Luxury guest houses. Yes, the lack of an exact address throws off a lot of people who are used to punching in addresses into their GPS. Location: It is located about 22 miles west of Thurso (about a 35 minute drive). Some of the buildings on the property date back to the 16th century although the main house was built in the nineteenth century and is a Grade A listed Georgian Mansion. Guests also have access to a private lounge which offers a log fire in winter as well as a licensed honesty bar. Chain hotels. Many of the items locally sourced and/or homemade – definitely one of the best breakfasts we have had along the NC500. © Copyright 2013 - 2021, North Coast 500 Hotels Guide: Where to Stay along the NC500. FAQ's. Check latest prices online here. Note that most North Coast 500 hotels (and many places in the Scottish Highlands) don’t have exact addresses which can confuse some GPS systems. The room has step-free access, bathroom handrails, etc,  but there is a small lip to get into the shower. We played a fun game of Battleship before dinner! A ramp can be placed for access to the public rooms of the main house. Just note that the most in-demand properties and the best value ones often get booked up well in advance. Although we did have spacious rooms on our trip, do expect smaller rooms and especially smaller bathrooms than you might be used to in the U.S. While the popularity of the North Coast 500 grows it is now become difficult to find good accommodation within budget. Check Kingsmills Hotel prices here and book online. If you have no signal at your hotel, most hotels provide in-room phones with reasonable rates. You can also take a look at the ‘official’ North Coast 500 map (also linked at the bottom of the page). Lots of lovely lochs, views, and beaches along this stretch. If I were doing this route, I would definitely try to stay at as many of these as possible!! Don’t sweat the small things. Forss House, Thurso – stunning luxury property outside of ThursoBraeside Retreats – glamping pods near Thurso Dunnet B&B Escapes – modern cabin style B&B near Dunnet Head and John O’GroatsStrathy Inn – basic Inn accomodation in Caithness with good mealsFarr Bay Inn – close to the gorgeous Farr BayWooden Wagon, Oldshoremore – go glamping in a cute wooden wagonSkipaflotta – a lovely luxury self-catering propertyNatural Retreats – quirky accommodation at John O’Groats. A supplementary £15.00 cleaning charge per dog is charged at last check. Elevators in Scottish hotels are rare, especially along the North Coast 500. We also like to include one or two nights in something a little more upscale, and a castle certainly fits that bill. We were pleasantly surprised by all the modern touches (USB ports, sensor lights, smart TVs) in our room as these are not typical in the northern Highlands. As noted, our double room was smaller than expected given the price so we’d recommend choosing a better room category if you enjoy more spacious rooms. Transport: You can drive, cycle, or even walk this route! Hi Anisa, The North Coast 500 is fairly new, being launched in 2015 as part of an initiative by a non-profit organization to encourage more tourists to visit the northern part of the Scottish Highlands. See this. See latest prices online here. Location: Located about 3 miles south of Scourie. In the evening, we had dinner at the hotel restaurant. Accommodation. Check Davar Guest House prices here to find the best rates for your dates. It offers 54 rooms across a number of categories, which include family rooms and rooms with a loch view. Some may have private bathrooms, others may not. The hotel staff can give you a list and directions. Kingsmill Hotel, Inverness – luxury spa hotel. Check The Steading prices here to find the best rates. If you love really spacious rooms, book the large Cathedral Room or one of the self-catering cottages. 3 Day Challenge. Skip to content ... Transport: You can … Wheelchair Accessible Rooms? If you are looking for an adventure activity in the area, we recommend considering booking a sea kayaking, canoeing, or mountaineering activity with Tim Hamlet of Hamlet Mountaineering. Mansfield Castle Hotel is a traditional county house hotel set in a 19th century Victorian castle hotel. Also send me the latest blog posts by e-mail, Independent Travel Cats Monthly Newsletter, Logos, images, and content all protected by copyright. Handmade soaps and crafts are also available for purchase. The Forss House Hotel is 4-star small hotel with 14 ensuite rooms spread across the main country house (built in 1810) and two nearby buildings, The River House and Fishing Lodge. Sea and lochside cottages. In fact, I think over 50% of our recommended hotels and B&Bs do accept well-behaved pets. - See 705 traveler reviews, 842 candid photos, and great deals for Inverness, UK, at Tripadvisor. So if you decide to book you stays now, I would try to book for later rather than sooner and to make sure that you book stays that can be canceled or refunded. Westlea House is a family-run B&B