A Premium double room at the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Caithness

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Ulbster Arms Hotel: one of the best places to stay in Thurso

Welcome to the Ulbster Arms Hotel, a four-star Caithness hotel on the banks of the River Thurso, just 11 minutes from Thurso town centre. We’re also the closest 4-star hotel to Dounreay, one of the best-placed stops on the North Coast 500, and a short drive from the Scrabster ferry to Orkney.

At the Ulbster Arms Hotel, all rooms include breakfast, fast Wi-Fi, and a dedicated workspace. There’s also free parking and three of the fastest EV chargers in the Highlands. Joining us for business? We offer tailored corporate rates, making us a practical choice for business and leisure travellers alike. And it’s why our guests call the Ulbster Arms one of the best places to stay in Thurso.

What’s more, book direct for 10% off and flexible cancellation. These are the best rates available anywhere, so you won’t find these prices on any third-party platform. 

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An aerial view of the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk, premium Scottish Highlands Accommodation, showing its rural landscape and location at sunset.
Testimonials

Just had dinner in the Ulbster, it was superb!! So tasty, lovely presentation. I had the featherblade of beef cooked to perfection, hubby had the pan roasted breast of chicken, the sauce was gorgeous. A pleasure to visit, very friendly young staff, reasonably priced. Highly recommended.

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Places to stay in Thurso: Scottish Highlands accommodation for every guest

The Ulbster Arms Hotel offers a range of room types for every visitor. Couples, for example, will find romantic retreats in Premium and Executive Rooms overlooking the River Thurso. And our family rooms sleep parents and children comfortably. Meanwhile, our dog-friendly rooms welcome four-legged guests alongside their owners. And for business travellers, the Ulbster Arms Hotel offers dedicated corporate accommodation. This can include private group buildings for contractor teams on extended stays, with discounted rates available.

Every room also includes a full Scottish breakfast and high-speed Wi-Fi. Additionally, each has a dedicated workspace and free private parking. For electric vehicle drivers, three of the fastest EV chargers in the Highlands are available on site. The Ulbster Arms is therefore one of the most sustainable choices for Thurso accommodation, with a commitment to the Zero Waste Initiative Scotland.

Ready to join us? Book direct for 10% off or explore our room types to find the right fit for your stay.

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A Pet Friendly Room in the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Caithness with luxury wooden furnishings and statement striped wallpaper

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Are you on business travel in Scotland?

The Ulbster Arms Hotel is one of the leading business hotels in Thurso and Caithness. Business travellers get fast Wi-Fi, in-room desks, and an early breakfast as standard. Furthermore, the hotel provides free parking and access to private meeting rooms and corporate dining.

It’s also ideally placed for contractors and project teams working at Dounreay and on energy and infrastructure projects across the North Highlands.

When you stay with us on a business trip, every detail is designed to keep your day running smoothly. Tailored corporate rates and long-stay packages suit extended project visits, for example, and our team can arrange packed lunches, bespoke evening meals, and group bookings for larger teams.

Find out more about corporate stays at the Ulbster Arms Hotel or submit a corporate enquiry directly.

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Halkirk hotel bar and restaurant: places to eat near Thurso

After a day out in the Highlands, there’s no need to venture out for good food and drink. The Ulbster Arms Hotel has two distinct dining spaces. Firstly, Beat 4 Restaurant serves an à la carte menu built around locally sourced Scottish produce. High ceilings, antler chandeliers, and warm Highland décor also make it a memorable setting for any occasion.

And for something more relaxed, the Lounge Bar serves seasonal menus and daily specials. It features a historic carved fireplace salvaged from a Dutch galleon ship. The bar also offers an extensive selection of spirits, cask ales, beers, and ciders. In addition, the hotel’s snug library provides a quieter space for coffee, conversation, or a nightcap by the fire.

Private dining and corporate catering are also available on request. So, whether you’re planning a client dinner or a casual team meal, the Ulbster Arms has the space and the menu for it. Explore the full food and drink offer or view the current menu.

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The Ulbster Arms Hotel in Caithness with two people enjoying a drink

So much to explore: NC500 places to stay in Caithness

Halkirk sits just off the North Coast 500 route. As a result, the Ulbster Arms is one of the most convenient NC500 places to stay. From here, guests can reach Dunnet Head, the Castle of Mey, and John O’Groats, too. The Orkney Islands are also accessible via the Scrabster to Stromness ferry, making the hotel a practical base for Orkney day trips.

Few hotels in Caithness and Sutherland offer our combination of location, comfort, and access to the Highlights. So, whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a history enthusiast, an angler heading to the River Thurso, or a foodie, Caithness rewards every kind of explorer. And the Ulbster Arms makes the perfect base for all of it, in every season.

Explore things to do in Caithness and start planning your Highland itinerary.

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Book your stay at one of the best hotels in Thurso

Booking direct with the Ulbster Arms means you’ll always get the best deal. Direct bookings also include a 10% discount, the lowest available rate, and flexible cancellation. So, you won’t find a better rate on any third-party platform.

Moreover, booking direct means dealing with the hotel team personally. This makes it easier to arrange early check-in, special requests, or long-stay corporate packages. Book online today, call 01847 831 641, or get in touch to check availability. You can also view all current special offers before you book.

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A Caithness hotel that puts people first

The Ulbster Arms Hotel believes that everyone connected to the hotel deserves to feel respected. This means guests, team members, suppliers, and the wider Caithness community. We, therefore, foster a culture built on warmth and attentiveness.

As a result, many guests rate the Ulbster Arms among the best hotels in Caithness and Thurso. It’s also why the team here genuinely loves what they do. And this enthusiasm comes through in every interaction, from the moment you book to the moment you check out.

