FAQs

Mackays Hotel is in the heart of Wick, Caithness, Scottish Highlands.

Yes, the hotel has been run by the Lamont family for over 70 years.

Yes, Wick is directly on the North Coast 500, and is around 100 miles from Inverness, which is the capital of the Scottish Highlands and the start/end point of the NC500 route.

There is plenty of on-street parking available outside the hotel.

We offer dog-friendly accommodation in our hotel rooms, and self-catering apartments and townhouses. Our public areas and bar dining area are dog-friendly too. Guests travelling with dogs will be charged an additional £25 per dog per stay for allergy cleaning, and must advise us in advance that they are travelling with a dog. There is a maximum of two dogs per room, and dogs should be kept on a lead and under your control at all times in the public areas of the hotel.

Yes, at Mackays we have family rooms and townhouses available. Mackays is well located for accessing many local family-friendly attractions and activities.

Check-in is from 4:00pm. Check-out is by 11:00am. If you would like to request early check-in or late check-out, please contact us in advance to see if we can accommodate your request.

Yes, the hotel has the No.1 Bistro and the Mackays bar onsite.

Yes, fast and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Yes, gift vouchers can be bought online on our website or in person at the hotel.

Single, Small Double, Double/Twin, Large Double, Superior Kingsize Double/Twin and Family Rooms are available. Self-catering apartments and townhouses are also available.

All guest rooms at Mackays are en suite.

Yes, all rooms include tea and coffee-making facilities.

All hotel room stays at Mackays include breakfast. Guests staying in our self-catering properties can book breakfast in the hotel, reception will advise the cost.

Yes, subject to availability, you can specify your chosen room type when booking.

Yes, we have family rooms available at Mackays.

Free, on-street parking is available for our hotel guests.

Yes, our single rooms are suitable for solo travellers and include a flat-screen digital TV, direct dial telephone, hair dryer, tea and coffee making facilities.

All of our single rooms have an en-suite bathroom.

Fast and free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.

Single rooms can be booked for business travel stays at Mackays.

Yes, our single rooms are warm, well-equipped and comfortable.

No, our small double rooms are for single occupancy only.

Yes, our small double rooms can only be booked for single occupancy.

Yes, all rooms include tea and coffee-making facilities.

Yes, our small double rooms are ideal for short breaks, and are warm, well-equipped and comfortable.

Yes, just let us know either at the time of booking or at least 24 hours in advance and we can do this for you.

Yes, and if you are celebrating an anniversary or engagement, please get in touch.

Yes, our superior rooms have more space and overlook the river. We have one superior room that has a jacuzzi bath.

Subject to availability, you can choose a Superior Room when booking.

Yes, subject to availability, you can choose a room with a double bed or a room with two single beds.

Yes, our double/twin rooms are suitable for couples or friends.

All of our bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms.

Yes, our Double/Twin Rooms are ideal for short breaks, and are warm, well-equipped and comfortable.

Yes, our large double/twin rooms offer additional spaces, suitable for longer stays.

Yes, these rooms are larger than our other double/twin rooms.

Yes, just let us know either at the time of booking or at least 24 hours in advance, and we can do this for you.

For families, we recommend booking our family rooms or self-catering townhouse accommodation.

Mackays Hotel has a choice of family rooms. Choose from a family room that has a double bed, single bed and sofa bed, or a family room which has three single beds (or a king-size bed and a single bed).

Yes, just let us know either at the time of booking or at least 24 hours in advance and we can add a cot. The extra bed is a put-me-up and suitable only for 1 superior room of the apartments or townhouses. There is a charge of £15 for the cot or bed.

Yes, our family rooms are suitable for long or short stays.

We have our family-friendly restaurant on site, where a mini-adult menu and activities are available for lunch and dinner.

We are a dog-friendly hotel, and dogs are welcome in our hotel rooms and self-catering accommodation, public areas and the Mackays Bar where you can enjoy a meal. You must tell us in advance that you are bringing a dog with you so we can allocate an appropriate room for you. There is a maximum of two dogs per room, and dogs should be kept on a lead and under your control at all times in the public areas of the hotel. Guests travelling with dogs will be charged an additional £25 per dog per stay for allergy cleaning.

All types of hotel room are dog friendly, but guests must tell us in advance that you are bringing a dog with you.

Yes we provide dog bowls and beds.

Yes, dogs are very welcome to join guests in our reception area and in the Mackays Bar.

