Royal Hotel, Stornoway

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2026

Cory

Very cute little room, friendly and helpful staff, and excellent food. We didn’t roam too far for food and even came back later in our trip to come back for a last meal. They accommodated our dietary restrictions with excellent alternatives. Fantastic stay!!

10/10

Exceptional

03 Apr 2026

Julie

We absolutely loved it here. The staff are wonderful, very helpful and friendly. The room was lovely overlooking the castle and harbour. The breakfast was all freshly cooked and delicious. We could not fault any of it would definitely recommend.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Tommy

Lovely room with a view over the Harbour to Lewes castle. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. Breakfast was amazing. Highly recommended

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Nov 2025

James

The room was spacious and clean, but needed soundproofing. The bathroom needed a tub. The view of the castle was very nice. The restaurant was bustling, the food was tasty. The staff were friendly.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

18 Nov 2025

Andrew

Tired. In need of refurbishment. Reception staff were first class ....went the extra mile.
Restaurant staff at breakfast were disinterested. Quality of buffet was ok but uninspiring.
No lift, so be careful if you have heavy luggage. Car parking tight and not obvious to find.
Remember you are on the Outer Isles😃😃😃😃

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

21 Oct 2025

Alan

Restless night noisy electric heater poky room restricted head room expensive for quality of room and breakfast extra at £29 after paying £175 for the poor quality room

Business

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2025

Nia

Lovely stay and the most welcoming and helpful staff - thank you!

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2025

Dorie

The hotel is well situated and near everything. The HS cafe was available even on Sunday. People were kind and the room was clean and quiet.

6/10

Pleasant

28 Sep 2025

Barbara

We

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2025

John

Quality of food

6/10

Pleasant

27 Aug 2025

Claire

Could be great..... but has some work to do.

A great location in central Stornoway right opposite the Harbour with lovely views of the castle. The downstairs area is bright and modern with a lovely atmosphere but unfortunately this isnt the case in the bedrooms which are dated, small and tired. The bed was very comfy though. We had a few issues with dining in that the first day I waited 90mins for my food order, only to be told the kitchen had closed. The next day, very little was available on the menu so we left to eat elsewhere. Breakfast was fine and fresh. Wouldn't stay here again.

Self

8/10

Excellent

22 May 2025

Leana

Hotel was cute and in a great location. Our only negative was that although our bed was large it was uncomfortable and could use an updating. Staff were very friendly!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2025

Gary

Ideal

Clean, comfortable room with ample hanging and shelf space.
The staff were very friendly and helpful. Ate in the restaurant where the food, service, and atmosphere were excellent.
I'll definitely aim to stay here again.

Business

8/10

Excellent

16 Apr 2025

Hugh

our hotel room was in need of care taking - wallpaper peeling at its corners, paint scuffed off on a radiator, windows weather-worn and discolored.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Feb 2025

martin

Fair price for accommodation but menu was pricey and could do with a coup of traditional meals apart from that really enjoyed my time in Stornaway

Business

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2025

Andy

good location

Business

8/10

Excellent

10 Nov 2024

M. Lee

Stornoway

The Royal is a very nice hotel. The only negative it is located on a busy highway. The road noise can be a problem to light sleepers. Great location for ferry users.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Oct 2024

Lorenzo

The best accommodation in Stornoway.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Oct 2024

Margaret

Flying visit

Stayed in a beautiful harbour view room , comfortable bed with lovely extra touches , such as tea treats and biscuits , staff are the most friendly and always on hand if needed highly recommend this hotel

Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2024

Jennifer

Cozy and comfortable

I loved the Royal Hotel. Everyone that works there was friendly and helpful. The room was very cozy and comfortable. Breakfast and dinner was delicious. I enjoyed the location. It was easy to set off on day trips to see the sights on the island and come back for a great night’s sleep. My favorite thing were the stone circles, which were not far from Stornoway. It was perfect for me.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2024

Pamela

Lovely property, conveniently located at the lovely harbour. Gorgeous views and wonderful staff. Many dining options around, but the restaurant in the hotel is fantastic! They even had vegan sticky toffee pudding for my travel partner!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2024

William

Clean, comfortable and conveniently located for early morning ferry. Enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Boatshed restaurant, which is connected to the hotel.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2024

Robert

The staff was great, and location in central Stornoway. Beds comfortable, not the hard mattresses so common. Two improvements: more plugs for recharging (including USB) and better water pressure for the shower.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Aug 2024

John

Very comfortable hotel with lovely location and good food and service

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2024

Raymond

Lovely hotel

Food was delicious, the staff were very friendly. The decor was nice, great location would recommend this to all. Would come back.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

28 Jul 2024

Dean

Great location with a good view of the castle. Top notch restaurant meal with helpful staff.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2024

Lyse

Fantastic all around. Thank you Gordon for the warm welcome.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2024

Judith

Enjoyed our short stay at the Royal!

