Royal Hotel
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$127
Fully refundable before Sat, Mar 30
Breakfast included
No prepayment needed
Get rewarded with One Key
Only 5 left at
$127
Fully refundable before Sat, Mar 30
Breakfast included
No prepayment needed
Only 5 left at
$127
About
4.0
#3 of 6 hotels in TainLocation
4.5
Cleanliness
4.3
Service
4.1
Value
4.3
Hotel & Restaurant
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Restaurant
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Newspaper
24-hour front desk
Wifi
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Non-smoking hotel
Shared lounge / TV area
Laundry service
Ironing service
Shoeshine
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Room features
Housekeeping
VIP room facilities
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Hindi, Polish
Location
High Street, IV19 1AB Scotland
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Grade: 69 out of 100
69
Inverness Airport
18.6 mi•
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within 0.3 miles
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Detailed Reviews
A very pleasant stay at the Royal Tain where we were very well looked after in this family-run hotel. When we arrived, upon hearing that we were celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary, we were offered an upgrade to a superior bedroom with a 4-poster bed which was roomy and comfortable although not with the best outlook, with a building immediately opposite the window! However this is due to the location of the hotel being on a street corner in the centre of Tain. The Royal Tain hotel retains its historical features and also has been tastefully and comfortably re-furbished.
When we attended the dining room for dinner, we asked to move to a table away from a door that was causing a draft each time it was opened, the Manager went out of his way to accommodate us and even provided a small fan heater to ensure that I was warm enough!
The dinner menu, although a little limited in choice and not the most exciting of options, nevertheless served generous portions and was well cooked. However, The Royal Tain beats every other hotel we stayed in on our Scottish Highlands tour, with its Breakfast Buffet which was truly exceptional with a very large choice of foods available, as well as cooked options. The family managing the hotel are lovely in their manner and standard of customer service and we would be happy to stay there again.
When we attended the dining room for dinner, we asked to move to a table away from a door that was causing a draft each time it was opened, the Manager went out of his way to accommodate us and even provided a small fan heater to ensure that I was warm enough!
The dinner menu, although a little limited in choice and not the most exciting of options, nevertheless served generous portions and was well cooked. However, The Royal Tain beats every other hotel we stayed in on our Scottish Highlands tour, with its Breakfast Buffet which was truly exceptional with a very large choice of foods available, as well as cooked options. The family managing the hotel are lovely in their manner and standard of customer service and we would be happy to stay there again.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WanderingAroundTheWorld wrote a review Jul 2021
St Helens, United Kingdom5,205 contributions1,289 helpful vote+1
We stayed here during our NC500 road trip it’s in an excellent location for local sites in Dornoch, falls of shin and close to Inverness (approx 40mins). The glen morangie distillery is also in tain.
The staff are excellent and very attentive and the bed was very comfy we was upgraded to a four poster bed for free a nice touch. In the morning we had a Scottish breakfast which was very nice and again the staff were great hosts.
There is also an Asda with a petrol station just down the road.
The staff are excellent and very attentive and the bed was very comfy we was upgraded to a four poster bed for free a nice touch. In the morning we had a Scottish breakfast which was very nice and again the staff were great hosts.
There is also an Asda with a petrol station just down the road.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were only staying for one night and we found the hotel to be pretty average. The beds were comfortable enough but the place is in need of some TLC. The shower is hopeless so we used the bath. What would probably put me off going back, at least for a time was that there weren't many measures in place regarding covid. Breakfast was pretty average and was buffet style. This is not actually allowed during this period of time and different measures should be put in place. . Milk jugs etc were on a bar counter for visitors to help themselves and everyone was using the communal toaster so this isn't ideal. Also the condition of the hotel did not justify the room rate so it wasn't great value. What I would say though is that the owner was so friendly and welcoming and did try hard to make our stay as comfortable as possible.
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Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
I arrived at the Royal Hotel to check in and was greeted on reception and given my key. I was told that the restaurant was closed and was presented with a takeaway menu for a local kebab and chicken shop instead should I wish to order dinner. The hotel lobby smelt a little odd and the first floor had a lingering odour of stale cigarette smoke.
