Holiday Homes in Helmsdale

"Ok, so the hotel room was a little faded, not to say shabby, although not offensively so. But this was more than made up for by everything else this characterful hotel offers. It’s like a cozy home-from-home in the northern highlands. The fact that the Altnaharra Hotel is genuinely in the middle of nowhere makes the comfortable lounge and roaring open fire seem even more welcoming. Management and staff were extremely friendly and attentive too. Most surprising of all though, was the food served at dinner. On arrival, the host explained that the hotel had only just reopened for the season (early March) and was not providing a full dinner full menu, but they could rustle up fish and chips, or a pie perhaps. So expectations were not high. However, the food actually served to me in the attractive dining room was a revelation. My haggis fritter starter and sticky toffee pudding dessert were both well above average, but the seared chicken and haggis main was a tour de force, similar to what you might expect from a top-end Edinburgh restaurant. The truth is, the hotel manager is actually a highly accomplished chef, but just doesn’t like to boast about it. So overall, if you’re looking for a cosy highland retreat, brimming with charm and character, and you value great food and friendly personal service, then I would recommend the Altnaharra Hotel unreservedly."

"A flawless experience from start to finish, both with Catherine and the team, and with the house itself which I cannot fault in any way. Comfortable, clean, spacious and as picturesque as you could ask for!"

"Room was lovely clean and warm although traffic woke us at about half 4 /5 o clock but it didn’t ruin our stay perhaps earplugs in the room would be good Food was excellent would highly recommend "

"Recently had a 3 night stay here. Our room and the hotel itself was beautiful. However the prices of food and drinks were quite high. We were at an event here and there was only one member of staff on the bar, he was often leaving the bar to get glasses, having to go for drinks from other bar etc often leaving customers waiting about 20 minutes at a time! there should have been at least two people serving such and event! Snow and ice were covered all over the grounds making it very dangerous for guests. Some guests of the event actually had to clear a path themselves to try ensure a safer walkway, especially as there were guests with disabilities. Such a shame for these things to let the hotel down. Staff were very pleasant and friendly though, so credit to them for that. "

"The room was fantastic with a view to match and all the staff were amazing. We will be back soon in the summer if possible 🙂"

"Clean room. Very friendly staff. Good local bar. "

"Fisherman's Rest was exactly what we were hoping for. We needed somewhere to stay in Helmsdale while we waited to get the keys to our new property, and needed it to have internet speed fast enough that my husband (a programmer) could work. This comfortable cottage had everything we needed! The kitchen was well-equipped, and meant we didn't have to eat out 3 meals a day. (Which gets old, really quickly for me.) The bed was comfortable, as is the furniture in the living room. "

"The hotel was generally clean and staff friendly however it lacked some of the facilities you would expect at its price point. For example, there was no in room Tea and Coffee making facilities; rather there was a station located in a common landing up 20 stairs from our room. Meaning you had to dress before an early morning cuppa and you were reluctant to have a late night drink for fear of disturbing other guest. Additionally, we were only give a second remote needed to switch on the the TV after having to call reception twice. Breakfast was very good with nice produce freshly made. Unfortunately the same could not be said for the evening meal. The deconstructed Cullen Skink simply didn't work and my wife's main fish dish was cold and had to be sent back. My food was not taken back meaning that we effectively did not eat together. We had booked dinner on the second night of our stay but cancelled because of our first night experience."

"Excellent stay in a lovely location and great garden"