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Reviews of Dornoch Castle Hotel

3 out of 5
Dornoch Castle Hotel
Castle Street, Dornoch, Scotland

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 50 out of 103 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 31 out of 103 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 15 out of 103 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 103 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 103 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Dornoch
Great experience, brilliant Whisky Bar, and restaurant. Convenient to town.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Celia

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I returned to Dornoch Castle after 40 years. It had changed by updating and expansion as I expected. However the overall feeling of comfort and care was just asi remembered.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mo

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

John

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

2/10 Terrible

Cormac

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What could be great , was not. Service does not exist here ! Hotel is old and tired. Threadbare carpet, lumpy bed and old linens. And all for a price higher than 5 star in Aberdeen! Restaurant choices are generally poor in this town and the hotel keeps that tradition very much alive. Exorbitant pricing with terrible service and below average quality led to a very poor experience
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Matt on 20 Aug 2023
HelloThanks for your review, which is not at all an accurate representation of your stay. I checked you in and also served you at dinner, and was very pleasant to you, as were my team. You did not raise any of the above points with me or my team during your stay. All you did do was try to pick an argument about a side of bread not being home made (which it is).I would also like to note that a fellow guest actually commented on you when he checked out today, saying that your wife had asked you to stop behaving in the way you did, and that you had done this in every hotel on your trip. P.S. Aberdeen is generally cheaper because they built lots of hotels in the oil boom, which they now cannot fill ;). You stayed in a busy village, with much less beds in the middle of the biggest Golf Tournament of the year!

8/10 Good

Anne Marie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An overnight stay on our way to Orkney.
The hotel is rather quirky, having a modern section built onto the old part. We had a garden room in the newer section. The room was a good size with plenty of hanging space and the usual amenities. The route to our room was through the dining room which was unusual but no problem for us. The bar was cosy and very comfortable. All staff were helpful and friendly. Parking was immediately in front of the hotel on the street, or in a section off street.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

4/10 Poor

Denise

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Our room appeared clean at first glance. However, at a closer look, it was quite dirty. Especially along the night side table and bed. The carpet looked like it had not been vacuumed in some time. Also, the toilet seat had something dried and sticky on it. The towels were a dingy white and the towel I used had a hole in it. The closet door had a sign taped on it that said it was broke and please do not use. We paid more $300 American Dollars for the room. I expected more than what I found. On a side note, the staff, food and remainder of the place was quite nice.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Matt on 15 Aug 2023
Dear GuestWe are sorry that you did not enjoy your stay. Had you come to us with your concerns during your stay we could have perhaps helped. Unfortunately a previous guest did damage the cupboard door which we are awaiting to get fixed, and the sign was there to prevent you having an accident. The rates are typically higher on 3rd party websites due to the commission that we are charged by them.

10/10 Excellent

Howard

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Matt on 15 Aug 2023
Thank you.

4/10 Poor

John

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
What a disappointment
Hotel desperately requires modernised & investment, bathroom was damp, ventilation inadequate, shower tray did not drain properly, towels provided were poor quality. Some members of staff were good, others included reception & breakfast staff could not be bothered & demonstrated zero sense of customer service. A very average hotel, a poor customer experience.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Matt on 15 Aug 2023
Dear GuestWe are very sorry that you did not enjoy your stay. Had you come to us with your concerns during your stay we could have perhaps helped. I am also very surprised to hear your comments regarding our staff as typically we have a very hard working team here at the hotel.

10/10 Excellent

Dena

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great old castle, breakfast was good the need to replace the hash brown with something other than cardboard.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

raymond

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff were very good, food was amazing but the room was very cold. We will visit again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sheila

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Muhammad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Beverley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
We had a nice one night stay
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stop on the NC500.
We only stayed one night whilst travelling the NC500 and this was a great place to rest our heads. Really comfortable bed, plenty of amenities in the room, nice shower, couldn't ask for more really. Only minor niggle is that the walls were a tad thin, or maybe those in the next room were just loud. Didn't disturb our sleep though. We also had dinner here and the food was lovely, staff really friendly, plenty of variety. Breakfast was also top notch! Beautiful beach 10 mins walk down the road if you fancied an evening or morning stroll.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic hotel and sensational area
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Gary

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

John

Liked: Staff & service
Hotel in great location, furnishings & fittings very tired, food good, staff friendly & welcoming, investment / modernisation urgently required
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

james

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

6/10 Okay

lara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Poor breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022

6/10 Okay

Devon

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Graeme

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Old world comfort and service
The Tower Room in the original castle is sumptuous. Four poster, log burner, easy chairs, shower, whirlpool bath. A great place to sit out the snow and storm. Dinner and breakfast were excellent. Service was friendly and efficient.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely castle hotel in a lovely location
It was a special feeling to be staying overnight in a real castle and this castle did not disappoint. Rooms were nicely decorated, clean and very comfortable. Dinner and breakfast were excellent and the quality local produce alluded to in the menus went down very well indeed. Wine list was not cheap however a good selection was available. Staff were all very helpful and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Peter

