The Ferry Inn


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The Ferry Inn descritpion


The last hotel on highway A9, The Ferry Inn at Scrabster is newly renovated and has wonderful sea views.
Just north of Thurso, Scrabster Harbor is the gateway to the Orkney Islands.
The renowned restaurant, The Upperdeck, has a fantastic steakhouse and also specializes in locally caught seafood. The lively Popeye’s is a public bar with a wide-screen TV showing sports events.
The bedrooms with private bathrooms have tea/coffee facilities and flat-screen TVs with Freeview channels.

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Facilities of The Ferry Inn

Pets :Free!Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

Food & Drink :Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room

Internet :Free!WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

Parking :Free!Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).

General :Non-smoking Rooms | Facilities for Disabled Guests | Heating

Reviews for The Ferry Inn

Review 1:Lots of door slamming and someone trying my door at 03:30 AM. Suspect it was night porter, as didn't sound like someone drunk. Food awful for my evening meal and breakfast. I was surprised after the good reviews.

Review 2:Staff were good. Room is good value for money, good shower room and wifi connection, and very clean but décor could do with updating.

Review 3:Access to upper deck area is via the street!

Review 4:Room with a view overlooking harbour. Large breakfast in upper deck area also with harbour view. Bar has Orkney Real Ale with friendly staff.

Review 5:Although some parts of the accommodation are showing signs of wear, we stayed in Room 1 which was fine and comfortable for our visit, the room and en-suite were spotlessly clean and we did not require to be time served plumbers to operate the shower! -which is often the case in many hotels. The staff were friendly and helpful and the food first class. Excellent value for money. We will certainly return.

Review 6:You'd have to be an idiot to pick fault with this place.

Review 7:Everything about The Ferry Inn was amazing. My husband and I stayed here for 2 nights and were thrilled that we had found such a gem. Breakfast and bar food was fresh, plentiful and delicious. Room was brilliant with lots of fresh towels, fab bathroom, tea, coffee etc and very spacious. Thank you to the wonderful friendly staff.

Review 8:Friendly staff who went out of their way to look after my elderly mum. We'd asked for a twin room, but with easy access. We got a lovely ground floor family room with disabled access. Lovely breakfast too!

Review 9:Mattress a bit soft and needs replacing

Review 10:Excellent location for ferry, particularly for foot passengers (about 3-4 minutes walk), comfortable and quiet room, friendly bar and staff and excellent breakfast. good bar menu too. A welcome haven if arriving from the ferry or with an early start the next day. Note that there is no other accommodation in Scrabster so booking strongly recommended.

Review 11:bit noisy at times....too early with the vacuuming and of course a harbour can naturally be noisy but also interesting

Review 12:modern comfortable rooms, friendly staff and fine food

Review 13:Loved the location right in the heart of Scrabster, which is industrial but picturesque too! Breakfast was superb, served by a friendly, welcoming woman who obliged with gluten-free bread. Room large and clean with a great view over the port.

Review 14:The outside stairs and we did feel the front hall could be off-putting for people with disabilities

Review 15:We loved all the staff and the warm welcome they gave us and the excellent they gave us. The bedroom was superb and we greatly enjoyed our stay. Thank you.

Review 16:Menu anull bit on the pricey side in the restaurant.

Review 17:The location of the hotel is perfect for catching the ferry to Stromness. Just right for a one night stay.

Review 18:This Inn surprised us as we thought, from the fairly bland exterior, that it would be awful. It wasn't! It had everything we needed and we were really comfortable.

Review 19:We had confirmation from booking.com on 31/8 for our stay on 21/9. But booking.com did not pass through details to The Ferry Inn until 21/9 and hence no rooms were available. Situation was saved by excellent receptionist at The Ferry Inn.

Review 20:The receptionist handled a bad situation with every care for us and found us a room (an upgrade) at a sister hotel The Weigh Inn not too far away for the same price as our original booking with booking.com

Review 21:We wanted to stay near the ferry and you can't get much closer! The somewhat downmarket appearance from the outside is quite misleading. The bedroom and bathroom were large; we had a QS bed and the dinner and breakfast in the attached restaurant were great. The Cullen Skink was delicious!

