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3-star hotel Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 10:00

The Highlander

Stay at The Highlander in Scarborough offering traditional rooms, free breakfast, a Scottish-themed bar, and easy access to Scarborough Castle and SEA LIFE.

15-16 Esplanade, Scarborough YO11 2AF, United Kingdom View on map
8.4/10
Very Good Based on 572 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Kid-friendly Restaurant Bar
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable stay with friendly service and good breakfast

Guests appreciate the welcoming staff, traditional rooms with ocean views, and tasty cooked breakfasts, while noting the hotel’s dated decor.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly and attentive staff delivering warm, family-like service
  • Delicious and well-prepared cooked breakfasts included in the stay
  • Spacious, clean rooms with thoughtful touches such as free toiletries and refreshments
  • Welcoming atmosphere in the Scottish-themed bar and dining areas
  • Great location with lovely views overlooking Scarborough’s South Bay

Worth knowing

  • The hotel is somewhat dated and in need of refurbishment
  • There is no pool or fitness center on site
  • Dog-friendly policy applies, but the designated dog area is small
  • Breakfast and bar facilities stand out as strong points despite modest room decor
  • Affordable pricing reflects the traditional style and amenities offered

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a budget-friendly stay near Scarborough’s South Bay
  • Guests who value friendly, personal service and a welcoming atmosphere
  • Families looking for kid-friendly accommodations with included breakfast
  • Travelers interested in exploring local attractions like Scarborough Castle and Peasholm Park
  • Those who enjoy a traditional Scottish bar experience alongside their accommodation
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About this property

Welcome to The Highlander

Located on the Esplanade overlooking Scarborough's South Bay, The Highlander offers traditional rooms in a classic ocean-view guesthouse setting. Guests can enjoy a free cooked breakfast each morning and relax in the Scottish-themed bar, which is noted for its welcoming atmosphere. The property emphasizes practical comforts such as free Wi-Fi and a restaurant, while maintaining a smoke-free environment and a kid-friendly approach.

The guesthouse has received varied feedback regarding its facilities. Many appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, along with spacious rooms and quality breakfast offerings. However, some reviews mention that the décor and furnishings feel somewhat dated, though the property remains clean and comfortable. Overall, the atmosphere is described as warm and inviting, making it a suitable choice for travelers seeking straightforward accommodation close to the coast.

The Highlander's location is well-suited for visitors wanting to explore local attractions. It lies within easy walking distance of The Spa conference and entertainment venue and is about a 13-minute walk from Scarborough train station. Nearby points of interest include Scarborough Castle, Peasholm Park, and SEA LIFE Scarborough, all offering a variety of outdoor and family-friendly activities.

For those arriving by air, the property is reachable within around 1.5 to 2 hours by car from airports such as Leeds Bradford, Teesside International, and Humberside. Several other hotels with similar ratings and nearby locations are available within a short distance, providing additional options for travelers.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

BS
Beth Sill Mar 30, 2026
10

Great place, room was basic but lovely, and cheap with breakfast included! Staff were friendly. Lovely views of Scarborough. Breakfast was delicious. Plenty of tea and coffee in the room and nice touches like free toiletries and biscuits.

TP
Tracey Pilkington Mar 24, 2026
8.0

Went for a family meal, food was good and alcohol free drinks available as I was driving. Dog friendly but the area for people with dogs was not very big.

MT
Macauly Thompson Mar 15, 2026
10

Very nice hotel would highly recommend and would stay here in the future 100% the staff are very warm and welcoming thank you for a great stay and see you again soon

JM
James MacDonald Feb 07, 2026
10

Took my friend for a birthday lunch, Had a great meal and great time, it’s a wonderful atmosphere and the staff make you feel so welcome, highly recommend

T
TWINSTRACY Feb 05, 2026
10

A dated hotel but spotlessly clean. Good facilities. Staff cannot do enough for you and make you feel like family straight away. Breakfast top quality and delicious. Will definately go back xx

LI
Lindsey Ingham Feb 03, 2026
10

Had an amazing Sunday Carvery. All the food was very fresh and well cooked. No picture taken as I was busy eating.

DF
David Forster Jan 14, 2026
8.0

Hotel's a bit dated and dilapidated but that's why it's cheap. Rooms are spacious but in desperate need of refurbishment. Staff were brilliant though, very friendly and chatty, food was lovely and the bar has a good atmosphere when busy.

CS
Cinders Simpson Jan 02, 2026
10

Lovely place to stay. Spacious room, lovely staff, good cooked breakfast. Great location!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Highlander

Scarborough, United Kingdom

Overlooking Scarborough's South Bay, this classic guesthouse is a 5-minute walk from The Spa conference and entertainment venue and a 13-minute walk from Scarborough train station.

  • Scarborough 13 min Walk
  • Aquarium Top (Stop Y) 9 min Walk
  • St Andrew's Church 5 min Walk
  • Leeds Bradford Airport 1 hr 47 Car · 2 hr 16 Transit
  • Teesside International Airport 1 hr 37 Car · 2 hr 30 Transit
  • Humberside Airport 1 hr 32 Car · 3 hr 16 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Scarborough. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Scarborough Castle 8,715 reviews

Scarborough Castle

Castle Rd, Scarborough YO11 1HY, United Kingdom

4.6 · Castle
Peasholm Park 10,668 reviews

Peasholm Park

N Bay Promenade, Scarborough YO12 7TR, United Kingdom

4.6 · Park
SEA LIFE Scarborough 7,094 reviews

SEA LIFE Scarborough

Scalby Mills Rd, Scarborough YO12 6RP, United Kingdom

4.1 · Tourist Attraction
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