Stay at Mackays Hotel, an upscale 19th-century hotel in Wick offering free Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking, a cocktail bar, family restaurant, and event facilities near local attractions.
Recent guests highlight the hotel's excellent dining experience, welcoming staff, and convenient location, balanced by some dated room decor and occasional maintenance issues.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Mackays Hotel is an upscale establishment housed in a 19th-century building located on Union Street in Wick, United Kingdom. Set just a three-minute walk from Wick train station, the hotel offers convenient access to local attractions such as the Castle of Old Wick and John o'Groats. Claiming to be situated on the shortest street in the world, its position suits visitors looking to explore the area’s historic sites and natural scenery.
The hotel features bright rooms that reflect a traditional style, though some guests have noted that certain areas feel somewhat dated. Rooms are spacious and pet-friendly, which appeals to travelers with dogs, but some feedback mentions that carpets show signs of wear. Guest reviews highlight the friendly and attentive staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere despite the older décor in some quarters.
Facilities include a modern Scottish bistro and a cocktail bar, where the food receives particular praise—especially dishes like lamb and chicken as well as desserts such as sticky toffee pudding. The No.1 Bistro, located within the hotel, holds a strong reputation with diners citing high-quality produce and well-presented meals. The property also accommodates family-oriented travelers, offering free Wi-Fi, kid-friendly amenities, and accessible services, although it does not have a pool or fitness center.
With check-in from 15:00 and check-out at 11:00, the hotel suits guests attending conferences, weddings, or other functions, thanks to its conference center and function room facilities. The welcoming environment combined with its central location makes it a practical base for those touring the region, including visitors passing through on the NC500 route. Nearby points of interest include Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, Old Pulteney Distillery, and Ackergill Tower.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Great location food very good , dog friendly but the rooms have carpet it’s stained smells doggy , the appointment was spacious but old and dated I felt like I was back in my grans flat and she was about to walk in
Stopped in for Dinner and it was AMAZING! The food was delicious! My wife had the lamb (Millie) and I had the chicken (Chuck), both were phenomenal and just what we needed. For desert we had the white chocolate raspberry cheesecake…… pure heaven. The staff were delightful and kept us well entertained. I couldn’t recommend the No. 1 Bistro at Mackay’s Hotel enough! In fact we are going back tomorrow for breakfast before heading back out on the NC 500.
Had a lovely lunch at the hotel. Staff were very friendly. Didn't stay at the hotel only had meal in the restaurant. Will definitely be back again.
Really enjoyed my stay here. The staff were all friendly. The room was clean but the food available at the restaurant was a definite highlight. I would definitely recommend a stay here if you're in Wick.
Came here whilst doing the NC500 tour. We were recommended it by the owners of Wick River Campsite where we were staying. We had a 13 yr old spring spaniel with us. The owners were so accommodating and fitted us in for drinks and dinner in the bar area. It was fully booked and everyone couldn’t have been nicer. We both had the lamb which was delicious , high quality produce and well presented like a top London hotel. The sticky toffee pudding was the best we have ever had and I’m still thinking about it.
Stayed here on the first night of our NC500 trip. The staff were very friendly, dinner was delicious and the breakfast was decent. Our room was clean and comfortable although the window was banging throughout the night (it was in the middle of a storm though). We would stay here again.
Fantastic food, friendly staff & good value, well worth a visit, the No.1 Bistro is really smart & well furnished. Really enjoyed it here.
This is a obviously an Old Hotel but don't let that fool you, once inside you are given a lovely welcome and the entire Hotel is spotlessly clean. I have only given it 4 Stars because the room which I was allocated No15 unfortunately didn't have any hot water but when I reported it at reception I was given a new room immediately and told you can move at your leisure. (Am I being harsh? probably) The Staff are SO Helpful and nothing is too much trouble to them. I didn't use the restaurant as I had been recommended to visit a Local Fish & Chip Shop which was well worth it. The Bar area was lovely and clean and the Young Lady was really pleasant when serving. As for the room it was absolutely spotless and I had a lovely view of the river Wick flowing down beside the Hotel. Therefore to sum up my visit, I couldn't have felt more comfortable anywhere else and can definitely recommend this to anyone wishing to stay at a Hotel which is ideally situated for the Town Centre or to go touring the odd 20 miles to John-o-Groats or Thurso etc. If I am ever delivering a vehicle into this neck of the woods again, I shall definitely book a reservation here at Mackays.
Claimed to be on the shortest street in the world, this upscale hotel in a 19th-century building is 3 minutes' walk from Wick train station, 2 miles from the Castle of Old Wick and 16 miles from John o'Groats.
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in United Kingdom. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
1 reviews Wick KW1 4QT, UK
268 reviews Huddart St, Wick KW1 5BA, United Kingdom
230 reviews Ackergill, Wick KW1 4RG, United Kingdom
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