Castlebay Hotel

Had a magical 2 night stay in May over the bank holiday. The staff were exceptional - always there to help, and nothing was too big an ask. Everyone was really welcoming and friendly and it had a lovely atmosphere. I slept unbelievably well and the staff helped us arrange hire bikes so we biked around the entire island. The food was delicious, both breakfasts were top notch, I really recommend both the haddock and the Scottish full English. The owner makes beautiful ceramics which all the meals are served on / in - it’s such a great touch. Thank you - we will be back !!

We booked an evening meal here on a Thursday night. We were given a good table at the front of the restaurant with a view over the harbour and castle. The service was good and so was the food and drink. All local produce where possible, seafood and lamb recommended.

We stayed for one night, because we had to catch the early ferry to Oban. Car parking isn't easy, especially for people with mobility issues. We received a warm welcome from the receptionist, who also worked in the restaurant. We had a very nice and tasty meal for dinner, and due to the early start the following morning, we were offered a packed breakfast. It was an adequate offering. The rooms are not modern or 'boxy' but they offer everything that you need. Overall, we were happy with our stay.

We booked the Petit Double Room and it was indeed very petit. With my husband being over 6 ft tall, it was a tight fit but the room was absolutely lovely. Check-In, as well as check-out and breakfast service was great and we had no complaints at all. Location is great, close to ferry terminal, bus station and only a short walk to to store.

We ate here on 2 evenings in June. It was a very promising start when they said they could adapt almost anything on the menu to avoid my food intolerances, which include onion and garlic. This has happened to me fewer than 10 times, over many years, indicating how few establishments truly cook from fresh. It got better when a very large portion of langoustines arrived. One of our most memorable meals for many years, the crustaceans were plentiful, fresh, very sweet, and delicious. It’s not a meal you can rush, of course, and there is some work to do to get at the meat, but your effort is repaid in full. And it’s good to proceed slowly, when schedules allow. My langoustines had a plain butter sauce rather than the standard garlic sauce, but they were so good that a squeeze of lemon was really all that was required. Thank goodness we didn’t have a starter, we were really stuffed - but contented! We said “no, we don’t want coffee or a dessert” and rather expected the bill to come. Perhaps I should have asked! After 15 minutes, I went searching for anyone who I could pay. This proved to be a challenge, with no members of staff to be found for quite a while. We returned the next day. When we reserved, we asked if we could have the window table with its fantastic views of the bay. They said they couldn’t guarantee that, but we were allocated that table on arrival. I had a Venison burger, no onion, but which came with black pudding, which wasn’t mentioned on the specials board. I have never found a black pudding with listed ingredients which didn’t have onion, so I was doubtful, but I do like it so I took a chance and I wasn’t unwell. The range of no or low alcoholic drinks was limited, but they were able to go to the bar, in a separate building, to get me a Guinness zero, which goes well with a red meat like venison. Everything is served nicely, often on pottery made at the premises, which you can buy for a suitably impressive price. Overall, we liked this a lot and would consider staying here if we ever return to Barra.

Beautifully renovated hotel in a stunning location. It has been 2 years since we last visited and there have been incredible improvements. The owners have done a fantastic job with renovations and the hotel has a fresh and comfortable feeling as soon as you walk in the door. The food was great, a fantastic showcase of the local produce and staff were attentive, friendly and offered a very warm welcome. The handmade pottery adds a really special touch. Come for the incredible views of the bay, stay for everything else.

Came here as was in a rush for ferry, whilst there was gusts, winds and rain (even coming sideways)! And couldn't find any other hot meals in the village. There was a pleasant young woman and what looked like the proprietor whom made an exception for 3 toasties to takeaway, for 3 hungry, wet souls. This was much appreciated, and made our stay on Barra exemplary. P.s. kudos to the chef for the tremendous toasties and a beautifully presented and dressed salad. We will definitely be back... Hopefully with a bit of sun and some time to sink some beers in the sunroom! The three drowned rats ;)

Perfect location, and the staff are so helpful. When we had to run down to the ferry terminal for the early boat one of the team ran down to the parking area with breakfast bags - fantastic and so helpful. The rooms are extremely comfortable, beautiful decor, and the food in their restaurant is spectacular.