I stayed here this year. My family's from Benbecula, but I had to go earlier than them and have always rated the hotel, but my god.
I stayed three nights, paid £69 a night for the honour and it was awful. Room was shabby, shower was worse than useless. TV didn't work, and the food? £7 for a jacket potato in the bar, which I sent back. Service is also terrible and when I asked for a newspaper had to wait till 5 in the afternoon and was told (incorrectly) we have to wait till the flight gets in. Meaning no one could be bothered to go and get one of the 8am flight. I went to the DI's sister hotel in Creagorry, The Isle of Benbecula Hotel and it was no better. All in my three days (including my flight) cost me nearly £300 and was a terrible experience. Benbecula is a beautiful island, but I would recommend you steer clear of all the Dark Island's hotels and book into one of the many good B&Bs.

Sadly I can only agree with the other reviews of both poor service and accommodation.

We stayed in the Dark Island Hotel in July 2006 during an island-hopping holiday with two young children. The Dark Island was unquestionably the poorest hotel we stayed in during that time, and it was the most expensive. We were put in a smoking room, despite having requested a non-smoking one and although there appeared to be plenty of rooms we were told we had no choice but to take the room offered.

Meal Suggestion - we were anxious not to give the hotel any extra business and instead dined out at the excellent Stepping Stones restaurant on the island, where the home cooking was first class and we were made to feel very welcome. And you must try Maclean oatcakes too; I believe they are baked on the island.

My recommendation would be either to find alternative accomodation within Benbecula or to drive on to the Pollochar Inn, South Uist where you are assured of a warm welcome and decent food. Alternatively, you could press on further south and (ferries permitting) try to fit Tiree (Scarinish Hotel) into your itinerary.

Happy holidays, travellers - hope the sun shines!

This hotel is an ideal example of what's wrong with the standard of accommodation, service and food, in Scotland. It's overpriced, I paid £69 for a single room that was small and dark. The en suite was tiny and, when I had a shower in the morning, I was scalded by the water changing temperature very suddenly. There's also a plumbing problem in this hotel. In my room I could hear a tapping and gurgling noise every time anyone else in the hotel turned on a tap etc. This stopped at around 2330 and started again at 0600 so, at least, it didn't disturb me in the night but it was like something out of "Carry on Abroad"!
The staff were adequate but not very friendly which I think was because English wasn't their first language. Mind you is English anyone's first language on Benbecula!
When I registered I asked to book a table for dinner but was told that the dining room wasn't open and I would have to eat in the bar. The bar meals are adequate but expensive and don't, don't have the Dark Island Special Trifle. This was something left over from a children's party complete with hundreds and thousands! At £4.94 it was a blatent rip off and a disgrace!
I suppose the owners have a target market of passing trade i.e. tourists, who aren't going to return (who would want to) so you can treat them any way you want. This hotel is a blight on the Uists.

I have stayed here on business over the last number of months and have always enjoyed my stays. The last room I had was reasonably well appointed and had views across the sand dunes over to the mountains of South Uist. A very pleasant outlook indeed. The hotel itself is in places a little dated however this is in my opinion more than made up for by the attitude of the wonderful staff. The constantly manned reception is always helpful and informative and is always ready to help you in any situation. The bar staff are very welcoming and made me feel part of the family. Food is a delight, and i can't recommend the Sunday carvery highly enough. The Hotel has an interesting albeit short history which any of the staff will be happy to regail. In particular the story of the "Heroes of Liniclate" will inspire and may bring a tear to the eye. All in all Highly recommended