that offers five comfortable and stylish themed rooms in the family-run B&B. Tips: The lowest priced rooms are good value (often under £100), but these rooms are fairly small and cozy (see our photo). Isle of Raasay Travel Guide: Top Things to do on Raasay, Best Vacation Rental Websites: Where & How to Book Online. Address: Garve Road, Ullapool, Scotland, IV26 2SY. North Coast 500 cycle tour, ... our 7 day North Coast 500 is incredible. If you want to learn a little about the history of the building and area, be sure to take a look at the memorabilia near the entrance. Heading west on the The North Coast 500 again, you then turn south and follow the scenic ‘West Coast Drive’ to the beautiful Isle of Skye. It was a great photo opportunity to see so many Highland cattle close up (although don’t get too close as some are a bit aggressive!). It’s such an obviously great idea – so we’ve Pinned this one for later reference. Best, Jessica. Wheelchair Accessible Rooms? : The hotel has one fully wheelchair accessible guest room. The hotel has a full-service restaurant and a full-service public bar. Brenna and I spent 5 full days travelling along the North Coast 500. It was a totally ‘on a whim’ decision. For those lucky to live out here amongst all the wildlife, it is a tiny piece of paradise. You can read more in our Ethics Code about how we accept work.**. Many of the hotels and B&Bs we have talked to say that for those who require accessible rooms should be sure to book in advance and early. Cycle through the incredible scenery of northern Scotland on winding tarmac past towering mountains, sandy beaches and rolling wilderness. All the towns between Wick and Thurso are small with limited services, but there are still several places to stop and stay along this route. : There are no fully accessible rooms and all rooms require steps to access as there are no rooms located on the ground floor. And wow, you found some great places to stay. all touch of classy, im going to show this to my hubby since he is planning for our 15yrs anniversary… i know he will like one of these hotels! But even most of the hotel booking sites like Booking share apartments and you can search for them here. There are also lots of opportunities for hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, and water sports along this stretch. The above North Coast 500 map details the main NC500 route, however, I’ve broken it down into smaller, more detailed, day to day itineraries below. This is a common starting and ending point for North Coast 500 travelers, and a good place to pick up a rental car if you need one. Free on-site parking is almost always provided, although you may want to check in larger towns (e.g., Ullapool and Inverness). Price: Room rates typically range from £125 – £325 per night for double occupancy. Some rooms also have views of the loch and/or mountains and some have Victorian style bathrooms. If you are planning on renting a campervan, we recommend using Motorhome Republic. Those in wheelchairs and those with mobility difficulties are wise to check ahead to make sure the lodging can accommodate their needs and to book rooms that have good access. However, you may want to spend the day golfing in the area or exploring the Black Isle, in which case these castle hotels or B&B may make a great stay for the night. Turn up, hope for a table and dig into a perfect plate of Scottish Langoustines. Popular with bus tours and car club motoring tours since it is one of the largest hotels (along with the Caledonian) in the town. Dog Friendly? We have not stayed here, but had drinks at the bar and dinner at the hotel restaurant Chez Roux and can highly recommend the food and service here. The hotel also has a full-service restaurant, and although we only had breakfast here, the dinner menu looked tempting. Staff at several of the busiest properties recommended to us that travelers should try to book 6 months in advance to guarantee a room as they had some dates fully booked 6 to 9 months in advance. : Pets are not allowed in the hotel except for the Chestnut Cottage. The Kylesku Hotel is a small hotel perched on the shores of a sea loch, and offers 11 rooms located across a renovated 17th century coaching inn and a newer annex. Address: 2 Market Street, Ullapool, Ross-shire IV26 2XE. Travel our North Coast 500 cycling holiday to experience a satisfying active journey – swap four wheels for two! These are four websites that generally have the most holiday home listings along the North Coast 500 route. Be sure to spend some time in the gardens here and if you have kids, be sure to check out the Fairy Trail. Address: Tomich, Invergordon, Ross-Shire, IV18 0LF. You have chosen a great selection there, I am not sure which one I’d choose first. Wheelchair Accessible Rooms? Explore. Historic Georgian and Victorian mansions. Dog Friendly? We were greeted with warm drinks by the owners, Julie and Kevan, on arrival. Check Inver Lodge prices here to find the best rates for your dates. - See 705 traveler