Yes, with the help of our own dogs, we have written our guide to the best walks and places to take your dog in Caithness! Our team can also provide local recommendations.

There is a maximum of two dogs allowed per room. Guests travelling with dogs will be charged an additional £25 per dog per stay for allergy cleaning.

Our one-bedroom apartments sleep 2 people, and our Silver Darlings Townhouses sleep up to 6 people in three bedrooms.

Yes, our holiday homes can be booked for families or groups.

Our holiday homes all have fully equipped kitchens suitable for self-catering stays.

On-street parking is available for all self-catering holiday homes.

Our apartments and townhouses are dog-friendly. You must tell us in advance that you are bringing a dog with you so we can allocate an appropriate property for you. There is a maximum of two dogs per property, and dogs should be kept on a lead and under your control at all times in the public areas of the hotel. Guests travelling with dogs will be charged an additional £25 per dog per stay for allergy cleaning.

Our townhouses sleep up to 6 people in three bedrooms, and are dog-friendly. You must tell us in advance that you are bringing a dog with you. There is a maximum of two dogs per property, and dogs should be kept on a lead and under your control at all times in the public areas of the hotel. Guests travelling with dogs will be charged an additional £25 per dog per stay for allergy cleaning.

Yes, each townhouse has three bedrooms.

Yes, our townhouses are suitable for short or extended stays.

Yes, fast and free Wi-Fi is available in the townhouses.

All self-catering stays can book breakfast in the hotel, reception will advise the cost. Self-catering guests are welcome to join us at the hotel for drinks, dinner or both.

Our apartments sleep two people in one double bedroom.

Yes, our apartments all include a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge.

Our apartments are suitable for couples sleeping in one double bedroom. Our apartments are also dog-friendly. You must tell us in advance if you are bringing a dog with you. There is a maximum of two dogs per property, and dogs should be kept on a lead and under your control at all times in the public areas of the hotel. Guests travelling with dogs will be charged an additional £25 per dog per stay for allergy cleaning.

Yes, bed linen and towels are included in the stay.

Yes, apartment guests are welcome to book a table for lunch or dinner in the No1 Bistro or in our dog-friendly Mackays Bar. Dogs should be kept on a lead and under your control at all times in the public areas of the hotel.

We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at Mackays Hotel. Dogs are welcome to join you in our bar.

We recommend booking a table in advance, especially in the busy visitor season. To book a table, please phone 01955 602323. Do aim to call in the morning of the day you’d like to book at the latest. If you leave a voicemail on our answerphone one of our reception team will call you back to confirm availability of your table and take your details. We require credit card details at the time of booking for lunch and dinner tables. If you are bringing a dog with you to dine in the bar, please tell us this when booking.

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Yes, our menus always have gluten-free and dairy-free options. Please mention other dietary requirements when booking or on arrival.

Yes, our bar is open to non-residents, as well as our No.1 Bistro for lunch and dinner. Non-residents can also book a table for breakfast.

Lunch is served in the No 1 Bistro from midday (last table at 1:30 pm).

Yes, we have a range of dishes to suit all appetites, from soup and sandwiches to filling and substantial lunch options, and a choice of roasts on Sundays.

Yes, please call 01955 602323 to book your table for lunch.

Yes, we welcome families to dine in the No 1 Bistro at lunchtime.

Yes, please book this by 5 pm on the previous day at the latest.

Dinner is served from 5:30 pm, with the last table booked at 8:30 pm; however, please do check with the hotel as these times can change depending on the season.

We update our menus regularly and take pride in serving locally sourced, seasonal dishes.

Yes, our menus include gluten-free and dairy-free options. Please advise any allergies when booking your table or on arrival so that we can give you the best experience possible.

Yes, we can offer 3-course menus for special occasions suited to your requirements.

Yes, bookings for afternoon tea at Mackays can be made by calling our Reception Team (01955 602323). We require at least 48 hours’ advance notice.

Yes, our afternoon teas can be adapted, please tell us your requirements when booking, at least 48 hours in advance.

Yes, our afternoon tea packages can also include a glass of prosecco or a cocktail, to celebrate your special occasion.

Yes, children are welcome for afternoon tea at Mackays.

We have a range of B&B, DBB and Best Available Advance rate offers available.

Many of our offers run year-round and exclude days such as Valentine’s Day. Please check the terms and conditions of each offer.

Yes, you can do this at the time of booking.

You can purchase gift vouchers which can be redeemable against a stay at Mackays. Please do ensure the recipient is aware of any terms and conditions.

