Northern Sands Hotel

3.0 star property
3-star beach hotel near Dunnet Bay Beach

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Northern Sands Hotel

Beach nearby
Hypo-allergenic bedding, Select Comfort beds, desk, blackout drapes
Point of interest
Deluxe Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom
Free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Dunnet, Dunnet Head, Thurso, Scotland, KW14 8XD
  • Place, Dunnet Bay Distillery
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Dunnet Bay Beach
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Dunnet Head Lighthouse
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Airport, Wick (WIC)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Room options

Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 5 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe Triple Room, Garden View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 7 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed OR 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

Classic Double or Twin Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • 5 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)
  • 5 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • Hill view
  • 7 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Premier Double Room, 1 King Bed, Sea View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sea view
  • 7 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the area

Thurso

Close to the beach.At this Thurso hotel, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Dunnet Bay Beach and 6 miles (10 km) of Mary-Ann's Cottage. Dunnet Head Lighthouse and Castle of Mey are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Dunnet Bay Distillery - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Dunnet Bay Beach - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Mary-Ann's Cottage - 10 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse - 12 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Castle of Mey - 15 min drive - 11.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Northern Sands - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Logan’s Bar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Grain Store Restaurant - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Reel - ‬10 min drive

About this property

Northern Sands Hotel

3-star 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/game 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
  • Meeting rooms
  • Conference center
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Game room or arcade
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Northern Sands Hotel offers 12 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Beds feature Select Comfort mattresses. Smart televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers and complimentary toiletries.

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

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room

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

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with digital channels

Bedroom

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

Bathroom

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

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Property 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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation. 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

How close is Northern Sands Hotel to the airport?

Northern Sands Hotel is 18.1 mi (29-min drive) away from the Wick (WIC) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Jun 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Northern Sands Hotel on Jun 18, 2026 start from CA $233, 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.

Does Northern Sands Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Northern Sands Hotel offers an airport shuttle from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, on request, for a charge of GBP 70. per vehicle, one-way.

How close is Northern Sands Hotel to the beach?

This hotel is a short 10-minute walk from Dunnet Bay Beach and 8.9 mi (12-min drive) from Thurso Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Northern Sands Hotel offer free breakfast?

Northern Sands Hotel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Northern Sands Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Northern Sands Hotel?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Northern Sands Hotel?

This hotel offers free self parking and extended parking.

Does Northern Sands Hotel have a pool?

Northern Sands Hotel does not have a pool.

Does Northern Sands Hotel have a restaurant?

Northern Sands Hotel is home to Logans Bar, which features local cuisine.

Does Northern Sands Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Northern Sands Hotel to downtown Thurso?

Northern Sands Hotel is 0.3 mi away from Dunnet.

Northern Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 173 out of 228 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 47 out of 228 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 228 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 228 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 228 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Juergen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice room and friendly welcome
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

MARY

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay and wonderful service
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

fiona

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place. Comfortable and lovely food and staff. Thanks
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great service, friendly staff, nice food and great location for NC500 and beach access etc.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Tracey and Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overnight stop that fitted our needs to be near ferries Welcoming staff, well presented accommodation, reasonably priced A good find for us which we will probably use again in the future
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Susan

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

Really nice stay

We had a really nice stay in this hotel. The staff were fantastic and the restaurant food and breakfast was very good. We highly recommend this hotel for your stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Genevieve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, modern, amazing food, great staff.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel within minutes to the gorgeous beach! Loved our stay here…food was excellent as were the staff. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

martin

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

Wonderful Location

Fantastic overnight stay, evening meal and breakfast excellent, staff friendly and very efficient. Wonderful location, would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hotel in a good location for the beach. Had a single room which was plenty big enough with a nice shower room. Dinner and breakfast were very good. Would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Ian

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

luc

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

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

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really enjoyed our stay, it was short but sweet. Very comfortable and spacious room, loved the touch of naming rooms after clans
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
A massive thankyou for the care and attention to detail from the staff. I arrived late and even though the kitchen closed at 8pm the chef remained to freshly prepare my evening meal. Delicious inc breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

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