Menu

Northern Sands Hotel

eee - (888) 323-5826
Northern Sands Hotel, Northern Sands Hotel, Brough -(888) 323-5826
(Map)
4.5
HOTEL RATING: 
WONDERFUL
4.5 out of 5 (650 Ratings)
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL - (888) 323-5826
Show Prices
The Spotlight on Northern Sands Hotel

Relaxed Highland Charm Just Minutes from Thurso

Modern comfort meets coastal character at the Northern Sands Hotel, located in the peaceful village of Dunnet, just 8 miles from Thurso and close to John O'Groats. This warm, welcoming hotel offers a relaxed vibe with a strong local identity, perfect for travelers looking to unwind after a concert or festival.
Rooms are well-equipped with HD Smart TVs, private bathrooms stocked with Scottish toiletries, and free WiFi throughout. The on-site restaurant and bar emphasize locally sourced ingredients and Highland hospitality.

Why Concert-goers love it

Though nestled in a quiet village, Northern Sands Hotel is just a short drive from Thurso, making it a solid base for concerts or live shows in the area. After a big night out, guests appreciate the peaceful setting and free parking. The relaxed check-in from 16:00 gives you time to settle in before heading out, and the location offers easy access to late-night taxi or rideshare services for trips to nearby venues.

Who this Hotel is great for

  • Groups of friends wanting a scenic base with a great bar
  • Solo travelers catching that once-in-a-lifetime show
  • Couples making a weekend getaway out of a gig
  • Fans who need a quiet space to recharge after the encore
  • Budget-conscious music lovers looking for excellent value and comfort

Food and Drink Options

The hotel restaurant serves fresh, local meals all day, year-round, and the bar is a favorite hangout for both guests and locals. Enjoy a full Scottish breakfast the next morning—ideal after a late night. While there's no 24/7 room service, the guest lounge and bar offer satisfying options into the evening.

Nightlife Options

While Dunnet itself is a quiet village, the on-site bar with Sky TV creates a sociable spot to enjoy a drink or wind down after a show. For more action, Thurso’s pubs and lounges are a short drive away, and the nearby Dunnet Bay Distillery offers tastings during the day.

What People Say

Guests rave about the friendly staff, spotlessly clean rooms, and excellent local food. Many highlight the hotel’s cozy atmosphere and scenic location, perfect for combining music and Highland adventure. Reviewers also love the easy parking and proximity to tourist spots like John O’Groats.

Areas for Improvement

The hotel’s check-out time of 10:30 may feel a bit early after a late night, and while it’s close to Thurso, you’ll likely need a car or taxi for post-concert travel. Some guests mention WiFi strength varies in certain rooms.

The Bottom Line

If you're heading to a concert near Thurso or John O'Groats and want a comfortable, quiet place to recharge—the Northern Sands Hotel is a top pick with local flavor and Highland hospitality.
Enter Your Dates
4
4
CHECK IN
 
CHECK OUT
 
7
1 room
7
2 guests
Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
j
Free Parking
w
Non Smoking
q
Accessible
x
Free Breakfast
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
r
Pets Allowed
Other Amenities
` Free Parking
` Golf Course
` Meeting/Banquet Facilities
` Room Service
` Bar
` Fishing
` Darts
` Packed lunches
` Heating
` Fax/photocopying
` Beachfront
` Wheelchair accessible
` On-site parking
` Accessible parking
` Designated Smoking Area
` Family Rooms
` Free Wi-Fi
` Game Room
` Horseback Riding
` Live entertainment
` Off-Site parking
` Picnic Area
` Restaurant(s)
` Daily Housekeeping
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Board games/puzzles
` Emergency cord in bathroom
` Wine/champagne
` Outdoor furniture
` Themed dinner nights
` Key access
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
` First aid kit available
` Cashless payment available
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` Invoices
` All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
` Contactless check-in/out
` Audible alarm
` balcony/terrace
` CCTV security in common areas
` Daily disinfection
` Facilities for disabled guests available
` Kid-friendly dinning
` Luggage storage & lockers
` Non-smoking property
` Restaurant (special diets available)
` Tour services
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
` Accessible toilet

Northern Sands Hotel Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Wonderful (4.5 out of 5)

Write a review

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Ken Sat, 9 August 2025

Very good

Liked: Great staff, good place to stay and the food was very good

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

John Wed, 6 August 2025

Comfortable stay

Liked: The hotel was very comfortable and the rooms very clean and well appointed. Restaurant was really good with food well presented and tasty. Staff friendly and helpful
Disliked: Nothing

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

April Mon, 4 August 2025

Great location with very inviting...

Liked: Friendly staff, good food
Disliked: N/a

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Peter Mon, 4 August 2025

We have stayed before knew...

Liked: Breakfast was excellent, it was just the right portion hot and very tasty
Disliked: Nothing room was excellent

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Matthew Sun, 3 August 2025

Very good

3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Coningsby Sun, 27 July 2025

Great location, great food and...

Liked: The food is excellent especially the breakfast and the staff were great.
Disliked: The room was very small - we were two bikers with quite a bit of gear as doing the NC500 again and there's no drawers or cupboards in the room. The noise from, presumably, the kitchen extractor was loud and quite early in the day so not the best way to wake up in the morning.

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Rob Sat, 26 July 2025

Beautiful place, well recommended

Liked: I liked the whole place, the staff, the location, the food, the comfort, the cleanliness the facilities.Every box ticked in my book.
Disliked: Nothing it was a great stay.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Jhandscombe Sat, 26 July 2025

Exceptional

Liked: It is a short walk to Dunnet Bay Beach, which was really impressive.
Disliked: nothing

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Martin Sun, 20 July 2025

Exceptional

Liked: Very pleasant stay. Great atmosphere. Super nice staff. Hotel is nice & clean.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Michael Sun, 20 July 2025

Very good

Liked: Staff, food, facilities, location all good
Disliked: Although I booked a single room, it was very small with no view. Good facilities and comfortable though

Write a Review of Northern Sands Hotel
Trip Id (Required)
Your Name (Required)
Your City
Your Email Address (Required)
Your overall rating of Northern Sands Hotel
What was good?
What was bad?
Your review of Northern Sands Hotel
Northern Sands Hotel Northern Sands Hotel, Brough