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Summary of reviewsThe Seaview John O' Groats Hotel consistently receives praise for its outstanding location, offering breathtaking sea views and close proximity to key attractions such as the John O'Groats signpost, harbour and ferry services to the Orkney Islands. Its strategic position makes it an ideal base for tourists exploring Scotland's northern coast, complimented by the ease of access to local shops and the visitor center.
The breakfast experience is viewed positively with many guests remarking on the quality and variety of food, including both continental and hot options. The service is often noted as friendly and efficient, contributing to a pleasant start to the day. However, some guests mention inconsistencies in ingredient quality and portion sizes.
Dinner experiences are generally good with many guests enjoying home-cooked meals that are both tasty and well-priced. While the staff receives high marks for their friendliness and attentiveness, the quality of dinner can vary with some guests finding it mediocre or uninspiring.
Rooms are clean and functional, though opinions on size and decor are mixed. The annex rooms offer remarkable sea views but may require updates. Despite some complaints about room sizes and decor, the comfort and cleanliness of the rooms are frequently highlighted, making them suitable for short stays.
The hotel excels in cleanliness with many guests commending the meticulous maintenance of rooms and common areas. A few minor issues regarding dated aspects are noted, but they are outweighed by the overall positive feedback.
The staff garners significant acclaim for their exceptional service and friendliness, contributing greatly to the overall guest experience. The team’s efficiency, professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile are consistently praised.
The WiFi situation is mixed with some guests experiencing good connectivity while others face patchiness or lack of access in certain areas. Parking, however, is a strong point with ample and convenient options available for cars and motorcycles.
Family travelers find the hotel accommodating with spacious family rooms and a child-friendly atmosphere complete with outdoor play areas. The location near iconic sights and the NC500 route adds to its appeal for those with children.
The comfort of the beds varies with many guests finding them supportive and comfortable. However, some reviews indicate issues with broken springs and sagging mattresses.
As a 3-star establishment, the hotel meets expectations by providing clean, comfortable and functional accommodations. While guests appreciate the value offered, soundproofing, room decor and amenities are areas noted for possible enhancement.
Overall, the Seaview John O' Groats Hotel offers a convenient, clean and comfortable stay with excellent service, making it a preferred choice for travelers exploring the region. Show more
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Categories
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Parking
EV charging stations
Accessible Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Room Types
Double RoomThis room has a flat-screen TV and tea/coffee facilities.
Please note, the rooms are situated in the main hotel building and in the annex building, which is directly opposite the hotel. Rooms are allocated in no particular order in both buildings.
Twin RoomThis room has a flat-screen TV and tea/coffee facilities.
Please note, the rooms are situated in the main hotel building and in the annex building, which is directly opposite the hotel. Rooms are allocated in no particular order in both buildings.
Family RoomThis triple room features a flat-screen TV and an electric kettle.
Please note, the rooms are situated in the main hotel building and in the annex building, which is directly opposite the hotel. Rooms are allocated in no particular order in both buildings.
Family RoomThis family room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom. The unit has 2 beds.
Quadruple RoomThis quadruple room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 2 beds.
Deluxe King RoomThis double room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.
Single Room with Shared BathroomThe single room features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor and heating. The unit has 1 bed.
Double Room with Shared BathroomThe spacious double room features an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.7
Good
Location
The Seaview John O' Groats Hotel boasts an enviable location that consistently delights guests. Positioned just a short walk from the iconic John O'Groats signpost, the hotel offers prime access to a host of attractions. Visitors appreciate the close proximity to the John O'Groats Harbour and the easy access to ferry services to the Orkney Islands. The hotel's strategic spot makes it an excellent base for exploring the northern coast of Scotland.
Guests frequently mention the magnificent sea views and the convenient location, which is perfect for coastal walks and sightseeing trips. The hotel's placement near local shops and the visitor center enhances its appeal, providing a seamless experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the area's natural beauty and cultural sites.
Overall, the Seaview John O' Groats Hotel combines a spectacular setting with practical convenience, making it an ideal choice for travelers eager to explore this unique corner of Scotland.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at the Seaview John O Groats Hotel receives largely positive feedback from guests. Many highlight the quality and variety, describing it as good, excellent and very tasty with a selection that includes both continental and cooked options. Guests appreciate the breakfast being included in the price and commend its organization. A popular sentiment is that the food, including breakfast, adds value to their stay with some even declaring it the best they had on their trip. The service is often mentioned as friendly and prompt.
However, there are mixed reactions as well. While many praise the freshly prepared and well-cooked meals, there are remarks about the use of cheap ingredients, lack of value for money and the portion sizes being on the smaller side. Some found the breakfast to be underwhelming or poorly presented, suggesting inconsistency in the quality. Issues such as limited vegetarian options, pre-ordering confusion and cold toast were also noted.
