A large kitchen area, a fridge full of food, a cupboard with food left behind, wet tea towels, flags from countries around the world on the wall, video cassettes for rainy days, squeaky handles on the doors, creaky floor in the room, lumpy mattress on the bed, a heater that cranks up in the evening, an exhaust fan not working in the bathroom, a small shower recess, plenty of instant hot water…. Yes, this is definitely a hostel!

There is no internal staircase. Access to floors 2 & 3 is by external stairs which are open to the weather. Take care using them, especially when I rains.

The hostel is conveniently located in the centre of Thurso, close to the bus stops and not far from the railway station. It's a taxi or moderate hike to the Scrabster ferry terminal. There are places to eat close-by, from a fish and chip shop across the street to a Sri Lankan themed cafe/restaurant and some good, if expensive, hotel restaurants. The hostel does a generous free breakfast on a help yourself basis. Dorms are reasonably comfortable, with all bedding provided. There are no curfews or similar hassles. Staff are friendly and helpful when present.

The hostel staff have other calls on their time and aren't usually in evidence, though there are contact phone numbers on the front door. Some might be concerned that the dorms can only be accessed up two steep-ish flights of iron stairs up the outside of the building.

Excellent location in the centre of Thurso, a shame about the lack of available parking, however reservable spaces are available in a car park near by. We travelled by motorbike and the owners were very accommodating for our needs. The rooms were small but clean and provided everything we needed for a very comfortable stay. Indian restaurants, chip shops, pubs and convenience stores all within a very short distance made our stay even easier. I look forward to staying again on our future adventures around the stunning scenery that surrounds Thurso.

Excellent location. The kitchen is very well equipped with everything you need to cook and they had cereal and bread, milk and soy milk free for anyone to use. Absolutely a classic hostel experience in the best way. Bathroom was ensuite in the dorm I stayed in. The owner grouped the female travellers together in one form and that was very thoughtful. I forgot my keys in the room and the owner came to bring me another set. I implore other travellers to keep in mind it is a classic hostel and not a hotel.

Nothing

The location was incredible. Food, groceries, beach and most sightseeing parts reachable within 5‘. I was here for 5 days and stayed four nights. I took the northern ferry to the Orkney Islands and the walk to scrabster took me around 35-45‘. The owner was very friendly and helpful. I got the four-bedroom-room all for myself and also got recommendations for cultural events. The bedroom had a charming view on the town, an ensuite bathroom and was very comfortable. I absolutely loved the breakfast options and made myself some cheesetoasts, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, jogurt and coffee every morning. The food provided was fresh and the kitchen clean at all times. Overall I would highly recommend it! As a female solo-traveler I felt very comfortable and had an amazing time. My train got cancelled last minute so I decided to stay for another night since I had such a good experience.

A decent basic hostel for a cheap price. Owner was friendly, and we enjoyed the company of the other guests, who were of different ages and nationalities: a proper travel hostel experience. We were getting a very early train the next day so didn't have any of the breakfast, but did enjoy the free tea and biscuits.

The beds are a bit lumpy, and the place is a bit tired looking. The room looking out to the front open out onto a fairly busy street - there was some noise in the middle of night with music being played from a car that parked up for about 20 minutes. Not the hostels fault of course but be aware - a room at the back might well be a better bet.

Based on the reviews, we were a little skeptical, but the accommodation met our expectations. The room was comfortable and clean, with everything we needed for one night. The kitchen was very well equipped, with all appliances and dishes. Despite the fact that the equipment of the hostel is a little older, the hostel has a very pleasant atmosphere that is difficult to describe. The breakfast was in the style of "take from the fridge and eat" and that suited us, as we needed to leave very early. The manager who welcomed us after the phone call was very kind and accommodating. I recommend.

Parking is a bit more difficult since it is in the city center. You can stand on the road in front of the hostel for a maximum of one hour (between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.). However, between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., there is no problem with parking.

This place is simply the best. Everything you could ask for in a budget hostel and more. Very relaxed set up and family run by laid back helpful people. I got stranded in Thurso due to car breakdown and James the proprietor found me a bed for an extra 3 nights with no hassle. All areas clean -done daily I can testify, kitchen well equipped and restocked daily, bedding changed daily and comfortable and hot showers. I took a twin room one night they’re very good and worth the small extra if you can afford it. Well placed in centre of town close to railway station, beach etc. Cant praise it enough, very grateful and I’ll be back as Arnie said. Thanks for the stay. Mikhail

Nothing. It was perfect and all you could wish for in its price range.

Had to be in Thurso at that time and I was having difficulty finding accommodation-Sandra's Backpackers was my last hope. I had a double ensuite room and was more than satisfied. My room was in same part of building as kitchen. Self serve breakfast. Great selection of cereals. Bread , milk and jam etc in fridge. Tea and coffee inc. coffee pods. Eggs were also in fridge. Large kitchen with several large tables. Kitchen available all day except between 11pm and 7am. Kettles , cookers , microwaves and toasters available. Good chat to be had in kitchen. James, staff, at end of phone if needed. Suggested that he update photo on booking site to match its new frontage. Less than 10 mins to train station and buses nearby.

Would have been useful to be able to find a clean dishtowel rather than have to leave dishes on draining board.

The house has a lot of personality! I liked the little 'odd' things around the rooms. They made me feel right at home. The kitchen had a great deal of equipment that you could use! The owner is extremely friendly and helpful. And I think my personal favorite was the bedding - I don't think I've ever liked blankets and pillows as much as I did here. I felt really welcomed and hope I can come back soon!