Review 22:Restaurant poor value for money. Food very average & not worth price asked. Bar food better value but slow service.

Review 23:Large comfortable room and bathroom. Excellent breakfast and good bar food.

Review 24:The location right next to the ferry landing was perfect for an early-morning departure. Room was clean and pleasant and had a nice view of the harbor. Attached pub and restaurant were a nice addition.

Review 25:The friendly staff made us very welcome and nothing was too much trouble. Our bedroom overlooked the port which gave us the opportunity to watch many boats.

Review 26:Nothing we didn't like.

Review 27:We travel regularly on the ferry from Orkney, and as we get older it is nice to come off the ferry and be straight into a comfy overnight stay, before travelling the 500 plus miles South. The staff are great and the breakfasts are out of this world. I can't think of anywhere better.

Review 28:Problems shutting the window as the kitchen fan was just outside and was noisy.

Review 29:A very easy place to stay if coming off a ferry from Stromness (Orkney Islands) in the evening or if taking a ferry in the morning.

Review 30:Claims there's WiFi to all parts of hotel and that's not the case it's zero on 2nd floor. As a business traveller I only stay at hotels that provide working WiFi. Only disappointment.

Review 31:Locality

Review 32:I would stay here again. Its curbside appeal isn't great but it is a great place to stay.

Review 33:when I saw the place, I thought "oops". it is on the road to the ferry. But inside it was lovely and the staff was excellent. You had to walk outside and up to breakfast (which was excellent) and dinner but they would sell you a drink downstairs to take to your room. Scottish hospitality.

Review 34:Smallish rooms. Weak wi-fi (at least on the top floors). Have to leave the hotel building (3 floors), then go next door to the restaurant, which is up another 2 floors. Not very easy.

Review 35:Good location, near the ferry terminal. Good restaurant for both dinner and breakfast. Good bathroom facilities. Nice price.

Review 36:Proximity to ferry and nice location overlooking the harbour. Spacious room with lovely shower. Not flash but clean, comfortable and good value. Friendly lass in the bar on arrival and ability to get quick meal. Stayed on way to Orkney Islands and another night on return.

Review 37:The breakfast was terrific, people were great and the room was very spacious. The location was brilliant set looking at the harbour and next to where you need to leave if catching the ferry.

Review 38:Very small room and shower stall. Not for the full figured folk.

Review 39:Good location to ferry Fair price for the accommodation Friendly waitresses at the restaurant

Review 40:- unproper internet connection in room - small room - desk clerk tried to get 10 GBP more for night than offered at booking.com, when I told her, that the price is not correct, she decreased the price by 10 GBP

Review 41:- late check in was available (11 pm)

Review 42:Well furnished spacious room with a comfortable bed and reliable free WiFi for easy communication:a real joy in this part of the world. As a bonus there's great restaurant with panoramic views over the busy harbour.

Review 43:We dined in the "upper deck?' restaurant. My wife says her sea bass was lovely but I found my fresh salmon fishcakes to be bland and tasteless. I felt they could have used some herbs and seasoning.

Review 44:All Good.

Review 45:Carpets in room looked firthy Room window would not close open wide all night Hot water never worked

Review 46:I stayed in room 2 with a window that could not close. Keep in mind the hotel is facing the harbour and open to the elements. Didn't feel particularly welcome more taken for granted. Never Again

Review 47:Very slow Wi-Fi. The staff was nowhere to be found when we wanted to check-out at 10:00am, all the doors to the reception and restaurant were locked and we had to bang on the door for more than 20 minutes before someone noticed us. Very bad impression at the end Ferry Inn!

Review 48:Good Upper Deck restaurant, order a sirloin steak. Free parking, finally a good shower in the bathroom.

Review 49:Value for money. Nice clean room kitchen closed when I arrived late but they managed to provide me with Soup and Sandwiches. WI Good (Free) Just generally a nice place to stop after getting used to plastic chains.

