Mackays Hotel Wick (Highlands) | Award-Winning Bistro

Name: Mackays Hotel, Wick (Highlands)
Address: Union Street, Wick (Highlands), Highlands
Price range: US$201+
Rating: 8.2

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Key details

About the Hotel

Union Street, Wick (Highlands)

Close to the Wick Heritage Museum

Great

8.2

9.0

/10

4.2

4.3

Loved by Mackays Hotel guests

Warm hospitality

Swift check-in

Delicious food

Spacious rooms

"It is in fact, sitting on number 1 Ebeneezer St. which happens to be the shortest street in the world, so for that reason it is definitely worth a visit."

Merey C from United Kingdom

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"The meal was a gourmet treat ,each course mouth watering."

jamjar2017 from United Kingdom

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"Dog friendly right in the middle of Wick."

Hjh444 from United Kingdom

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3-star family-friendly hotel along the North Coast 500 route

Location

Mackays Hotel is located in the center of Wick, a key stop on the North Coast 500 route. The hotel is just a short distance from scenic beaches and the picturesque Wick Harbour. Guests can easily explore local attractions such as Castle Sinclair Girnigoe and the Old Pulteney Distillery.

Accommodation

The hotel offers 30 en-suite rooms designed for comfort and accessibility. Family rooms are available, accommodating a variety of configurations, including beds for children. Dog-friendly options allow guests to enjoy their stay with their pets for an additional charge.

Dining

An in-house restaurant, No1 Bistro, serves lunch and dinner featuring locally sourced Highland ingredients. The menu includes a wide range of dishes, from sandwiches to steaks, ensuring a taste of regional cuisine. Guests can also enjoy a well-stocked bar offering a variety of whiskies.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

Mackays Hotel welcomes four-legged guests with open arms, allowing dogs in rooms and common areas like the bar. A small fee applies for pet accommodations. The hotel even provides a guide for exploring the area with dogs.

Family-Friendly Features

Mackays Hotel caters to families with special room arrangements suitable for children. The No1 Bistro offers a child-friendly menu, including Sunday lunch options. Additionally, the hotel staff provides insider information for family-friendly activities in Wick.

Highlights

Location: Center of Wick, key stop along the North Coast 500 route

Accommodation: 30 en-suite rooms, family-friendly options

Dining: No1 Bistro restaurant with locally sourced menu

Pet-Friendly: Dog accommodations with a pet guide

“This hotel's genuine warmth, particularly toward pets, struck me, along with its focus on local heritage. I noticed the award-winning bistro emphasizes regional ingredients, a commitment I respect. It stands out as a place where personalized service and authentic Scottish hospitality converge.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Great

8.5/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningSuperb Food

The food was amazing. The Bistro offered fine dining, and the chef clearly knows his stuff. I had the best steak ever, cooked to perfection.

John Smith from United Kingdom

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Guest ParkingEasy Parking

Parking was easy. There was free street parking just outside the hotel. There was plenty of space and it felt very safe.

Emily Clark from Canada

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BedroomComfortable sleep

The bed was large and comfortable. The bed, bedding and headboard were all obviously new. The room was also quiet.

Hans Müller from Germany

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BathroomRenovated bathroom

The bathroom was spacious and clean, with a jetted tub. The power shower was good; this indicates the hotel's investment.

Maria Rodriguez from Spain

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Select your room type

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

Classic Double
2 persons
11 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
One-Bedroom Apartment
2 persons
56 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Family Room
2 persons
20 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Mackays Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Room service
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Washing machine
Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Mackays Hotel, dining options bring traditional Scottish flavors to life in a cozy setting. Guests can indulge in hearty meals complemented by an impressive selection of beverages, creating a truly authentic culinary experience in the heart of Scotland.

