Stay at The Orkney Hotel in Kirkwall, featuring traditional rooms, free Wi-Fi, private gardens, and close to St Magnus Cathedral and Ring of Brodgar.
Guests appreciate the hotel's traditional charm, prime location near key attractions, and well-regarded restaurant and bar, but note some limitations in parking and amenities.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Situated on Victoria Street in Kirkwall, The Orkney Hotel occupies a traditional 17th-century building offering a blend of historic charm and practical accommodation. Its rooms provide spacious, comfortable settings that reflect the period décor, though some guests have noted variability in amenities such as water pressure in showers. The hotel operates a check-in from 14:00 and check-out at 11:00.
This hotel houses an upscale restaurant and the Royal Cask Whisky Gin Bar, known for a well-curated selection of whiskies and gins, attracting both visitors and locals alike. Dining experiences receive generally positive remarks, with hearty meals and a pleasant atmosphere enhanced by local music. Room service and free breakfast are also among the included offerings, alongside free Wi-Fi and parking availability, although parking can be limited and somewhat challenging at the rear of the property.
Guests benefit from the hotel's central location, just a short walk from historic landmarks such as St Magnus Cathedral and the Orkney Museum. The proximity to Kirkwall Airport, reachable in under ten minutes by car, adds convenience for travelers. Attractions like the Ring of Brodgar are accessible within the wider region, appealing to visitors interested in heritage and natural history.
While the hotel is noted for friendly and efficient staff, some reviews mention inconsistencies in service and limited accessibility, as there is no lift to upper floors. Pet-friendly and kid-friendly policies make it suitable for a range of travelers, though those seeking air conditioning or fitness facilities should look elsewhere.
Overall, The Orkney Hotel offers a practical choice for visitors keen on exploring Kirkwall’s cultural sites, with traditional ambiance and accessible amenities that suit families, pet owners, and whisky enthusiasts alike.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Located close to St Magnus Cathedral. Decor from early 1900's. Comfortable and clean rooms. Friendly and efficient staff. Nice breakfast and dinner. Wide selection of scotch whiskey. Had a very pleasant stay.
Lovely little Bar...Nice pint of Guinness... Worth a look in just to see all the whiskey brands...
Lovely place to stay, staff helpful polite and friendly, parking at the front just has two spaces, parking at the back a challenge to find, but secluded, rooms are comfy and clean, would definitly recommend
Large old room, tons of space which I suppose is part of why it was so expensive. My only complaint was that the shower had an on demand water heater and the water pressure was so weak. The place I stayed at after this also had on demand water heater and the pressure was good so I know it’s not just the way it is with on demand. Great location, felt clean, safe, and comfortable.
I stayed here at the start and end of a birdwatching holiday, only 1 night each time. The staff are all helpful and charming. Checkin was efficient. I noted on both occasions staff being extremely helpful to other guests. Food was included in my tour arrangements and was good quality and plentiful. The bar has a good range of beer and an unsurpassed range of whiskies and gins. The prices are also very good, especially for a hotel. Parking at the rear of the hotel is also available and it's a short walk into town. Can't really fault it.
We had dinner at the restaurant, although we were not staying at the hotel, so cannot comment on the rooms. We ate in the restaurant on the first floor which has a classic decor and a lovely view of the garden at the back. The carrot and coriander soup was lovely, the burger was good and the steak pie was excellent. There was some lovely local background music playing, which definitely added to the atmosphere.
Nice comfortable rooms on the main street in Kirkwall. Convenient for everything. Simple but good breakfasts. Dinners hearty and filling. Huge range of drinks to finish the night off in the bar - if they don't decide to close early. Service can be a bit erratic.
Situated in center on Kirkwall. Good food with friendly service . Comfortable rooms with tea/coffee etc. Bar sells real ale. Unfortunately there is no lift to upper floors but ground floor rooms available.
Built in 1670, this upscale hotel is a 3-minute walk from historic St. Magnus Cathedral and cemetery, and 11.7 miles from the Ring of Brodgar prehistoric site.
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