Holborn Hotel, Thurso ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

16 Princes Street, Thurso, United Kingdom

Near Thurso Beach

Great

8.3

/10

3.8

4.2

Loved by Holborn Hotel guests

Excellent pub
Comfortable bed
Attentive staff
Clean rooms

"Downstairs, there is an excellent restaurant doing well-made modern British with local ingredients and the breakfasts were the best."

Alex from United Kingdom

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"We were very pleased to be able to charge our electric bicycles whilst having an excellent lunch."

Mary from United Kingdom

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"This place had a heated outside area and app for ordering food and paying."

Lucy C from United Kingdom

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4-star accommodations in Thurso

Rooms

The Holborn Hotel offers 6 types of guest rooms, ranging from classic single rooms to family suites that can accommodate up to 4 people. Each room includes an en-suite bathroom along with convenient amenities such as flat-screen TVs and coffee-making facilities. Several rooms provide views of the historic Thurso town or the nearby River Thurso.

Dining

The on-site restaurant at Holborn Hotel specializes in traditional Scottish cuisine, with options made from locally sourced ingredients. The breakfast menu offers a variety of choices, ensuring a hearty start to each day. Guests can also enjoy a selection of beverages and light meals at the bar area.

Location

Located in the town center of Thurso, the hotel is within walking distance of various attractions including the Caithness Horizons Museum. The Thurso beach and scenic coastal walks are only a short drive away. Guests can explore the nearby Orkney Islands through ferry services available nearby.

Wellness

The Holborn Hotel offers guests access to a fitness suite equipped with modern exercise machines. There are also opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and golf in the surrounding areas. Guests can request information about nearby wellness options and activities available.

Entertainment

Holborn Hotel provides access to local events throughout the year, showcasing Thurso's culture and community spirit. The hotel can arrange local sightseeing tours for guests, helping them discover the rich history of the region. For entertainment, guests may also find live music nights featured in the hotel's bar.

Highlights

Location: Located in the town center of Thurso

Dining: Traditional Scottish cuisine

Rooms: 6 types of guest rooms

Wellness: Fitness suite equipped with modern exercise machines

“Holborn Hotel provides a solid base for exploring Thurso, especially for business trips. The rooms are reliably clean, and the air conditioning is a definite plus. I think it's a good, practical choice if you need a no-fuss stay.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.0/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningBest Food!

The Red Pepper restaurant and bar menus are imaginative. Cullen Skink is a must-have. I would return. Highly recommended!

Angus from United Kingdom

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Guest ParkingEasy Parking

Roadside parking is available right outside. This was really handy, especially when travelling with a baby.

Chloe from Australia

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Room FeaturesPerfect Airconditioning

My room was very clean and tidy. The air conditioning was perfect and the room was nice and cool.

Ricardo from Spain

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Media & EntertainmentReliable Wifi

The WiFi worked well. It was reliable enough for streaming movies after a day of sightseeing. No issues.

Hans from Netherlands

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Select your room type

Holborn Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Budget Single Room

2 persons

1 Single bed

Shower

room details

Single Room

1 person

1 Single bed

Shower

room details

Double Room

2 persons

1 Double bed

Shower

room details

Family Room

3 persons

1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed

Shower

room details

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Facilities

Holborn Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.2/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
No pets allowed
Luggage storage

Services

Laundry
Dry cleaning

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Beach access
Garden area

Room features

Heating
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Dining Onsite

Holborn Hotel offers an exquisite dining experience with a focus on locally sourced seafood and traditional Scottish flavors. Guests can indulge in seasonal dishes and refreshing beverages, all within a welcoming atmosphere ideal for relaxation and enjoyment.

Red Pepper Restaurant

Fresh seafood and Scottish cuisine

Ambiance

Inviting setting with a focus on local heritage and fresh ingredients

Key Offerings

Specializes in fresh seafood delivered daily from the local harbour, alongside fine Scottish dishes like mouth-watering steaks and a selection of hot and cold refreshments.

Reservation

Recommended

Evening dining; hours vary.

Holborn Hotel Location

16 Princes Street, Thurso, United Kingdom

Map view

16 Princes Street, Thurso, United Kingdom

City landmarks

Library

Thurso Library & Gallery

3100 ft

Store

Coo's Tail Gallery

3100 ft

Lighthouse

Holburn Head Lighthouse

1.6 mi

Landmark

Harold's Tower Mausoleum

1.3 mi

Landmark

Holborn Head

2.0 mi

Landmark

Original Wolfburn Distillery

5.3 mi

Nearby

Museum

Caithness Horizons Museumand Art Gallery

2000 ft

Wilson Lane

Old St Peter's Church

2000 ft

Thurso Bay

2000 ft

Restaurants

Thurso Best Kebab

400 ft

51 Princes Street

Jamieson's Bakery

1200 ft

9 Rotterdam Street

Explore Thurso

Activities Near Holborn Hotel

Thurso Library & Gallery

12 minutes' walk

A cultural hub featuring various exhibitions, books, and local art. A great spot for community events and free exhibits.