Romantic Breaks Award

The Ulbster Arms Hotel holds the 2023 Hotel of the Year Award for Romantic Breaks. And as one of only a handful of four-star Thurso hotels, you’ll enjoy a uniquely romantic atmosphere.

Throw in attention to detail and Highland charm, and you’ll find something special for couples. And whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or simply escaping for a few days, the Ulbster Arms provides an ideal setting. Explore romantic break offers and find the right package for your stay.

Hospitality Gold Medal

The Ulbster Arms Hotel also holds the prestigious Hospitality Gold Medal. This award recognises consistent excellence across every aspect of the guest experience, and it reflects the dedication of the Ulbster Arms team.

We’re extremely proud of this recognition, and it serves as a benchmark of the hard work we put in with every stay. Book your stay and experience the difference for yourself.

Scottish Food Guide member

The Ulbster Arms Hotel is a proud member of the Scottish Food Guide, which reflects a commitment to sourcing locally, cooking seasonally, and giving guests an authentic taste of Scotland. And as one of the only 4-star Caithness hotels with this recognition, the Ulbster Arms stands out for its culinary standards on the North Coast 500.

Moreover, it places the hotel alongside a network of like-minded establishments that share the same passion for outstanding food and Highland hospitality. Explore the dining offer to find out more.

Caithness Chamber of Commerce

The Ulbster Arms Hotel works closely with the Caithness Chamber of Commerce to support the economic development and prosperity of the local community. By working with the Chamber, the hotel contributes to business growth and networking across the region.

We also help build meaningful connections with other local enterprises. For corporate guests in particular, this signals that the Ulbster Arms understands the Caithness business landscape and is actively part of it.

Book your stay in one of the best places to stay in Thurso

Ready to book one of the best places to stay in Thurso? The Ulbster Arms Hotel offers year-round availability and a range of special offers to suit every budget and occasion.

We’re one of the top NC500 places to stay, one of the best-rated hotels in Caithness and Sutherland, and one of the most welcoming four-star hotels in the North Highlands. And whatever brings you to Caithness, the right room is waiting at the Ulbster Arms Hotel.

Call 01847 831 641, contact the team online, or book your stay at the Ulbster Arms Hotel now. The team looks forward to welcoming you.

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Frequently asked questions about the Ulbster Arms Hotel

Where is the Ulbster Arms Hotel located?

The Ulbster Arms Hotel sits in the village of Halkirk in Caithness, just 11 minutes from Thurso town centre. The hotel stands on the banks of the River Thurso, making it one of the most scenic places to stay in Thurso and the surrounding Highlands. The address is Bridge Street, Halkirk, Caithness, KW12 6XY.

Is the Ulbster Arms Hotel a good base for the North Coast 500?

Yes. The Ulbster Arms Hotel is one of the most popular NC500 places to stay in the far north of Scotland. Halkirk sits just off the North Coast 500 route, giving guests easy access to Thurso, Dunnet Head, John O’Groats, and the Caithness coastline. The hotel offers year-round availability, making it a reliable NC500 base in every season.

What types of accommodation does the Ulbster Arms Hotel offer?

The Ulbster Arms Hotel offers a range of room types to suit every guest. These include Standard Rooms, Premium Rooms, Dale Rooms, Executive Rooms, Family Rooms, and Dog-Friendly Rooms. Business travellers can also choose from dedicated corporate accommodation options including private group buildings for contractor teams.

Is the Ulbster Arms Hotel dog friendly?

Yes. The Ulbster Arms Hotel welcomes dogs in the majority of its rooms. Dog-friendly rooms are available across the hotel, and the riverside location and surrounding Caithness countryside make it one of the best dog-friendly hotels in the Scottish Highlands for walks and outdoor time.

Does the Ulbster Arms Hotel offer accommodation for business travellers?

Yes. The Ulbster Arms Hotel is one of the leading business hotels in Thurso and Caithness. The hotel offers dedicated corporate facilities, in-room workspaces, fast Wi-Fi, early breakfast, private meeting rooms, and tailored corporate rates for contractors and project teams. It is a popular base for workers travelling to Dounreay and on energy and infrastructure projects across the North Highlands.

What is there to do near the Ulbster Arms Hotel?

The Ulbster Arms Hotel is perfectly placed for exploring Caithness and the wider North Highlands. Nearby highlights include Dunnet Head (the most northerly point of mainland Britain), the Castle of Mey, John O’Groats, Dunnet Bay, and salmon fishing on the River Thurso. Day trips to the Orkney Islands are also popular, with the Scrabster to Stromness ferry a short drive from the hotel. Explore the full things to do guide for more ideas.

Does the Ulbster Arms Hotel have EV charging?

Yes. The Ulbster Arms Hotel has three of the fastest EV chargers in the Scottish Highlands on site. These are available to all guests and make the hotel one of the best-equipped places to stay in Thurso for electric vehicle drivers travelling the North Coast 500.

Is the Ulbster Arms Hotel suitable for families?

Yes. The Ulbster Arms Hotel offers family rooms and a range of family-friendly facilities. The hotel’s riverside setting, outdoor surroundings, and proximity to Caithness attractions make it one of the best family-friendly hotels in the Scottish Highlands for a memorable break.

What dining options are available at the Ulbster Arms Hotel?

The Ulbster Arms Hotel has two dining areas. Beat 4 is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving an à la carte menu built around locally sourced Scottish produce. The Lounge Bar offers a more relaxed menu alongside an extensive selection of spirits, cask ales, beers, and ciders. The hotel library provides a quieter space for drinks and coffee. Private dining and corporate catering are also available on request.