We also plan to open at weekends through the winter. We will of course be following all the latest regulations to protect our guests and our staff, including social distancing, enhanced cleaning, provision of hand sanitizers etc. We are sure that our guests will want to play their part in following the guidance we give to keep everyone safe.
You will receive a warm welcome when you stay, or dine, at the Castlebay Hotel on Barra, the most southerly inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides (or Western Isles). The Hotel overlooks Kisimul Castle, the harbour and the beautiful island of Vatersay. Barra has often been described as the "Hebrides in Miniature" with its beautiful beaches, backed by 'machair' (meadows filled with wild flowers), its rocky eastern coast, and hilly interior.
You will receive a warm welcome when you stay, or dine, at the Castlebay Hotel on Barra, the most southerly inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides (or Western Isles). The Hotel overlooks Kisimul Castle, the harbour and the beautiful island of Vatersay. Barra has often been described as the "Hebrides in Miniature" with its beautiful beaches, backed by 'machair' (meadows filled with wild flowers), its rocky eastern coast, and hilly interior.
Services
The hotel is believed to have been built in the 1860s. It was originally a much smaller building than you see today with probably only 5 or 6 bedrooms. The Bar was constructed around 1911, primarily to cater for the people involved in the herring industry. There are photos on the walls of the hotel which show the bay completely filled with fishing boats.
Loganair, Scotland's independent airline, flies to Barra from Glasgow as many as 3 times a day, each way. Flying to Barra is very popular as the runway is not tarmac but a beach! Barra Airport is the only beach runway in the world which takes scheduled flights and where the landing times are dictated by the tides!
Opened in 1880 but expanded and modernised Castlebay Hotel offers you warm comfortable rooms, all en-suite with telephone and colour television. Situated overlooking Castlebay and Vatersay you are welcomed by our friendly staff. Our menus feature local shellfish - razorfish, scallops, crab, cockles and langoustines as well as the freshest of fish landed off local boats - haddock, cod, skate wings, turbot, sole, hake and monkfish.
We find that most people now book by email. We acknowledge all emails received. We require a valid credit card number (but not Amex or Diners) to take a 50 non-refundable deposit as guarantee. Our cancellation policy is to charge for one night if less than 7 days' notice of cancellation is given. Please note that during our high season we will not book a Saturday-night-only stay; we require two nights minimum stay when booking a Saturday.
The Cocktail Bar, a warm and friendly room, is used during the day for drinks, tea and coffeee and bar snacks. In the evening, you can take pre-dinner drinks there or have a less formal meal than in the main Restaurant. There is seating for 19 people. The Restaurant is a split-level room with fine views of Kisimul Castle and the bay.
Reviews (7)
Michelle Fowler
Oct 25, 2021
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Robert Sloan
Sep 06, 2021
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Jane Murray
Sep 03, 2021
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Fabulous hotel, albeit the decor is slightly dated, as other reviewers have mentioned... But really... I think this just adds to its charm.๐. The views from the dining room, sun room, and the bedrooms are mesmerisingly beautiful. The staff are exceptionally attentive , especially Bethany, who is just a little gem (thank you for my gaelic lessons, next time I am there, I hope to converse in gaelic with you ๐) .. We found the food to be absolutely delicious, especially the scallops . (what I would give for a plate of them right now, I'm salivating at the thought)
This hotel is directly across
This hotel is directly across
Joe Lad
Aug 25, 2021
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Peter McCulloch
Aug 06, 2021
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Katey
Jul 27, 2021
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The property needs updated badly. The reception area is dusty and untidy, the general feeling of the hotel is unkempt and old, the room we had was adequate. The restaurant - beautiful view but really thatโs all it had going for it. The food was terribly basic and along the lines of mass produced wholesale quality. The chicken on my Caesar salad for example was cubed and processed. The general feeling was just of scrimping to save money on a dilapidated hotel. They didnโt offer an early breakfast for the early ferry travellers. The room cost ยฃ175 - absolutely overpriced.
Gerard Boyle
May 22, 2021
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The Castlebay Hotel is a friendly and inviting place to stay. Like the folk in Barra..they're always helpful and engaging. The facilities are good and the restaurant is excellent..serving good choice and local produce..be it breakfast or dinner. I would recommend this Hotel as a good base to stay and explore these islands.๐๐๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ
