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Northern Sands Hotel

3.0 star property
Travelers find coastal serenity at this Dunnet Bay retreat where local Scottish cuisine meets entertainment, all with Atlantic Ocean views

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

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AED 392
AED 471 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Mar - 15 Mar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

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

Single Room, 1 Twin Bed

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Select Comfort bed
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
  • 5 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin 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 cribs/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Select Comfort bed
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
  • 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

View all photos for Classic Double or Twin Room

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

Classic Double or Twin Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Select Comfort bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
  • 5 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin 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 drapes

Classic Double Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Select Comfort bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
  • 5 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Select Comfort bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
  • Hill view
  • 7 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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 drapes

Premier Double Room, 1 King Bed, Sea View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Smart TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Select Comfort bed
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
  • Sea view
  • 7 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Thurso, Northern Sands Hotel is near the beach. Mary-Ann's Cottage and Caithness Broch Centre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Dunnet Head Lighthouse and Castle of Mey. Dunnet Bay Beach and Scrabster Ferry Terminal are two other places to visit that come recommended. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding nearby. Visit our Thurso travel guide
Map
Dunnet, Dunnet Head, Thurso, Scotland, KW14 8XD

What's nearby

  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse featuring rugged coastline and a lighthouse
    Dunnet Head Lighthouse
    11 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Castle of Mey showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle
    Castle of Mey
    13 min drive - 11.0 km
  • Dunnet Bay Distillery
    1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Dunnet Bay Beach
    13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Scrabster Ferry Terminal
    16 min drive - 19.0 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 Reel
    10 min drive

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/game room, and 3 bars. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and local cuisine. Free in-room WiFi and a conference center are available to all guests.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self parking and extended parking
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), smoke-free premises, and a banquet hall
  • Meeting rooms, luggage storage, and tour/ticket assistance
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Northern Sands Hotel have amenities such as free WiFi.
Other amenities include:
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding and Select Comfort beds
  • Tubs or showers, free toiletries, and hair dryers
  • Smart TVs with digital channels
  • Electric kettles, heating, and daily housekeeping

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Property amenities

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

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 center
  • 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 elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

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 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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

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 6 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Northern Sands Hotel on 14 March 2026 start from AED 392, 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?

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?

Check-out 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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Reviews

Northern Sands Hotel Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

9.6

Staff & service

9.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 168 out of 221 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 45 out of 221 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 221 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 221 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 221 reviews

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

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

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

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

Genevieve

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

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

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Ian

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

luc

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Jill

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

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

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alastair

Liked: Amenities
The hotel was very clean and well run by staff. Food was lovely and staff very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

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