The Royal is a great place for one night stop over in Stornoway. Gordon, who works at the front desk, was lovely. The staff in the dining room were both kind and professional. Diner in the
hotel restaurant was superb. Bravo! And thank you!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

29 May 2024

REUVEN

Good room with enough space and everything I needed.

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2024

Paul

Good location , everything was very good , would stay there again

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2024

Jeanie

Quaint and comfortable with a friendly welcome. Great central location for exploring the island, and easy to walk to dinner/drinks.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 May 2024

Audrey

Nice location. Walkable to dining and shopping areas.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2024

Mr. Lynn

Great location.Staff great. All great

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Apr 2024

Anne-marie

Great stay well looked after will definitely be back could not fault anything

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

15 Apr 2024

Lawrence

Would not return.

Rooms were nice. Cafe was nice. Some staff were nice. Would choose another option next visit to the Isle. Better options.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

02 Apr 2024

Matt

Mixed opinions

Great welcome from the team only to be disappointed come morning. I was told continental breakfast started at 05.30 and this was perfect for me so I could grab something quick on my way out the door only to find the place in darkness and the staff member asleep on a sofa in the restaurant. Not a great end to my stay.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2024

Susan

Fabulous!

Fabulous, friendly, comfy! Great location, lovely room, wonderful staff, amazing food. Fantastic overall value!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2024

Philip

Excellent hotel in Stornoway

This was our first time on Lewis and The Royal was an excellent base to explore the Isles of Lewis and Harris. The staff were friendly, the food superb and the room had everything we needed. Would use again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Dec 2023

Derek

Lovely hotel, good meal, nice comfortable bed , will return soon

Business

10/10

Exceptional

22 Nov 2023

Shelly

The hotel staff were amazing, the bed was super comfy, and the food was excellent!

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

06 Sep 2023

Calum

Good location - room had a nice view of Lews Castle. The restaurant was excellent. Staff helpful and friendly.

Room very small and bathroom tiny.

Very expensive for the room,

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2023

Pamela

Lovely place to stay. Our room overlooked the water and we had a view of Lews Castle. The staff were all friendly and helpful. If you get a chance, have dinner at the on-site restaurant.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

21 Aug 2023

Emma

I stayed one night. Staff were lovely. Very helpful and accommodating. The room was clean and comfortable. I wiuld recommend and stat again.

8/10

Excellent

25 Jun 2023

Verified traveler

Very pleasant staff (apart from one!)

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2023

Lesley

Welcoming, friendly staff. Good location, convenient for town centre & Lew's Castle

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2023

Elizabeth

Great sense of welcome. Great food and service. Our room looked over the harbor and it was well appointed and spacious. I would definitely stay there again

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2023

Mari

This is easily the best place to stay in Stornaway. We not only had a lovely comfortable room, but also a view of the harbor and Lees Castle! Stunning. The staff were so very friendly. HS1 cafe was delicious and breakfast was superb and early enough for us to make our adventures happen!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2023

John

A delightful welcome by friendly staff. Excellent food - dinner and breakfast and lunch. Staff went out of their way to make my stay very special.

8/10

Excellent

11 Mar 2023

Christopher

2 Night Stay

The room was a bit pricey for what you get. Basic wardobe, ensuite super sized bed. Bed topper needs changing. The room was spotless and fresh.

The food at night is to be commended. Chef should be michelin star level and all staff were polite and professional.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2023

Ian

An ideal hotel for a short break!

Everything I could have wanted from a stay in Stornoway was delivered by this hotel!

Very comfortable room, a fantastic shower and a great breakfast- all topped off with excellent service from all of the staff.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Dec 2022

Katherine

Great location

This hotel is in a great location within walking distance of the ferry and right in the downtown area. It had a lovely outlook across the small harbour over to Lews Castle. The staff are all excellent and cannot do enough to assist you. The breakfast is cooked to order and there is a brasserie and restaurant on-site. Both offer excellent quality meals at reasonable prices. The rooms are nicely decorated and very comfortable. There are tea and coffee making facilities with shortbread biscuit also in the room.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 Oct 2022

Neil

The staff, service and food were all very good. I was on a business trip and stayed in a single room which didn't have internet connection, slightly frustrating but the staff allowed me to sit in the restaurant when not in use to work. Other than that very pleasant experience.

