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Orkney – 4 hotels and places to stay
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Royal Oak Guesthouse, hotel in Orkney

Royal Oak Guesthouse enjoys a location in Orkney, 1.4 miles from Scapa Beach and 11 miles from Maeshowe. This guest house features free private parking, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wifi.

The location was good. The food was excellent. The rooms were comfortable. There was a lounge with games, sofas, and a large TV, but we were too busy to take advantage of it. Eric, the host, was very friendly and accommodating. He got us everything we asked for. The water was very soft, so only a small amount of soap or shampoo was needed. It didn't feel like we were intruding in someone's home. It felt more like a mini hotel with a fair amount of privacy for coming and going. Also, we had a ground floor room where we didn't have to drag suitcases up, which is hard being older adults. The stay was very enjoyable.
9.2
Scored 9.2
Wonderful
Rated wonderful
43 reviews
Price from$114.39per night
Peedie Picky Townhoose - STL OR00094F, hotel in Orkney

Featuring a garden, Peedie Picky Townhoose - STL OR00094F provides accommodations in Orkney. With garden views, this accommodation features a patio.

10
Scored 10
Exceptional
Rated exceptional
8 reviews
Price from$161.64per night
Aurora - Self Catering, Kirkwall, Quiet Location with Luxury Hot Tub, hotel in Orkney

Aurora - Self Catering, Kirkwall, Quiet Location with Luxury Hot Tub provides a hot tub and free private parking, and is within 1.2 miles of Scapa Beach and 10 miles of Maeshowe.

Sarah was an absolute life saver! She helped us find a rental car when none were available at the airport. On top of that, the place is fantastic. Great location, lovely home, hot tub is a delight.
9.8
Scored 9.8
Exceptional
Rated exceptional
18 reviews
Price from$325.76per night
Merkister Hotel, hotel in Orkney

Located on the shore of Harray Loch and family-run for over 30 years, the Merkister Hotel is a 15-minute drive from the main towns of Kirkwall and Stromness.

Everything was exceptional: the room, the setting, the food, but most of all the staff! Debbie checked us in and checked up on us several times through our stay. She was a delight!
8.9
Scored 8.9
Excellent
Rated excellent
159 reviews
Price from$236.24per night
Smithfield Hotel, hotel in Orkney

Located on the Orkney Island, 14 miles from Kirkwall, Smithfield Hotel offers 3-star accommodations with free parking, a bar, and a restaurant. Kirkwall airport is 30 minutes’ drive away.

We had a tire that was leaking air. They had a friend who has a car repair business on their personal property - that person identified a small leak on the tire sidewall, so the tire would need to be replaced. The Smithfield then called around and found a shop that had our tire size and they make an appointment for us to get the tire replaced. This was amazing because the local tire shops were slammed with business and somehow, they got us an appointment quickly. The staff at this hotel went above and beyond to help us with our tire problem and we are extremely grateful for that! Breakfast and dinner were very good!
8.6
Scored 8.6
Excellent
Rated excellent
267 reviews
Price from$198.94per night
Waterfront House, hotel in Orkney

Waterfront House in Finstown provides adults-only accommodations with a private beach area and a shared lounge. This beachfront property offers access to free Wifi and free private parking.

Beautiful, stylish house right on the water. Comfortable beds, lots of pillows, deep soft carpets, breakfast area with free food, mini fridge with free drinks including beer, free snacks, double jetted tub, very private, friendly helpful hosts and much more.
9.6
Scored 9.6
Exceptional
Rated exceptional
74 reviews
Price from$279.75per night
Ayre Hotel & Ayre Apartments, hotel in Orkney

Set in Kirkwall, Orkney, family-run Ayre Hotel & Ayre Apartments overlooks Kirkwall harbor. It offers local produce in its restaurant and traditionally styled rooms, with free Wi-Fi.

