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Summary of reviewsBlack Isle Bar & Rooms in Inverness is highly praised for its prime location, nestled in the heart of the city and within convenient walking distance to public transportation, key attractions and a variety of dining and shopping options. The downstairs bar adds to the appeal, serving excellent beer and pizza, contributing to a lively atmosphere.
While the establishment does not offer an on-site breakfast, tea and coffee facilities in the rooms cater to those needing a light morning start. For a more substantial meal, the surrounding area offers numerous excellent breakfast spots.
The dining experience at Black Isle Bar & Rooms stands out with top-notch pizza and a diverse beer selection from the Black Isle Brewery. The bar features a cozy atmosphere with a secluded rooftop patio, communal long tables and a notable selection of local beers, making it a recommended spot for guests.
Room accommodations are described as clean, cozy and comfortable, although small and basic. Despite minimalistic and sometimes dated interiors, guests appreciate the essential comforts provided, such as en-suite showers and cleanliness. The simplicity and sustainable concept of the inn resonate positively with many visitors, though some issues like temperature control and lack of in-room TVs are noted. The proximity to the bar introduces some noise, which may affect light sleepers.
Cleanliness is largely commended, especially in guest rooms and bathrooms. However, the common areas like stairwells occasionally fall short of this standard. Overall, the thorough cleaning service enhances guest satisfaction.
Staff at Black Isle Bar & Rooms receive high marks for their friendliness, helpfulness and exceptional service. Their attentiveness and warm demeanor significantly enhance the guest experience, contributing to a welcoming environment.
WiFi connectivity varies with some areas offering strong service while others lack reliable connection. Guests have mixed experiences, highlighting the need for improved consistency.
Beds are generally comfortable, though experiences vary with some guests noting wear and tear in mattresses and pillows. Addressing these inconsistencies could improve the overall sleep experience.
The establishment is also notably dog-friendly, accommodating canine companions and providing secure bicycle storage, adding to the convenience and positive experiences of guests with specific needs.
In summary, Black Isle Bar & Rooms offers excellent value for those seeking a budget-friendly, centrally-located stay in Inverness, complemented by good food, drink and a welcoming atmosphere. Show more
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Categories
Hostel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Dog Friendly Hostel
Cheap Hostel
Small Hostel
Room Types
Twin Room with Bunk BedThis room offers a single bunk bed.
Triple Room with Bunk BedThis room offers a bunk bed, with a double bed below and a single bed above.
Single RoomSingle room with a single bed, en-suite and towels provided.
Double RoomThis room features en-suite facilities.
Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of Inverness, 'Black Isle Bar & Rooms' boasts a prime location that garners high praise from its guests. With its proximity to the bus and train stations, the accommodation offers convenience for travelers, making it an ideal spot for exploring the city. Guests appreciate the central positioning, as it's within walking distance to numerous restaurants, bars, shops and key attractions.
The hotel's location is frequently described as perfect, fantastic and ideal with easy access to the River Ness and the vibrant local market scene. Additionally, the proximity to the historic parts of town and the main streets enriches the visitor experience, providing ample opportunities for exploration and dining.
Notably, the bar downstairs is highlighted as a great addition, serving excellent beer and pizza, adding to the overall appeal of the stay. The convenience of parking nearby and the bustling atmosphere around the property further enhance its attractiveness.
Overall, the centrality, ease of access to public transportation and the vibrant surroundings make 'Black Isle Bar & Rooms' a highly recommended choice for those seeking a budget-friendly yet conveniently located place to stay in downtown Inverness.
Breakfast
The Black Isle Bar & Rooms does not offer breakfast on-site. However, guests can enjoy tea and coffee facilities in their rooms, providing a quick and convenient option for a light start to the day. For those looking for more substantial morning meals, the immediate area boasts a wide range of fantastic breakfast spots to satisfy various preferences and tastes.
Dinner
Black Isle Bar & Rooms offers a delightful dining experience that has earned rave reviews for its top-notch pizza and extensive selection of beers. Situated conveniently near the train station, guests have praised the downstairs bar for serving excellent quality pizzas, made with organic ingredients and an impressive assortment of local beers from the Black Isle Brewery.
The pizzas, often described as amazing, very tasty and of high standard, have definitely won the hearts of those who dined at the bar. Gluten-free options are available, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone. The bar itself is noted as a cool brewpub with a fantastic vibe and the secluded rooftop patio adds to the charm, providing a beautiful spot to enjoy meals.
Guests have highlighted the convenience of eating and drinking on site with long tables available for communal dining. The quality of beer matches that of the pizza, often described as the best beer some have had in a long time. With excellent service and prices, the bar on the ground floor has become a highly recommended spot for a quick bite and a drink.
Overall, the combination of fantastic food, especially the pizza and an impressive beer selection, makes the dining experience at Black Isle Bar & Rooms a memorable one. Whether sitting inside at the cozy bar, enjoying the rooftop terrace or relaxing in the beer garden, guests find both the food and the ambiance superb.
Rooms
Black Isle Bar & Rooms in Inverness offers accommodation that generally meets the standards for simplicity and cleanliness. Most guests noted the rooms were very clean, cozy and comfortable, though they were often described as small and basic. While some rooms were unexpectedly spacious and functional, they were generally minimalist with few amenities and somewhat dated interiors. Beds received mixed reviews with some finding them comfortable and others less so.
