 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
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Select Comfort bed
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
  • 7 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds and 1 Single Sofa Bed OR 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

View all photos for Classic Double or Twin Room

Classic Double or Twin Room | Hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk, blackout curtains

Classic Double or Twin Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Select Comfort bed
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • 5 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed | Hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk, blackout curtains

Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Select Comfort bed
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • 5 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk, blackout curtains

Deluxe Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Select Comfort bed
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • 7 sq m
  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds OR 1 King Bed

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

Hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk, blackout curtains

Premier Double Room, 1 King Bed, Sea View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Select Comfort bed
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
  • 7 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
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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
  • ‪The Reel - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Logan’s Bar - ‬1 min walk

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/games room and 3 bars. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and local cuisine. Free in-room WiFi and a conference centre are available to all guests.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self-parking and extended parking
  • A round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge), meeting rooms and a banquet hall
  • Smoke-free property, tour/ticket information and luggage storage
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at Northern Sands Hotel have amenities, such as free WiFi.
Other amenities include:
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding and Select Comfort beds
  • Baths or showers, free toiletries and hairdryers
  • Smart TVs with digital channels
  • Electric kettles, heating and daily housekeeping

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Exterior

Forss House Hotel

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  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 219 reviews
The price is ฿2,835
฿3,402 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Forss House Hotel

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Return 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 centre
  • 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 lift

More

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoke-free property

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

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

Payment types at the property

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 any lifts

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 3 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Northern Sands Hotel on 6 Nov 2025 start from ฿3,543.42, 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?

Checkout 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).

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Northern Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 164 out of 216 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 44 out of 216 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 216 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 216 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 216 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

Megan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay, very comfortable and staff were wonderful.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janette

Liked: Amenities
The staff were all really friendly. Good food at night and at breakfast. Comfortable room. Hotel in nice quiet location.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bipul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a lovely hotel to stay in. After a very lovely welcome and walked to my room. I had a lovely dinner and dessert followed by a walk to a beautiful surfers beach. I walked back and enjoyed a comfortable nights sleep. Great hotel and friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 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

Christo

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

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

Jefferson

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Nicola

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

Great stay - thanks

The staff were friendly and helpful. The room was good and a brand new shower mat for the bath was provided on request.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stuart

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

Fantastic hotel highly recommend, foood is superb

Stay was for business. I ate at the hotel for 2 mornings and 2 nights. Food was absolutely outstanding. Staff were friendly and a good laugh beer was relatively cheap. Would definitely recommend a stay at this hotel 100 %
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

julio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice hotel, very good service!!! Ideal por the NC 500
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
THE ONLY COMMENT AS A CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM WAS THAT THE STAIRS WERE DIFFICULT TO CLIMB FOR DISABLED PEOPLE. HANDRAILS NEED TO BE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE STAIRS AND SHOULD BE ROUND IN SECTION FOR WHOLE HAND GRIP RATHER THAN FINGER TIP GRIP
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derek

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

6 stars if they had 6 available

Cant fault place from start to finish only stayed one night as was on the NC500 then onto Skye next day wish I booked two nights minimum First off hats off to housekeeping spotless immaculate perfect great job, next Julie she was an angel and last but not least lady on breakfast where do I start do they do Michelin starts for fry ups as they should do was perfect Thanks all will be back
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carl

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

Best NC500 Hotel

North Sands is one amazing hotel. Staff are so friendly, always having a smile and happy to chat. Food is out of this world, both breakfast and dinner. We are doing NC500 & Orkneys, it rained for 2 days, the staff could not do enough to ensure we dried out.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Maurice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Dining area too big and lacked warmth and atmosphere .
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Stephen

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

Devon boy goes north

Overnight … staff very friendly, recently renovated but tiny room. Road view not sea view. Food predictable pub food with Scottish angle.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

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

Excellent stay.

Staff brilliant. Food first class. Room small but adequate since just sleeping in it. Spotless. Location perfect for seeing North Scotland. Would stay again. Left a pair of shoes and Jo sending on for me. Can’t ask for more
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leslie

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

Diamond at the top of Scotland!

What a pleasant surprise. This hotel is wonderful. We were not expecting much, being the remote location, but Northern Sands exceeded all expectations!! They are kind and thoughtful and the room was great. My husband has celiac disease and they went above and beyond making sure he had everything gluten free. Thank you for your excellent service!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

paolo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Ok
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

Laura

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The toilets near the restaurant were unclean, dirty underwear was found in the bin the bedroom and heating worked very intermittently and was controlled centrally, so rooms were extremely cold. However the radiator in the small bathroom was red hot and left burn marks on shoulder when negotiating getting in and out of the small shower cubicle. Evening food was not the best, tasted like reheated frozen ready meals. Breakfast however was very nice as was the staff in the morning.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is on the NC500 drive and close (5 min walk) to an idyllic cove
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff, amazing gluten-free menu, right next to the Distillery!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025