Review 50:Laundry clutter waiting for a van but that happens

Review 51:Fabulous views of working harbour; fishing boats coming and going; and surprisingly quiet; great atmosphere; food in Upper Deck next door good; and the most helpful and attentive staff

Review 52:Only minor grumble is you have to go outside and up the stairs to the Upper Deck dining area. Not a problem in the summer but rather brisk this December.

Review 53:Good hospitality, good, room good breakfast in the "Upper Deck" and a very good pint of beer. And the obvious, right next to the ferry terminal for the Orkney Isles.

Review 54:There was nothing not to like.

Review 55:Staff friendly and welcoming, rooms clean, well equipped and clean. We had our two dogs and the room was large enough to accommodate us all. An absolutely brilliant breakfast menu, your choice cooked to perfection.

Review 56:Room a bit small, but otherwise OK.

Review 57:Very convenient for Orkney Ferry. Staff helpful. Good breakfast. A working port like Scrabster is an interesting place to be near and see from our window.

Review 58:The morning breakfast was not open at advertised time, causing tension for getting the ferry. Service at the upstairs restaurant was slow and not all of our order was brought to table.

Review 59:Quiet, clean, reasonable.

Review 60:this was nothing like the advertisement which mentioned the word "luxury"! After a very bad nights sleep due to the constant noise from a compressor motor or something, the staff moved us to a nice room for the next 2 nights (much appreciated)

Review 61:different experience to what I expected so part of our adventure. Breakfast was good. the restaurant was lively of an evening and food tasty. It was located well to explore the northern coast of Scotland and the Orkneys.

Review 62:One very minor comment: bedside cabinets were a little dusty and had a cup/glass ring mark on the glass surface. This would be my only complaint.

Review 63:Room with a wonderful view of the harbor and boats. Generally clean and welcoming. Very trusting staff. Excellent food and lots of it! Helpful and efficient staff. The view from both the room and restaurant is superb. As a harbor front hotel, workers work through the night but this did not affect the most wonderful sleep. I wanted to take home the pillows! Will definitely book again.

Review 64:No one at checkout in the morning and no phone in the room. Was travelling without a cell phone and needed to call a cab. Cups tea room right next door - such a cute little place - had a phone (and beautiful scones)

Review 65:Great selection for breakfast included in the price. Fabulous showers, often have had little water pressure in UK showers, these were just like home. Super location for the ferry.

Review 66:There was a bar right below our room that was a bit loud, but they closed down at 11:00pm, so it didn't interfere very much with a good night's sleep.

Review 67:The location was perfect for catching the early morning ferry to Stromness, Mainland, Orkney Islands. We also were able to have an early breakfast before catching the ferry.

Review 68:Noisy room overlooking air con unit Smell of floral chemical room freshness. Eating place next door. Got soaked getting to it. Cold plates for hot food Shall I continue? Awful night.

Review 69:Nothing

Review 70:Very clean. Fab haddock n chips overlooking harbour. Great banter inbar, relaxing playing pool after long drive North. Delicious kippers forbreakfast and 1 minute drive to ferry terminal. Will return.

Review 71:The tele was too small and to high up I couldn't read what was on. The upstairs resturant was nice but my duck was not cooked enough and was very small. Breakfast was at 7 as we wanted to get away we went up at 7.10 and there were already people waiting we were told he was on his way? We waited some people had to go and we had a cooked breakfast but I don't know if it was rushed as I had an upset tummy later.

Review 72:Room was good all you would want nice and clean and comfortable. There was a very nice resturant upstairs new and well clean. My husband had the best steak there that he had ever had. Nice place but better management needed I think we were left to our own a lot of the time.

Review 73:Nothing worth mentioning but be sure to check out the night before you depart (no staff on site in the morning).

Review 74:Easy going arrangements at hotel. Harbour location: plenty to see. Within striking distance of places to visit (Castle of Meyer, John O'Groats, etc.). Very welcoming staff in Upper Deck restaurant. Absolutely ginormous portions were served too.

Review 75:I already left a review at the hotel. Found there were no towel rails in the bathroom which was a little difficult to hang damp towels.

