Dark island Hotel

Have read the reports on the hotel and was a bit dubious about going but we were on a coach trip and didn't have much choice. Was pleasantly surprised. The room was small but cosy. We had asked for a walk in shower which were given. The food and staff were very good. Enjoyed our stay and the weather was brilliant.

Room completely old and warn out . Bed and furniture were terrible . We reported this to the hotel staff who could not have cared less . Next week there will be a new cohort intake and that’s why they don’t care . At some point another hotel will take this business away from this terribly run establishment . Restaurant was good btw

My wife and I had a most enjoyable 6 night stay in the Dark Island Hotel. All members of staff were very friendly and helpful, meals were excellent and accommodation was first class. We certainly intend to return to Benbecula at a future date and will definitely be booking into the Dark Island.

The hotel is in a quiet location with some very dated rooms in need of a complete overhaul, unlike the restaurant which is fine. It is however as our guide told us, the only hotel that takes coach parties in the area and he warned us 5 minutes before arriving that if there was anything wrong with the room to let reception know straight away. My mattress was well passed its sell by date as were the not very big, thin and frayed bath towels. The shower water strength was mediocre and the temperature varied (it seemed to me) depending on how other people were also having a shower at the same time, ranging from stone cold to very hot. Otherwise our room was OK. There are apparently three classes of people that can stay here so a waiter told us; residents, non-residents and coach travellers. This is evident at meal times with the latter being in their own room together (and woe betide if you try using the other) and in the evening having a pre-ordered meal, which I think is really sensible. For the residents and walk-ins, a much bigger menu is available and made fresher, which is fine but they take precedent over the coach travellers who might wait sometime between servings. Our meals, considering they were pre-prepared, arrived at the same time and were well presented, reasonably generous, hot when they needed to be and delicious.

Booked over phone at 5pm. Wanted to eat at 7 but told we could be fitted in at 7:15 Fine. When we arrived they had no record of our booking but got us in anyway so no problems there. We ordered our meals and drinks. After about 10 mins drinks had not arrived so reminded waitress. Food then arrived but still no drinks. Reminded them again about drinks which finally arrived about 5 mins after food. I had burger which was overcooked dry and leathery on a stale bun with a small piece of lettuce, thin slice of tomato and gherkin. I needed to put on lots of tomato sauce to make it just about edible. On the plus side the chips were good, my wife’s fish and chips were ok and the waitress cheery. Thought about complaining but couldn’t be bothered so paid and left

Booked a table on two consecutive nights whilst staying nearby in a brilliant B & B, called Hebrides House. I am a very picky eater but was able to select easily from the menu provided, and made different choices both nights. I found all staff to be efficient and welcoming especially Elise and Beth. Good quality food served on hot plates, which is a basic, and one which quite a lot of eateries fail to do: also noticed that I was given a table check both nights - another basic often omitted, especially in busy places. I also liked the ‘atmosphere’ in the restaurant. Would definitely recommend.