No 1 Bistro
Traditional Scottish cuisine
Ambiance
A warm and inviting bistro atmosphere, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
Key Offerings
Start with a chicken liver parfait, savor braised steak with creamy potatoes, and conclude with a delightful chocolate fondant paired with raspberry sorbet.
Reservation
Recommended for a comfortable dining experience.
Open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Sunday, 12:00 - 14:00 and 17:30 - 21:00.
Mackays' Bar
Pub-style dining
Ambiance
A relaxed and welcoming bar atmosphere, offering a genuine taste of local culture.
Key Offerings
A wide selection of beers, wines, and whiskies, perfect for casual gatherings or a cozy evening.
Reservation
Not needed; walk-ins welcome for a laid-back experience.
Serving drinks and snacks; specific meal times not provided.

Mackays Hotel Location

Union Street, Wick (Highlands)

Explore Wick (Highlands)

Explore Wick's Best

The Wick Heritage Museum

6 minutes' walk

Local history showcased in a quaint setting. Features artifacts and exhibits reflecting Wick's maritime heritage.

Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archive

20 minutes' walk

An archive preserving nuclear history and local heritage. Offers guided tours and free entry on specific days.

Old Wick Castle

25 minutes' walk

A medieval ruin perched on a cliff, offering stunning coastal views and an insight into local history.

Caithness Seacoast Ltd

9 minutes' walk

Fascinating boat tours along the striking coastline, featuring wildlife spotting and scenic landscapes.

Coastal Walking Trails

50 minutes' drive

Scenic trails along Noss Head offering breathtaking views and opportunities for photography and wildlife watching.

Fishing Charters

9 minutes' walk

Thrilling fishing experiences available through local charters. Equipment rental and guided services provided.

Northern Sole

6 minutes' walk

Seafood specialty restaurant with a casual vibe. Try the fresh fish and chips or seafood chowder.

The Corner Cafe

4 minutes' walk

Cozy atmosphere with a variety of local pastries and comfort food. Perfect for breakfast or a light lunch.

Wick Theatre

5 minutes' drive

Local theater offering a variety of performances from plays to live music. Family-friendly events throughout the year.

Scottish Bar

4 minutes' walk

Lively bar featuring local brews and live music. Perfect for a night out with friends or casual gatherings.

Getting around

City Centre
Wick (Highlands) 4 min · 1000 ft
Airports
Wick John O'Groats (WIC) 33 min · 1.7 mi
Kirkwall (KOI) 130 min · 53.7 mi
Train
Wick Train Station 3 min · 700 ft
Wick Railway Station 4 min · 1000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-21:00

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP 20.0 per person.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Mackays Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Mackays Hotel offers spacious and clean apartments, some just steps away, equipped with kitchens and comfortable living areas. Breakfast is a highlight, and the hotel's No 1 Bistro offers delicious food; guests particularly enjoy having dinner there. Its location near the town center makes it a great base for exploring attractions like the beaches near Tesco and John O'Groats; some guests have noted that the hotel has an older feel.

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Review score

Based on 373 verified reviews

8.3 /10

Great

83 %

Recommend

Staff

9.1/10

Breakfast

8.7/10

Paid Wi-Fi

5.8/10

Facilities

8.0/10

Pros

Warm welcome

Spacious apartment

Good breakfast

Cons

Uncomfortable bed

Slight draught

based on 614 reviews

4.5/5

Hudson from Canada

Single

One-Bedroom Apartment

1 night in November 2025

Reviewed: January 11, 2026

8/10

sash window quiet street

i stayed in the one-bedroom apartment. the living room had a fine double glazed sash bay window. it overlooked the quiet street below.

the food was good, BUT the carpet in my room was dirty.

0 Helpful

Jason from United States

Couple

Superior Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 24, 2025

6/10

mold showerhead musty odor

I wasn't entirely thrilled with my room. The showerhead looked like it had some black mold! that was pretty off-putting, and i didn't feel like calling down so late. also, the carpets seemed quite old. They gave off this musty odor that just didn't feel fresh. it.

