Examples of rooms at the Royal Hotel

The Matheson Room (6)

This room's complete renewal is typical of the renovations of other rooms in the hotel.  Before its refurbishment, this room, with its distinctive oriel window had become dated. 

After stripping the room to bare plaster, repairing any damp areas and replacing the ceiling, a brand new ensuite shower room was added (this room has a double size shower) and the room was fully decorated.  Curtain materials of a style suitable to the period feel of the room were specially selected and made to measure for the room.   

Finally, the room was equipped with a large, wall mounted, flat screen Samsung digital TV.

As the hotel is situated in a conservation area, structural changes and renovations are subject to delays during planning, so  the period window frames are now scheduled to be renewed during autumn 2010.

With its cantilevered oriel window directly facing Lews Castle and the Green in front of it, this is probably the most desirable of all hotel rooms in Stornoway.  Hotel legend is that Lord Leverhulme sat in the window space, supervising building work after he bought the castle., but it may have been James Matheson, the previous castle owner,

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Views of the Matheson Room (6), shortly after its renovation

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The Lewis Room (9), with twin beds and a pull-out sofa-bed , is ideal for a family and child.

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The Seaforth Room (16), has retained its period firplace and panelling.

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New ensuite shower rooms are bright and stylish.  You'll find complimentary  Elemis toiletries.

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Even smaller rooms, such as the Clisham (7)  have character. Note a hospitality tray in every room.