Ord Arms Hotel

This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional food quality and the welcoming, lively atmosphere found within its bar and restaurant areas, often highlighted as a memorable feature by guests. It serves as an ideal stop for travelers embarking on or completing the NC500 route, as well as couples and friends seeking a comfortable stay with good dining options and a vibrant social hub. The hotel's ongoing renovations are frequently mentioned, indicating a commitment to improvement. Guests consistently praise the attentive staff and the overall cleanliness of the premises. To make the most of your visit, it is advisable to confirm evening meal availability, especially during weekdays, and to embrace the friendly, community-focused ambiance of the bar.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that contribute to a comfortable stay. Guests appreciate the presence of a large bar area, which often features a pool table and provides a lively atmosphere, popular with both visitors and locals. There is also a more tranquil cocktail bar, sometimes referred to as the G n Tea bar, offering a quieter space for drinks. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests noted it was primarily accessible in the main hotel areas and less reliable in individual bedrooms. The hotel also provides free car parking on site, which is a significant convenience for guests traveling by car.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied, reflecting the hotel's ongoing renovation efforts. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and comfortable, with some specifically mentioning cosy and well-appointed spaces. However, some older rooms were described as dated or tired, with occasional issues such as creaky floors or noisy surroundings. A recurring point of feedback concerns the shared bathroom facilities in some rooms, which some guests found inconvenient, particularly regarding privacy and the availability of warm water at all times. Despite these points, the beds are generally reported as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its dining and food quality. Guests consistently praise the delicious and well-presented food, with many highlighting specific dishes such as fish and chips, Thai fish cakes, flat iron steak, and mac n cheese. The breakfast is frequently described as excellent, hot, and filling, though some noted it is an optional extra. The restaurant and cafe areas are commended for their pleasant atmosphere and varied menus, offering plenty of choices. While evening meals are not always available on weekdays due to staffing, guests appreciate the option to bring in takeaways and eat in the dining room. The coffee and specialty teas also receive positive mentions.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient, particularly for those embarking on or completing the North Coast 500 route. It is situated on the edge of the village, offering a peaceful setting while remaining easily accessible. Guests appreciate the ample and free car parking available on site. The hotel's proximity to local attractions like the Black Isle Showground and the village of Beauly is also noted. For those relying on public transport, the hotel is conveniently close to a bus stop and a train station, providing connectivity to surrounding areas.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the welcoming nature of the team, from the moment of arrival through to departure. Many reviews commend the staff for going above and beyond, such as assisting with wheelchair access, helping with lost property, or accommodating requests like eating takeaway food in the dining room. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. While the vast majority of interactions are positive, a very small number of guests reported isolated instances of less satisfactory service, though these appear to be exceptions.

Additional Information
The hotel is currently undergoing renovations under new ownership, which guests note is contributing to a fresher, more stylish ambiance in updated areas. This ongoing work explains some of the mixed feedback regarding the property's condition. The hotel frequently hosts live music events, which are popular with guests and locals alike, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. It also offers specific dining options such as an "over 60s lunch" menu, providing good value. While the hotel has a pet-friendly policy, some guests with service animals encountered initial misunderstandings regarding this, which were generally resolved.