I went up to my room which, on first glance, was a little dated but perfectly fine. The sheets on the bed looked clean. However, I did notice that the carpet had not been hoovered and that there was a layer of dust on the surfaces. I sat down on a chair which was ripped and the leg gave way under me (and I’m not overweight, I promise!). The towels appeared clean but had been put on top of an electric radiator which was covered in dust. I also thought it a little odd that the kettle was on the floor as the flex did not reach to the table top, so you had to boil the kettle on the floor.
The bathroom was dated but again, acceptable to the naked eye. When I went to wash my hands, there was a brown water mark around the taps which had not been cleaned. The bath plug had orange mould growing on it. I then went to put something in the bin and there were things in there from the previous guests.
As we are still in the midst of a global pandemic and cleanliness in hospitality is of even greater importance than in pre-COVID times, I thought I would ask if they had an alternative (clean) room that I could try (bear in mind that room had been priced at £100 for the night).
The gentleman on reception apologised, handed me two keys and said I could take my pick of these two rooms. I went to the first room and as I opened the door, I suddenly realised that there was someone in there! Clothes and belongings on the chairs and the bathroom light was on with the door closed. I took a swift exit, grateful that the encounter wasn’t nearly as awkward as it could have been! At this, I decided that I’d rather check out and find alternative accommodation for the evening. I went down and explained that there was someone in the first room that I had tried and that I did not feel totally comfortable staying in the hotel as I had not been reassured that it was clean and Covid-safe for guests. There were no visible measures taken by the hotel to mitigate the risk of infection spread; no hand sanitiser available and no members of staff wearing any PPE.
As I was explaining this, a man from the local takeaway shop entered the lobby and said “food delivery for room 37”... I looked down at the other key in my hand for the second room that I had not yet tried... Yes. It was the key to room 37. Which was also obviously occupied! I couldn’t help but laugh a little with the staff on reception. I checked out and found accommodation elsewhere in the town.
It is such a shame that this hotel, perfectly situated in the centre of town with an impressive exterior, is clearly in need of refurbishment, higher standards of cleanliness and more efficient management systems. I don’t really understand how it has had 4* reviews from previous guests. It is not fit for purpose.
Sadly, I spent a grand total of about 40 minutes in the Royal Hotel and I will not be returning.
I went up to my room which, on first glance, was a little dated but perfectly fine. The sheets on the bed looked clean. However, I did notice that the carpet had not been hoovered and that there was a layer of dust on the surfaces. I sat down on a chair which was ripped and the leg gave way under me (and I’m not overweight, I promise!). The towels appeared clean but had been put on top of an electric radiator which was covered in dust. I also thought it a little odd that the kettle was on the floor as the flex did not reach to the table top, so you had to boil the kettle on the floor.
The bathroom was dated but again, acceptable to the naked eye. When I went to wash my hands, there was a brown water mark around the taps which had not been cleaned. The bath plug had orange mould growing on it. I then went to put something in the bin and there were things in there from the previous guests.
As we are still in the midst of a global pandemic and cleanliness in hospitality is of even greater importance than in pre-COVID times, I thought I would ask if they had an alternative (clean) room that I could try (bear in mind that room had been priced at £100 for the night).
The gentleman on reception apologised, handed me two keys and said I could take my pick of these two rooms. I went to the first room and as I opened the door, I suddenly realised that there was someone in there! Clothes and belongings on the chairs and the bathroom light was on with the door closed. I took a swift exit, grateful that the encounter wasn’t nearly as awkward as it could have been! At this, I decided that I’d rather check out and find alternative accommodation for the evening. I went down and explained that there was someone in the first room that I had tried and that I did not feel totally comfortable staying in the hotel as I had not been reassured that it was clean and Covid-safe for guests. There were no visible measures taken by the hotel to mitigate the risk of infection spread; no hand sanitiser available and no members of staff wearing any PPE.
As I was explaining this, a man from the local takeaway shop entered the lobby and said “food delivery for room 37”... I looked down at the other key in my hand for the second room that I had not yet tried... Yes. It was the key to room 37. Which was also obviously occupied! I couldn’t help but laugh a little with the staff on reception. I checked out and found accommodation elsewhere in the town.
