Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Halkirk, Halkirk
About the Hotel
The Ulbster Arms Hotel, a historic establishment rooted in the village of Halkirk, offers unique charm on the banks of the River Thurso. Once a Sinclair family home, this hotel is renowned for its proximity to one of Scotland's premier salmon fishing rivers. The serene setting and low light pollution make it an ideal destination for stargazing enthusiasts.
Location
Conveniently located in Halkirk, the Ulbster Arms Hotel is approximately 18.5 miles from Wick John O'Groats Airport and 6 miles from Thurso train station. The area offers easy access to the North Coast 500 route and various local attractions, while private parking is available for hotel guests. The charming village provides a peaceful retreat amid stunning natural landscapes.
Rooms
The hotel accommodation consists of 13 traditional ensuite bedrooms, many with views of the River Thurso or the historic church and clock tower. Additionally, the hotel features three contemporary lodges that provide a total of 16 rooms, each equipped with complimentary toiletries and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, and locally baked biscuits in every room.
Eat & Drink
Dining at the Ulbster Arms includes a full Scottish breakfast with fresh fruit, juice, yogurt, and cereal served daily. The Beat 4 Restaurant, noted for its carefully curated seasonal menu, provides a fine dining experience, while the Lounge Bar offers a more relaxed atmosphere with traditional comfort and local spirits. Frequent themed tasting menu events attract guests seeking culinary adventures.
Leisure & Business
Guests can unwind in the lounge area, library, or the outdoor beer garden, which provides a delightful space to relax. The hotel also offers facilities for corporate bookings, including tailored packages for business needs. For fishing enthusiasts, specialized services and storage areas enhance the outdoor experience, including a dedicated drying room for wet gear.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Free parking
- Off-site parking lot
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- Security
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Cycling
- Golf course
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cribs
- Board games
- Children's menu
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Garden area
- BBQ facilities
Room features
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Garden furniture
- Dining table
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
My stay at the hotel was delightful. The rooms overlooked the pretty garden, were nicely decorated, and provided a cosy and comfortable retreat on a wet November night. The view over the river and the free-standing bath were perfect for relaxation. The rooms were a bit on the small side but still very adequate.
The hotel boasts large, modern, and spotless rooms with beautiful river views and huge bathrooms, although some noise issues may arise. The service is consistently excellent, with friendly and helpful staff offering unexpected delights like impromptu suppers. The location, in a relaxed and quiet area just off the main route, is ideal for a peaceful stay. The dining experience, while accommodating special requests perfectly, can be marred by surly staff. Overall, a well-equipped hotel offering a mix of positives and negatives.
The hotel had modern, well-equipped, and spotless rooms at the top of the hotel with a roll top bath. However, the rooms didn't match the online pictures accurately, and overheard unprofessional staff complaints during breakfast. The lodges at the back of the hotel provided a different stay experience.
Next best alternative
Iq-Hotel
Hotel Avenida
Logis -Hotel & Restaurant De La Place
Logis Le Relais De Vacherauville
Hygge Hotel U Zvonu
Theresian Hotel
Channel View Boutique Hotel - Adults Only
H Hotel Phrasing
Hotel Verfort Hyuga
Pimdara Hotel
Hotel Torre Antica
Hotel Olympia