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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Craigard Hotel is an excellent choice for travellers visiting Isle of Barra, offering many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay.
You’ll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer a flat screen TV, and you can stay connected during your stay as Craigard Hotel offers guests free internet access.
Plus, Craigard Hotel offers free breakfast, providing a pleasant respite from your busy day. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available.
During your visit, be sure to check out a popular Isle of Barra crab restaurant such as Restaurant at the Castlebay Hotel, which is a short distance from Craigard Hotel.
Looking to explore? Then look no further than Kisimul Castle (0.2 mi) and Barra Heritage & Cultural Centre (0.4 mi), which are some popular Isle of Barra attractions – all conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel.
Castlebay Yards away from the main ferry terminal, HS9 5XD Scotland
Craigard Hotel
384 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Craigard Hotel garners praise for its service, with guests frequently commending the friendly staff and their attention to detail, despite an isolated report of a less satisfactory encounter. Its prime location in Castle Bay is a highlight for many, offering easy ferry access and picturesque castle views, with the added bonus of a welcoming public bar. While the rooms are celebrated for their comfort and cleanliness, offering breath-taking views, some visitors mention they can feel a bit snug.
The hotel's atmosphere is described as vibrant, with enjoyable traditional music events enhancing the stay. Overall, guests appreciate the good value, especially the quality and pricing of the food, though the wine selection may not meet everyone's expectations.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Well-appointed
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Odd, and unsatisfactory welcome from lady on desk. Struggled to find our booking. Room fine, and bed comfortable. Stayed two nights and asked for room not to be serviced.....it was then serviced! The extractor fan in the bathroom needed cleaning, and wash-hand basin was tiny, and very hard to use. It also had no ‘overflow’ water exit. The hotel has a very nice conservatory to the front with superb views over the bay, and castle. Only half of the tables there are set out for breakfast....we were politely moved when sitting in the wrong area. So those arriving for breakfast later are seated in a windowless ‘breakfast room’ behind the conservatory. This we thought was frankly ludicrous, given that the view is a key selling point. The cooked breakfast itself was freshly cooked, and excellent. Our request for brown toast was met with a “you get what is available “ comment. (It was brown)
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My sister and I arrived at the Craigard hotel like drowned rats (after an unsuccessful camping experience).
The owner of the hotel Brian let us check into our hotel room 6 hours early and made us warm breakfast rolls and coffee to eat us up (on the house) whilst we waited on the room being prepared for us.
Our room was spotless and looked on to the nearby church. Absolutely beautiful!... And we were extremely grateful for housekeeping preparing our room earlier for us at such short notice.
We also had dinner in the hotel restaurant later that evening and the food was superb. Large portion sizes for great prices.
Whilst in the hotel the staff and the locals introduced themselves and would take the time to chat to us, recommend parts of the island and just made us feel so welcomed.
Brian also took time after his long shift to show us around parts of the island and around his stunning yacht which is available to rent out to groups for trips/occasions!
On the morning we were due to leave, our ferry was first thing - so we were going to miss the complimentary breakfast time. However, the staff at the hotel arranged for our breakfast to be made earlier so that we could take our food with us for boarding the ferry. Such friendly and accommodating people! The staff and Brian went above and beyond to make sure we felt welcomed and we will definitely be arranging another trip to Barra because of this! (And keep recommending the island and hotel to all our friends and family)
We look forward to our next visit and to see all the locals again! Thank you for everything and for making our trip such a positive and happy one!
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
MARY MF Best Breakfast In the whole world nothing was too much trouble and you are good crack we miss u already. Rooms spotless Bedding smelt lush I even changed to aerial powder to remind me of my peaceful sleeps Bed so so comfy .
Gordon Maintenance has good crack and suggestions all the staff were friendly nothing was too much trouble if u needed extra coffee just ask and they get it with a smile x
I will genuinely miss u all . The island is Beautiful and it was the well needed rest I needed .