0 Helpful

Aaron from United Kingdom

Family with children

Family Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 21, 2025

9/10

Central Location and Excellent Dining

tender steak excellent whiskies

The No. 1 Bistro offered a fantastic dining experience. I especially enjoyed the tender steak (sourced from the Mey estate!) and the fresh clams. Staff promptly addressed our needs with courtesy and efficiency. We also appreciated the owner's expert guidance through the selection of excellent whiskies at the bar (after dinner).

0 Helpful

Elijah from United States

Couple

Superior Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 01, 2025

9.0/10

WOW! A TRUE gem

cute staff great food attentive bar

The staff were super cute. I reminded me of royalty. the dinner AND breakfast were REALLY great. the bar staff IS attentive, made my evenings very enjoyable. I also loved the convenient location.

the decor in my room needs a small refresh, tbh. the curtains didn't quite match the overall aesthetic.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel has a restaurant AND a bar. both offer great spaces for dining and relaxation. the bistro number one looks nice, with friendly service. I appreciate that the hotel is dog-friendly AS WELL.

Location

8/10

the hotel is within walking distance of the north baths. it's also close to the newly-restored trinkie. the location is excellent if you want to explore nearby attractions ON foot.

Rooms

9/10

the rooms were clean and reasonably sized. my bathroom WAS big, which i loved! i thought there was sufficient space for all my belongings IN the room.

Service

10/10

the staff were smartly dressed and provided good service. it's refreshing to see such professional AND attentive service. one person named rifesh really stood out BECAUSE he was friendly and helpful.

0 Helpful

Ella from United Kingdom

Single

Classic Double

2 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 16, 2025

9/10

friendly staff camping equipment good shower

staff members were friendly. I stored my camping equipment in the function room rather than on my motorbike. The shower was good after a long ride..

0 Helpful

helen from united kingdom

Single

classic double

1 night in August 2025

Reviewed: October 23, 2025

7/10

helpful staff friendly staff good shower small room noisy river dirty overflow

the staff was very helpful and friendly. i stored my camping equipment in the function room (that was really kind of them!), instead of on my motorbike parked on the street. the shower was good after a wet ride.

the room was small and overlooked the river. it got pretty noisy at 5am when fishing boats came in. the wash basin overflow was very dirty. (i think they could improve on that detail).

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About Mackays Hotel

Is there a designated area for parking near the hotel?

10 February 2024

On-street parking is available on either side of the one-way street where the hotel is located, with no restrictions. It's generally a quiet area, making parking convenient for guests.

Are pets allowed in the hotel or nearby facilities?

15 March 2024

Dogs are welcome at the hotel, particularly in the reception area and bar lounge. Though pets are not permitted in hotel rooms, dog-friendly apartments are available for accommodation.

Is there accessible accommodation and what features are available?

22 January 2024

Although there are no ground floor rooms in the hotel, a lift services all three floors. Ground floor accommodations are available in the adjacent apartments.

Is there an option for charging electric vehicles on-site?

05 April 2024

Electric vehicle charging is available. Guests should notify the hotel ahead of their stay to reserve charging times, with a cost of 50p per kilowatt.

Can I request a travel cot for my stay?

12 May 2024

Travel cots can be requested for most rooms, making it convenient for families with infants.

Is there a secure place to store bicycles during my stay?

25 June 2024

The hotel offers secure storage for bicycles. Guests should inform the hotel at the time of booking for a smooth check-in experience.

Are the meals served in the hotel dining areas suitable for dietary restrictions?

10 July 2024

The restaurant is happy to accommodate various dietary requirements. Prior notice is appreciated to ensure the best options are available.

Is there a laundry service available, and how quickly can clothes be returned?

15 August 2024

A laundry service is available at an additional cost, but a same-day turnaround for the laundry is not guaranteed, typically taking overnight.

What type of dining options are offered on-site?

30 September 2024

The hotel features an in-house restaurant, No1 Bistro, serving fresh, locally sourced food for lunch and dinner, creating a delightful dining experience.

Can hotel facilities accommodate corporate or special events?

16 October 2024

Yes, the hotel has a function room available for hire, suitable for various events including corporate meetings and weddings, tailored to meet specific needs.