It is such a shame that this hotel, perfectly situated in the centre of town with an impressive exterior, is clearly in need of refurbishment, higher standards of cleanliness and more efficient management systems. I don’t really understand how it has had 4* reviews from previous guests. It is not fit for purpose.
Sadly, I spent a grand total of about 40 minutes in the Royal Hotel and I will not be returning.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Traveled on business
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When we arrived the lady behind the desk was lounged on a chair with her feet up on another chair. She couldn't find our reservation so 'phoned somebody. A man came from upstairs and ignored me to ask my husband whether he had booked a twin or double room. I had booked this holiday in its entirety so replied that it was a double room. He looked at the system and ignored me again to say to my husband it was actually a twin. I showed him the communications I had had on the app where he had said he would accommodate us in a double room for the same price of a twin room. He gave us our key and gave us directions.
There was no mention of any COVID arrangements nor were there any signs at all of PPE, santizer or social distancing measures.
The room was dated and over full of furniture but OK. What alarmed me though was the use of two extension cables running around the room to run the TV, kettle and bedside lamps. Surely not that safe. The coasters on the bedside tables were "Best Dad" coasters and seemed most odd.
We asked if we could make a reservation for dinner but were told that they weren't serving dinner but could get the local kebab place to deliver if we wanted.
Breakfast the next morning was served by a man with no mask etc but the food was ok. That same man though was also manning the front desk!
When we went to check out he tried to charge us to which I replied I thought I had already paid. He said if it was through booking.com it wouldn't have been paid for. I checked the app and it quite clearly stated "Paid in Full"
We wouldn't return here.... it needs some serious attention on all counts before it is worth the money they are charging.
There was no mention of any COVID arrangements nor were there any signs at all of PPE, santizer or social distancing measures.
The room was dated and over full of furniture but OK. What alarmed me though was the use of two extension cables running around the room to run the TV, kettle and bedside lamps. Surely not that safe. The coasters on the bedside tables were "Best Dad" coasters and seemed most odd.
We asked if we could make a reservation for dinner but were told that they weren't serving dinner but could get the local kebab place to deliver if we wanted.
Breakfast the next morning was served by a man with no mask etc but the food was ok. That same man though was also manning the front desk!
When we went to check out he tried to charge us to which I replied I thought I had already paid. He said if it was through booking.com it wouldn't have been paid for. I checked the app and it quite clearly stated "Paid in Full"
We wouldn't return here.... it needs some serious attention on all counts before it is worth the money they are charging.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed her for 5 nights through work and the place is VERY tired and run down to the point it maybe to late to save this building!
My room was noisy and the mattress was hard as steel, it seriously has seen better days.
The building has sunk in several places making the floors very uneven, one night during my stay there was no heating in the dining area and no hot water to wash/shower due to running out of heating oil for the boiler !
The food was bland and mediocre at best, definitely cheap and inferior produce being used.
The only good thing about this place is that owner does however have a substantial selection of whisky on show behind the bar.
Would I return by choice? No
My room was noisy and the mattress was hard as steel, it seriously has seen better days.
The building has sunk in several places making the floors very uneven, one night during my stay there was no heating in the dining area and no hot water to wash/shower due to running out of heating oil for the boiler !
The food was bland and mediocre at best, definitely cheap and inferior produce being used.
The only good thing about this place is that owner does however have a substantial selection of whisky on show behind the bar.
Would I return by choice? No
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just returned from a weekend in Tain sadly for my Mother’s funeral and a 9 of us stayed at the hotel for a couple of nights.
We chose to stay at the hotel and have my mothers post funeral lunch there as my mother and her friends frequented the Royal Hotel for their coffee mornings for many years and they did a fantastic job of looking after 50 people in a very cold day with piping hot soup and sandwiches.
On the Friday evening a dozen of us had dinner and that was an excellent evening with good food and conversation.
All the staff we met were welcoming, friendly and wanted to ensure that our stay for such a sad event was as good as they could possibly make it ..... something we will always be appreciative of.
Amazing whiskey and gin collection and probably the single biggest Scottish Breakfast I have ever seen to kick start the stay.
We chose to stay at the hotel and have my mothers post funeral lunch there as my mother and her friends frequented the Royal Hotel for their coffee mornings for many years and they did a fantastic job of looking after 50 people in a very cold day with piping hot soup and sandwiches.
