Sandra's Backpackers Hostel

Had to wait 10 min on sidewalk to Check-in because James (?) was at a mates house. He (owner?) has to bring his daughter with him. Normally would be fine but she’s autistic and plays loud videos on her phone while we’re trying to hear James tell us info and give tour. James yelled at a customer in the public kitchen “I’ll shove my foot so far up your ass you’ll go out the door if you talk to her!” When this older man asked the daughter to turn down her videos. Super unclean, moldy, g...

One of the owners stood in the doorway of my room, blocking it, while ranting about something that wasn't my fault, then insulted my mental health when I objected to being told to walk to a cashpoint in the rain. I appreciate that they were having issues with their phone and card machine, but those are not my fault. I was left shaking and left as soon as I could the next morning. Avoid this place. It's not even that cheap

Worst ever Hostel we stayed in. Reception Area was a mess. Bed sheet not prepared properly. Use of shower was not possible.

I had an unexpected cancellation on the train from Inverness to Thurso and the train company arranged a bus for us, with an expected arrival to Thurso at 02:00. I contacted the hostel to let them know about the incident, and the answer was “F*** off, sleep on the streets”. Simply unacceptable. Please don’t go to this hostel

You had to call for reception. Maindoors were not locked. The kitchen was dirty. It was a help yourself breakfast. The best before date on the bread was already past. The towels were still a bit wet. The whole building needs an upgrade. We don’t recommend anyone to stay there.

For the check-in we had to call a number that didn‘t work with our phones. The check-in area was a huge mess and the place behind the hostel, where the owner supposadly lives, looked also very messy, which was why we also didn‘t trust him. Inside the hostel, everything was very narrow and seemed run-down and the beds also didn‘t seem clean and welcoming. It was supposed to be booked out, but we didn‘t see or hear more than 2 people. Really shady everything, definitely not recommendable!!

La chambre était très petite, pas très propre tout comme la salle de bain. L’espace commun (la cuisine/sejour) était cependant très bien ! L’hôte a été très réactif et aimable à notre arrivée.

Reception was closed on arrival and took a while to check in. On street parking 6pm-9am. Well equipped kitchen with breakfast provided. Bathrooms were clean. Beds were comfy, we slept fine and room was clean. Most of the hostel is in need of updating and some stuff urgently repairing, overall it was clean but dated. For a quick one night stop, it was fine.

Potrebbe essere un ottimo punto di appoggio per chi sta viaggiando lungo le coste scozzesi. Thurso permette approvvigionamenti e servizi importanti. Ma il servizio del personale e le camere non sono né accoglienti né confortevoli. Potrebbe essere meglio. Ma comunque se ci si accontenta per una doccia e una notte va comunque bene.

James, the guy who did the checkin, called me « stupid » and got into a rage when I kinky asked if there wasn’t a bedsheet missing. When I arrived, tried to shake his hand (he ignored it), I could directly tell I had met a world champion in his category. He is the kind of person you do not want to meet when you are on holiday. I understand this guy clearly doesn’t like his job (or people), but it’s not a reason to behave like this with clients. I don’t recommend this hostel at all.

Reception was closed on arrival and took a while to check in. On street parking 6pm-9am. Well equipped kitchen with breakfast provided. Bathrooms were clean. Beds were comfy, we slept fine and room was clean. Most of the hostel is in need of updating and some stuff urgently repairing, overall it was clean but dated. For a quick one night stop, it was fine.

Had to wait 10 min on sidewalk to Check-in because James (?) was at a mates house. He (owner?) has to bring his daughter with him. Normally would be fine but she’s autistic and plays loud videos on her phone while we’re trying to hear James tell us info and give tour. James yelled at a customer in the public kitchen “I’ll shove my foot so far up your ass you’ll go out the door if you talk to her!” When this older man asked the daughter to turn down her videos. Super unclean, moldy, g...

The 'bike parking' is publicly accessible in an alley tucked off the main road: ideal for thieves. The bike frames are also a nightmare to use as they're raised up and while I was struggling to lock my bike up the host started shouting at me to hurry up. Also no hand drying and really watered down soap in the bathroom.

Sandra's backpackers was a convenient place to stay at for one night. The common room is homely, the room had the necessities of beds with blankets and enough space for two suitcases. The additional bathroom was a bonus. The man in charge was friendly and very helpful. The heating sprung into action later on in the eve - we noticed as it was quite a cold day....

Requested twin room. Given one with double bed and bunk bed fixed to wall above headboard. Owner insisted it was a twin room. We are friends and need 2 beds. Both in our mid-late 70s. Tried but could not access bunk bed as too high with little space. Found owner who said what did I expect him to do about it & we would have to pay for a 2nd room. When I said he was rude & unhelpful he closed the door and told me to "F... Off". One of us slept on floor. His parents help there & were very pleasant...

Potrebbe essere un ottimo punto di appoggio per chi sta viaggiando lungo le coste scozzesi. Thurso permette approvvigionamenti e servizi importanti. Ma il servizio del personale e le camere non sono né accoglienti né confortevoli. Potrebbe essere meglio. Ma comunque se ci si accontenta per una doccia e una notte va comunque bene.

The staff was just great.

Receptionist super friendly. Lovely kitchen. 100% recommend. Only nit pick is that the hostel could invest in some shower mats

I spent several nights at the hostel and I will definitely come back. The building and furniture are a of yesteryear, and so is the bathroom of the shared room. Some things like the clothes hooks or window locks are improvised. It's a hostel, do not expect a ☆☆☆ hotel. The only hostel far+ wide,draws a mixed crowd. The owner was very polite, welcoming and helpful from arrival on, the team worked hard to keep the place clean, I slept very well in a fresh bed. The breakfast is super for a...

One of the owners stood in the doorway of my room, blocking it, while ranting about something that wasn't my fault, then insulted my mental health when I objected to being told to walk to a cashpoint in the rain. I appreciate that they were having issues with their phone and card machine, but those are not my fault. I was left shaking and left as soon as I could the next morning. Avoid this place. It's not even that cheap

Worst ever Hostel we stayed in. Reception Area was a mess. Bed sheet not prepared properly. Use of shower was not possible.

Great stay at Sandra’s, recommend! Staff was lovely and great location and rooms

Had a great overnight stay definitely recommended staying again

The place to be in town. Room are tiny but really compfy and clean. The staff is really nice and welcoming. They give me a lot of good tips for hikking / Bar and restaurant. I will definitely come back.

I booked Sandra's Hostel as part of a Scotrail promotion. i was a little concerned by some reviews, bit my own experience was fine. I was booked in, the operator responded immediately, he was a good guy and we had some excellent conversation. I am happy to recommend to others.

Did exactly what I needed, bed for the night and hot shower. Breakfast and coffee is a nice touch

Great stay, very central. Fella was very helpful!

Very friendly staff and unbeatable price!

Lovely receptionnist. The facilities are great for the price. A shower mat would be welcome.

La chambre était très petite, pas très propre tout comme la salle de bain. L’espace commun (la cuisine/sejour) était cependant très bien ! L’hôte a été très réactif et aimable à notre arrivée.