Shetland hostel named best in the world

Last year, Isleburgh House in Lerwick was voted the best in Europe in a poll conducted by Hostelling International, an influential backpackers’ website. And it was pipped to the post for the world title by the Ban Dinso in Bangkok, Thailand, a boutique hostel with only nine rooms.

But the five-star Shetland hostel has now received the ultimate accolade in hostelling at a prestigious awards ceremony in Vienna, coming top on scores for friendliness of its staff, efficiency of service, cleanliness, security and location.

A spokesman for Hostelling International said: “HI customers love its location with close proximity to local amenities, the beautiful grand mansion house with fabulous views, and commented particularly on the friendly and efficient staff.”

Dale Smith, the facilities manager at Islesburgh, flew to Vienna to accept the top award at HI’s annual meeting for hostel managers. He dedicated the prize to the staff at the Lerwick hostel.

Smith, who stayed in the Brigittenau Hostel while in Austria, said: “You can have a great building, but if you don’t have great staff, you are not going to achieve anything. This award is recognition of the hard work and exceptional customer care our staff deliver day in day out, as well as the excellent facilities we have at the hostel. This is certainly a welcome Christmas present for everyone at Islesburgh.”

Neil Watt, Shetland Island Council’s executive manager for sport and leisure, said he was “absolutely thrilled” that Isleburgh House has been awarded the accolade by customers on the backpackers’ website.

He said: “This is an amazing achievement for all the staff at Islesburgh House Hostel and just goes to show the consistently excellent service they provide to all their guests.

“First and foremost, this award is down to the staff. There is no question about that, in terms of customer care and attentiveness. They just spend a lot of time with the customers, ensuring they enjoy their stay and giving them advice about where to go and what to see in Shetland.

“The cleaners also take a great pride in looking after the building and making sure everything is clean and tidy and the beds are comfortable.”

Mr Watt said last year’s award had already led to an increase in the number of backpackers visiting Islesburgh House this year.

He added: “More than 4,000 visitors from around the world stayed at Islesburgh during the season. It is wonderful to know travellers from all over the world have such a positive experience when they stay in Shetland, and this award will no doubt encourage more people to visit.”

The 64-bed Shetland hostel scored 98 per cent for the friendliness of its staff, 96 per cent for efficiency of service, 97 per cent for cleanliness, 97 per cent for security and 96 per cent for location.

Islesburgh House was built for Andrew Smith, a wealthy Shetland herring merchant.

Accommodation in the beautifully restored building ranges from two-person rooms with en suite facilities to a 12-person dormitory.