What makes a hotel 4-star? It’s a common question, and one we’re very much suited to answer given our status as a luxury hotel. So, let’s find out the answer and why the Ulbster Arms meets this strict benchmark as one of the top 4-star hotels in Thurso.
1. Accommodation Standards
The standard of your rooms is of huge importance for achieving a 4-star hotel classification. They should be spacious and comfortable, with luxury touches along the way. We offer all of this and more, with every detail designed around providing the very best guest experience.
You also want to have a variety of options with 4-star hotel facilities, with different rooms for different purposes.
At Ulbster House, we have en-suite standard bedrooms and premium en-suite rooms in the main part of the hotel. We also boast executive, modern rooms in our contemporary wing, and dog-friendly and family rooms overlooking the river.
2. Dining and Hospitality
Eating and drinking play a huge role in hotel classification. So, a 4-star hotel food menu has to be up there with the best of them. A key requirement is that the finest ingredients are used for meal preparation, and top-quality beverages are available. They should also be served with care and professionalism in a 4-star rated establishment.
The Ulbster Arms restaurant and bars are luxury encapsulated, with a menu utilising locally sourced Scottish ingredients. Everything is prepared by proud local chefs who want to show off the best the country has to offer. This ranges from dishes for every palette, from hearty Scottish breakfasts to evening meals, lunches, and more.
That’s why our dining experience is so highly rated, and one of the core reasons we’ve achieved our 4-star hotel classification. We also have function rooms available, and food and drink experiences including whisky flights, themed tasting menus, and more.
3. Guest Services and Facilities
Any 4-star hotel standards require extra special facilities going beyond the bedroom. These include free Wi-Fi as a minimum, as well as EV charging points and dog-friendly accommodation options.
Spaces for celebrations and private dining are also necessary, each of which we provide at the Ulbster Arms Hotel. Why? Because they elevate a stay to extraordinary, which is precisely what’s required from a 4-star classification.
4. Cleanliness and Housekeeping Standards
A clean, well-maintained property is crucial for any hotel, but at the 4-star level, the bar is in the clouds.
At The Ulbster Arms, our housekeeping team guarantees our hotel is consistently clean, with attention to detail for extra luxury. We also balance the history of our building with modern refurbishments to deliver the highest standards and experience for our guests.
5. Location and Experience
A 4-star hotel should ideally be in a fantastic location with lots of things to do in the area.
At Ulbster Arms, our grounds are nestled on the banks of the River Thurso, with simple access to the Northern Highlands. As you probably expect, outdoor activities are plentiful in this beautiful part of the world, such as golf opportunities, coastal tours, and more. Ulbster Arms also offers a great base to explore the North Coast 500 (NC500), offering a spot of luxury on your road trip journey.
6. Recognition and Awards
Our words are all well and good, but independent recognition matters when it comes to 4-star classification. With awards generally given for consistency and devotion to excellence, The Ulbster Arms received the Gold Medal for Hospitality and the Hotel of the Year for Romantic Breaks in 2023.
Final Thoughts
At The Ulbster Arms Hotel, our 4-star rating reflects what we stand for. From the comfort of our rooms to the quality of the food we prepare and serve, not to mention the warmth of our service and the care we put into every single stay. Everything is encapsulated in our 4-star hotel rating, and we’re proudly one of the top hotels in Thurso.
So, if you’re travelling through Caithness, planning a fishing trip, or facing the NC500, join us for an unforgettable stay.