Coo's Tail Gallery

12 minutes' walk

Local art gallery showcasing works by regional artists. Regular displays and a welcoming atmosphere enhance the experience.

Holburn Head Lighthouse

5-minute drive

Historic lighthouse offering stunning coastal views. Ideal for photography and enjoying scenic walks along the coastline.

Thurso Bay

7 minutes' walk

Picturesque bay perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic, with beautiful views of the sea and nearby areas. Family-friendly space.

Hiking at Holburn Head

5-minute drive

Thrilling hiking trails with scenic vistas. Suitable for thrill-seekers seeking adventure along the rugged coastline.

Yoga at Thurso Bay

7 minutes' walk

Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions available seasonally. Perfect for rejuvenation amidst beautiful nature and sea views.

Thurso Best Kebab

2 minutes' walk

Cozy spot known for delicious kebabs and take-out. Casual dining perfect for a quick meal after exploring the area.

Jamieson's Bakery

5 minutes' walk

Charming bakery offering pastries and fresh bread. Famous for its cakes, ideal for sweet treats any time of day.

The British Legion

8 minutes' walk

Local pub featuring live music and events. A friendly atmosphere perfect for unwinding with friends or meeting locals.

Thurso Cinema

10 minutes' walk

Family-friendly cinema showing the latest films. A fun option for movie lovers of all ages, with regular screenings.

Getting around

City Centre

Thurso4 min · 1000 ft

Airports

Wick John O'Groats (WIC)53 min · 21.9 mi

Kirkwall (KOI)119 min · 49.2 mi

Train

Thurso Train Station8 min · 2000 ft

Thurso Railway Station8 min · 2000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-22:00

Check-out

from 07:00-10:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Holborn Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests frequently highlight the convenience of the Holborn Hotel's private parking. The hotel's bar area with TV is often mentioned, with some finding the bar food satisfying, although a few guests felt the restaurant food could be improved. Many appreciate the proximity to the center. Rooms are described as clean and comfortable.

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Review score

Based on 337 verified reviews

8.0/10

Great

87%

Recommend

Staff

9.2/10

Location

9.0/10

Breakfast

7.0/10

Facilities

8.2/10

Pros

Warm single room

Brilliant breakfast

Early check-in

Luggage storage

Cons

Tiny bed

Small sink

geoff from united kingdom

Single

single room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 08, 2026

8.5/10

simple lodging done right

clean roomdecent bedgood food

The room was quite clean. the bed was also decent. i appreciated the good food available in the bar. I especially enjoyed the guinness i had.

the room was slightly small.

Location

9/10

The hotel sits on the main street. I found the location very convenient. i found the placement good for accessing the area. i could easily reach local amenities.

Service

8/10

the receptionist greeted me well, a very helpful person. they gave all necessary information quickly, and i could settle down easily. i felt welcomed and informed.

Facilities

9/10

the bar offered a really nice experience, with good food available. a private parking space existed too! i felt safe at this hotel.

Rooms

8/10

the single room included adequate space and a comfortable bed. the room was also warm. i also found the room to be very quiet.

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Parker from United States

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 20, 2026

7/10

decent stay overall

friendly staffperfect foodcomfy bedsmall roombasic showerno shelf

the staff was really friendly. the food was also perfect. the room was very clean and the bed was super comfy!

the room was rather small. the shower room was very basic too. there was no shelf in the shower for my items, which i found inconvenient.

0 Helpful

Denise from United Kingdom

Single

Single Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: January 11, 2026

8.7/10

convenient and clean central accommodation

friendly staffsuper clean roomcentral location

the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful with any questions i had. my room was super clean and the bed felt very comfortable which i appreciated after traveling. the location is central making it easy to explore the local town and nearby beach on foot.

the free parking spaces were often full upon my return in the evenings.

Location

9/10

the hotel enjoys a central position allowing easy access to local amenities. furthermore the train station is conveniently close facilitating onward travel. the beach is also within a comfortable walking distance.

Facilities

8/10

the hotel boasts a restaurant and bar offering meals and drinks. reception staff were present and readily available to answer questions. i saw the hotel offered free parking although spaces filled up quickly.

Rooms

9/10

my single room was clean and well maintained providing a comfortable stay. the bed was comfortable. the room included essential amenities needed for a short stay.

0 Helpful

Ethan from United Kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: September 25, 2025

7/10

private parkingnice staffaccommodating preferencegood breakfastdeep fried mushbland food

the breakfast was good, it accommodated my preferences. a private parking space was available for my car. the staff were very nice, they were helpful. the shower in the room was also good.

the bar were nice, but the food was just deep fried mush. the restaurant looked nice but again food was bland. i think they need spend more time in kitchen and be more creative. they need to stop buying frozen food too.

0 Helpful