The Portland Hotel

The village of Lybster is a bit sad and I rather wish I'd stayed somewhere a bit to the south, with more in the way of restaurants, tourist sights, and shops. That said, it is truly sad that there isn't more going on in Lybster, because the harbor is lovely. If you like a quiet place, Lybster is it (and I do like quiet, so Lybster is pretty darned quiet). Rooms at the hotel seem to be large (mine was) and the grounds are fine; there is plenty of parking. Rooms toward the back and/or south end of the hotel, away from the restaurant, are very peaceful. The woman who manages the hotel is perfectly accommodating and the woman who helps her with breakfast on the weekends makes excellent coffee. The location is convenient to visit John O' Groats and/or to catch the ferry over to the Orkneys. I fear that the rooms will need some sort of cooling system in the not-too-distant future, but for now they are fine and this hotel is a welcome escape from a London summer. I did not try the restaurant, so cannot comment one way or another.

A strong person to help clients who have big suitcases would be nice, instead of having to impose on the woman who runs the hotel. The addition of a mini-fridge would be nice in the rooms. Lybster, as I said, needs revitalization, but it's mostly a sad situation, not one to be avoided.

It was very homely and comfortable. The owner Sam was an absolute delight. She was welcoming, friendly and the service was truly exceptional. I’d recommend this hotel to anyone. Excellent.

Nothing at all, everything was great.

Very helpful and friendly on check in. A small, family run hotel, so don't go looking for big hotel features or you'll be disappointed. Just plain, simple highland hospitality. Breakfast was excellent - local produce well cooked - and to order) and sets you up nicely for the day. The building has a lot of character and has been a local focal point for many years. It's in a quiet village, but the harbour at Lybster is well worth a visit, sheltered in a little bay.

It was a tad quiet on an evening, but then, given the location, that's expected and gives guests the opportunity to properly relax. If you're planning on an evening meal here, it pays to let them know in advance (a simple but well prepared menu).

I've stayed at the hotel before, and it has now changed ownership. The website still shows awards that were gained prior to the management change. Unfortunately, the food, which used to be excellent, is now standard pub fare (at high prices). There is no longer beer on tap. Décor is beginning to look tatty, and the hotel seems to have been stripped back to basics, with bare-bones staff (the friendly owners do most of the work themselves). It's still conveniently situated, with a good carpark opposite the main street of Lybster, and right on the main road up to Wick. It's also clean and comfortable, but there are no longer fridges in the rooms, there's condensation between the window panes, and it could be (used to be) so much better. Fine if you're looking for somewhere to spend a night or two. It's a basic, low budget option that looks grander than it is (not least on the website).