reviews, 842 candid photos, and great deals for Inverness, UK, at Tripadvisor. So these may work for those who have limited mobility, but would not work for someone who requires a roll-in shower or wet room. Most staff will be happy to chat with you, so take advantage of it to learn more about the property, the area, and their recommendations for what to do in the area. There’s also no right or wrong direction to drive it. Wheelchair Accessible Rooms? Price: Room rates typically range from £80 – £280 per night for double occupancy, with Classic rooms being the lowest priced and Kingsclub rooms being the most expensive. Dog Friendly? We had a wonderful stay and dinner here and highly recommend this property for those looking for a peaceful country house environment. Plum Guide Review: A New Alternative to Airbnb? Historic Georgian and Victorian mansions. Our list includes everything from 5-star luxury castles to cozy family-run B&Bs, with information, a review, and tips provided for each of the properties. Just be sure to note you will be traveling with pets on your booking. We were greeted warmly by staff on arrival. Love the castle hotels and the country manor-style of so many of the properties you’ve highlighted here. We found the couple to be friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to offer helpful advice. This is a very comfortable place with a pretty garden, and we recommend staying here if you are looking for a cozy typical Highlands hotel. Price: Room rates typically range from £139 – £199 per night for double occupancy. The owners are happy to give lots of suggestion for local activities and attractions. Even if you don’t spend the night, you might consider booking a meal here or stopping in for a drink, especially if staying around Invergordon. The staff at MacKays can tell you about your options on that particular evening. We did order sandwiches, enjoy drinks in the lounge, and had breakfast the next morning, but we wish would have had dinner here as well as other guests had really good things to say about the food. Our Story. The North Coast 500 (The NC500) is an official route created by the North Highland Initiative to “bring together the best of the north Highlands of Scotland in one iconic tour”. There is a £10.00 cleaning charge per dog per stay. I’m sure most visitors to Europe are not aware that these gorgeous castles are actually hotels with rooms for rent, so it’s great that you advertise them. There is also a shed where guests can store bikes or other outdoor gear. Tips: The Kingsmills Hotel has a lot of rooms, so if you are looking for something specific (e.g., view of golf course, ground floor Classic), I would call to request it as they can probably find something for you. Tips:  Note that the B&B does not accept guests under 15 years of age. Experience Scotland's answer to Route 66 on our scenic self-drive tour of the North Coast of Scotland. If you are not interested in cooking, you can stop into the adjacent Storehouse cafe which offers drinks, snacks, soup, sandwiches, and desserts. As clients will arrive at various time of day and this is intended to offer rest for those who have travelled long … I took a look at Google before the trip and noticed the hotel was not going to be even visible from the main road. beautiful gardens, shaded places to sit under the trees, fairy trails designed with families in mind, and a golf practice area on the lawn. Officially starting and finishing at Inverness, the route sends you on a 516-mile (830km) loop of some of the wildest and spectacular paved roads, on a journey following Scotland’s rugged far-North coastline. Our room was comfortable and we decided to eat here and had dinner in the dining room. If you are planning a North Coast 500 road trip feel free to ask us any questions about any aspect of your trip below and as always we’ll do our best to answer your questions! It has a lovely location on a 58-acre estate next to Loch Torridon, with a large kitchen garden and a field where you can see Highland cattle and Tamworth pigs. This full-service country house hotel offers 16 guest rooms. Gallery. Just wanted to say how wonderful your North Coast 500 hotel guide and your planning guide are. We would like to o NS500 in Sept but cannot pin dayes down. Mackays Rooms offers 7 cozy en-suite bedrooms, each with slightly different decorations and features. We do keep a list of notes on lodging that has disabled access and wheelchair accessible rooms. This hotel caters mainly to golfers, anglers, and hunters, but if you are looking for a 5-star stay or fine dining experience in Dornoch during your NC500 road trip Links House is your place! I had not heard of the North Coast 500 before, but now I am really intrigued. The North Scotland 500 is a cycle friendly route that closely follows Scotland's famous North Coast 500, starting from Inverness. Tips: There is no dedicated on-site parking, but free street parking. If you are used to staying in big chain hotels (e.g., Hilton, Sheraton) or budget chain motels (e.g., Travelodge), you won’t find many along this route. Once in the motorhome, then ditch the kids and complete a 2nd circuit staying at the hôtels. Hotels near North Coast 500, Inverness on Tripadvisor: Find 26,424 traveler reviews, 18,945 candid photos, and prices for 164 hotels near North Coast 500 in Inverness, Scotland. Both towns are near the popular Dunrobin Castle. A lot of holiday home rentals and campsites do accept pets and a lot of people with dogs prefer the flexibility of camping with their pets. Price: Room rates typically range from £285 – £450 per night for double occupancy. : The B&B does not offer any fully accessible rooms. The hotel furnishings mix the contemporary with the historical. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This remote area of Scotland is full of wild and rural terrain and little remote fishing and crofting hamlets. Testimonials. The B&B was originally a fishing and hunting lodge for members of the Clan MacKenzie and later was used by the British military. The hotel has a small lounge as well as a whisky bar. The hotel has recently changed owners and the rooms have been recently renovated and are designed for comfort and coziness. This B&B sits just outside Dornoch in a semi-rural location with some wonderful bucolic views. The hotel also has a full-service restaurant and a bar. Rocpool Reserve, Inverness – luxury hotel with well regarded restaurant. From the hotel you can view or walk (about a 1 hour walk, some uphill parts) over to the ruins of, North Coast 500 Hotels: Scourie to Achiltibuie, You are also a 10 minute walk or 1 minute drive (in the opposite direction) from. Just reverse the list as needed. We’ll be posting a NC500 planning guide and itinerary soon! So I’d suggest staying two nights in those areas where you want to do/see more. If the Links House is above your price range but you want to visit, the afternoon tea and dinners both get great reviews, just be sure to book in advance. Always be sure to double check pet policies before booking. Many of the larger hotels (especially more newly built ones) offer at least one or two accessible rooms, but most of the small bed-and-breakfasts and historical hotels are not able to offer fully accessible rooms. Pet fees may be applicable. That would give you the comfort of knowing you have accommodation but the flexibility to cancel if you change your itinerary. Mackays Room is a boutique B&B offering 7 cozy rooms in one of the most rural parts of northwest Scotland. A more simple bar menu is available during the day as well. We found the couple to be friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to offer helpful advice. The North Coast 500 might be right outside your door, but hidden on its own beach, the silence at Birdwatcher’s Cabin* is only interrupted by the whistling cry of an osprey taking flight over Loch Fleet’s endless stretch of sand dunes, mudflats, and 100-year-old Scots pinewoods. There are advantages of driving it both directions, but we would recommend for a first time visitor to drive it counterclockwise, starting in Inverness and heading up along the east coast first. Address: Annat, By Achnasheen, Wester Ross IV22 2EY. The Royal Hotel is a 3-star 19th century hotel and is one of the largest and oldest in central Ullapool, offering more amenities than many of the others. Route map for 'North Coast 500' - a 830.5km cycle route near Inverness, UK. Consistent cell coverage. These hotels were chosen for inclusion on our list for one or more of the following 3 reasons: 1) they offer a unique experience (e.g., castle, historical building), 2) they are exceptionally well-rated, and/or 3) they are well-located along the route. The B&B doesn’t offer lunch or dinner, but does offer a selection of drinks you can order. Together Travel (formerly Natural Retreats) recently opened two self-catering lodging options in little John O’Groats, a place famous for being at one end of the 876-mile “End to End” route that connects it to Land’s End in Cornwall. Can you get away with not booking in advance? There are also a few cafe and restaurant options in town that are a short walk (or even shorter drive) from the B&B. It is a 3 minute walk to the Brora Golf Club. Day 1; Day 2; Day 3; Day 4; Day 5; Day 6; Day 7; … Luxury guest houses. As noted the hotel offers a variety of different room types, but we actually stayed in the Kingsclub rooms which are exclusive rooms in a more modern building that are designed for guests who want a more quiet and secluded experience. Tips: If you really want to feel like you are in a castle, I’d recommend booking the Old Courtroom Deluxe Room with its stone walls, open fireplace, handcarved wood bed, and views of Dornoch Cathedral. But the only option then are the A99 and the A9 back to Inverness. Carefully read descriptions and reviews on any booking site to minimize surprises. 