Chris Food was amazing menu could be changed daily but isn't a negative just a suggestion but what we Eat was Fab .
Thanku and one day we will Back
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here for one night. Room decent size, clean, ensuite. Had two windows for ventilation. At the back of the hotel so view over carpark and some junk and then a beautiful hill.
Two main problems The room was almost above the bar and there was a door that slammed frequently and very loudly reverberating through the room from our arrival until the bar shut which made the room unrelaxing and we couldn't think of going to bed whilst the bar was open. There was note in red writing in the room info book stating that if anyone smoked in a room they had to pay £150 to have the room aired and deep cleaned. I have no problem with this- it is illegal to smoke in the room. However we couldn't open the window because there were people smoking underneath it at regular intervals and the smoke came straight into our room making it impossible to breathe. At closing time there was some sort of altercation just below our window. In the morning we were unceremoniously redirected for attempting to go into the dining room via the wrong door.
Dining room in two parts- one windowless, airless bit and a brighter part with windows ( closed so no ventilation) overlooking the bay. Breakfast - pretty standard B&B fare.
Staff didn't communicate very well.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Avoid rooms near the bar
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here before getting the ferry back to Oban which required a 6:15am check in the following morning.
Generally the hotel is well managed with friendly staff. Many were quite junior and there was a feeling of early season inexperience. The reception was unmanned which meant that you needed to wait to be noticed but as the hotel was busy the wait for help was short.
The room was nice with a large bathroom and, as we had booked a superior room, we had a great view across the bay. We had dinner in the restaurant with our party ordering a wide range of what was available and all the dishes were very good.
Whilst the inside of the hotel is well decorated and the rooms appear recently refurbished the exterior is showing it's age with worn paint, rust marks etc.. Also the entrance is through the back of the hotel and whilst convenient for the car park does not give the greatest impression.
The hotel has a bar attached that seems popular with locals and on the night we were there a live band was playing well past midnight making it hard to sleep. This kind of bar and entertainment seemed at odds with a hotel charging £ 170 a night.
I'm sure it is a common occurrence for guests departing early to get the ferry but there was no pro-active attempt to help with this apart form a request to pay the bill the night before. It's likely that some accommodation could be made for a continental breakfast but it would be nice if this was offered when paying the bill and the early departure is mentioned.
Also the Coffee and Tea in the room had not been refreshed from the previous guest so had to make do with decaf coffee in the morning again a fairly basic error given the room cost. As there are no staff available until 7:30am this could not be rectified.
In general I conclude that the hotel is run with the bar and restaurant as the focus and the needs of guests secondary. The room price ranging from £ 145-170 per night seems high compared to other places we stayed during our visit. Whilst I understand the issues around business costs I would say more could be done to provide a better guest experience with the current resources. Thus the average review, to be honest I think this is what the Hotel aspires to.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Superior rooms offer the best view. Try too get a room away from the bar if you want to sleep...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed a couple of nights during an Hebridean tour and were delighted with the venue. We paid a few quid extra for a superior room with private terrace overlooking the harbour of Castlebay, and it was money well spent. The room was spotlessly clean and very comfortable. The management even took the trouble to phone us during our ferry crossing to see if we wanted to book an evening meal. This proved most welcome as with ferry times and Covid restrictions we might otherwise have gone very hungry! The food was plentiful and delicious, and the staff were friendly and helpful. We would recommend Craigard to anyone planning a visit to Barra.
