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Dogs at the Ulbster Arms Hotel

The Ulbster Arms Hotel is a genuinely dog-friendly hotel in Scotland, not merely one that tolerates dogs in exchange for a fee. Dogs share our bedrooms, our lounge bar and our library, and they’re as welcome here as the guests who bring them. Why? Because for many families, a holiday without the dog is not much of a holiday at all, and we take the same view.

This page sets out everything you need to know before you arrive. So, you’ll learn which rooms welcome dogs at the Ulbster Arms Hotel, where they may accompany you throughout the hotel, what we ask of owners, and how to prepare for the stay.

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, get in touch with our team before your stay.

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A dog stands on a rock over a river in a beautiful Scottish Glen on a Highland walk.

Which Ulbster Arms Bedrooms Welcome Dogs

Dogs are welcome in almost half of our bedrooms, which amounts to 24 rooms across three parts of the hotel. The Dale Rooms total nine dog-friendly bedrooms in total, the Annex a further seven, and eight Standard Rooms within the main hotel building complete the selection. These include rooms 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 15.

The remaining bedrooms are strictly pet-free. This matters a great deal to guests with allergies, and maintaining that separation allows us to welcome everyone comfortably. We, therefore, ask that you tell us at the time of booking if a dog will be joining you, so that we may allocate one of our dog-friendly hotel rooms rather than disappoint you on arrival.

A maximum of two dogs per bedroom applies, at a nightly charge of £15 per dog added to your room account. Assistance dogs are exempt from this charge.

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Dog-Friendly Zones Elsewhere in The Hotel

Dogs are welcome in the lower section of our lounge bar, together with the library and lounge spaces. They are not permitted in our other dining areas, which allows us to accommodate guests who would rather dine without dogs nearby.

Throughout every public space, dogs must remain on a lead and accompanied by a responsible adult. This applies equally to the grounds and car park. Should you wish to see how these spaces work in practice, our dog-friendly rooms page describes the experience in more detail.

House Rules, Clearly Stated

Our guidelines exist to protect every guest’s enjoyment. We ask that you clean up after your dog throughout the grounds, as additional housekeeping charges may apply where a deep clean becomes necessary.

Dogs are not permitted on beds or furniture at any point during your stay. Nor should they be left unattended anywhere on hotel property, unless secured within a crate. Excessive barking disturbs other guests, so we ask owners to remain mindful of noise, particularly during the evening and early morning.

Our full dog-friendly policy sets out each point in detail.

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How We Balance Dog Owners and Other Guests

Keeping half our bedrooms pet-free is a deliberate choice. Guests at the Ulbster Arms Hotel with allergies book with confidence, knowing their room has never accommodated a dog, while owners enjoy full access to the spaces that suit them.

The same thinking shapes our public areas. By designating the lower lounge bar rather than the whole hotel, we ensure nobody feels obliged to share their dinner table with a pet that may make them uncomfortable. It also means we rarely have to turn dogs away, provided you tell us in advance. Advance notice matters here, however, as our dog-friendly rooms book quickly during summer.

What to Bring to Our Dog-Friendly Hotel in Scotland

Since dogs may not use the beds or furniture in the Ulbster Arms Hotel, we encourage owners to bring their own dog bed. Familiar bedding also helps most dogs settle far more quickly in unfamiliar surroundings, too, which benefits everyone.

Beyond that, pack the essentials. This includes food and bowls, a lead, towels for wet coats after coastal walks, and any medication. Poo bags are worth carrying, as you’ll know, given the outdoor activities nearby to the hotel.

A Dog-Friendly Hotel in Scotland Made For Pets

The Ulbster Arms stands in the village of Halkirk, surrounded by open Caithness countryside rather than traffic and pavements. The River Thurso runs past the hotel grounds, so a proper walk begins the moment you step outside.

