Greenland house

This beautifully refurbished historic house, formerly a bank, offers a memorable stay with its charming architecture and exquisite furnishings. It provides a true bed and breakfast experience, making it an ideal choice for NC500 travelers and those catching Orkney ferry passengers seeking a comfortable stopover. Guests consistently highlight the spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and the delicious breakfast as key features. The attentive host further enhances the welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect retreat for couples and friends looking for a peaceful and social environment. To ensure a smooth experience, guests should note the specific check-in time after 4 PM and be aware that local dining options are limited, so booking ahead is highly recommended. The property's quiet location and proximity to scenic spots like Dunnet Head also appeal to sightseers.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the range of facilities available, enhancing their stay. The hotel features inviting and stylish lounge areas, providing comfortable spaces for relaxation and socializing with other guests. While some noted a small car park, most reviews indicate ample parking is available on site, which is a significant convenience, especially for those traveling by car. Free Wi-Fi is consistently praised for its good quality, ensuring guests can stay connected. A unique and appreciated amenity is the ability to use the dining room with its plates and cutlery for enjoying late takeaways, a thoughtful provision given the limited local dining options. Many rooms also include a basin for added convenience. However, guests should be aware that the historic nature of the building means there are multiple staircases, including spiral ones, to access rooms, which might be challenging for those with heavy luggage.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, with rooms described as spotless, super clean, and well-maintained. Most guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some have noted mattresses can be overly firm or in need of replacement. While many rooms are highlighted as spacious and large, some guests found their rooms to be quite small with limited surface space for personal items. Bathroom arrangements vary, with some rooms featuring private bathrooms that are well-decorated and generously sized, while others have exclusive use of a bathroom located just next door. A recurring concern for some guests is a noticeable odor from the bathroom or plumbing, which can be off-putting. Noise levels are generally low, contributing to a peaceful environment, though some minor floorboard creaks are expected in an older building. Complimentary tea and coffee facilities are provided in the rooms, adding to guest comfort. Heating is generally good, though a few guests experienced chilly rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience at the hotel garners significant attention, with most guests describing it as delicious, excellent, and plentiful. A full Scottish breakfast is a popular choice, prepared to order and often highlighted for its quality and ability to provide ample energy for the day. Guests appreciate the good food selection, which includes both cooked and continental options. However, some guests have expressed disappointment with the continental breakfast, describing it as basic, lacking homemade items, and featuring industrial-quality pastries and limited fruit choices. Specific feedback also mentioned the sausages being bland or of lower quality. Despite these isolated criticisms, the overall consensus is that the breakfast is a highlight, with many praising the scrambled eggs and the convenience of pre-ordering. The hotel also accommodates dietary needs, with gluten-free cereal being a noted positive. The dedicated dining room provides a pleasant setting for the morning meal.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a key aspect of the guest experience, particularly for those exploring the region. It is conveniently situated on the NC500 route and serves as an ideal staging point for ferries to the Orkney Islands, making it a practical stopover for travelers. While the immediate village of Castletown offers limited dining options, with guests often needing to drive to nearby Thurso for more variety, the hotel is praised for its quiet setting and proximity to natural attractions. Guests can easily access the superb beach and explore significant sites like Dunnet Head, the Castle of Mey, and the Duncansby Stacks. The hotel provides ample parking on site, which is a considerable advantage given the rural setting. Despite the remote feel, its accessibility to key routes and local points of interest makes it a well-regarded base for regional exploration.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews, with the host frequently described as friendly, helpful, attentive, and accommodating. Guests are welcomed warmly upon arrival, and many highlight the host's willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay, including providing excellent recommendations for local dining and attractions. The check-in process is generally reported as smooth and efficient, contributing to a positive first impression. However, guests should be aware that check-in is typically available only after 4 PM, which requires some planning. Despite a couple of isolated comments about less engagement, the overwhelming feedback emphasizes the host's dedication to providing a personalized and high-quality experience. This personalized approach and the host's genuine care are frequently cited as reasons for guests wanting to return.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a few specific details that contribute to the unique character of this historic property. The building, formerly a bank and banker's home, retains much of its original charming architecture and grandeur, offering a distinctive stay. Due to the age of the house, some guests have noted minor plumbing issues, including occasional bathroom odors or low water pressure in sinks, which the owners are reportedly addressing. Travelers with mobility concerns or heavy luggage should also note the presence of multiple staircases leading to rooms, as there is no elevator. A thoughtful amenity is the provision of chocolates in the rooms, adding a special touch. The owners are actively working on ongoing improvements to the property, indicating a commitment to enhancing the guest experience.