Craigard Hotel
Yards away from the main ferry terminal Castlebay, HS9 5XD Scotland
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Room & Suite (45)
Dining (8)
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About
#7 of 21 hotels in Isle of Barra
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
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.
Enjoy your stay in Isle of Barra!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Street parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Location
67Somewhat walkable
Grade: 67 out of 100
10Restaurantswithin 5 miles
6Attractionswithin 5 miles
Yards away from the main ferry terminal Castlebay, HS9 5XD Scotland
Getting there
Car HireSee all Isle of Barra car hire
337Reviews3Q+A82Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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We knew there would not be much happening on a Sunday on Barra but were not prepared for the reality that in Castlebay there was NOTHING open even in peak season, no cafe, no community centre, no public toilet, no ferry terminal, no leisure centre, most places also shut on Monday. We had a family member feeling poorly and needed hot drinks and called around trying to find food and a warm place to be. On Sunday the Craigard was the only option. We went to the hotel bar, had a cold drink each, then asked if we could also have a cup of tea. These were eventually produced in small paper cups, for 3£ a piece. The evening meal in the restaurant boasts beautiful views over the bay and the food was nice but you were obliged to purchase a minimum of two courses for an eye watering 45£ (a dessert such as a slice of cheesecake would have been another £9 on top). We asked for a one course option, particularly for the person with no appetite, and were told very sternly that was not possible but later on saw that people in the next room were eating single course food (some of the dishes the exact same ones) from the lounge menu which we asked to see and would have been happy to move tables for, but were never shown. Michelin star prices without the star quality or service. Our double room overlooked the parking lot/ storage and hill at the back of the hotel and was small with a tiny en-suite and tape hanging from the ceiling that was supposed to hold up a trapdoor. Comfy bed and room was clean but at 150£ a night significantly overpriced. Worst of all was that we found out that breakfast (full Scottish included in the rate) was not served before 7.30 am. We asked what provision was made for guests like us booked on the ferry to Oban ( leaves at 7 am every day) . Could we have a room only rate and buy our breakfast on the ferry instead? No. Could we have a take out breakfast like bacon rolls prepared the night before? No. We were shown the breakfast room and told we could go in there in the morning and help ourselves to cereal (very tired looking in Tupperware containers) and days old prepackaged croissants / yoghurts but told forcefully not to touch the coffee machine so we‘d have to bring down a hot instant one from our room. Some of the friendly younger staff seemed inclined to find more guest orientated solutions but were soon brought to heel by the rigid unhelpful attitude of the woman in charge. On the whole this experience left a bad aftertaste. Everywhere else on the Scottish islands we were met with warm hospitality and whilst it’s not cheap and one appreciates they need to earn their money in the summer season, you got value for money. On Barra, the Craigard left us feeling fleeced, they had us over a barrel and made it clear they didn’t need to go out of their way to accommodate guest‘s needs. Avoid. Instead stay on South Uist / Lochboisdale at Rivercottage , where Host Andy will spoil you rotten for £80 a night, and come to Barra for the day only (ideally on a Wednesday to Saturday) or come by campervan so you can cook and sleep independently. The island is beautiful.…
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Don’t stay there the night before the ferry to Oban, you won’t get a decent breakfast but be...
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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.
Helpful
Response from Brian Currie, Owner at Craigard Hotel
Responded 4 weeks ago
Its always difficult to respond to negative reviews on TripAdvisor as it’s so difficult for business owners not to seem defensive. Please keep in mind that negative reviews are usually actions of retaliation. Some constructive negative reviews provide great feedback for us to improve, and we review regularly for any learnings. Good hospitality doesn’t mean its right to allow individuals to insult, humiliate, or speak down to our staff or management. There is always room for improvement with regards to managing expectations, service, and facilities. Please raise any issues when you are at the hotel, we are unable to assist if you tell us about it months later. Most problems occur when individuals don’t have their requests met. We will always try within reason to facilitate any request, and in return all we ask is you respect the outcome. For example, if you are a dog owner and we don’t take dogs, please respect our wishes. If you have any questions regarding something positive or negative written in a review please make an enquiry prior to booking, we much prefer to be proactive with customer service rather than reactive. Barra is a unique location that requires a little bit of homework, this will help you make the most of your visit if you are here for a limited amount of time. If your spontaneous and like to feel things out and go with the flow, it only adds to the excitement.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Had an exchange of emails before arrival which wasn't the nicest.I thought that would be it. Little did I know the manager unnecessarily raised the matter with me upon arrival again.He told me to leave
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
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.
