We stayed 2 nights here. From the moment we first contacted them by phone on the way there to say that we'd be late as a result of missing a ferry, the owner and his wife were outstandingly friendly and helpful. We arrived about an hour after the last serving of dinner, but were nevertheless given a full and delicious 3 course freshly cooked meal with largely local ingredients and excellent bottled beer (Simmer Dim) from the local Valhalla Brewery. Our room had been recently done up and was clean, warm and very comfortable. The bathroom was small but everything in it worked fine and the view from the window more than made up for its size. We'd gladly have stayed a few more days and would certainly return if again visiting Unst.

Probably the most challenging review ever: Those of us old enough to remember "Crossroads motel" will see some parallels here...very hard to put your finger on this strange layout in a lovely location. On arrival the aroma of stale chip fat permeated the entranceway - we were not hopeful - this dissipated a bit later... Having booked a "premier room" we were curious to see what this was like - strange (modern) decor - colourschemes by someone with a colour perception problem, spongey floors, paper-thin walls (we could hear the couple next door...) and the single pair of disposable slippers. After we had fallen about laughing at the prospect of each wearing a slipper, we made a cup of tea. I hate hotels that ration the milk pots - 4 to last two people night and the next morning - why scrimp on something that is not expensive? Sampled trhe dinner menu - actually very nice. The overnight sleep was challenging - the beds are really narrow for two, but the bedding nice. Next morning the thermostat on the shower didn't seem to be working - and the water was piping hot, so we emerged for breakfast looking like a couple of broiled lobsters. Cooked breakfast was fine. So how to score this one - good points and poor points, Would I stay here again? Probably not. Would I eat here again? Probably.

We enjoyed a lovely meal at the Springfield Hotel, the service was faultless and the food was lovely. I have to eat gluten and dairy free, although the choice was limited (I wonder if i'd phoned ahead if there would have been more choice?) what I did have to eat was fantastic. The rest of the family thoroughly enjoyed their meals too.

We stayed at the Baltasound Hotel, Unst, for one night (24th/25th July 2011). My party consisted of two adults and two children.

It was not my original intention to journey so far north but we had problems obtaining accommodation in the Lerwick area on account of the Tall Ships visiting Shetland. I took a notion to view Muckle Flugga lighthouse at the very tip of the British Isles and Baltasound Hotel is the most northerly hotel so fitted the bill perfectly.

We travelled overnight on the Northlink ferry from Kirkwall,Orkney to Lerwick, Shetland in storm force conditions. We then had to take two public ferries from Toft (Mainland Shetland) to Ulsta (Yell) and Gutcher (Yell) to Belmont (Unst). The Shetland Islands Council ferries are relatively new, have excellent facilities on board, are clean, efficient and very cheap. The ferries are Shetlands best kept secret.

When we arrived at Baltasound the weather was still dreadful. We were rather early (1230hrs) but a cheerful & friendly male member of the management staff checked us in and showed us where our cabin/chalet was. We were very glad to get inside out of the weather. The cabins are fine for a family of four; clean, well presented and en-suite. We actually had the heating on so that we could dry our clothes and generally thaw out. The kids watched TV in the afternoon.

In the evening we dined at the hotel. In many respects this took me back to the Scottish country hotels of my youth; good honest food in plain surroundings. The local beer was also very good.

By the way I did eventually get to the Hermaness Reserve and saw Muckle Flugga and Out Stack. This nature reserve is popular with bird watchers. We also visited the Haroldswick Methodist Church (the most northerly in Britain), the Unst Bus Shelter, and Muness Castle. I am not sure if I will ever venture so far north again (in Britain) but if I do I would stay at the Baltasound Hotel).