The hotel staff at the service desk, dining room and lounge area! The 5 ft long bathtub was wonderful!
8.2
Scored 8.2
Very Good
Rated very good
596 reviews
Price from$105.68per night
The Kirkwall Hotel, hotel in Orkney

Looking out across the harbor of the Orkney Islands’ largest town, The Kirkwall Hotel features a high-quality restaurant and bar along with stylish rooms with attached bathroom.

Excellent location and atmosphere. Incredibly pet friendly.
8.3
Scored 8.3
Very Good
Rated very good
474 reviews
Price from$223.80per night
The Shore, hotel in Orkney

Set in Kirkwall, Orkney Islands region, The Shore is located 1.2 mi from Highland Park Distillery. This 3-star hotel offers luggage storage space. The hotel has family rooms.

We were a group of adult women staying in Kirkwall. We had one of the family rooms that worked out really well for us. Shower and amenities were good and perfect location for strolling around beautiful Kirkwall.
6.5
Scored 6.5
Pleasant
Rated pleasant
261 reviews
Price from$198.94per night
The Royal Hotel, hotel in Orkney

Located in Stromness and with Standing Stones of Stenness reachable within 5.3 miles, The Royal Hotel provides a restaurant, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar.

Great location. Very nice staff. Nice meal in the bar, many good food options. Clean bedroom
8.0
Scored 8.0
Very Good
Rated very good
135 reviews
Price from$246.18per night
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What Guests Said About Orkney:

  • 8.0
    Scored 8.0

    I felt that there wasn't enough pubs, coffee shops, shops...

    I felt that there wasn't enough pubs, coffee shops, shops open on a Sunday. I felt Stromness was quiet and there was a severe lack of shops. The Blues Festival was on when we were there and if this was not on Stromness would have been very quiet indeed. A lot of empty shops on Kirkwall and Stromness high streets which is really sad to see.
    Diana
    United Kingdom
  • 10
    Scored 10

    There is so much to see and do in Orkney it warrants several...

    There is so much to see and do in Orkney it warrants several visits to explore the sights and other islands. Local food is excellent. Try the seafood restaurants. Local people we met were helpful. A great place for a holiday and share with friends.
    Elizabeth
    United Kingdom
  • 10
    Scored 10

    These islands have a fascinating history and culture with...

    These islands have a fascinating history and culture with internationally notable archaeological sites such as Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe. For Maeshowe its is important to book ahead as access is limited. You can do this at the very helpful Visit Scotland Travel Centre in Kirkwall by the bus station. It is now thought that Neolithic Orkney may have been the wellspring of the culture that built Stonehenge in England and Newgrange in Ireland. The museums in Kirkwall and Stromness are well worth a visit. The former is free and the latter very cheap. The bus service on the main island, unsurprisingly called Mainland, is excellent. Day tickets are available and good value on the buses. I spent a day looking at the Churchill Barriers around Scapa Flow and the quaint and interesting second town of the islands, Stromness, using the buses. There is a frequent bus service, no. 4, between Kirkwall Airport and the Travel Centre in the heart of the town. There is plenty of natural interest as well as archaeology. I saw a hen harrier, skua, a pair of eider ducks, and common and grey seals. Food and drink is good. I recommend St Ola's, a friendly locals' pub on the harbour side, with good ale from both the excellent island breweries and food. Helgi's next door is worth trying but tends to get very full. Next time I will visit some of the other islands of the archipelago. Beware that visiting cruise liners can double the population of the islands and according to the locals everywhere is then utterly packed out. I visited in the last week of April and first one of May, just before they started to arrive. Worth checking on cruise ship visits to Kirkwall before booking your trip.
    Stephen
    United Kingdom
  • 10
    Scored 10

    Easy to find your way around with plenty of clear signposts...

    Easy to find your way around with plenty of clear signposts and good roads. Picturesque towns, fantastic scenery and historic sites. Friendly people, good quality food, not overly priced in my experience. Spectacular sunsets. Be prepared for variable weather.
    William
    United Kingdom
  • 10
    Scored 10

    We had the most fabulous trip, fitted in most of the sites...