This immediate access is important after a long journey north. Rather than returning to the car, you and your dog can stretch your legs within minutes of arrival. Coastal paths, wide beaches and quiet forest trails lie a short drive away, too. Explore our guide to things to do in Caithness for further inspiration.

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A Top Dog-Friendly Hotel in Scotland

Hotels in Scotland that are dog friendly vary considerably in what they permit. Some restrict dogs to a single ground-floor room. Others allow them in bedrooms alone, with no access to bars or lounges at all.

Our position is more generous at the Ulbster Arms Hotel, though it remains carefully managed. Twenty-four bedrooms across three buildings, two dogs permitted per room, and designated public areas throughout. Among Scottish Highlands dog-friendly hotels this far north, that scale of provision is uncommon.

For anyone comparing dog friendly hotels in Scotland, or seeking the best dog friendly hotels Scotland offers along the North Coast 500, the practical details on this page should tell you what you need to know.

Booking Your Stay

Whether you travel with a small lapdog or an energetic working breed, your companion is welcome at the Ulbster Arms Hotel. All dog-friendly accommodation is offered on a bed-and-breakfast basis, too, with the £15 nightly charge per dog applied to your account.

Guests comparing dog friendly hotels in Thurso, or dog friendly hotels in Scotland UK visitors consider for a far-north trip, are welcome to call and discuss the arrangements before booking.

To view rooms and check availability, visit our dog-friendly rooms page. Alternatively, contact our team or call 01847 831 641 to discuss your requirements.

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Testimonials

The library was a very relaxing after-dinner lounge and the smoked haddock breakfast a delight as was our server.

Went here today to celebrate Father’s 90th birthday. Had a lovely lunch, the food was excellent and so we’re the staff. They were very attentive, bringing the kids colouring books and crayons when they started getting restless. Lovely atmosphere in the dining room.

2nd night of NC500 and were blessed to find this hotel. Lovely , clean , good service, lovely meal. Wonderful atmosphere, beautiful decor, really enjoyed our overnight stay, would love to come back and spend more time there. Would highly recommend this hotel

After many years hoping , with good friends I finally got my first opportunity to visit for an angling trip last week of season. I stayed in a chalet which was spotless each day no matter how bad I I had managed to leave it.. The food was exceptional, no other words and its testimony how many non fishers are in every day from late afternoon dining.

Fishing was all the more made special by morning encouragement from Geordie, The two Pats and all the rest of the team that were always around to see everyone off…

Finally I cant point out that not one staff member that was nothing but professional and charming.. Its a small hotel operation at first glance, but its a much bigger operation than you imagine. It gets everything right and I cant wait to return. Whether as angler or just a resident guest… quite excellent.. All I can say.. They are very good at what they do and can feel proud …

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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Ulbster Arms Hotel: Dog-Friendly FAQs

Is the Ulbster Arms Hotel a dog-friendly hotel?

Yes. Dogs are welcome in 24 of our bedrooms, across the Dale Rooms, the Annex and selected Standard Rooms, as well as in the lower lounge bar, library and lounge areas.

How much do you charge for dogs?

At the Ulbster Arms Hotel, a nightly charge of £15 per dog is required, with a maximum of two dogs per bedroom. Assistance dogs are exempt from this charge.

Can dogs be left alone in the room?

Dogs should not be left unattended anywhere on hotel property unless secured within a crate. We ask that a responsible adult accompanies them at all times.

Are dogs allowed in the restaurant?

Dogs are welcome in the lower section of the lounge bar, where you may eat and drink together, though not in our other dining areas.

Do you provide dog beds?

We ask owners to bring their own, as dogs are not permitted on beds or furniture. Familiar bedding also helps dogs settle more comfortably.

Are dogs allowed off the lead in the hotel?

Dogs must remain on a lead throughout all public areas of the hotel, accompanied by a responsible adult.

Whether you travel with a small lapdog or an energetic working breed, your companion is welcome here. All dog-friendly accommodation is offered on a bed-and-breakfast basis, with the £15 nightly charge per dog.