Dornoch Castle Hotel

Just returned from a most enjoyable 4 night stay. Having read several recent reviews I find it hard to believe what some people will criticize. Take breakfast for example - someone said it was underwhelming. Really? Three cereals, three types of juice, fresh fruit, dried fruit and nuts, fruit compote, yogurt, brown bread, white bread, sourdough, croissants, pastries, charcuterie with three different hams, four different local cheeses, smoked salmon and smoked whitefish, sliced tomatoes and cucumber, two different melons, bacon and eggs, tea, and a coffee machine that will make coffee multiple ways. What more could anyone want unless a massive fry-up for the non-discerning is all you're interested in? In a nutshell breakfast was excellent as were the staff who made sure you had everything you wanted. Dinner was also very good - I guess the reviewer who said you can only get burgers and pizza was reviewing somewhere else. Nothing could be further from the truth. We had excellent dinners, again served by competent and hard-working staff. Our room (Struie) in the original building was cozy and had everything we needed; the fresh coffee-maker and the small decanter of whisky were much appreciated and nice touches. The hotel bar has a lovely atmosphere - I could imagine that sitting round the open fire in winter would be a delight. We met a lot of lovely people while enjoying a drink, in particular several whisky connoisseurs whose passion for a wee dram knew no bounds - we learned a lot from them. One minor criticism though - the house white wine by the glass needs to be colder. Maybe it's just me. I like it cold. Every member of staff we engaged with were a delight - friendly, helpful and efficient without exception. Thank you Amy and all the others whose names we didn't know for creating a memorable stay. Also as a footnote - it's good to find a hotel actively trying to reduce their carbon footprint; it might not seem a lot but it all helps.

mostly everything, particularly the staff most helpful and accommodating

Location gave access to local restaurants/ shops etc., and was just a short walk from the beach & famous gold course. Our room was lovely, quiet and warm. Whilst cleanliness was 5 star, a few refreshes of things like the shower seal would elevate the decor. Service was efficient & friendly, the whisky bar had a lovely atmosphere. We took breakfast, which was pleasant though limited in choices. The one meal we enjoyed in the hotel restaurant was fine, though not outstanding. Overall I liked the hotel a lot, with pleasant grounds and the historical building, although it did not represent the best value for money but I guess you must expect premium prices in a beautiful area with limited accommodation. If you do visit then check out the upstairs cafe and ground floor gift shop in the 'Jail' building next door, and try the fish and chips from the main street Surf & Turf.

Love the Whiskey bar, hotel location, staff and room. A very unique character which gave the hotel its own charm.

Did not have a good experience I was put in room 22 for 2 night and had the worst night sleep of my life the mattress has springs coming out it 2 single put together and not even zipped night mare the room above went to the bathroom every 30mins it was so laud in my room when there shower went on it was just as bad did not have a good stay at all I think at one stage they rooms were staff accommodation not fit for guests paying good money to be there I have a golf tour company and don’t know how I could bring any groups to the hotel after the stay I had sorry but it’s true Dale

Location, nice village. Historic building.

Couldnt open bedroom window, stuffy. Food expensive and disappointing. Long wait from ordering to arrival, over an hour. Wine was severely overpriced for what was cheap supermarket plonk.