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Kirkwall Youth Hostel

2.0 star property
Enjoy the restaurant at this Kirkwall hostel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Kirkwall Youth Hostel

Exterior
Beach nearby
Property entrance
Twin Room, Shared Bathroom
Dining

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Old Scapa Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1BB
  • Place, St. Magnus Cathedral
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Orkney Museum
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Earl's Palace
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Kirkwall (KOI)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Men only, