Castlebay Hotel

We decided to vist Barra, in the Outer Hebrides, for my milestone birthday. After a scenic road trip from Northumberland and an easy crossing on the ferry from Oban we arrived to a warm welcome from the owner, Nic. We chose the Castlebay Hotel as it was conveniently located a minute from where the Oban ferry came in and it was dog friendly! We brought our dog on the ferry which was easy.. |We had the most beautiful rooms overlooking the Castle, and panoramic views of the bay. We had a wonderful dinner of local scallops, langoustines and a fish curry for dinner to celebrate! The hotel was charming and the other guests were incredibly friendly and chatty. The sea air knocked me out and I woke up after 10am on the first morning which is unheard of! But I missed breakfast!!! A shame for me as the breakfast was extensive and an amazing selection. I didn't miss it again!! |We had the most wonderful holiday visiting Vatisay, Eriskay and South Uist as suggested by the owner. It was a real adventure and the beaches were white and deserted. We had a puncture but the hotel went the extra mile to help us get it fixed which was a relief!|Thank you to all at the Castlebay Hotel for a wonderful time and we will be back soon!

Gorgeous hotel! Staff were absolutely lovely, our room was spacious, bathroom was the old fashioned cistern, wash hand basin with the hand towel rail in front, amazing shower over the bath… spotless and absolutely gorgeous. Drinks were pricey but hey the island probably depends on tourists for a major income. Food on the menu: wow!!! Pricey compared to mainland but dear god, huge portions and absolutely amazing, fresh , well presented, hot and out of this world! |We definitely recommend this hotel, views are amazing, and the breakfast…. Best scrambled egg I’ve ever had in 56 years !!!! |Well done to all the staff …. And the tableware … gorgeous 👌🏼 .

We booked an evening meal here on a Thursday night. We were given a good table at the front of the restaurant with a view over the harbour and castle. The service was good and so was the food and drink. All local produce where possible, seafood and lamb recommended.

Lovely and welcoming staff. Beautiful rooms with squeaky clean sheets and towels. We stayed here after our flight was cancelled and Loganair arranged for us to stay there. It was such a pleasant experience. The food was lovely and our host even went out of her way to prepare a takeaway breakfast for us all (I wish I had asked her name - but you know who you are! :-) Many thanks to you all :) Excellent location with views of Kismul Castle too, right opposite the marina for excursions and the ferry to Oban.

The weather was bad on Barra when we visited and nowhere looks nice in grey wet weather. It was easy to be put off from the outside view in these conditions but don't be. We visited for an evening meal and were not disappointed.|Inside the hotel is warm and welcoming. Staff friendly and obliging; service with a smile.|Note that if you are not resident in the hotel the serving times are between 6pm and 8pm but they are open all week where many hotels on the island are not open for non residents. Note also that the island is dependent on food deliveries and fish landed so the menu will vary according to supply.|We had a delicious seafood meal, starter and main course of smoked salmon, scallops, langoustines and fish and chips. Really well cooked, nicely presented and home made tartare sauce. Good size portions that we did not need a dessert but there was plenty to choose from if you wanted one.|The owners are in addition very talented potters and have made the crockery that decorate the walls and that you eat off. How many restaurants can boast that?

Stayed here on 02/09 after just arriving on the ferry from Oban part of cycling group tour and start point for Hebredies Way. Imposing hotel that sits on the harbour with amazing views. The staff here are great, friendly and helpful. The good is amazing so compliments to the new chef apparently who had just started himself. Definitely will stay here again

We stayed for one night, because we had to catch the early ferry to Oban. Car parking isn't easy, especially for people with mobility issues. We received a warm welcome from the receptionist, who also worked in the restaurant. We had a very nice and tasty meal for dinner, and due to the early start the following morning, we were offered a packed breakfast. It was an adequate offering. The rooms are not modern or 'boxy' but they offer everything that you need. Overall, we were happy with our stay.

Beautifully renovated hotel in a stunning location. It has been 2 years since we last visited and there have been incredible improvements. The owners have done a fantastic job with renovations and the hotel has a fresh and comfortable feeling as soon as you walk in the door. The food was great, a fantastic showcase of the local produce and staff were attentive, friendly and offered a very warm welcome. The handmade pottery adds a really special touch. Come for the incredible views of the bay, stay for everything else.

This hotel is right in the heart of Castlebay on the Isle of Barra. The views are absolutely spectacular. If you are staying here I highly (really demandingly) recommend you get a bay view room. I had my window open the whole time to let the fresh sea air in. Also if you call ahead and make arrangements they will accommodate your pet with a minor cleaning fee. Brando, my big spotted dog, felt right at home in the Castlebay Hotel. I think by the time we left the Isle of Barra he may have been the most popular tourist that weekend. The customer service is outstanding and very nice and helpful, but to be honest everybody on Barra seemed very nice and helpful. The first evening I came in on the Ferry, which was unfortunately delayed substantially due to fog. I had inquired about a place to get food at 9:30pm in this small town and lady at the front desk was very apologetic that all the restaurants were closed at 9. But, she volunteered to make me a sandwich from what was available in the kitchen!! What a sweetheart, and I was starving. Also, it was a good thing I ate because I don't think I was prepared for the nightlife of Castlebay! The room is nothing fancy per-say, but the views more than make up for it. The bed is very comfortable and had a tartan headboard. The place was very clean and Wifi is complimentary. I really have no complaints. Next door at the Castlebay Bar was live music and a packed house. I don't think I have taken that many Jager Bombs since college. There was a local band playing called the Vatersay Boys that brought the house down. The detached bar is owned by the hotel too, but they were wise to separate it from the sleeping quarters. The sounds of bagpipes and accordions, I imagine, are not the easiest things to sleep through. Somehow I managed to wake up early every morning after being out with the fabulous people on the island. I am going to say it was the fresh air of the ocean coming in my window, along with breakfast at the hotel that got me going in the morning. It was a good spread of cereals, fruit, yogurt, toast and a variety of hot plates as well. My favourite was the decent French pressed coffee. Don't be surprised if the person who checks you in is your waitress the following day or the maid is your bartender, that is part of the gloriousness that makes this Isle and hotel so fabulous.

A fine pub with grand views overlooking the bay itself. Pool table and refreshments available. Drinks including Carlsberg, whisky, vodka, gin etc etc Have a look yourself and enjoy your day. :-)