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Northern Sands Hotel

3.0 star property
Beach hotel near Dunnet Bay Beach

Photo gallery for Northern Sands Hotel

Beach nearby
3 bars/lounges
Point of interest
Deluxe Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom | View from room
Games room

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View map
Dunnet, Dunnet Head, Thurso, Scotland, KW14 8XD
  • Dunnet Bay Beach
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Castle of Mey
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Wick (WIC)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

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 Classic Double or Twin Room

Classic Double or Twin Room

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 Twin 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
Blackout curtains
Select Comfort bed
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
  • 7 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 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 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
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Select Comfort bed
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
  • 7 sq m
  • 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 Single Bed

Single Room, 1 Single Bed

Single Room, 1 Single Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 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 Twin Bed

About the area

Thurso

At Northern Sands Hotel, you'll be 0.8 km (0.5 mi) from Dunnet Bay Beach and 6.9 km (4.3 mi) from Mary-Ann's Cottage. Highlights at this beach hotel include in-room free WiFi, free high-speed Internet and Smart TVs. .Logans Bar serves local cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With 3 lounge bars to choose from, you can enjoy a drink at the hotel. Meeting rooms and a conference centre are among the business amenities offered. Other amenities include 2 restaurants and free Wi-Fi in public areas. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Places within a 15-minute drive of this 3-property class Thurso hotel include Dunnet Head Lighthouse and Castle of Mey.

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

About this property

Northern Sands Hotel

Beach hotel near Dunnet Bay Beach
There are 2 restaurants on site. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 3 bars/lounges. Public spaces have free WiFi. An airport shuttle (available on request) is available for a fee. An arcade/games room, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are also featured at the business-friendly Northern Sands Hotel. Free self parking is available.

This 3-star Thurso hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • 12 guestrooms or units
  • 2 dining venues
  • 3 bars or lounges
  • Conference rooms
  • Conference centre
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Games room or arcade
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Northern Sands Hotel offers 12 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Beds feature Select Comfort mattresses. Smart televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include baths or showers and complimentary toiletries.

This Thurso hotel provides complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested.

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Exterior

Forss House Hotel

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 212 reviews
The price is AU$303
includes taxes & fees
7 Oct - 8 Oct
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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

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

What is the cancellation policy at Northern Sands Hotel?

Northern Sands Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 10 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Northern Sands Hotel on 1 Oct 2025 start from AU$246.51, including 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.

Is parking available at Northern Sands Hotel?

Yep, Northern Sands Hotel has a free self car park and free extended parking.

Are there any beaches close to Northern Sands Hotel?

Yep, Northern Sands Hotel is a short 10-minute walk from Dunnet Bay Beach. Fun beach activities include fishing.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Northern Sands Hotel?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs from 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Northern Sands Hotel?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Northern Sands Hotel's onsite restaurant that serves local cuisine.

What time are check-in & check-out at Northern Sands Hotel?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Northern Sands Hotel?

No, pets are not allowed.

Northern Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 154 out of 205 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 43 out of 205 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 205 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 205 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 205 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

8/10 Good

Rhian

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

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Travelled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

George

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

10/10 Excellent

Delshad

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liz

Travelled with partner
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

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

8/10 Good

Ian, Oxford

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

10/10 Excellent

MICHAEL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very comfortable no problems.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jefferson

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

Jill

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great hotel for the NC500

A great hotel, lovely rooms all with Scottish names. Great service and food.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clive

Travelled with partner
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

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

Robert

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay, very convenient if using the Gills Bay ferry to Orkney as only 15 minutes away from terminal. Newly refurbed room, comfortable bed, excellent shower and great food served in bar/restaurant at both dinner and breakfast. All staff encountered very cheery. One small critique - the Smith room could do with a lamp for in the evening, rather than just the harsh spotlights. Even a dimmer switch would do the job! Wi-Fi in room could also be better as signal quite poor. Those small issues aside, a great stay and would visit again when the opportunity comes up.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer Anne

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

wee

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

Les

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

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

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

Roger

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heidi

Travelled with group
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

8/10 Good

Patty

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 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