Thurso hotel set for winter closure
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STAFF at one of the county’s most historic hotels have been told its doors are set to shut during winter.
Thurso’s Royal Hotel will close for the first time ever during the winter season in two weeks’ time.
It is understood it will shut on Sunday, November 6, for four months. Bookings will still be taken at the hotel until that date but its online booking system will not be available from Monday, November 7.
It is likely the hotel will reopen at the start of March – although no date has been confirmed.
The hotel, which is part of the Oxford Hotels and Inns Group, would not confirm if the closure is set to take place on an annual basis.
Manager Hamish Mackinnon said a dip in customers during the winter months was one of the reasons behind the closure.
He also revealed the hotel is to undergo renovation to give it a fresh look for its spring reopening.
“Primarily, the reason behind the closure was due to the fact that the winter season has not been as profitable as it has been in previous years. But another reason for closing was we are also carrying out a refurbishment of our premises.
“Work has already begun on part of the building this week and will include redecoration in various areas around the hotel.”
The Royal Hotel, located in Traill Street, is one of the town’s longest-established businesses.
The three-star hotel features 103 rooms and caters for guests who travel from across the world to visit the Far North.
Around 30 staff were advised by letter in August of the threat of temporary closure.
Mr Mackinnon said: “This year has not been an especially good year due to the recession but we have had a healthy number of visitors throughout the spring and summer months.
“We have seen an increase in visitors from outside the UK who are staying with us while holidaying in the area.
“The foreign market has been a good one for us with a number of tourists coming from Australia, New Zealand, Spain and the USA. But we have seen a decrease in the number of British tourists who are staying with us.
“This is due to the fact that the ‘staycation’ market has sharply dropped this year. But this is a fact with hotels throughout the industry.”
Thurso Community Council chairman Bob Earnshaw said the closure was sadly a sign of the times. But he praised the hotel for carrying out refurbishment work which, he believes, gives cause for optimism.
“It’s a sad reflection of the way things are going for business. There does seem to be plenty of tourists who come to the town, but you never really know the real story,” he said.
“However, the fact the hotel is investing in refurbishments is a positive sign for the future and a boost for the local workforce.”
