Varis House

I’m having trouble cancelling a reservation. I emailed the contact listed on the website the day after booking, well within the cancellation period, then sent another email a week later and got no reply. I eventually had to call my credit card company to cancel it. While visiting Shetland, I called Nigel, who said I was meant to cancel on the website but couldn’t tell me where to do it. Be careful booking with this place.

The good location and hot shower were the only real positives. Communication was confusing and frustrating because the contact person changed every day. “Nigel,” supposedly the host, never replied to any messages, so trying to reach him felt like chasing a myth. Jonny, one of the many people handling contact, was the one bright spot: helpful and responsive. Without him, this would have been a one-star stay. The property felt cheap, neglected and run down. The rooms were worn, the walls paper-thin, and the door lock didn’t work, so I had to sleep with the door unlocked. Breakfast was poor quality, mostly cheap, highly processed food instead of fresh local produce. Nescafé powdered coffee, seriously? I wouldn’t recommend this place.

Breakfast is DIY, but that undersells it. There’s a huge range of things to choose from, including home baked scones and cakes. The room was clean, cosy and warm, and well equipped. Nigel was welcoming and gave us helpful tips on places to eat and drink in Lerwick. It’s really convenient for the town centre, and I’d definitely stay again. Highly recommended, and many thanks to Julie and Nigel.

Varis hotel is right in the centre and has plenty of parking, either in its own carpark or nearby. The continental breakfast was extensive. If stairs are difficult for you, it may be worth asking for a ground floor room when booking.