Royal Hotel

Hotels
8.3 (763 reviews)
Cromwell St , Stornoway , gb

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Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Delicious food
Friendly staff
Cons:
Limited parking
Some rooms small
Overpriced for some guests

Categories

Cleanliness
8.13
Overall clean but some concerns about room quality.
Service
8.6
Staff were welcoming and first class.
Location
8.94
Perfectly located in the centre of Stornoway with great views.
Room Quality
7.89
Some rooms reported as old-fashioned and small.
Amenities
8.32
Good amenities but need for a lift noted.
Value for Money
7.38
Some guests felt the hotel was overpriced.
Food and Beverage
8.73
Food highly praised as delicious.
Overall Experience
8.4
A lovely stay overall with minor downsides.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 00:38

Property Description

Historic Charm and Prime Location
Experience the allure of Stornoway's most historic hotel, the Royal, nestled in the heart of the town by the marina. Immerse yourself in the cosy character of the hotel and savor exquisite dining options at the Boatshed Restaurant or the trendy HS1 cafe bar.

Modern Amenities for Business Travelers
Stay connected with complimentary high-speed wireless internet access available throughout the hotel, perfect for business travelers needing a seamless work experience during their stay.

Warm Hospitality and Scenic Views
Beyond the picturesque views of Lews Castle, what truly sets us apart is our genuine Hebridean hospitality. Expect a warm welcome and impeccable service, reflecting the renowned tradition of hospitality in the region.

Book now to indulge in a memorable stay at the Royal Hotel, where comfort, convenience, and hospitality converge seamlessly.

Important information:

When booking for more than 8 rooms different policies will apply:

Full Group and individual Cancellation Policy:

Over 42 days prior to arrival - nil

28 to 41 days prior to arrival - 50% of agreed charge for group numbers booked

14 to 27 days prior to arrival - 75% of agreed charge for group numbers booked

Under 14 days prior to arrival - 100% of agreed charge for group numbers booked
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: SYY

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible).

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.3
Based on 763 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.13
Service: 8.6
Location: 8.94
Room Quality: 7.89
Amenities: 8.32
Value for Money: 7.38
Food and Beverage: 8.73
Overall Experience: 8.4
R
Ruth • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

Great location

Cons:

Building work and extremely slow service at breakfast for somewhat average breakfast. (Dinner was great though in bar restaurant)

2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • couple • gb
9
Very welcome
Pros:

All good

Cons:

Price included for breakfast

2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
A
Anna • solo_traveller • gb
9
Handy, well appointed hotel in centre of Stornoway. I had a nice room and bathroom.
Pros:

Dog friendly room. Arran toiletries. Good location. Lovely to have bath and shower with a single room.

Cons:

Shame one or other bar/restaurant not dog friendly.

2026-06-28 • via Nuitee
M
Mariska • solo_traveller • nl
9
Pros:

De sfeer, de vriendelijkheid en behulpzaamheid van het personeel. Daarnaast nog 2 gekoppelde restaurants voor de maaltijden. De diners waren uitstekend

Cons:

Nvt

2026-06-28 • via Nuitee
P
Patrick • extended_group • fr
8
Hôtel sympathique
Pros:

L’accueil, l’emplacement et la décoration

Cons:

La petitesse de la chambre mansardée

2026-06-25 • via Nuitee
P
Philip Tibbs • extended_group • gb
8
Good
Pros:

Comfortable room and delicious supper in boat shed

Cons:

More expensive than other accomodation in the Outer Hebrides but perfectly positioned to catch the 0700 ferry to Ullapool

2026-06-22 • via Nuitee
T
Tesch • couple • us
6
Great location - ask for WIFI code as no phone to call desk
Pros:

Right in front of a castle however there was a scaffold in our window. In fairness to the hotel they did call us a few days before we arrived to advise our view would be partially obstructed but by that point we wouldn’t have had an easy time finding other accommodations. Since we were only there a short time, we overlooked it. Close proximity to the town.

Cons:

No special accommodations for hotel guests at the restaurant or bar. When we attempted to just buy a bottle of wine, we stood at the bar for a bit while the staff was too busy to assist. The second night we went we had a better experience and the hostess was very kind and we could tell she was seating people, answering questions, working the bar AND waitressing so we then changed how we felt. They were just REALLY busy.

2026-06-22 • via Nuitee
S
Shona • solo_traveller • gb
9
Friendly and helpful staff.
Pros:

The staff were extremely friendly, especially Casey at Reception who gave me really good tips about visiting Callanish Stones. Young g8rl serving breakfast also very helpful.
Room good, very clean and bed exceptionally comfortable.

Cons:

There was nothing to dislike about Royal Hotel, Stornoway. Could have benefited from a lift up to second floor with my case.
I'm moderately disabled.

2026-06-20 • via Nuitee
C
Catherine • couple • gb
10
Excellent Location and Friendly Staff
Pros:

Excellent location near the pier and a very short drive from the ferry terminal. The staff were extremely friendly and professional, Lina particularly so.

Cons:

All good.

2026-06-18 • via Nuitee
R
Rudolf • family_with_children • ch
8
Ein gelungener Aufenthalt an einem schönen Ort
Pros:

Die Lage des Hotels ist sehr zentral. Direkt am Fluss. Das Frühstück und das Essen waren über unseren Erwartung. Alles sehr fein. l

2026-06-16 • via Nuitee
S
Stephen • couple • gb
6
Great food. Lovely staff
Pros:

Old decor and close to sea

Cons:

From day1 scaffolding was on the front and men were working on the roof outside our bedroom
Disappointed we were not told till be checked in

2026-06-15 • via Nuitee
S
Stefan • couple • ch
8
2026-06-15 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • couple • gb
9
2026-06-14 • via Nuitee
S
Stephen • solo_traveller • gb
9
Lovely staff. All good and very flexible with the menu
Pros:

So cared for

Cons:

Nothing

2026-06-09 • via Nuitee
R
Richard • solo_traveller • gb
7
Pros:

Great location for views and great for where we were going.

Cons:

Very loud heating and fan system in room, restaurant staff extremely slow.

2026-06-09 • via Nuitee
C
Caroline • couple • gb
10
From start to finish of my stay , the whole experience was lovely
Pros:

An absolute gorgeous place to stay, we had a castle view room, it was spacious, warm and comfortable and the bed was super comfortable , the shower room was a good size with the nice touch with premium toiletries supplied. The staff were excellent, nothing was too much trouble, and they took a genuine interest in your travels. We dined inThe Boat Shed restaurant in the hotel, again, this was a lovely dining experience, food is phenomenal and the staff are knowledgeable on their dishes and wines, they also make a really good cocktail. The breakfast is superb.

Cons:

N/A

2026-06-09 • via Nuitee
F
Fiona • family_with_children • gb
9
A really enjoyable stay
Pros:

The view of the castle from the room
2 nice restaurants - we arrived late and one stayed open a little later for us to order some food
Room was just right

2026-06-07 • via Nuitee
D
Debbie • solo_traveller • us
10
This is my second stay and I will stay again.
Pros:

Very friendly staff. I also like that there are 2 restaurants right there, very convenient.

2026-06-05 • via Nuitee
H
Henry Jayson • solo_traveller • es
5
It’s a dated hotel with worn out carpets and sinks beds which you pay more than top dollar for.
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Worn and showing its age.

2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
J
Jacqui • couple • au
8
Thoroughly enjoyable
Pros:

All was excellent - breakfast lovely, room spacious and wonderful view, restaurant food top notch.

Cons:

Everything was good.

2026-05-30 • via Nuitee