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

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

View all photos for Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

Single Room, 1 Single Bed

Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

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

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)
  • 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

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)
  • 5 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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)
  • 5 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 454 reviews
The price is CA $188
CA $226 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 7 - Jun 8
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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 May 31, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Northern Sands Hotel on Jun 3, 2026 start from CA $232, 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 227 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 46 out of 227 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 227 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 227 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 227 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Business traveller
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

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

10/10 Excellent

MARY, GRATIOT

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

10/10 Excellent

William, Dublin

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

Travelled with partner
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Lynne

Travelled with partner
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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Bryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
No negatives staff wer really nice and friendly, and the beach is lovely..regards Gary.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
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

Genevieve

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

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First visit for over 10 years and it didn't disappoint. The hotel is modern and the staff were all lovely and couldn't do enough to make sure we felt welcome. The bonus is that it's just a short walk to the beach
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erica M

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Simon

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

10/10

Excellent hotel. Friendly staff, clean room, great breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The comfort and cleanliness of the room were both excellent. What impressed us the most was the absolute perfect choreography of breakfast being served! The food was delicious and everything was served in perfect order so hot goods were hot and cold foods were cold when eaten. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Wonderful stay!!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janette

Travelled with partner
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

Mark

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

10/10 Excellent

Donald

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

10/10 Excellent

Ruen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really enjoyed my stay. Room was small but cosy. The fire alarm went off when i was eating breakfast, but these things happen. Staff were friendly and helpful and lent me a small screwdriver which i needed. I recommend this hotel
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

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