363 views. Wheelchair users are asked to call ahead before arrival to ensure ramps are in place and staff is available to assist if needed. Route map for 'North Coast 500' - a 830.5km cycle route near Inverness, UK. It was a lively place, with good food and good beer. Why did you decide to tackle Scotland's NC500 cycle route? : Pets are allowed on request in some rooms. Even if you are not staying here, if you are a Davidson, be sure to stop at the small Clan Davidson museum at Tulloch Castle as it is worth a look around. Tips: Book well in advance as often sold out at least a month in advance. It offers one of the best afternoon tea options along the NC500. Day 7 180 Miles A taste of how rugged and deserted Scotland can be today as you ride a coastal circuit of the Isle of Skye. : Pets are allowed in certain rooms by prior request. Pet fees may be charged. Sea and lochside cottages. Wheelchair Accessible Rooms? So we’ve done it for you, providing a list of over 25 personally recommended North Coast 500 hotels that are well-rated, well-located, and/or offer something unique or special. Pool House is a 5-star luxury family-run guest house located in a 300-year-old house offering four unique and ornately decorated suites. Dingwall is a good place to stop for food, fuel, and other services and there is also the Dingwall Museum, a small town history museum run by friendly volunteers. A perfect destination to splurge on some castle and country house hotels I love that so many of these North Coast 500 hotel properties have so much history and it was fun learning some of the stories associated with each building. It was invented by Prince Charles’s North Highland Initiative as a way of boosting tourism in that part of Scotland. Many also charge a small pet fee per pet per stay. Tips: The food is well rated here, so we’d recommend enjoying dinner if you stay here. Dog Friendly? So you have planned your dream North Coast 500 route, decided on your basic itinerary – Dundrobin Castle! Dog Friendly? The Links House is a 5-star luxury hotel that has won awards for being one of the best luxury hotels and golf hotels in the Scottish Highlands. So, I hoped for a big sign and sure it was there! Old crofts and farmhouses. Here you’ll find beautiful public rooms full of tartan, period antiques, vintage sporting equipment, and artwork that will make you think you’ve wandered into a Scottish country house from the 19th century. Do you think we will find places to stay if we are not to fussy? Rooms include fine cotton linens, flat screen TVs, bathrobes, tea and coffee making facilities, and luxury toiletries. Expect modern decor, locally sourced furniture, and modern technology like flat-screen TVs and Playstations. We haven’t stayed here yet ourselves, but it is a good place to consider for those looking for a self-catering option with some nice views, and a convenient location for those traveling as a family or group as well as those wanting to take a boat trip to the Orkney Islands. Wheelchair Accessible Rooms? The hotel furnishings mix the contemporary with the historical. This is a popular hotel for golfers, as the hotel is adjacent to the 1st tee at, This hotel caters mainly to golfers, anglers, and hunters, but i. f you are looking for a 5-star stay or fine dining experience in Dornoch during your NC500 road trip Links House is your place! We did not eat dinner here as we had already had dinner prior to arrival and we arrived too late to have afternoon tea. If you have traveled in rural Europe before, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect. Tips: Ask for a window table for breakfast (or dinner) to enjoy scenic views with your morning coffee. I would recommend that you start researching lodging options as soon as you know your dates. This was our final leg of the trip before returning back to Inverness (or it might be your first leg if heading west), and while we found scenic spots and things to do along this stretch, we found fewer North Coast 500 hotels. Definitely a place to consider if looking for a cocktail in Inverness before dinner. This northeast corner of Scotland is a rocky, windy coastal area with some good potential for wildlife viewing (seabirds, whales) and there are also a number of old ruins in the area. It is about a 25 minute walk from the B&B to Strathy Point and Strathy Point lighthouse, just be sure to keep children close by and away from the cliffs! Tips: For best rates, book online in advance. If you ever return with your daughter, among the North Coast 500 hotels I would recommend Braemore Square Country House B&B and The Torridon (or next door Torridon Inn) as both hotels have their very own herds of Highland cattle! You can read more about choosing a direction and planning a route in our NC 500 planning guide. Next, we recommend checking out our detailed 1 week North Coat 500 itinerary that includes detailed information about the recommended route, main attractions along the route, dining options, and recommended lodging for each day. So many fantastic properties! Definitely recommend if you are in northern Scotland and have several days (a week or more is recommended).