Dornoch Castle Hotel

The ridiculously expensive tariff and the name give the impression that this will be an up-market country-house experience, but it isn't. It is at best a very nice pub with rooms. The bar is lovely, as are the staff, but the restaurant menu is based on pizza, and the breakfast is just a continental buffet. For £180 room-only, I was placed in a modest-sized room heated only by a 1980s electric fire that i had to turn on. Yes, there was a complimentary glass of whisky and slippers - BUT NO HOT WATER for my morning shower. Also no milk in the room for tea / coffee! I was told on check-in that this was to cut down on use of plastic (!), and I could phone reception and milk would be brought to the room but the room telephone didn't work. When I raised the water issue I was told it would be fixed within 20mins, and my pizza and breakfast charges were removed from my bill in compensation, but although I waited another hour, no hot water appeared. I will now seek a substantial refund of the outrageous £180 paid. My previous night in Scotland was not far down the road at the Loch Ness Country House Hotel. For less than half the price I had a superb room / suite, and an excellent full Scottish breakfast was included!!

Great location. Easy parking and an exceptional warm welcome by Amy. The hotel is very central for all local amenities and the historical trail which starts at the museum which is only a short walk at the rear of the hotel. Young staff on the evening meal service didn’t seem experienced but our journey was very early in the season.

Very nice hotel but a little expensive. Breakfast wasn't brilliant. For the price I expected the food to be cooked to order rather than a buffet. Only bacon & eggs on offer which was also disappointing. The staff however were very good and the room comfy.

Location is lovely within the lovely village of Dornoch. The hotel staff are friendly and welcoming. However the hotel is in need of some refurbishment and looks very tired. The bedroom and bathroom were very dated. The dining room lacked atmosphere and the food was average. Overall poor value for money and not a ‘luxury Scottish castle hotel and fine dining’ as described on the website.

This hotel is in a beautiful town, with only a 10 min walk to the beach. The welcome drink in my room was whisky, and my room was very comfortable. You are aware of the age of the hotel, which enhances its charm. The hotel restaurant is also worth a visit. The haggis pizza was really nice. A walk around the town is highly recommended. I only stayed one night but could have very easily stayed longer if I had had more time

This our third stay and once again the staff gave us a warm welcome and remembered us. The room was very comfortable with an added bonus a tot of their famous whisky for us to try. The breakfasts were plentiful and the evening meal we had there was really good. Nothing is too much trouble and we felt very well looked after. We will be back!