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Date of stay: May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spent an night at this establishment on a very wet dark dreach day. A very warm welcome from hotel management. Clean fresh cosy room with a view over the castle . Lots of hot water. Dinner served in front of a big roaring fire Excellent fresh prawn salad for starter . One of us had scallops and one had local caught fish Both equally fresh and tasty and good value but be warned ... large portions! Breakfast was served in a bag and delivered to our room Well filled hot roll / fresh yogurt/orange juice and flapjack . Will return and recommend. Prices are a bit higher than mainland but we were on an island . The people /Scenery / food is well worth it.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Slightly mixed thoughts in this one. Was easy to book and staff were friendly, that was the good side. They have a rule of £30 reservation fee, I thought that was a deposit but it was additional to the actual room price - so add 30 when you book. Our room was nice, good shower and clean. Tv worked well and WiFi too. We had an okay meal there, sadly there was a mix up and we got given another dish, but it was still tasty. We returned to the room, and did not realise that it overlooks a staff rest area. Our room now smelt of cigarettes and we had to close the window. Also was a bit noisy, and you can hear staff chatting - I understand they need to have breaks and chat but it also stopped me turning in for an early night. Breakfast due to Covid is a packed lunch with a hot roll with two fillings from the English breakfast, some fruit, juice box, yoghurt and a tea or instant coffee. My thoughts overall are that it’s a nice place to stay and eat but it was the most expensive place we stayed and don’t think you can really justify £135/165£ for what you get. Compared to other parts of Scotland you can get more and pay less. However, you do get a unique perch to see Castlebay.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Brian Currie, Owner at Craigard Hotel
Responded 30 Jun 2021
Hi, Thanks for your review, can you contact the Hotel and give contact details for a manager to get in touch. The £30 was for a deposit and not a holding fee. There seems to be a mistake and we would like to correct.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Craigard Hotel run by Helen..who also happens to be an excellent Chef, was a joy to visit. The accommodation was top class, staff friendly and helpful and the food on offer with local produce was tasty and good value. Helen and staff have done a wonderful job in presenting and promoting this Charming Hotel in an idyllic location. I'll be back🥰🏃♂️💙🍺🏴
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would stay here again and recommend it to others but it had a few negative quirks that took the edge off what is a premium priced hotel.
Dinner was really good and served in a conservatory with extensive (and spectacular) sea views, though some diners dined in side rooms when it was busy.
The staff were friendly and helpful, though occasionally lacked a little finesse (more details below- this may be a reflection of difficulty in getting experienced staff, and the fact that mid May is early in the season so staff training is perhaps not complete)
We had a twin room which had a sea view, but the window was in a corner of the room and the seaview was partly restricted by the roof below , so while it was a sea view it was not one you could linger over. The room was warm, cosy and clean.
The wash basin, for anyone who wet shaves, was the most impractical I've ever experienced. Tiny with a glass shelf above it which almost completely restricted access to wash your face. Shaving was carried out bent over, and with a need to mop the floor afterwards as water had to be splashed everywhere to rinse because you couldn't get your face above the basin.
To get to reception from the car park was through a yard, through a firedoor in its corner, then along a corridor which gave the impression of entering via the back door (it was the back door... but it could have bene a little more welcoming) The yard was covered in broken glass which remained uncleared for the 2 day duration of our stay, and gave an impression of lack of attention to detail.
Breakfast was good, but if you wanted the sea view from the conservatory you needed to eat early to get a table as the tables were not reset after early breakfast diners had finished- later diners were instead served breakfast in an internal breakfast room that opened into the conservatory but had no windows. We witnessed other guests ask if they could move to an empty table in the conservatory with a sea view to be told by the waitress no they couldn't as that table was not made up . It left the impression that the customer was a nuisance rather than a guest, and that the hotel's systems were more important than the guests who stayed there.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:To get good views when eating meals reserve tables for dinner, and get to breakfast early.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kent, United Kingdom45 contributions30 helpful votes
I would recommend the Craigard completely and they have different rooms available to suit everyone, if you treat the owners as you wish to be treated you won’t have a problem . We have just returned and they are the nicest people ever , nothing is too much trouble . As a family from south east England we stood out like sore thumbs in this beautiful remote part of the world , however we were always made to feel so welcome.
There are more places to choose from in the Isle of Barra area.
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandThe HebridesOuter HebridesIsle of Barra
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
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