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MacKay's Rooms and Restaurant: Traveler Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 based on 30 reviews 30 Reviews
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2.0 of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 2 hotels in Durness
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  • Rooms: 7
Property Type: Hotel
  • Lodging offering guest rooms, a 24-hour front desk and a variety of services and amenities.
Address:
Durness IV27 4PN
Scotland

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of MacKay's Rooms and Restaurant

( 8-12 of 30 )
“Highlands Oasis”

MacKay's Rooms and Restaurant

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4 of 5 stars
Salem, Massachusetts
May 22, 2008

In perhaps the most remote area of Scotland, Mackay's is an oasis. The exterior is deceiving, with the restaurant extension on the front of the much older building; but once inside the lobby and comfortable lounge areas, it's clear that this is a warm and inviting accommodation. Fiona is quite welcoming, although apparently very busy keeping track of a full house early in the "season". Whenever we had a question or request, we were helped promptly and cordially.
We had a very comfortable, albeit not a huge, room with the only "real" king-sized bed we encountered in Scotland. I-Pod (it didn't matter that we couldn't figure it out-duh) and flat-screen TV (not many channels) were nice touches with a very up-to-date, pleasant bath. We thought, perhaps, there might be some noise from the kitchen below us or other rooms; but it was very quiet all through the night.
We felt the restaurant was nice enough, and certainly the best choice anywhere in the area; but, being pretty compact and full during most seatings, it was a little bit loud with a slate floor and slate "placemats" and our helpful (single) server did, at times, seem slightly overwhelmed. The full Scottish breakfast included fabulous venison sausage and, otherwise, pleasant standard fare. Supper menu choices were somewhat limited and dishes ranged from acceptable to very good; though main portions were smallish, they were augmented by very fresh and generous veg offerings. Decent wines, a good selection of single malts; but only a few beer/ale choices- prices were reasonable, considering how far Durness is off the beaten track.
Mackay's provided us with a very comfortable three-night stay and the GBP100/night (B & B for two) tariff was as good a value an any we found during our holiday...it would certainly be our first choice for a return visit to this beautiful and wild part of Scotland.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Friendly, comfortable, beautiful area.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
man4pam's Summary
Date of Stay: May 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Quality time with family
Age group: 50-64
Member since: June 02, 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
    • 4 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
most likely
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
People with disabilities, Great pool scene
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Outdoor / Adventure
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“Best Small Hotel Ever!”

MacKay's Rooms and Restaurant

Apr 1, 2008

One of the best hotel stays anywhere - and we've travelled a bit.

A friendly and helpful greeting at reception. The owners have obviously put a lot of thought into the decor and we were most impressed with the room. We both thought that it was the best room we'd ever stayed in for that price - large as well as well kitted out - and better than many we've had in much more expensive hotels.

The local scenery was stunning but it was comforting to have a warm room to retreat to when the weather turned colder.

The food was of a high quality. The breakfasts were outstanding and though the dinners cost a little more than we'd usually pay it's very difficult to lay on such high quality food for a small number of guests in such a remote location.

The staff and owners were very helpful and considerate especially when my husband was ill.

We're looking forward to making several return visits.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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“Overpriced!”

MacKay's Rooms and Restaurant

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2 of 5 stars
Warwickshire
Mar 28, 2008

Ok but we thought it was overpriced. The room was very cold. The food was very expensive and not very good. Having said that the owner was very pleasant and helpful.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — The ipod and dvd's in the room
    • Disliked — The price and the food
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
wise1021's Summary
Date of Stay: March 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Quality time with family
Age group: 25-34
Member since: March 28, 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
probably not
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Other
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“Brilliant”

MacKay's Rooms and Restaurant

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5 of 5 stars
Birmingham UK
Feb 27, 2008

One of the most comfortable rooms I have ever stayed in ... and very welcome after a long day driving on beautiful but demanding roads.

Good value considering remoteness.

Food in restaurant excellent ... as was availability of drinks afterwards. Very personal and welcoming service.

Will greatly look forward to returning some day.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lozc66's Summary
Date of Stay: September 2006
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Quality time with family
Age group: 25-34
Member since: January 13, 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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“A joy.”

MacKay's Rooms and Restaurant

Oct 27, 2007

We arrived in the rain and left in the rain, it rained for most of the time we were here (3 days), but it somehow didn't matter, the lounge with the log fire was always there to welcome us back.

All the staff were friendly and courteous and the food was excellent. The bedroom was very comfortable, and as all reviewers have pointed out the DVD player and i-Pod were a bonus.

Despite the weather the area is beauitiful, and the trip to Cape Wrath in the rain and wind was a never to be forgotten experience.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Food. comfortable bed, relaxing atmosphere
    • Disliked — Lack of hanging space in wardrobe
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Suffolk_Puds's Summary
Date of Stay: September 2007
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Other
Age group: 50-64
Member since: February 28, 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 3 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Outdoor / Adventure, Golf
Was this review helpful? Yes No

Reviews of MacKay's Rooms and Restaurant

( 8-12 of 30 )
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MacKay's Rooms and Restaurant Address

Durness IV27 4PN, Scotland