You can choose your preferred room when booking an offer on our website or by calling our Reception Team on 01955 602323.

Please contact us for availability to extend your stay.

Dinner on one night of your stay is included in this offer. If you wish to book afternoon tea, please call our Reception Team (01955 602323).

Spring is a beautiful and quieter time of year to visit and explore Caithness.

Our two-night Whisky Escape includes tasters of two locally distilled whiskies.

Distillery visits are not included in this package, but the team is happy to advise guests on tours and tastings at our local distilleries.

Please contact us for availability to extend your stay.

A three-course dinner on your first night and breakfast on both mornings are included in this offer. A glass of bubbly is also included in this offer.

Yes, we can cater for all kinds of dietary requirements and allergies. Please let us know your dietary requirements when booking your table.

You can choose your preferred room when booking this offer on our website or by calling our Reception Team on 01955 602323.

Yes, our Romance in Style offer is suitable for anniversaries, engagement celebrations or any other reason to sweep your loved one off their feet! This offer includes a three-course dinner, a glass of bubbly each and chocolates.

Locally made chocolates are included in this offer. We can provide recommendations of local florists if you wish to order flowers for delivery to the hotel.

You can choose your preferred room when booking this offer on our website or by calling our Reception Team on 01955 602323.

All room types are available to book on our Picture Pawfect dog-friendly offer. Please tell us that you are bringing a dog when booking this offer.

The allergy cleaning fee for dogs is waived when booking this offer. Pups also enjoy free sausages and lots of pats and attention from the team.

Please contact us for availability to extend your stay.

Yes, this is an internet special for bookings made at least 28 days in advance.

No, this offer is non-refundable and non-flexible.

Breakfast is included in all our hotel room rates.

With 30 hotel rooms and self-catering accommodation nearby, Mackays can accommodate large groups, subject to availability.

Yes, we can offer private dining spaces for group dining.

Yes, you can book our apartments (each sleeps 2) or townhouses (each sleeps 6) in Wick.

To request a group booking please email the hotel stay@mackayshotel.co.uk or call 01955 602323.

Mackays can host events of all kinds, including private dinners, birthday and anniversary parties, weddings, funerals, corporate events, meetings and conferences.

Yes, please call our Reception Team on 01955 602323 with details of your event so a venue visit can be arranged.

Yes, we can offer a range of catering options, from buffet options to sit-down meals.

Yes, guests attending events at Mackays Hotel can book an overnight stay.

Yes, and we provide advice and tips from over 40 years hosting weddings to help you plan your wedding.

Yes, your requirements can be discussed in full with Ellie, one of the owners, our own in-house wedding coordinator.

Yes, and for guests attending a wedding held at Mackays Hotel, a discounted overnight stay rate is available.

Yes, in the first instance please call the hotel to make an appointment with Ellie, one of the owners, our own in-house wedding coordinator.

Ellie and Murray have over 40 years experience hosting weddings in the hotel, and with our talented team, are very glad to assist you in planning the day of your dreams.

Yes, please contact us with your requirements in the first instance.

We have two spaces available for private dining – our Riverview rooms (seats 40) and Stevenson suite (seats 120).

Yes, drinks packages can be arranged as part of your dinner or event booking.

Yes, we require a deposit.

We prefer to leave this to the experts and can also recommend local AV suppliers that can provide technical teams to support your corporate event.

Yes, both our Riverview room and Stevenson Suite can be set up to accommodate presentations, with theatre, boardroom or workshop seating setup as required.

Yes, we can provide refreshments and lunch catering as required.

Yes, and for delegates attending a corporate event or meeting held at Mackays Hotel, a discounted overnight stay rate can be offered.

Situated on the North Coast 500 in the heart of Wick, Mackays is well located to explore the attractions and stunning scenery of Caithness. We are within walking distance of Old Pulteney Distillery in Wick and Wick Heritage Centre, and part of the historic area of Thomas Telford-designed Pulteneytown. Other attractions nearby are the Duncansby Stacks, Whaligoe Steps, John O’Groats, Dunnet Head, the Castle and Gardens of Mey, as well as numerous whisky distilleries, castle ruins, museums, golf courses, and archaeological sites. Our team can provide recommendations on what to see and do during your stay!

Yes, Reiss Beach is within a 15-minute drive, and Dunnet Beach is a 30-minute drive. The John O’Groats coastal path to Inverness passes through Wick, and you can join it in either direction.

John O’Groats is 17 miles from Mackays Hotel and is approximately a 30-minute drive from Wick.

