Dornoch Castle Hotel - Whisky Bar & Dining - Takeaway Pizza

My wife and I received a wedding gift of a two night stay at Dornoch Castle Hotel from colleagues at her work.||When we arrived we were greeted warmly, and were escorted to our room. The room overlooked the garden, at the rear of the hotel. The room was very comfortable, spotlessly clean, and was a decent size. As with the bedroom, the bathroom was also spotless, with a good-sized shower, and high quality Highland Soap Company handwash and shower gel was provided.||At breakfast, the focus was more continental in nature, but bacon and fried eggs were provided for those looking for something warm. We enjoyed the selection provided.||We had dinner in the hotel on both evenings of our stay. There was a decent selection of food (including pizza), and our meals were delicious on both evenings.||All staff were exceptionally efficient, knowledgeable and friendly, whether on reception, at the cozy bar, or in the restaurant.||We would definitely recommend Dornoch Castle Hotel to anyone looking to stay in the area.

My partner and I live locally and took the opportunity of the hotels Christmas meal package for reheating at home. To say it was beautifully presented and lovingly made is an understatement. We loved everything in it from starter to dessert. It was worth every penny. I would highly recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to spend all of the 24th or 25th prepping and cooking. Portion sizes were perfect, as were the accompaniments of freshly baked bread rolls, prosecco and home made tablet. Thank you so much to the staff and chef for all the effort and joy!

For the whisky fan, there is little better destination, but photos did not do it justice for me. Once I arrived, and stood out front in person, a wave just came over me. A mood, ambiance, gravitas... for this time of year, also, the fireplace was going, and I felt an immediate coziness and comfort. After we checked into our room (which was spotless, classy, and comfortable), I returned to the bar where I had my first dram in the quiet period between lunch and dinner. The room emptied out and for a brief time I was alone, seated in front of the fireplace with my dram, and "had a moment". "This may be the happiest or most content I've ever been." |We booked into the restaurant for dinner on both nights of our stay... given the time of year, and the main purpose of visiting, I figured why go elsewhere, when everything is catered for onsite? The dinner menu was fantastic. My wife went for her staple of Fish & Chips, I tried the Haggis and Nduja pizza - Fab! Perhaps a little pricier than some other restaurants with similar menus, but I'm not arguing over a couple of pounds, as long as the food is good. This, coupled with the cost of our room - a discounted rate for booking ahead and paying upfront - also more than I usually spend when travelling to the UK, because more money spent on other things means less money spent on Whisky! But for the price, I felt the rooms, and hotel, was exceptional value. The whole time there was the highlight of my two week trip to Scotland. On top of that, all the staff were lovely, and fantastic at their jobs, and on first name basis by the end of our short 2 night stay. |Given the season and weather, it was never crammed, and not overly noisy or overwhelming for the senses - something I am mindful of given my wife can get sensory overload easily and retreat from such environments. The whole grounds were beautiful, and despite the outdoors not being used with the cold, it must be heaving in the warmer months! |There's no question I will return in the future for more whisky adventures. Perhaps in a warmer time of the year to experience the outside beer garden and liveliness. But I can imagine super cosy Christmas and New Year's spent indoors by the fireside. |Great job folks. I absolutely loved my time here.

Stayed just by chance as we couldnt find a decent campsite after a long drive.||We chose the family room which was actually two rooms separated by a sizable bathroom. I got the four posted bed. A comfortable sleep the room was excellent with bath robes and slippers thrown in. A complimentary whiskey from the distillery included with the room, not for me I hate the stuff but my mate polished it off.||Breakfast next day was fantastic with all you would expect with a continental style. Self service with bacon eggs pastries fruit cereal etc.||Recommend staying here a stunning place in a beautiful part of the world.

Thoroughly excellent stay. I went for a whisky event, which was magnificent, and the whisky bar is world-class, with a fine distillery in the back garden, but for any visit the hotel is delightful. Hugely historical and characterful, but also modern, warm, comfortable and well-equipped in bedroom and bathroom. Spotlessly clean everywhere, and all the staff are wonderful - professional but also welcoming and very friendly. The village of Dornoch is attractive and the beach, 10 minutes walk from the hotel, is superb. Couldn't recommend it more highly.

Me and my partner stayed there over Hogmanay. Lovely Hotel and tip top service. A Complimentary dram in the room with Sweets, Tangerines, biscuits with tea & coffee. Nice whisky bar to while away the evening, with a cosy roaring fire ideal on a cold Hogmanay night. A tasty breakfast cooked or continental with pastries. They Even offered complimentary Presecco or Bucks Fizz with our breakfast on New years day. If we're ever back in Dornoch we'll stay there again.

En-suite bathroom was too cold to contemplate having a bath or shower! Bathroom bin hadn’t been emptied from previous guests. Bedroom also pretty chilly. Net curtains were shredding and carpet was stained. Otherwise, enjoyed our stay. Restaurant staff friendly and efficient. Good food. Excellent location.

We, the board of Skotsj Fellowsjip, visited Dornoch as part of a whisky trip through Scotland, and although we’d already experienced some great distilleries and tastings, Dornoch absolutely blew everything else away.||From the moment we arrived, the warmth and hospitality were exceptional. We were given a tour by Dan, who perfectly embodied what makes Dornoch so special: no nonsense, pure passion, and deep respect for the craft. Seeing such a small-scale, hands-on distillery up close — and hearing the stories behind it — was a real privilege.||Then came the tasting in The Vault, hosted by Jamie.|What an incredible host. The welcome, the energy, the stories (and yes, the moustache!) made the experience unforgettable. The line-up he prepared was world-class: beautifully selected Dornoch and Thompson Bros bottles, rare drams, and a perfectly balanced flow from start to finish. Simply outstanding.||We left with huge smiles, full hearts, and the feeling that we had just experienced something truly unique. This wasn’t just a tasting — it was a masterclass in hospitality, craftsmanship, and genuine passion for whisky.||If you love whisky, put Dornoch at the top of your list.|If you don’t love whisky… go anyway. They may just convert you.|We cannot recommend them highly enough.||With enormous gratitude from the entire Skotsj Fellowsjip Board —|and in the immortal words of Arnold Schwarzenegger:|We’ll be back.||Slàinte!

had a really lovely Sunday lunch here today, obviously very popular with the older locals. We joked that a few looked like they had been coming since the castle was new. The Hotel claims to be the number one whisky bar in the world. Certainly the best I have been to. I was given some excellent recommendations for under £10 each, all cask strength single cask and over 23 years old.

Very atmospheric and a great selection of malts, some pretty rare. Reminds me of a wonderful Armagnac bar in Gascony. Foreign visitors will love this iconic establishment for its gentle background music and woodsmoke from the large open fire.