    We had the most fabulous trip, fitted in most of the sites we wanted to see, despite some..umm...changeable weather. The Orcadians were very friendly and helpful, and also knowledgeable about their historic sites, which was what we had gone for. The only drawbacks were some hailstones at the Stones of Stenness, and the fact that both Kirkwall and Stromness seemed to close down completely at 4pm. Not a problem for us as we'd done everything by then, but we did find ourselves taking a trip to Stromness, arriving at 4.10 to all the shops shut and a whistle-stop tour around the museum (which closes at 5). The roads were a dream to drive, straight and hardly any traffic, but also hardly any garages, so fill up with fuel when you find one!
    Jane
  • 10
    Scored 10

    Landscapes, ancient sites.

    Landscapes, ancient sites. Skara Brae astounding as were other Brochs and Stone Circles etc. St Magnus Cathedral also worth a visit as is the Italian Chapel. Excellent restaurants, even at the end of October. (e.g. Helgis, The Storehouse, The Kirkwall Hotel) Excellent range of 'independent' shops. Free Toilets just about everywhere and clean and open!!! Decent roads, we had our car. Would like to (may well) return in a different season particularly to see the birdlife and visit other islands.
    Alasdair
    United Kingdom

Explore guest reviews of hotels in Orkney

  • 9.6
    Scored 9.6
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 104 reviews
    We stayed here for 2 nights while we were visiting Orkney mainland. Kay was absolutely wonderful and we felt so special staying here. She went the extra mile for us and the breakfast was outstanding. Felt like we were in a luxury hotel! The bed was probably the comfiest bed I’ve ever slept on! Don’t be put off by the lack of the reviews, they’ve only recently opened and you would be missing out if you didn’t choose here for your Orkney visit. It’s also in a great location, right in the centre of Stromness. We will deffo be back!
    Jacob
    United Kingdom
  • 9.6
    Scored 9.6
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 145 reviews
    The perfect place to stay on Orkney! Warm and welcoming hospitality; bright, modern and beautifully appointed; comfy room; delish breakfast - local cheeses, fresh fruit and amazing fresh baked cheese scones. The"kitchen /dining" area is great to relax after a full day of exploring Orkney or after dinner. Our hosts, Laura and Brian, could not have been more pleasant and helpful. Perfect location! p.s. our room was wonderful but our travel mates had the room with the water view.... wow!
    Donna
    United States of America
  • 9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 112 reviews
    Rymmon Retreat was a memorable stop on our three week trip through Scotland. The location was perfect (we went hoping to glimpse the Northern Lights but rain won that battle). It was starkly isolated as you would hope a property in Orkney would be but spacious, comfortable and well appointed. The sunset from the deck was spectacular (pre-rain) and we left regretting that we only had the one night. It definitely felt like "home on the road". Couldn't recommend it more highly.
    Daniel
    United States of America
  • 9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 58 reviews
    This apartment was so quaint and we felt right at home. So comfortable and quiet. It has a nice little kitchen with everything you need. It even has a washer. The bathroom has a small shower, but it was big enough for us. There is a fireplace in the bedroom and it’s just so lovely and romantic. There is beautiful, artistic and crafty decorations. Even a wick chair that is traditionally made in Orkney. We loved it!! We wish we would have stayed longer.
    Antoine
    United States of America
  • 9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 42 reviews
    The cottage was wonderful, everything was there that we needed plus extras...tea, coffee, washing up liquid, loo rolls and more. We were greeted with a bottle of wine and some Orkney fudge. The place was so lovely and clean, and everything was such good quality. John and Hazel were always there at the end of a phone if we needed anything. The cottage was within easy walking distance of the town. A great stay, highly recommended it....
    amanda
    United Kingdom
  • 9.8
    Scored 9.8
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 53 reviews
    This has been our favorite stay so far on our Scotland trip. The Old School is wonderful!! Great location for all things on Orkney, immaculately clean and wonderfully appointed- excellent linens, comfortable bed and couch. Lovely to have so much room to spread out in a beautiful setting. Janice herself is a lovely person, wonderful host, and excellent cook!! I highly recommend!