Business Self

6/10

Pleasant

13 Sep 2022

Andrea

We knew not to expect grand hotels in the islands and that’s fine. This was pretty old and tired though. We were on the top floor in an attic type room with furniture that looked like it came from a jumble sale. Vinyl floor in the older bath. The restaurant and bar downstairs are much nicer and more modern. But between the hotel and restaurant staff they seemed unable to get out of their own way as far as actually showing up and having the reservation you made a day earlier recognized at all, food not served together, etc. the food itself is very good, luckily since there is literally not another restaurant in the downtown harbor area, not that we could find anyway. Having said all that Stornoway is probably the place to base yourself if you want a couple-few days to get out to Callanish, the Butt of Lewis and the other wonderful and stirring sights of Lewis. It’s just too bad the harbor area is in such sad shape, probably the pandemic didn’t help at all, but we wouldn’t have missed the chance to see the sights we did.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Sep 2022

Verified traveler

Only stayed 1 night but all was very pleasant

8/10

Excellent

26 Jun 2022

Sylvie

Convenient location. Great hot breakfast

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Jun 2022

Sharon

The meal we had in the restaurant was one of the best we had in Scotland, although quite expensive. The room was very small and tight.. We loved the view of Lewis castle from our window.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2022

Francis

Clean and fantastic room

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2022

Drew

Good location, helpful staff

8/10

Excellent

05 Jun 2022

Jacqui

Central location

Tired bedroom and en suite

Business

6/10

Pleasant

22 May 2022

Robin

This is a really great hotel. There was some kind of mix up and we were given two beds instead of one. The staff were great, but they couldn't help, as the hotel was fully booked.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

19 May 2022

Alistair

Very friendly and helpful staff. Excellent food. Room has very dated decor but comfortable and clean.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 May 2022

Anne

Friendly helpful staff. Lovely restaurant and bar area. Good location. Bed very small for 2 people

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 May 2022

Renee

Excellent location. The hotel room i occupied was as I expected which is to say the decor and furnishings were from times past. The shower and bathroom facilities were in good working order and everything was very clean including bedding and bedroom surfaces. The tv was easy to operate and Wi-Fi connection was good. My only concern was how to get the heating to work. The room was cold early morning and evening although not so much that I bothered to seek assistance from staff. The attached boatshed restaurant and HS1 cafe have both been modernised. The food was especially good at the Boatshed and coffee at HS1 was excellent. I would recommend The Royal Hotel to anyone who needs a place to stay in the centre of Stornoway. There are rooms at the front of the hotel with sea views but mine was located at the back so I can’t comment on those at front. Overall experience for a 2 night stay was very good.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

21 Apr 2022

Dennis

Very nice stay in Stornoway

Lovely hotel well situated. I asked for a room change and they were excellent and sorted me out. Ate there one evening and had a lovely meal. Would certainly use it again.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2022

Margaret

Great location. Great staff. Great food

Great location. We asked for a harbour view and the views of the harbour and castle were fantastic. All staff very friendly and helpful. Excellent food. Definitely would recommend staying here

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Mar 2022

Christopher

Perfect spot to stay.

Very friendly, hospitable place to stay. Restaurant food is first class. Ideally placed for the ferry to Ullapool.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2022

Incinalysis Ltd

Overnight business stay\n

As always, the Royal ticked all my boxes.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2022

Verified traveler

Wonderful homely hotel

I have to say although the hotel and my room was dated and needs a good redecorating - my bed was so comfy and it was very clean, the view of the harbour and castle was a bonus. The staff were so warm and friendly on arrival, there is a lovely cosy and homely atmosphere. The restaurant is an absolute winner with unbelievable food, I tried mussels for the first time! If they carried out the style of the restaurant through the rooms and hotel itself it would be AMAZING! I’ll 100% be coming back.

Business

8/10

Excellent

27 Jan 2022

Incinalysis Ltd

3 day business trip.

Almost excellent as always. Clean, comfortable and well appointed accommodation with space and a desk to work. Excellent staff - always ready and willing to help when appropriate. Meals were excellent, too. Ticked all my boxes except one, which was that the conversational noise that rose into my room from the Boatshed Restaurant when it was busy during the early evening was obtrusive and disturbed one's ability to work in peace and quiet. disturbing of the tand the variety of he were

Business

10/10

Exceptional

31 Oct 2021

Sue

Comfortable rooms, clean hotel, lovely helpful staff.
Eco-contribution - not good. Lights on in corridors, and lights could be left on in rooms; plastic cups with plastic wrappers. Coffee not hot at breakfast.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

31 Oct 2021

Charles

Great location
Great restaurant food
Great reception staff

Partner

8/10

Excellent

26 Oct 2021

jim

Main restaurant is very pleasant

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2021

Elizabeth

LOVED OUR STAY

Great - hard working owner/manager

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Oct 2021

gordon

great location great food and staff

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Oct 2021

Simon

Dinner was first class

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 Sep 2021

Debbie

Good location

6/10

Pleasant

18 Sep 2021

Verified traveler

Could be better

Reception staff were lovely and helpful but waiter service was not good. I had to ask FOUR times for a glass of water and the waiting staff did not now what food was vegan, sadly.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Sep 2021

m

Great stay in Stornoway at The Royal

A lovely traditional hotel in a central location. friendly staff who were very helpful. Very good restaurant which must be booked due to its popularity. The room I had was at the back so quiet.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