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not quite as good as it thinks!
Didn't quite live up to expectations, considering the prices. Brilliant for whisky buffs. Not so good if you don't like children doing a war dance in the room above you! Lounge area rather small for such a sized hotel, and also dark.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hotel
The hotel was easy to find on the main street in Dornoch. The building itself looked beautiful at night as we arrived after dark. Our room was cozy and comfortable and we got a good night’s sleep. We enjoyed breakfast in the morning before checking out.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The stay was comfortable, staff were friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
One night stay at the Dornoch Castle hotel. Hotel is situated in the centre of Dornoch, check in was quick and painless. The room is comfortable, clean and looks on to the beer garden. The hotel bar is a delight for whisky drinkers.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel in a lovely place.
A very special hotel with lots of character, comfort and history in a beautiful location. Our room had recently been renovated to a high standard. We would strongly recommend the restaurant for dinner and breakfast. Overall this hotel was a very good find and one to which we'll be returning.
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

6/10 Okay

Alexander

Travelled with group
Decent hotel
Decent hotel. Rooms could use some minor repairs. This quality of the rooms reflect a 2-3 star hotel.
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Avril

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Delightful.
Small room but nicely furnished with a lovely bathroom. Ideal location right in the heart of the town. The restaurant food was delicious. Would go back.
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

6/10 Okay

Pauline

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Dornoch Castle
The setting and castle itself was beautiful. With that said we were there with other family who had a different room and both rooms whilst showering the water stopped for sometime. Addressed this with reception to be told that there was nothing wrong with the water pressure.....doesnt help when you are washing your hair and have no water to rinse with. Still awaiting apology or acknowledgement of this, not what you expect when you £240 for the night. Food... Can not fault the breakfast it was lovely but due to very limit choice for dinner went elsewhere Drinks.... Only IPA beer was offered, very limited choice again. Would I recommend or stay there again, sorry but I would stay elsewhere. TRY THE HILTON NEXT TO THE GOLF CLUB
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Response from Matt on 19 May 2021
Thanks for your review. We did have an issue with the water, this was due to an external issue but we did have this resolved by mid morning. Had you a requested myself get in touch I would have done so when I arrived in work. Thanks for your comments regarding breakfast however I am surprised about your comments regarding our dinner menu, we feel that 10 options for main courses plus specials is a good number of choices! We do also serve lager, cask ale and bottled beer in our bar as well as cocktails, wine, soft drinks and coffee.

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff was fabulous
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Response from Matt on 19 May 2021
Thank You!

10/10 Excellent

Duncan

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020

2/10 Terrible

Christopher

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Terrible Room and no callback as promised!
My partner and I booked a night in the hotel to break up our week in a campervan. The room was £120 for the night which to us was a bit of a splurge but after looking at pictures and reading some reviews, we figured it would be worth the treat. Upon arrival everything was very well done with regards to covid regulations. Our room was sadly dissapointing on so many levels. The furniture was wobbly, the mirror cracked, the television not visible from the bed, the socket had a light that flashed all night long, the tap in our bathroom broke off, the metal fixings in the bathroom were rusted and frankly just looked tattered. The room itself was definitely not worth £120 and we regretted paying for it. We were left feeling like we should have just stayed in our campervan, it would have been more enjoyable and saved us wasting money. We did raise our concerns with a member of staff on checkout who didn't even seem shocked or concerned about what we had to say. She explained that the hotel don't actually charge that much for the room we stayed in and the rate was higher as we booked through another site. We were told she would raise our issue with a manager and get someone to call us to discuss some sort of refund. It has now been over a week and no phone call, another let down. I would like to add that the staff were all lovely and we thoroughly enjoyed both our food and service when in the restaurant. It's a shame we were left with a bitter taste from our stay!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020

6/10 Okay

Gordon

Liked: Staff & service
Room update needed
Staff, food and service great. Room needed an update.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020

8/10 Good

Jacqueline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Leslie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing
Fabulous location, super nice staff. Little annoying you have to give your key back each time you leave and have to ask for it back by 11pm, but otherwise wonderful. Li e the slippers, robe, sherry and chocolates!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Old world charm with modern superb food.
A little older place but super quaint with great staff and a fantastic restaurant and bar. Those used to large rooms will have to make a little adjustment but it's an old castle for goodness sake. We ate both meals at the restaurant - venison (fresh, killed by the chefs brother), lamb, chateaubriand (amazing) and ribeye (prepared exactly as ordered) fantastic selection of whiskey (over 400 types) and walking distance to one of the best golf course I have had the good fortune to play - Royal Dornoch! Beautiful garden out back.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

6/10 Okay

Ken, Hudson, MA, USA

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Our room was small. It was cold upon our arrival. The heat did not work. The receptionist was contacting someone to fix the heat. I heard others complain. The fan in the bathroom was loaded with dust and was filthy. The heat came on a little later. From our room we heard an occasional loud noise from an outside machine. If it was not for the excellent dinner I would have given an overall rating much lower. The breakfast was OK.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very friendly and the property was unique
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Ian

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

4/10 Poor

tony

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hmmm just not that good
Once you get past the wonderful exterior, you're not left with much. Very basic, dated and run down room, shower ceiling coated in mould (staff not surprised when we told them on checking out). For the price there must be far better options on the area which is lovely. Saved by the breakfast which was pretty good. Not a place I'm rushing back too.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019