Mackays Hotel

We like places like Mackays – a privately-owned town centre hotel, high up in the far northern Highlands of Scotland, with cosy rooms, a nice restaurant and bar, and ever-present owners to attend to every detail and make sure all of their guests are happy. It's not the poshest place you'll ever stay, but will surely be one of the most welcoming and comfortable, and – situated, as it is, on what is officially 'the shortest street in the world' according to the Guinness Book of World Records – is at the centre of the small coastal town of Wick and the heart of the local community.

It has thirty rooms in all – mostly twins and doubles, but with a few singles and family rooms as well – which have mostly been refurbished in contemporary style with comfortable beds and tea trays with local Scottish shortbread; all have en-suite bathrooms, with fluffy bath towels and complimentary toiletries  and there's free wifi throughout the building.

They also have some self-catering apartments and townhouses nearby for rent, and even a five-bedroomed serviced house – again good for groups and families. The No.1 Bistro downstairs is popular with residents and non-residents alike, and serves great food based on the best local ingredients – so good beef and seafood in particular. They also have a fine dining restaurant and a comfy bar in which to sample the hotel's excellent collection of Highland malt whiskies.  We reckon there's no better place to explore the charms of this part of Scotland's Northern Highlands.