Helpful
Response from Brian Currie, Owner at Craigard Hotel
Responded 4 weeks ago
Its always difficult to respond to negative reviews on TripAdvisor as it’s so difficult for business owners not to seem defensive. Please keep in mind that negative reviews are usually actions of retaliation. Some constructive negative reviews provide great feedback for us to improve, and we review regularly for any learnings. Good hospitality doesn’t mean its right to allow individuals to insult, humiliate, or speak down to our staff or management. There is always room for improvement with regards to managing expectations, service, and facilities. Please raise any issues when you are at the hotel, we are unable to assist if you tell us about it months later. Most problems occur when individuals don’t have their requests met. We will always try within reason to facilitate any request, and in return all we ask is you respect the outcome. For example, if you are a dog owner and we don’t take dogs, please respect our wishes. If you have any questions regarding something positive or negative written in a review please make an enquiry prior to booking, we much prefer to be proactive with customer service rather than reactive. Barra is a unique location that requires a little bit of homework, this will help you make the most of your visit if you are here for a limited amount of time. If your spontaneous and like to feel things out and go with the flow, it only adds to the excitement.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Very comfortable room and staff very friendly and helpful and understanding. Restaurant was very comfortable with warm, cosy decor . Great food service . The bar is full of friendly folks and has a good selection of drinks. Great place to stay - can recommend.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Helpful
We went for a drink, the public bar is old fashioned, but not in a charming way. Dogs are not welcome, no idea why. We had a drink outside, nice view over the bay, ferry terminal and castle. But if you are a dog owner the message is clear you are not welcome.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Don't go if you have a dog.
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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.
Helpful
Response from Brian Currie, Owner at Craigard Hotel
Responded 4 weeks ago
Its always difficult to respond to negative reviews on TripAdvisor as it’s so difficult for business owners not to seem defensive. Please keep in mind that negative reviews are usually actions of retaliation. Some constructive negative reviews provide great feedback for us to improve, and we review regularly for any learnings. Good hospitality doesn’t mean its right to allow individuals to insult, humiliate, or speak down to our staff or management. There is always room for improvement with regards to managing expectations, service, and facilities. Please raise any issues when you are at the hotel, we are unable to assist if you tell us about it months later. Most problems occur when individuals don’t have their requests met. We will always try within reason to facilitate any request, and in return all we ask is you respect the outcome. For example, if you are a dog owner and we don’t take dogs, please respect our wishes. If you have any questions regarding something positive or negative written in a review please make an enquiry prior to booking, we much prefer to be proactive with customer service rather than reactive. Barra is a unique location that requires a little bit of homework, this will help you make the most of your visit if you are here for a limited amount of time. If your spontaneous and like to feel things out and go with the flow, it only adds to the excitement.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Disappointing room with unpleasant smell and cooking smells throughout. Very small bathroom. Although room was serviced as garbage emptied and tea bags, mild and biscuits replaced, the bed was not attended to at all. In its favour, the staff were excellent and the dinner was superb.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
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.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Booked a meal, lovely restaurant with views of the castle, food was to die for, each one of us cleaned our plates, all 3 courses, Scallops especially were cooked to perfection, definitely coming back, oh and friendly staff x
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
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.
Helpful
Comfortable, clean and welcoming. Great breakfast and outstanding evening meals. Plenty of parking and picture postcard views in every direction, particularly from the dining room. We will definitely return! Recommended.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
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.
Helpful
This gem is one of few hotels on the island. The staff were very friendly, rooms are en-suite, updated and spotless. My view was out of a postcard, my cousin’s faced a chapel and a lost ewe was baaing at the church door in the middle of the night…it only added to the character of the hotel. We had dinner there and it was wonderful…you have to get the fish as it can’t be any fresher.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip 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.
Helpful
The Craigard hotel is first class and the staff are truly excellent. My partner and I recently stayed there intermittently between wild camping over a period of 10 days. We went back to the hotel 3 times in total when the Scottish weather got too rough. Each time the rooms were lovely and cosy with great views over the bay and finished to a high standard . The Scottish cooked breakfast was superb and in the evening we dined in the Hotel restaurant. Again stunning views which was complimented by delicious seafood freshly caught that day. What more could you ask for? Saturday and Sunday night had entertainment down in the bar in the shape of a band that had just headlined the isle of Uist festival the night before. Really was a night to remember. Next time I’m back in Barra there really is only 1 place to go! Keep up the good work guys and hope to see you again soon Davie from Glasgow…
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip 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.
Helpful
+1
Where do I start? We stayed in the craigard hotel this week for a total of 4 nights with a couple nights of wild camping in between. The hotel was spotless and our rooms were finished to a high standard and very comfortable. Brain and all his team pulled out all the stops for us making our trip unforgettable. We ate in the restaurant and it’s honestly one of the best meals I’ve ever had…fresh seafood is my favourite and brain sorted me out with the freshest scallops and monkfish. Not only did they make our stay unforgettable we also went on his boat trip and tried my hand at line fishing, guaranteed to catch a fair few fish. Barra in the sunshine is honestly the most beautiful place. Thanks to everyone at the craigard hotel for making us feel so welcome, nothing was too much bother. Oh and the Hebridean breakfast was a 10/10 for me. Live music was on Saturday and Sunday evening too which was a bonus for us. Thanks again to everyone, we will be back! …
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip 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.
Helpful
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandThe HebridesOuter HebridesIsle of Barra
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
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Frequently Asked Questions about Craigard Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Craigard Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Kisimul Castle (0.2 miles), Isle of Barra (0.5 miles), and Buth Bharraigh (0.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Craigard Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Craigard Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Craigard Hotel?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Craigard Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Cafe Kisimul, Vatersay Community Hall Café, and Restaurant at the Heathbank Hotel.
Does Craigard Hotel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbour view available here.