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Royal Hotel, Caithness – reviews, photos

3.0 of 5
Traill St, Thurso KW14 8EH, Scotland
Hotel amenities
Royal Hotel, Caithness
Royal Hotel, Caithness
Royal Hotel, Caithness
Royal Hotel, Caithness
Royal Hotel, Caithness
Royal Hotel, Caithness
Ranked #10 of 10 hotels in Thurso
2.5 of 5 stars 114 Reviews
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114 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    9
    29
    14
    34
    28
Date Rating
North Yorkshire, England
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“In need of a little love”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 November 2011
1
person found this review helpful

I just stayed one night as I was travelling through. I have stayed in Thurso before but it was my first time in The Royal which often looks quite grand from outside. I got a good price thankfully or else I would have been less impressed.

The whole place feels like it needs a revamp even just a coat of paint in the corridoors could make a big difference. On the night I stayed (in October) there were very few guests and with the faded decor and autumnal weather outside you felt like you were staying in a hotel at the end of the world. Upon commenting I was told that often there were coach trips in and it was much more lively.

The room itself was not too bad apart from a titchy TV with a bit of a fuzzy picture, but the bed was OK, it was warm and the shower was good. Breakfast was fine although more than one sausage and rasher of bacon would have been nice, though there was plenty of cereal and fruit to fill up with.

All the staff I met were very friendly and helpful.

Room Tip: Look on the usual websites as I found there were big reductions on the rate advertised in the hotel...
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  • Stayed October 2011, travelled solo
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Fivefor about Royal Hotel, Caithness
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Excellent value”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 November 2011 via mobile
1
person found this review helpful

My partner and I stayed here for one night and found it to be a bargain. If you are looking for modern fixtures and a boutique style this place is not for you! The room was clean, shower hot and breakfast great. The only problem we had was the strange lock on room door!

  • Stayed November 2011
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Lanky40 about Royal Hotel, Caithness
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Dreary hotel with awful food”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 November 2011
1
person found this review helpful

The hotel itself isn't that bad... it's tired, dated and the rooms could do with a deep clean and a refurbish but if you do end up staying here avoid the restaurant at all costs! We visited as a group of 20-30 and were told we couldn't move the tables around to sit together since the restaurant was full all evening. We spent about 2 hours in the restaurant and saw 2 couples at the most so why this request was denied is a bit of a mystery. However, the biggest mystery was the food itself. I ordered what I thought was fried mushrooms to start (it is Scotland...) and a main course of chicken supreme with red wine jus. What I got was some soggy boiled mushrooms and raw onions in vegetable broth and a main of rubbery chicken with some bisto splashed on. I have eaten at some questionable places around the world but never have I had a meal so disgusting. Only a few glasses of wine made the experience any better. Breakfast was a little bit better but the only advice I can give to travellers is to avoid this place if you have the choice. I have to say the service, aside from the restaurant, was very friendly.

Room Tip: Avoid the rooms facing the road and over the bar if you want a decent nights' sleep.
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  • Stayed May 2011, travelled on business
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask PostmanPat1 about Royal Hotel, Caithness
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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“upsides and downsides”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 October 2011

cant imagine why the royal should get much bad review.My impression was one of old world charm. call it a classic hotel and a good one,clean tidy and comfortable.
The only downside I could find,was that the bedding was a bit heavy on top covers which prevented a lot of sleep even though you could turn off the rads. Its personal choice but I prefer light weight duvet especially when there is heat.The elderly lady who runs the restaurant is first class at her job..

  • Stayed October 2011, travelled on business
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask brimwit about Royal Hotel, Caithness
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Perth,Scotland
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
“Sad looking Hotel that needs refurbishment badly”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 October 2011

Recently stayed in The Royal Hotel with my daughter for a few days staff friendly and helpful, rooms comfortable but whole hotel needs a dire overhaul

  • Stayed October 2011, travelled with family
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Cuddles1966 about Royal Hotel, Caithness
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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Additional Information about Royal Hotel, Caithness

  • Royal Hotel Caithness
  • Royal Hotel Thurso
Address: Traill St, Thurso KW14 8EH, Scotland
Price range (per night):* INR3,232 - 7,691

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Royal Hotel, Caithness
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