Review 76:Comfortable & food good.

Review 77:Location in relation to the Ferry to Orkney practically at the door and able to use Laundromat in Thurso. One the best of the B & B's we used in Scotland - nice big room overlooking the harbour. Used the pub meal for dinner, restaurant a bit expensive for our needs..

Review 78:Breakfast was overpriced.

Review 79:Location is very convenient to Scrabster Ferry port. The restaurant made for a relaxing evening, knowing we wouldn't have to go out in search of food, but could relax right there.

Review 80:The location of the hotel is good if you are travelling Scotland. We did one stop there to take more time for the whole north coast. It was clean, comfortable, with a rich breakfast.

Review 81:Hotel old and ran down with very narrow single beds with broken mattress in my room. The "free" wifi was not available. Front desk clerk claimed they were changing providers.

Review 82:Proximity to ferry embarkation point for the ferry to the Orkney. Good restaurant upstairs. Free parking across the street. Good breakfast

Review 83:It's a shame that the hotel doesn't have a residents lounge or quiet room but space doesn't permit.

Review 84:I've stayed several times before and like the location, helpful staff, good food and comfortable en-suite room. I will definitely stay again.

Review 85:You have to leave the hotel to take your breakfast at the restaurant (less I overlooked a connection in-between) , which could be awkward in inclement weather conditions

Review 86:Splendid location, close to Orkney ferry and the harbour (view) Decent breakfast and pub grub

Review 87:At the busy ferry times the road outside got quite noisy, but not at times to be annoying.

Review 88:A great location with the hustle and bustle of a ferry port and general fishing harbour. Our room was overlooking the harbour and there was something to see all of the time we stayed. The food in the restaurant next door was excellent, with a grear breakfast served. Obviously an ideal location for the island-hopping.

Review 89:We thought there would be a nice path to the city center but we were a litte disappointed, so we took our car and had later a drink at the bar of The Ferry Inn.

Review 90:Good breakfast Free Wifi

Review 91:wifi inconsistent in room

Review 92:Great rooms in an unpretentious inn, close to Thurso. Clean and modern. Spectacular view out of large windows. Breakfast menu offered choices not found at other B and B's

Review 93:The room, small 2 flights up - no lift - small, funny shaped wash hand basin outside bathroom. The breakfast. Downstairs reception dark and dingy.

Review 94:Not a lot

Review 95:The only restaurant in town was just OK. At least for the money.

Review 96:Great location, super friendly staff, comfortable room.

Review 97:Staff was lovely the room lovely warm comfy clean

Review 98:The location was excellent for the Ferry to Stromness. Food was good.

Review 99:Location and parking was great

Review 100:Great location

Review 101:Excellent staff,great breakfast and really comfy bed. Dog friendly with no hassle.

Review 102:the staff were very friendly and a good relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere in the bar :-) good breakfast in the morning.

Review 103:Back room looks at a conteiner wall in 2 meters!

Review 104:Nice bar and food

Review 105:The friendliness of the staff during our stay was an example of how it should be done, the location was perfect and the food was excellent.

Review 106:Super friendly and helpful staff and the most DELICIOUS Scottish breakfast

Review 107:The staff were truly outstanding - I honestly don't think I've been anywhere that I was made to feel more at home.

Review 108:The bar staff and the breakfast staff were excellent and should be congratulated on their professionism

Review 109:Steep stairs rather took me unaware, but no problem.

Review 110:The position was convenient for the ferry and overlooked the harbour. Bar food excellent.

Review 111:Frendliness of staff.

Review 112:Access to the Upper Deck Restaurant. Dinner at night was excellent.

Review 113:Small, but clean, comfortable bedroom. Good bar food and huge cooked breakfast.

Review 114:Location was very good for the ferry to Orkney Breakfast was good - nice haddock

Review 115:Nil

Review 116:Convenience

Review 117:Great location within walking distance of the Ferry. Dinner was delicious!

Review 118:over cooked kipper for breakfast.

Review 119:Sarah and the plate of scallops

Review 120:nothing

Review 121:Everything