The Sands Hotel

We loved our two storey room with its two bedrooms. The hotel is right on the water, the staff were excellent, and there was a nice range of choices for breakfast and dinner.

We called in for a quick lunch on the way to the ferry and, because we had our dog, ate in the bar area. I can't comment on the restaurant. My Cullen Skink was tasty, but it was supposed to come with a crusty roll and instead came with a soggy granary roll that seemed to have been warmed in a microwave. My wife's ham sandwich wasn't much better: the ham tasted processed, and the lettuce garnish looked limp and old. The tea for two was the worst part. We got a small pot with just one teabag, enough for two small cups, and were charged £5.50. In most places we'd expect a decent pot with at least two bags and extra hot water. I thought there might have been a mistake, but the waitress said that's what they serve, and that the pot for one is even smaller. Half a teabag, perhaps? They could improve things by crisping the roll in an oven, using a bigger pot with at least two bags, and putting proper ham and fresh lettuce in the sandwiches. That shouldn't add much to the cost and would make customers a lot happier.

We stayed for three nights and enjoyed it. The rooms were good quality, and both dinner and breakfast were good.

The hotel was spotless, with quality throughout and perfect service. Highly recommend it.