The Dale Rooms - Luxury Hotels in Caithness

Looking for secluded, luxury hotels in Caithness? Snuggle up in the Dale Rooms at the Ulbster Arms Hotel. Located in an elegant, modern wing behind the main building, you’ll enjoy a private setting close to the heart of the hotel for dining and drinks.

The Dale Rooms also suit a variety of stays. You can plan a relaxed break, book a business retreat, or build a trip around fishing or outdoor adventures. And if you’re driving the North Coast 500, they work beautifully as family-friendly accommodation or a peaceful stopover. Whatever you choose, you’ll always return to a quiet room that helps you switch off. What’s more, as added bonus, you’ll have direct car park access and three of the fastest chargers in the Highlands. Which is no mean feat!

The Dale building boasts nine rooms in total, with seven small doubles for short stays and corporate trips. It also includes two larger family rooms so you can travel solo, as a couple, or as a family. All in all, if you want a comfortable base in the North of Scotland, these are a a fantastic choice at the Ulbster Arms Hotel.

Check Rates
A Double Bed in the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Caithness

The Dale Room Experience - What's Included?

The Dale Rooms blend comfort and practicality, designed with your relaxation in mind. So, you can settle in quickly after a day of exploring or working, and enjoy a stress-free stay in Caithness. This is made even easier with an ensuite bath or shower room and complimentary toiletries. Then there are in-room tea and coffee-making facilities, as well as a TV and high-speed Wi-Fi. Each family room in the Dale Building also includes a double bed and a single bed, so you can travel as a small family. What’s more, the hotel sits in a beautiful part of Caithness near Thurso, so you can explore in every direction.

A full Scottish breakfast is also included with your Dale Room booking, giving you a strong start to the day. Alternatively, you can choose fresh fruit, juice, yoghurt, and cereal, and head out without hassle. And when you do head out, you’ll benefit from free access to our private car park at the back of the hotel. This is particularly handy if you are travelling with luggage, outdoor kit, or work equipment. And with three of the fastest EV chargers in the North of Scotland, we’ve got every driver covered.

So, when you’re ready, book your stay today and benefit from rates you won’t find anywhere else. You can also check out our rates and save when booking online.

Book Now
Desk and lamp in a hotel bedroom

Luxury Thurso Accommodation with a Warm Highland Welcome

Step inside the Ulbster Arms Hotel and you’ll find more than just a luxury Caithness hotel. You’ll discover a 4-star hotel filled with character, history, and heart set near Thurso. Plus, our Highland hotel team offers the kind of personal welcome expected from one of the best hotels in Thurso and the wider region.

In addition, after a long day, you can unwind with a delicious meal at the Beat 4 Restaurant. Renowned as one of the best restaurants in Caithness and on the NC500, you’ll enjoy fresh local produce and seasonal dishes in a welcoming setting. And before you hit the hay, you can relax with a tipple from our Scottish hotel bar by the open fire.

See Our Restaurant Information

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Caithness, Scotland

Travelling with your dog? You should never have to compromise on comfort. The Dale Rooms at the Ulbster Arms have dog-friendly options, making them ideal for a dog-friendly hotel and a Highland break. It’s what makes us an incredibly strong option among dog-friendly hotels in the north of Scotland, with a welcoming base near the coast and countryside.

All of this is because dogs are part of the family, and we know how important it is to bring them along. However, you also want a stay that feels calm for everyone. That’s why we keep things clear and simple, asking that dogs aren’t left alone unless they’re secure in a crate for comfort and safety. You can read our full dog-friendly policy here, before you travel.

If you’re planning a longer route with your pooch, the Dale Rooms help you travel without stress. You can park easily, settle in, and immediately find fresh air and nearby walks. This is exactly what you want when the goal is a comfortable base rather than a roadside stop. And it’s exactly what you get at the Ulbster Arms Hotel. 

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

Best Business Retreat Locations - Hotels in Caithness

If you’re travelling to Thurso and Caithness for work, the Dale Rooms at the Ulbster Arms Hotel make the practical side of things simple. You get a quiet, well-connected base, and you can park right away. You also get premium Wi-Fi, on-site business dining, and a relaxing fire after a long day. This helps you keep work travel efficient and comfortable simultaneously. EV travel is also simple at Ulbster Arms’ Dale Rooms, thanks to some of the fastest Highland EV car chargers in an private on-site car park. These allow you to charge overnight and leave in the morning without the frustrating detour.

For corporate travel, you can also take advantage of our low business rates in our Dale Rooms. The Ulbster Arms hotel sits in Halkirk, on the outskirts of Thurso, with easy access to local villages. This also makes it great for stopovers if you’re heading to the Orkney ferry. Travelling regularly for business? Speak with our team to set up a special corporate rate when working in Caithness and Sutherland.

Explore Business Facilities
View from 4x4 drivers seat in the Scottish Highlands

The Best Hotels in Caithness - A Video Tour

If you want a feel for the Ulbster Arms Hotel before you arrive, and particularly the Dale Rooms, you can see what’s what from a guest’s perspective. Join influencer Forever Amber on her travels to our luxury Highland hotel and explore inside. Then, when you’re ready, you can read what she had to say about her stay.

