Shetland Hotel

The views were nice and the location handy, but the rooms seemed a little dated and the service was only average. The Shetland Hotel was okay, and an acceptable place to stay while visiting Lerwick, though nothing really stood out.

The food was a real highlight. There was a good range to choose from, and every meal was beautifully cooked. The waiting team, two women and two or sometimes three men, handled our coach party well. The two women really kept things together and were amazing. You can step off the ferry, cross the road and reach the hotel, which is marvellous. Its position near shops and places of interest is another reason I'd definitely stay again. Our room was spacious, clean and comfortable, with plenty of wardrobe space and a good-sized bathroom with a shower over the bath. My only room complaint was the old double glazing, which didn't keep out the noise. At first I found it odd that you could choose whether to have the bed made each day, but we decided to make our own.

The coffee machine in the room was a nice touch, along with the kettle. Our four-poster bed was very comfortable and at the back of the building, so it was very quiet. The bathroom was exceptionally clean, warm and spacious. Breakfast had loads of good-quality continental choices. On my last morning I had the buffet, and everything was hot and fresh, especially the lovely sausages. Dinner was very nice too, with everything cooked well. Three of us at the table ordered the same starter, a flatbread with goat's cheese and blueberries and a side salad. It was the best starter I've ever had, out of this world, and I could've eaten it as a main.

The view from the front of the hotel looks out over the ocean and ferry port, and the staff are welcoming and friendly. It's a good base for visiting anywhere in Shetland, with a regular menu and a specials menu, and the hotel meals are of a good standard. Rooms are a good size, and the beds are comfortable, though I would've liked the mattresses a little firmer. There are several floors served by stairs and a lift, but some are half floors the lift doesn't reach. A good place to stay!