On the Friday evening a dozen of us had dinner and that was an excellent evening with good food and conversation.
All the staff we met were welcoming, friendly and wanted to ensure that our stay for such a sad event was as good as they could possibly make it ..... something we will always be appreciative of.
Amazing whiskey and gin collection and probably the single biggest Scottish Breakfast I have ever seen to kick start the stay.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Would definitely recommend this hotel, Fantastic service from the minute we walked in to when we left.
Room was a good size however I would say the showers were pretty weak. I had a twin room with TV and soem free shortbread (can't complain)
Dinner was lovely and breakfast was free including a Scottish breakfast
Room was a good size however I would say the showers were pretty weak. I had a twin room with TV and soem free shortbread (can't complain)
Dinner was lovely and breakfast was free including a Scottish breakfast
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Agree with Bettie42, as we had the same room. Good points - parking, clean, pleasant owner, wide variety of whisky in the bar, various appliances in room a bonus. Room clean enough, door lock faulty. Bathroom main light didn't work, sink light only, no window, broken vent. Bath very small. Water scalding hot - requires warning notice. Bed whilst not uncomfortable very wobbly if you tried to turn over! Only one window wedged open. Fire escape next to our room blocked with bed and other stuff - against regulations.
No meals being served at all except breakfast. Website claims & photos misleading, obviously not been updated since Covid. Arriving late in afternoon, this was annoying as the only option offered to us was from the owner's takeaway which was ordered through him & delivered to the hotel. There was only 1 other member of staff, a cleaner, seen. Given the current circumstances, understandable, however the hotel was fairly busy all weekend. All Covid standards very minimal. Only the owner wore a mask occasionally. Breakfast was buffet style of cereals, 2 types of juice & a fruit bowl. Standard of cooked breakfast was passable. No breakfast menu but any combination from full Scottish/English breakfast available. Sausage, black pudding & haggis were of poor quality.
Hotel requires updating, without losing character. The attitude of the owner, although pleasant enough, was lackadaisical. In general enjoyed our stay in Tain, however would not stay here again.
No meals being served at all except breakfast. Website claims & photos misleading, obviously not been updated since Covid. Arriving late in afternoon, this was annoying as the only option offered to us was from the owner's takeaway which was ordered through him & delivered to the hotel. There was only 1 other member of staff, a cleaner, seen. Given the current circumstances, understandable, however the hotel was fairly busy all weekend. All Covid standards very minimal. Only the owner wore a mask occasionally. Breakfast was buffet style of cereals, 2 types of juice & a fruit bowl. Standard of cooked breakfast was passable. No breakfast menu but any combination from full Scottish/English breakfast available. Sausage, black pudding & haggis were of poor quality.
Hotel requires updating, without losing character. The attitude of the owner, although pleasant enough, was lackadaisical. In general enjoyed our stay in Tain, however would not stay here again.
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Date of stay: July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a character hotel and as such the decor is outdated compared with modern bistro hotels but our room was spotlessly clean and very comfortable. We received a warm welcome from Ayaz who carried our luggage upstairs for us and offered an upgraded room but we preferred to stay in the twin room we had booked. Dinner was amazing, well cooked and delicious, we had the special of lamb chops and there were five on the plate. Breakfast was well cooked and delicious too. Ayaz couldn't have done more to ensure we had a good stay and we would definitely stay there again if we are in the area. Both my husband and myself thought it was the best night of our 9 day trip. and at a reasonable price too.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
"Try and tell them to send you photos of your room and bathroom first If not don’t book"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
$138 - $151 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandScottish HighlandsRoss and CromartyTain
NUMBER OF ROOMS
25
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Royal Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Tain Through Time (0.06 miles), Tain Museum (0.05 miles), and Glasstorm (0.07 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Royal Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Royal Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Royal Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Greens Restaurant Tain, Platform 1864, and St Duthus Hotel Restaurant.
Is Royal Hotel located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.1 miles away from the center of Tain.
Does Royal Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and a banquet room during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Royal Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Polish.
Are there any historical sites close to Royal Hotel?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Janet Horne Memorial Stone (4.7 miles) and Fearn Abbey (4.7 miles).