Reserve A Dale Room

Dining at The Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk, Thurso

Food is at the heart of our luxury historic Highland hotel in Halkirk, and we’re delighted to be one of the most popular hotels in Caithness and Sutherland for dining. This is why, in the evenings, the Ulbster Arms Hotel restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind. The bar is also well-stocked with whiskies, gins, and wines, and is ideal for toasting your Highland adventure or corporate trip by an open fire.

Open daily for guests and locals, our Halkirk hotel bar and restaurant celebrate local Highland produce. From freshly caught seafood to Highland meats, every dish is prepared with care. Plus, at our Thurso hotel, breakfast is unforgettable thanks to a hearty, freshly cooked breakfast. So, whether you’re setting off on the NC500, preparing for a day’s fishing, or travelling for work in Thurso and Caithness, you’ll be fuelled long into the day and relaxed in the evening.

See Our Halkirk Restaurant & Bar
Beat 4 Restaurant one of Caithness' best restaurants.

Parking and EV Charging - Some of The Fastest in Northern Scotland

When you travel this far north, you want a straightforward stay from the moment you arrive. This is why at the Ulbster Arms Hotel, we offer free private parking for all guests on site. It makes arrival easier, and day trips simple. As a result, many guests see us as one of the easiest choices for hotels near Thurso, Scotland.

We also support electric vehicle travel, which is increasingly important on longer road trips. From installing state-of-the-art EV charging points in our private car park to focusing on local sourcing where we can, we continue to improve how we operate. This includes joining the Zero Waste Scotland initiative, and we work to cut down on single-use plastics and reduce packaging and food miles.

All of this means that you can travel with peace of mind, knowing your stay supports greener hotel practices.

Our Eco Hotel Work
Believ EV Charger in Scotland

The Area: Things To Do Near our Thurso hotel

Staying at the Ulbster Arms in Halkirk puts you in the heart of Caithness, surrounded by rugged coastline, rolling hills, and welcoming villages. So, you can plan your days around whatever pace suits you. You can explore the rivers and lochs of Caithness, build a trip around salmon fishing, or wander the streets of Thurso and Wick to discover local crafts, cafés, and cultural spots.

And if you enjoy history and heritage, you can explore castles, ruins, and Caithness museums. For the nature lovers, you can head to Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Britain. You might also enjoy immersing yourself in the unique peatlands of the Flow Country. Along the way, pick up handmade gifts and local produce from nearby shops, knowing that when you return to the hotel, you’ll enjoy dinner and settle into your room for a peaceful night.

Book Now

A Family Friendly Hotel

Travelling with the family? The Dale Rooms at the Ulbster Arms Hotel include two luxury family accommodation options. Each includes a double bed and a single bed, and all have an ensuite bath or shower room. With convenient parking outside, you can arrive, unload, and settle in quickly. And because the Dale building sits apart from the main hotel, you get a little more breathing space.

Plus, our restaurant caters to all ages. We also sometimes offer discounted family holidays, including free dining for kids. So, you can plan a family break that feels comfortable and good value, especially if you’re building a longer trip along the NC500.

And when you explore the local area, you have plenty to choose from. You can visit sandy beaches and rock pools along the Caithness coast, or explore the Castle of Mey and its gardens. Alternatively, you can cycle the quieter Highland roads. Whatever you choose, you can shape your days around fresh air, coastline views, and family-friendly outdoor adventures.

Family Holidays Information
Family holding hands on a autumn walk in Scotland

Why Choose the Ulbster Arms Hotel?

The Ulbster Arms Hotel is one of the most welcoming places to stay near Thurso. Why? Because it offers a genuine blend of Highland hospitality, comfort, and charm. You stay in the peaceful village of Halkirk, and you remain close to the coastline, towns, and the wider Caithness landscapes. This gives you a quiet base that’s well connected for day trips and route planning.

The Dale Rooms are also a guest favourite. They’re stylish, comfortable, and easy to settle into, and therefore suit a wide mix of stays. So, if you want a reliable North Scotland base with warmth and character, you will feel at home at the Ulbster Arms Hotel. And particularly, the Dale Rooms.

Book Now
Wide shot of a room in the Dale building

Cheapest Rates - Book Direct and Save 10%

Book directly with us online at the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk to receive a 10% discount. This is the best possible rate you will find for our hotel in Caithness. What’s more, all of our rooms are available on a bed and breakfast basis. So, you can enjoy a great night’s sleep, then start the next day with a hearty breakfast before heading out into Caithness, Sutherland, and the North Coast 500.

Book online or call us, using the promo code BOOKDIRECT to unlock this special hotel deal.

Book Direct Deal
Ulbster Arms Hotel Map

Accommodation

Discover our hotel rooms at Ulbster Arms Hotel  …

Find Out More

Special Offers

See our special offers here and book your deal today…

Find Out More
Testimonials

My wife and I while backpacking had camped along the banks of the Thurso. We were awaken by a fisherman after a very cold, wet and windy night. He recommended we visit the Ulbster for lunch and a warm drink. The staff had gotten word from the fisherman that my wife and I had slept in the storm that night and were kind enough to put us up in a room at a very discounted price. We were able to shower which had been quit a while and it allowed us to dry out our clothes and equipment. The following morning the staff let us leisurely hangout and even suggested several things we see and do while we finished our tour of scotland. I can not speak highly enough of the staff at the hotel. Dinner was amazing as well !!! If you ever want to hear some amazing fishing stories just take a seat and enjoy. Cant wait to return.

See more >>