Dark island Hotel - Isle of Benbecula

Welcome to Dark Island Hotel

For discerning travelers seeking a tranquil and authentic Scottish experience, the Dark Island Hotel presents a compelling destination. Nestled on the picturesque Isle of Benbecula, this establishment offers a unique blend of comfortable accommodation, traditional pub hospitality, and stunning coastal scenery. It’s an ideal choice for those desiring a relaxing getaway, a base for exploring the Outer Hebrides, or simply a peaceful retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Location and Accessibility

The hotel’s address is Address: Linaclate, Isle of Benbecula HS7 5PJ, United Kingdom. Situated on the western shore of the island, Dark Island Hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape. Benbecula itself is part of the Outer Hebrides, a chain of islands renowned for their unspoiled beauty and rich Gaelic culture. Getting to the hotel involves a journey that adds to its charm; typically, guests arrive via a short flight to Benbecula Airport (BRY) followed by a scenic drive. Alternatively, a ferry connection from mainland Scotland (Ullapool or Mallaig) is also available, offering an equally rewarding travel experience. The hotel is conveniently located within easy reach of local amenities and attractions, including beaches, walking trails, and the island’s historical sites. The drive from the airport or ferry terminal is approximately 20-30 minutes, allowing guests to quickly settle into their surroundings and appreciate the area’s natural beauty.

Hotel Features and Amenities

The Dark Island Hotel prides itself on providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It operates as a combination of a hotel, bed & breakfast, and pub, ensuring a diverse range of options for its guests. Here's a breakdown of the key features:

• Accommodation: The hotel offers a selection of comfortable and well-appointed rooms, catering to various preferences. Rooms are designed with a focus on comfort and relaxation, featuring en-suite bathrooms, plush bedding, and scenic views.
• Pub & Restaurant: The hotel's pub is a central hub, serving delicious locally sourced food and a wide selection of beverages. The menu features traditional Scottish dishes alongside more contemporary options, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Outdoor Spaces: Guests can enjoy the hotel’s outdoor spaces, including a patio area with stunning sea views – perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or an evening drink.
• Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
• Family-Friendly: The hotel is welcoming to families, with options available to cater to children’s needs.

Contact Information

For more information and reservations, please contact the hotel directly:

• Phone: 1870603030
• Website: isleshotelgroup.co.uk

Guest Feedback and Reviews

The Dark Island Hotel has garnered positive feedback from its guests. Currently, the hotel boasts 437 reviews on Google My Business, with an average opinion of 4/5. These reviews consistently highlight the hotel’s friendly staff, beautiful location, and delicious food. Guests frequently praise the tranquility of the setting and the opportunity to experience authentic Scottish hospitality. Specific comments often mention the stunning sunset views and the warm atmosphere of the pub. A detailed analysis of the reviews reveals that visitors appreciate the hotel’s commitment to providing a memorable and enjoyable stay.

Additional Information & Recommendations

Planning your trip to Dark Island Hotel requires considering the island’s unique environment and attractions. Benbecula is renowned for its diverse wildlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The island is also home to ancient standing stones and other historical sites, offering a glimpse into its rich past. Here are a few recommended activities:

• Wildlife Watching: Benbecula is a haven for seabirds, including puffins, gannets, and guillemots.
• Hiking & Walking: Numerous trails crisscross the island, offering stunning views of the coastline and countryside.
• Beachcombing: The island’s beaches provide excellent opportunities for beachcombing and exploring the shoreline.
• Visiting the RSPB Grasshendy Isle Reserve: This reserve is a must-visit for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
• Exploring the local villages: Discover the island’s charming villages and experience the local culture.

Important Note: Due to the remote location, mobile phone signal can be limited in certain areas. It's advisable to download maps and directions beforehand. Also, packing layers of clothing is recommended, as the weather on the Outer Hebrides can be unpredictable.

In conclusion, the Dark Island Hotel presents a remarkable opportunity to experience the beauty and hospitality of the Scottish Islands. With its excellent location, comfortable accommodation, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a destination that promises a truly unforgettable getaway.

👍 Reviews of Dark island Hotel

pajoph57

We stayed at this hotel because it was the only one on the island that can accommodate a coach party, which we were part of due to use touring the Outer Hebrides.||The hotel bar is great and serves a wide range of beers and whisky. The restaurant area is in need of a make-over but was more that sufficient for our needs. The rooms were extremely tired but the beds were fairly comfy and had everything we needed for our two night stay.||The breakfast consisted of a buffet of bacon, sausage, eggs, beans, black pudding, yoghurts, fruit and more. There was also toast, tea, coffee, fruit juice and water available. The evening meal was chosen from a set plan for the coach party and covered both vegetarians and carnivores without being fancy.||The staff were all excellent and the location is good to use as a base to get around. Plenty of parking and easy to access for wheelchair users.

Janet L.

4/5

Stayed in the nearby campsite and popped in twice. The first evening we just had drinks in the back bar and the staff and locals were friendly and chatty. The second night we had a meal in the restaurant and it was very good, particularly the starters of scallops & black pudding and also the squash & spinach chowder (there is a decent vegan menu with a few options for each course). Mains good too, nice atmosphere and friendly staff: would recommend.

wendy6667

After a 'testing' ride from the South we were delighted to find this hotel and be warmly welcomed and offered drinks, menu and a lovely table. We had a small plate that was recommended by server and then the surf and turf special, pricey but enjoyed every bite! Would very much recommend,.one of the best meals ever, lovely ambience and staff. Well done!

Ellis

5/5

Welcoming and friendly staff and great food! I went to the restaurant while the music festival was on in August. I had the best battered fish I have ever tasted. Extremely crispy and tasty batter. Lovely atmosphere and service.

roddymacphee

Just returned from a most enjoyable 8 night stay in the Dark Island. The food was great and the service from all members of staff was excellent. Very comfortable accommodation and we certainly look forward to returning again next year!

Christine H.

2/5

Some staff are amazing but some need training big time on how to respect disabled customers. my friend was nearly in tears as one guy just refused to help and walked away - left us at door . Considering hotel is owned by a building company why is there a step from ramp - totally unacceptable . All he had to do was tell us that the back entrance to public bar was flat . The female staff were wonderful .

495siobhanm

Untrained staff, tired and cheaply furnished rooms, stale poor quality breakfast and substandard cleaning all adds up to a miserable experience. |No one appears to have had any hotel training, or indeed worked in hospitality elsewhere, from management down. |The website photos and the reality don’t match. |Everything is too much bother for the bar and reception staff. |I’ve stayed a few times but vowed last time to avoid forever. |Good points are that the lunch and evening meals are good, and there’s a decent hairdryer in the rooms.

X6943DQlindah

Really enjoyed our time here as part of a coach tour. The breakfast and evening meal delicious. Staff lovely, service quick. Rooms had everything you would need even though the rooms are not large.