15 Sep 2021

Derek

Excellent location, staff friendly & welcoming. Requested a window table for 2 in the restaurant 2 weeks in advance. On arrival advised by reception no table for 2 allocated as they have been fully booked for a week & nthey don't have tables for 2 at the window! On looking it was mainly tables for 2! J
Restaurant staff eventually accommodated our request. Restaurant beautifully fitted out & relaxing. Varied choice on menu.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

15 Sep 2021

Verified traveler

Bit disappointed

Whilst we were made very welcome. Out of our two rooms one was particulary small and the window was near to an air conditioning system,so very noisy.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 Sep 2021

Andrew

Very helpful staff. Good food

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Aug 2021

Christopher

The Hotel was in a great position overlooking the harbour.
Staff were excellent and food very good

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

28 Aug 2021

Alexander

Room was extremely small

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Aug 2021

Alex

Beautiful setting.
Clean and comfy room.
Friendly helpful staff
Great food in the Boathouse restaurant.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

18 Aug 2021

Ian

Excellent restaurant with nice hotel attached

Old school rooms - comfortable but not sound proof. But a decent size and comfy beds. The restaurant was superb, excellent food, nice modern design. Service was a bit slow but I'm sure this is down to Brexit related staff shortages. If ever I visit Stornoway again I will happily revisit the Royal.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2021

Lorna

Great helpful staff really comfy bed fantastic breakfast

Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Aug 2021

Verified traveler

Very much moth ball type fragrance in rooms

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

02 Aug 2021

Lizcano

Toilets by the main entrance were disgusting, they don't service them at all. I have to ask reception staff to go and check them, food very poor unhealthy. Staff very nice but lack of kind of management of the place.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2021

Aneeka

Really nice stay in centre

Lovely little hotel a stone’s throw from the main streets. There is parking but only ~8 spots, I got a space no problem (there is parking nearby anyway). I stayed in a single room which was tiny but had everything I needed, including really good shortbread! Service was really friendly and breakfast was good. Felt covid safe. Perfect for the ferry terminal.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2021

Karen

Excellent service on a well positioned hotel

Lovely hotel in a great position on Stornaway. It was exceptionally well run and the staff were very professional. The breakfast was fantastic and we had dinner twice in the restaurant. So glad we stayed here

Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

Enjoyed stay but the hotel could do with being a bit more updated. Rooms were a bit drab and dated

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2021

William

Traditional older hotel great ambiance

Well maintained older hotel. Great location although only some rooms have harbour view. Stayed 2 nights. Would be happy to stay there again if revisiting Stornoway.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2021

George

Great Staff

Staff were very accommodating. I arrived late the firstnight but they made sure I was able to get a meal. Food was excellent. Parking could have beenbetter becauseonsite parking is extremely limited. There is street parking within 50 metres of the hotel that is free.

Self

8/10

Excellent

19 Dec 2020

Verified traveler

Pleasant stay. Good food. Comfortable and clean.
Would have scored more if the rate was lower. Overpricing is the only downside.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Dec 2020

john

Good location, friendly and helpful staff, good food and service

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Nov 2020

Verified traveler

Stornoway visit.

Very quiet and clean. Covid measures in effect. Location ideal for town center and Lews Castle walking.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2020

Christina

flying trip to Stornoway

Car parking is very minimal and on a first come first served but the staff are very helpful. We didn’t try the hot breakfast as we had to be at the ferry terminal at 6am, however a cold breakfast of pastries, toast, yoghurt, cereal and fresh fruit was served at 5.30am. Our room was clean but the carpet was stained (problem with cream carpets in hotels) - however the whole hotel was very clean. Lunch in the Boatshed restaurant was delicious and well priced - The langoustines were fabulous. The staff were friendly and helpful - a very pleasant stay indeed 😀

Business

8/10

Excellent

24 Aug 2020

Stephen

Great Location

Start by saying the Staff are extremely helpful and very pleasant.
Located at the edge of the town centre the location is perfect.
Rooms are clean and tidy (starting to look slightly tired)
Gave us the option of room service for our breakfast which was fantastic and much appreciated.
Would definitely stay here again if I returned.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Lovely room, comfortable bed, nice sitting area and lovely bathroom. Staff are very friendly and professional.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

19 Oct 2019

Sharon

central location, great staff, excellent food and beverage service, quiet room.