considering previous reviews, i was worried before my weeks stay here. Having now stayed, and thoroughly enjoyed it, i feel compelled (for the first time ever) to write a review, to let you all know that The Dark Island offers fantastic service, cleanliness and value for such a remote location. My ground floor family room was comfortable and clean with a well stocked tea, biscuits and shower gel, shampoo. wi-fi was free, without login, just connect and go and the speed was acceptable for such a remote location. Staff were friendly and helpful, even providing out of hours sandwiches and reception for a very early checkout to catch the ferry. Breakfast was speedily cooked to order where you can choose set items from the menu or just choose items that you fancy. The local coop shop is only a short drive away for filling up on crisps, chocolate and pop, can pick up packed sandwiches for lunch here too. Overall, my stay was thoroughly enjoyable and on my return to the western isles, i will stay here again. A general word of warning though, make sure you hang on to that car door as you open it, the notorious benbecula westerly has a tendency to rip them off without warning!

I had dinner here while staying at other accommodation on Benbecula. I think average is the best way to describe it. They had a very large menu which is a little disconcerting when you think everything has to be shipped in from the mainland. I thought things mustn't be cooked fresh.

My meal was rather greasy and the coleslaw that was served with it was particularly suspect looking, it was rather watery.

The restaurant itself is quite dark and unappealing. It is a bit like an old man's bar with lots of dark brown and green decor.

However, the staff were friendly and efficient. Would I eat here again? Maybe if there was nowhere else open on Benbecula.

Having paid a single supplement through Rail Trail Holidays I did not expect to be allocated an attic room, with only a skylight providing daylight (i.e.no view of the surrounding area) and a single bed. Why was I paying a supplement for a single attic room without a window? Also, the breakfast was meagre compared to the variety of food at the breakfasts in our other hotels.

not up to standed of last viset poor breakfast no dining room for residents only bar meals dining room for tours only poor service will not stay again