Busta House Hotel
Brae, North Mainland · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: James Martin / Google Maps
A 16th-century laird's house on the Busta coastline in Brae, with period rooms, a restaurant serving local produce and a central North Mainland location.
About Busta House Hotel
Busta House stands over its own stretch of coastline at Brae, on Shetland's North Mainland, and has done so in some form since the 16th century, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited houses in Shetland. The white harled walls and crow-stepped gables give it the look of a laird's residence rather than a hotel, and the interior keeps that character with period furniture, log fires and a series of low-ceilinged public rooms that reward a wander before dinner.
Bedrooms are spread across the original house and later additions, and are offered as twin, double, garden view, single, laird's and family rooms, so it is worth checking the description before booking if a particular size or view matters. The restaurant works with Shetland produce, including local lamb, seafood and beef, and the house can also host weddings and private functions for up to sixty guests, so it is worth checking the events calendar if a quiet weekend is the priority.
Brae's position on the North Mainland is genuinely central within Shetland, roughly midway between Lerwick and the ferry crossings to Yell and Unst, and within easy reach of the Eshaness cliffs. That makes Busta House a practical base for touring the whole of Shetland rather than just one corner of it, as well as a destination in its own right for anyone interested in the history of the building.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Thursday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Friday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We had a great stay at Busta House. It's a beautiful building in a great location that obviously costs a fortune to maintain. The staff were lovely We stayed in Whalsay room, which was nice enough but probably due a refresh soon, this is particularly true of the mattress on the bed which felt like it was 30 years old. I don't want to be a winger, but the rooms are expensive and I expected something a little better for the money. We ate both dinner and breakfast at the hotel and this was a very positive experience, both were delicious with good quality mostly local ingredients. The dinner was nicely prepared and they kept it simple but good with sensible prices. Good drinks list too
4 months ago · via Google
Great hotel. Very quiet, room (Balta) was small but very comfortable, bathroom well equipped. Only issue was the TV signal was quite poor so could only watch a limited amount of channels. Evening meal was great and came very quickly after ordering. Breakfast was good too.
4 months ago · via Google
Four of us had a really nice meal everything was cooked to perfection. The staff were excellent very helpful. I would highly recommend this hotel excellent menu.
4 months ago · via Google
Popped in to see if lunch was being served They weren't doing lunch but were very accommodating and made us freshy baked scones which were delicious with jam and cream Then we enjoyed a wander in the gardens.
2 months ago · via Google
People say this hotel offers delicious breakfast and dinner, with many highlighting the excellent quality of the food and drinks. They also mention the staff are friendly, welcoming, and provide very good service. Guests appreciate the comfortable rooms and the hotel's tranquil atmosphere.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Busta, Shetland, ZE2 9QN Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Brae, North Mainland
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 8.9 / 10 (650 reviews)
- Prices from
- £160 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Shetland