Overall, the breakfast at the Seaview John O Groats Hotel garners appreciation for its taste, variety and friendly service, though there are sporadic complaints regarding ingredient quality and portion sizes.
Dinner
The Seaview John O Groats Hotel, nestled in a scenic coastal location, offers a mixed dining experience. The dinners have generally received positive remarks with many guests describing the food as great, delicious and well-priced. Diners appreciated the tasty and plentiful meals, along with the excellent culinary quality of both dinner and breakfast. The food was frequently noted for being home-cooked and satisfying with substantial portions that catered well to hearty appetites. Guests also enjoyed a good range of menu options, including some exceptional pub grub, making evenings more enjoyable.
However, some reviews highlighted variability in meal quality, noting instances where the dinners were either mediocre or forgettable. A few patrons found the food passable but bland or remarked that it didn't meet their expectations, citing specific issues such as poor presentation or uninspiring ready meals. Despite occasional service challenges, the restaurant staff were consistently praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, contributing positively to the dining experience.
Overall, while there were instances of less impressive meals, the consistent positive feedback about the food's taste, value and the warm service suggests that the Seaview John O Groats Hotel can provide a satisfying dining experience for most visitors.
Rooms
The Seaview John O Groats Hotel offers a mixed experience for travelers with a clear focus on cleanliness and basic comfort. While many guests appreciate the clean and tidy rooms that provide all necessary amenities, a common point of contention is the size of the rooms, which many found to be small or cramped. The rooms in the annex across the road often come with fantastic sea views, but some were noted to be run down or in need of renovation.
Comfortable beds and well-appointed, functional rooms were frequently mentioned, alongside positive notes about room warmth and cleanliness. Some rooms were described as spacious and modern, particularly those newly refurbished. However, other reviews highlighted dated decor and a need for upgrades.
Despite some shortcomings, guests generally found the rooms to be suitable for short stays and appreciated the lovely views, particularly of the Orkneys. Cleanliness and comfort were consistent themes, making the hotel a reasonable choice for travelers, especially those heading for the ferry or exploring the area. The restaurant and food also received positive reviews, adding to the overall pleasant experience.
Beds
The Seaview John O Groats Hotel offers a mixed experience when it comes to its beds with many guests praising their comfort while others have found issues. Numerous reviews highlight that the beds are very comfortable, supportive and provide a good night's sleep. Guests especially appreciated the large, double and tidy beds, which contributed to a restful stay. However, some guests encountered uncomfortable, small and tired beds with a few noting broken springs and sagging mattresses. The comfortability of the beds is a common positive theme, yet a few guests reported them being either too hard or too soft. The quilts were mentioned as needing improvement, particularly in size and the benefit of being heated. Despite the mixed reviews, the overall impression is that many guests found the beds at the Seaview John O Groats Hotel provided a comfortable and pleasant sleeping experience.
Cleanliness
The Seaview John O Groats Hotel has garnered considerable praise for its cleanliness from its guests. Many reviews highlight the rooms and entire hotel being very clean, tidy and well-maintained. Guests frequently mentioned that the rooms were not only clean but also comfortable and spacious with clean bathrooms and well-maintained facilities. The overall structure of the hotel is described as clean and beautiful.
Despite a few minor comments about the hotel being a bit dated or needing some freshening up, the majority of guests found the cleanliness standards to be exceptional. Instances of stained tea cups at breakfast and the occasional need for better bathroom cleanliness were noted, but these were relatively rare compared to the numerous mentions of spotlessly clean rooms.
The hotel's commitment to regular cleaning and maintaining a tidy environment is evident through repeated positive feedback. Guests appreciated the cleanliness, which contributed to a comfortable stay. The property's cleanliness, alongside good food and helpful staff, made it a pleasant choice for visitors to John O Groats.
Staff
The Seaview John O' Groats Hotel has consistently received high praise for its exceptional staff, who have left a lasting impression on guests. Reviews frequently highlight the friendliness and helpfulness of the team, making guests feel warmly welcomed throughout their stay. The staff's keen attitude and readiness to assist were evident in the numerous comments about their efficiency and professionalism.
Guests noted that nothing was ever too much trouble for the staff, who were always eager to please and extremely accommodating, even for those traveling with pets. The receptionists, waitstaff and housekeeping were all pointed out as being pleasant, courteous and attentive, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Many visitors mentioned the excellent service with specific compliments towards the dining staff for their attentive service and the quality of the food. The management's efforts to maintain a high level of cleanliness and organization did not go unnoticed, contributing to the overall positive perception of the hotel.
In essence, the Seaview John O' Groats Hotel has managed to cultivate a hospitable and efficient team that significantly enhances the guest experience, making it a memorable and pleasant destination.
Wi-Fi
The Seaview John O'Groats Hotel offers clean and comfortable accommodation with rooms described as functional and well-maintained. The hotel is conveniently located within easy walking distance to the seafront, adding to its appeal for travelers seeking a serene locale. Although the rooms provide a comfortable stay, the WiFi situation presents a mixed experience. Some guests have noted the WiFi signal as being good or very good, while others have reported issues such as patchy connectivity and a complete lack of WiFi in certain areas or rooms. Overall, while the hotel delivers on cleanliness and comfort, internet accessibility could be improved.
Parking
The Seaview John O’ Groats Hotel offers a variety of convenient parking options, making it an attractive choice for guests. Many reviewers highlight the availability of good, handy parking facilities, including ample space for both cars and motorcycles. Onsite parking is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage, providing plenty of room and the convenience of parking directly in front of the property or door. Additionally, there is a garage available for those who prefer covered parking, which some guests found particularly useful for motorcycles. Off-road and free parking options are also available across the road. However, some guests noted that the main car park can fill up quickly, leading to occasional tight parking situations. Overall, the ample and varied parking options are a strong point for the Seaview John O’ Groats Hotel.
Family
The Seaview John O Groats Hotel stands out for its family-friendly atmosphere, earning high praise from travelers who highlight the enjoyment of their children during their stay. The hotel offers spacious family rooms designed to accommodate 4 to 5 guests, providing a comfortable environment for families. These rooms, while basic, were consistently noted for being clean and minimal.
One of the hotel's significant advantages is its child-friendly amenities, which include a safe play area outdoors. The pub grub selection receives positive comments, offering great value meals for both children and adults. Guests also enjoyed the hearty breakfast provided, ensuring that both parents and kids start their day well-fed and satisfied.
The hotel's prime location is ideal for families, especially those with teenage children, as it is brilliantly situated near the John O'Groats signage and the NC500 route. Guests appreciated the opportunity to explore the area, mentioning evening strolls to the iconic JOG sign for memorable photos.
While there were some mentions of dated decor throughout the hotel and an occasional comment on room size, the overall sentiment from families remains positive, making the Seaview John O Groats Hotel a reliable choice for those traveling with children. The friendly atmosphere and thoughtful facilities cater well to cyclists and their families, further enhancing the hotel’s appeal to a diverse range of guests.
3 Star
The Seaview John O Groats Hotel generally meets the expectations of a 3-star establishment, delivering a good quality experience for the price category. Guests frequently highlight the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms. Despite being basic, the rooms are functional and well-maintained, providing a satisfactory level of comfort.
The customer service at the hotel is commendable with staff noted for their willingness to assist and provide a pleasant experience. The facilities, while straightforward, offer good value with well-organized amenities that include clean, comfortable rooms and a well-functioning environment.
Food at the hotel garners mixed reviews, where the taste and portion sizes are positively noted. Many guests appreciated the tasty meals and generous portions available with a variety of choices and specials on offer. On the downside, issues were raised about breakfast expenses, small croissant sizes and the necessity to pre-book. Additionally, some guests faced challenges such as limited seating and having to drive to nearby areas for meals due to restaurant booking conflicts.
However, there are noted areas for improvement. Soundproofing seems inadequate, impacting the overall sleeping experience for some guests. There are mentions of dated aspects in rooms such as period light fittings, small room sizes and the need for better quality toiletries. Prices for rooms and meals did not always meet guest expectations with some feeling the offerings were not aligned with the cost.
Overall, the Seaview John O Groats Hotel serves its purpose as a mid-range lodging option, where guests can expect basic, clean and comfortable accommodation. While there are areas that could benefit from enhancements, the overall value and service generally satisfy the needs of travelers.
Accessible
The Seaview John O'Groats Hotel is praised for its exceptional accessibility and convenient features for guests with disabilities. Positioned perfectly for ferry travelers, it offers easy access to the terminal, making it an ideal choice for catching early ferries. The staff is frequently described as friendly and helpful, ensuring that guests feel accommodated even when arriving late or needing special meal arrangements.
The rooms are functional, clean and comfortable with accessible bathrooms that guests find easy to use. While some minor issues like the need for bathroom extractor fan repairs are noted, overall, the rooms meet the needs of those requiring accessibility features. Cyclists also find the hotel well-equipped with ample storage space for bikes and other equipment.
Located close to the John O'Groats seafront, the hotel provides easy access to visitor attractions, adding to its appeal for those seeking both comfort and convenience during their stay. From organized breakfasts catering to early departures to friendly service extending beyond regular hours, the Seaview John O'Groats Hotel stands out for its thoughtful approach to guest accessibility.
No, Seaview John O Groats Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Seaview John O Groats Hotel.
Yes, Seaview John O Groats Hotel welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Seaview John O Groats Hotel.
No, Seaview John O Groats Hotel doesn't have a gym.