Dark island Hotel

After a 'testing' ride from the South we were delighted to find this hotel and be warmly welcomed and offered drinks, menu and a lovely table. We had a small plate that was recommended by server and then the surf and turf special, pricey but enjoyed every bite! Would very much recommend,.one of the best meals ever, lovely ambience and staff. Well done!

The hotel is situated beside a lovely beach and in my opinion the best we came across on Benbecula. The hotel itself is a little tired and sound proofing could be better but let’s remember this isn’t London or New York and it is part of the charm. Nice breakfast as well.

Another great meal in the Restaurant at the dark island. Food is always of high quality and the staff are very helpful, also reasonable price. The new bar/restaurant area is very nice and modern. Hotel is in a lovely area, can walk down to the sand dunes and onto the beach.

Well…..where to start? The hotel itself is pretty grim. We were in a deluxe room….God alone knows what the standard rooms are like? The decor is 1970s and not in good repair. Trim around the bath peeling away and lots of knocks to paintwork, etc. went to dinner (pre-booked) at 7.30pm. Waited 45 minutes for anyone to take our food/drink order…..asked staff twice if someone could help us. I was told they ‘would get to us when someone was free’. Eventually we walked out and drove to Charlie’s Bistro about 10 mins away where we had a fantastic meal in place where great customer service is understood and practised. The only saving grace was a truly brilliant waitress called Yvonne who served us at breakfast…..nothing was too much trouble! A hard-working ambassador for the hotel who did a lot to rebalance what was a pretty rubbish experience.

Firstly let’s start with the not so good, focussing on the rooms. My particular room, room number 33 was located in an attic space and as alluded to by others, other than a velour window in the roof space, there are no other windows. Despite being advertised as a double room, it can be described, politely, as compact and bijou. Space is at such a premium that the double bed was pushed up directly against the wall, you could only get in it from one side. Not a great issue for me personally as I was travelling alone. It would be problematic though if two were staying, particularly during early hours toilet breaks. The wardrobe was equally small and as a lone traveller, staying for two nights, I was unable to fully unpack my bags. Only enough space for 3 hangers and even then I couldn’t close the wardrobe door. On a plus side the room was clean & warm, the shower was hot and the water pressure was more than adequate. Public areas are however well appointed, especially the main bar and restaurant. Food was excellent and the staff were great. Particular mention and thanks go to James, who was extremely proactive and helpful particularly in the advice & selection of food from the menu. There is little accommodation on offer on the island, particularly at this time of year, so overall and on balance a great stay. The rooms however leave a lot to be desired in terms of square footage. I would definitely stay here again but owing to the accommodation 2-3 days would be my absolute limit.

Called in here for breakfast on a cool wet windy morning with dripping motorcycle kit and in need of a bit of shelter and warmth. Received the most fantastic welcome from the staff who really went above and beyond to meet our every need. Special mention to Yvonne, thankyou so much.. X. Food and service excellent! Again, many thanks from Julian Jones and family, Newport, S Wales.