Yes, Wick Heritage Museum (open seasonally) is a treasure trove of local exhibits and is run by local volunteer guides. You can also explore Wick’s extensive history by following the Telford Trail around the harbour and Pulteneytown, and the Caithness at War trail in Wick and around Sinclair’s Bay.

Yes, our team can provide recommendations for tours, attractions and activities.

Mackays hold events throughout the year, including Christmas parties, the annual Taste of Caithness Champions’ Dinner, and other dining/entertainment events.

Yes, tickets are on sale on our website, or can be purchased over the phone or in person with our Reception team.

Please check the details of individual events or call our Reception team.

Yes, tickets are on sale on our website, or can be purchased over the phone or in person with our Reception team.

Yes, you can buy monetary or experience (whisky/gin tastings, cocktail masterclasses, afternoon tea) gift vouchers.

Monetary gift vouchers can be used against food and drink in our restaurant and bar, and against overnight stays. They cannot be used to pay for hotel-hosted event tickets.

You can buy vouchers that can be used by the recipient to book their stay.

Yes, you can buy monetary vouchers for dining, or an experience voucher for afternoon tea, with bubbly or boozy (cocktail) options available.

Vouchers can be used for stay packages; however, not special events we hold in the hotel, e.g., Magic Nights, Cocktail Nights, Valentine’s.

Mackays gift vouchers are valid for 12 months.

For stays: Phone the hotel to book and give the voucher number. For dining: When booking your table, please provide the voucher number, and present your voucher when you arrive.

Yes, gift vouchers bought from our website will be delivered via email. You can choose whether the voucher is delivered to your email address or the recipient’s. We can post vouchers to you or the recipient at an extra cost.

Yes, you can buy online, and the voucher is delivered via email instantly after payment is received. You can also buy vouchers in person at the hotel.

Any cancellations or modifications can be made up to 12 noon 5 days before arrival free of charge, unless it has been stated that the booking is non-refundable or a non-refundable deposit has been taken. If it is after 12 pm, full payment or balance will be required. Notification, for instance, in person, via email, mobile phone ‘text message’ and/or fax, or any other means will be accepted subject to confirmation in writing. Different terms & conditions apply to special offers, if you are unsure, please call us & we will be happy to help.

We require credit card details for all room bookings, and if it is a group booking, we will require a non-refundable and non-transferable deposit.

Cash and all major Credit/Debit Cards are all acceptable methods of payment. Payment will be taken 5 days in advance of check-in. For our Escape to the North Coast offer, payment is taken at the time of booking and is non-refundable and non-transferable. All goods remain the property of the Company until paid for in full. Monies that remain outstanding by the due date will incur late payment interest at the rate of 2% above the prevailing Bank of England’s base rate on the outstanding balance until such time as the balance is paid in full and final settlement. We reserve the right to seek recovery of any monies remaining unpaid sixty days from the date of invoice via collection Agencies and/or through the Small Claims Court in the event that the outstanding balance does not exceed £3000. In such circumstances, you shall be liable for any and all additional administrative and/or court costs. Consequently, all bookings and/or transactions and agreements entered into will cease with immediate effect until such time as any and all outstanding monies are recovered in full.

Mackays Hotel gift vouchers are not refundable.

We are a dog-friendly hotel, and guide dogs are welcome in our hotel rooms and self-catering accommodation, public areas and the Mackays Bar where you can enjoy a meal. You must tell us in advance that you are bringing a guide dog with you so we can allocate an appropriate room for you. There is a maximum of two dogs per room, and guide dogs should be kept on a lead and under your control at all times in the public areas of the hotel. Guests travelling with guide dogs will be charged an additional £25 per dog per stay for allergy cleaning.

If we collect any data from you, it is only for the purpose of meeting your needs, and it will be stated upon the point of the data entry what it shall be used for. For example, if you are making a booking, we will require your name, email, and possibly your contact telephone number in order to process your request. We will only use the data for the purpose it serves. We will not share this data with any 3rd party.

Yes, your online booking information is collected and stored securely.

We will not sell, share, or rent your personal information to any third party or use your e-mail address for unsolicited mail. Any emails sent by this Company will only be in connection with the provision of agreed services and products.

Should you wish to see what data we hold about you on file (if applicable) or you wish us to delete any data we hold on then please use the form on the Contact Us page of our website. Please be aware that deletion of data may mean that we cannot process your request, e.g bookings, enquiries, etc.