Basic conveniences like en-suite showers, tea and coffee making facilities and clean bathrooms are provided, although there were occasional issues with room ventilation and temperature control, ranging from too warm to quite cold depending on the season. A standout feature among reviews was the lack of a TV in the rooms, which might be a drawback for some travelers.
The location above a popular beer bar and pizzeria contributes to some late-night noise, which could be a concern for light sleepers. Guests appreciated the friendly staff and the convenient central location, making it suitable for brief stopovers. Despite its simplicity, the inn’s sustainable concept and welcoming atmosphere left a positive impression on many visitors. Overall, Black Isle Bar & Rooms delivers on cleanliness and essential comforts, ideal for those seeking basic, affordable accommodations in a bustling part of Inverness.
Beds
At the Black Isle Bar & Rooms, guest reviews paint a mixed picture of the bed experience. While many guests found the beds to be comfortable, words like comfortable bed and comfy bed frequently appear in the feedback, indicating that a significant number of visitors left feeling well-rested. Specifically, bunk beds received commendations for their comfort with guests noting they were surprisingly comfortable despite their design.
However, there were mentions of variability in comfort across different rooms and bed types. Several guests pointed out that mattresses were worn out or in need of replacement, highlighting issues such as broken springs and overall poor quality. This suggests that the hotel may benefit from updating some of its older mattresses to ensure a consistently comfortable experience.
Pillow quality also emerged as a common concern with phrases like only one pillow each and thin pillows indicating that additional or improved pillows could greatly enhance comfort. Similarly, complaints about thin quilts and short blankets suggest that enhancing the bedding could address some of the comfort issues.
Size and noise were additional points of concern. Reviews mentioned beds being small or tiny and mattresses being very hard, implying that guests might prefer larger, softer options. Noise from bed springs and the overall room environment also affected the sleep quality for some.
In essence, while the Black Isle Bar & Rooms does provide comfortable bedding for many guests, there is room for improvement in mattress quality, bedding provision and room noise management to enhance the overall sleep experience.
Cleanliness
The cleanliness at Black Isle Bar & Rooms generally receives positive feedback from guests, contributing significantly to their overall satisfaction. The rooms are frequently described as very clean, tidy and comfortable with many guests highlighting the cleanliness of the bedding and towels. Bathrooms also stand out for being particularly clean with some guests appreciating the cleanliness of showers and en-suites.
While the guest rooms earn high marks for their cleanliness, the common areas, particularly the stairwells, often fall short of the same standard with several reviews mentioning dirt and unpleasant smells. Some guests noted issues such as dusty skirting boards, dirty carpets and a clogged shower, indicating that while the rooms themselves are well-maintained, there are occasional lapses in other parts of the property.
Despite these issues, the overall impression of cleanliness in the rooms remains positive with many reviews praising the thorough cleaning service and the comfort provided. There are also mentions of room features like coffee makers and adequate basic furniture enhancing the stay. Additionally, the bar and dining area downstairs are appreciated for their offerings, which adds to the appeal of staying at the Black Isle Bar & Rooms.
Staff
The reviews for Black Isle Bar & Rooms primarily highlight the exceptional quality of the staff. Descriptions consistently refer to the team as incredibly friendly, helpful and welcoming. Guests mention the staff's attentiveness, proactiveness and their readiness to assist with everything from luggage handling to offering advice on local train schedules. The kindness and cheerful demeanor of the staff contribute significantly to a pleasant atmosphere.
Additionally, the staff at the reception and bar are noted to be very accommodating and efficient, ensuring that check-ins and check-outs are smooth and hassle-free. The presence of fun and personable team members enhances the overall experience, creating a warm and enjoyable environment for guests. Praise extends to the concierge service, quality of service and the eagerness of staff to go out of their way to help ensure a comfortable stay.
While a small number of reviews mentioned less positive experiences, the overwhelming majority point to staff members being exceptionally welcoming, providing a five-star level of service. The dedication to hospitality is apparent, making the staff a stand-out feature of Black Isle Bar & Rooms.
Wi-Fi
The WiFi situation at Black Isle Bar & Rooms presents a mixed experience. Guests have noted that the internet connectivity ranges from great to spotty with some areas of the complex offering good WiFi while others lack any connection. For instance, certain guests found the WiFi in their rooms to be slow or unavailable, while other parts of the hotel boasted strong and reliable internet. Overall, the quality of the WiFi seems to vary with some guests applauding the amazing connectivity and others pointing out inconsistencies.
Dog Friendly
The Black Isle Bar & Rooms is notably dog friendly, welcoming canine companions to join their owners throughout the establishment. Guests frequently highlight the convenience and positive experience of being able to bring their dogs along with pets appearing content during their stay. The staff are often described as friendly and helpful, adding to the pleasant atmosphere of the venue. Additionally, guests appreciate the secure storage available for bicycles, further enhancing the hotel's appeal for travelers with specific needs and preferences.
No, Black Isle Bar & Rooms doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Black Isle Bar & Rooms.
Yes, Black Isle Bar & Rooms welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Black Isle Bar & Rooms.