Northern Sands Hotel in Dunnet: Photos and Reviews
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Key details
About the Hotel
Northern Sands Hotel, Dunnet, KW14 8XD,
-
Close to Dunnet Beach
Great
8.8
9.7
/10
5.0
4.7
/5
Highly rated by guests who stayed at Northern Sands Hotel
Local distillery next door
Refurbished modern decor
Large games room
Daily soup offering
Complimentary Scottish tablet
"The kipper for breakfast and the Cullen skink was delicious."
Loubyj from United Kingdom
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"My Wife had the locally sourced haddock and chips, stating the Haddock was the best she had ever tasted."
TonyW from United Kingdom
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"Big bed with a new and comfy mattress."
Arnd from Germany
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"Great location for users either ferry and on N500 for that crowd."
Nicholas from United Kingdom
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3-star beachfront hotel on Dunnet Bay with full Scottish breakfast and on-site distillery access
Dining & Culinary Experience
Northern Sands Hotel offers three on-site restaurants serving menus built around an extensive list of local produce all year round. A complimentary full Scottish breakfast is provided daily, with pre-order the night before to reduce food waste and ensure efficient service. Packed lunches are available for guests heading out to explore, and special diet menus can be arranged upon request.
Rooms & Accommodations
Each of the 12 well-appointed rooms is equipped with an HD Smart TV, private bathroom with complimentary Scottish toiletries, and a hairdryer. Room types include Standard King Double, Deluxe Twin, Superior King, and Standard Single, with some offering sea views over Dunnet Bay. The hotel has daily housekeeping and provides tea/coffee makers in all rooms, plus free WiFi throughout the property.
Location & Outdoor Activities
The hotel sits on the beachfront of Dunnet Bay, a 1-minute walk from Dunnet Bay Distillery known for Rock Rose Gin. Guests have easy access to walking, running, surfing, windsurfing, horse riding, and kite buggying in the local area. Major attractions such as John o'Groats (16 km), Castle Gardens of Mey, and Dunnet Head (3 km) are all within a short drive.
Accessibility & Family-Friendly Features
The hotel offers rooms with emergency cord in bathroom, toilet with grab rails, and wheelchair accessibility, plus designated facilities for disabled guests. Family rooms are available, and children's meals are offered on the restaurant menus, along with board games and puzzles for younger guests. Free private parking on site includes an electric vehicle charging station, and accessible parking spaces are clearly marked.
Entertainment & Bar
The on-site bar features Sky TV for live sport events and hosts live music, themed dinner nights, and live performances throughout the week. A games room offers darts and a pool table, while the guest lounge provides a relaxing space with outdoor furniture and a picnic area. The Dawg Shack, a separate cabin, welcomes dogs with clean water bowls and dog treats, ensuring pet-friendly stays.
Highlights
Location: Beachfront on Dunnet Bay, 1-min walk to Dunnet Bay Distillery
Dining: Three restaurants, full Scottish breakfast, locally sourced menus
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms with grab rails and emergency cord
Family: Family rooms, kids' meals, board games and puzzles
Entertainment: Live music, Sky TV sport, darts, pool, themed dinners
Pet-friendly: Dawg Shack cabin with water bowls and dog treats
Must-do experiences
Visit the stunning Dunnet Head for breathtaking coastal views.
Try the fresh seafood at the nearby Castletown Hotel restaurant.
Explore the unique Caithness Seacoast Trail for scenic walks.
Discover the ancient ruins of Dunnet Kirk, a local historical gem.
Enjoy a whisky tasting at the nearby Pulteney Distillery in Wick.
Select your room type
Northern Sands Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Twin Room
2 persons
13 m²
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
12 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
Coffee machine
room details
Family Room
2 persons
16 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
Coffee machine
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Northern Sands Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Horseback riding
Golf course
Darts
Fishing
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Housekeeping
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Dinner
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Board games
Children's menu
Game room
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Beach access
Live entertainment
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Northern Sands Hotel Location
Northern Sands Hotel, Dunnet, KW14 8XD,
Explore Dunnet
Explore Dunnet's Best
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Dunnet Bay Beach
10-minute drive
Stunning sandy beach known for its sunsets and wildlife. Ideal for families and nature lovers alike.
Castlehill Heritage Centre
6-minute drive
Local history center featuring exhibits on Dunnet's rich heritage and culture. Engaging for all ages.
Loch Heilen
11-minute drive
Picturesque loch perfect for a peaceful afternoon. Ideal for birdwatching and leisurely walks.
Hiking at Dunnet Head
10-minute drive
Stunning coastal trails with breathtaking views. Great for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Relaxing at Seadrift Visitor Centre
3 minutes' walk
A tranquil spot for enjoying local art and exhibitions. A perfect place to unwind after a busy day.
Northern Sands Hotel
5 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a cozy atmosphere. Signature dishes include fresh seafood and local specialties.
Mary Ann's Cottage
3 minutes' walk
Charming café serving hearty breakfasts and homemade pastries. Ideal for a relaxed meal with local ingredients.
Local Pub Scene
10-minute drive
A vibrant spot with live music and quiz nights. Friendly atmosphere suitable for families and solo visitors.
Community Events
6-minute drive
Regularly scheduled market days and seasonal festivals. Great for experiencing local culture and community spirit.
Getting around Scotland
City Centre
Dunnet 3 min · 200 m
Airports
Wick John O'Groats (WIC) 44 min · 28.9 km
Kirkwall (KOI) 99 min · 65.5 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-22:00
Check-out
from 06:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 0.1 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
12
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Northern Sands Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 473 verified reviews
9.0 /10
Perfect
94 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free WiFi
8.5/10
Location
9.1/10
Staff
9.4/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Super clean cleanliness
Really good staff service
Delicious local meals
Scenic location
Cons
Inconsistent room temperature
Limited vegetarian options
Room maintenance issues
Guest reviews
based on 654 reviews
8.8/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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