    Carrie
    United States of America
  • 9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 58 reviews
    Home like! Everything you might possibly need to make your stay comfortable. It’s cozy and has Orkney character (loved the Orkney chair); hosts have thought of every little detail. Location is perfectly situated in the town centre, with plenty of shops and restaurants around. Hosts are so kind and caring. Thank you once again for this wonderful stay.
    Giedre
    United Kingdom
  • 9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 90 reviews
    Our stay at the lodge was fantastic! The lodge was very clean, the views of Orkney from the lodge was breathtaking and the addition of the hot tub for relaxation was the highlight. To add to our stay it was the Super Moon. The owner was very friendly and helpful too. Looking forward to booking again for next year.
    Kirstie
    United Kingdom
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 54 reviews
    A spacious and comfortably furnished house right next to the Murray Arms Hotel and Restaurant, where they serve delicious seafood, and close to the little shop and post office for all the necessities - a great base to explore Mainland Orkney! The owner was easy to reach and very helpful.
    Kathrin
    United Kingdom
  • 9.8
    Scored 9.8
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 53 reviews
    Perfect place, exceeded expectations. The host was so kind when our early morning ferry was cancelled… offered us coffee and toast if we would like… Recommended a lovely place for lunch.. Thank you for the kindness you showed us. Would stay here again if ever I return to Orkney
    Jennifer
    United Kingdom
  • 9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 13 reviews
    Such a beautiful cottage with a stunning view of the field and the sea. Tasteful decoration throughout. Comfortable beds. Everything is well considered with love and care. We love the touch of Orkney local products provided too. We had such a wonderful time at Redland Cottage.
    Kanchana
    United Kingdom
  • 10
    Scored 10
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 1 review
    5 star plus! Great location walking distance to the pretty town of Stromness. House was superbly equipped and furnished, a fantastic open plan living area and overall was spacious, comfortable, clean and bright. Would be our 1st choice, if available, when returning to Orkney.
    Neal
    United Kingdom
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 54 reviews
    Shona has done an exceptional job in her first self catering effort. The house is warm and welcoming and the updates she has made made the stay even more enjoyable. The house has plenty of room for a couple or a family. A great value in a super location. Will visit again.
    Michael
    United States of America
  • 9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 112 reviews
    Our stay at the Rymmon Retreat was very welcoming with a bottle of wine waiting for us to the well stocked kitchen. Everything was just as pictured. You were defiantly off the beaten path for some relaxing and beautiful sunsets off the west coast of Orkney.
    Heidi
    United States of America
  • 9.6
    Scored 9.6
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 145 reviews
    Aultnager is a lovely spot convenient for all your travels in Orkney. Laura is kind and cooks a delicious breakfast... especially the bacon cheese scones :). The place is very clean and easy to get to.
    Amanda
    United States of America
  • 9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 58 reviews
    The owner was very kind and accommodating when I had issues with the ferry. The property itself was excellent. Had everything I needed for a weeks stay. Perfect location in the middle of Kirkwall.
    Alison
    United Kingdom
  • 9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 11 reviews
    Comfortable and very well equipped. Short walk to Kirkwall and handy for all our exploring around Orkney. Short drive to beautiful Inganess beach for some wild swimming.
    Ruth
    United Kingdom
  • 9.6
    Scored 9.6
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 145 reviews
    Our stay at Aultnagar made our Orkney trip very comfortable. Our hosts were very helpful. The room and breakfast very good.
    Michelle
    Australia
  • 9.6
    Scored 9.6
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 145 reviews
    Breakfast was simple but all we needed. Fresh fruit, coffee, tea and bread were all great. The Orkney Cheddar was great.
    Lisa
    United States of America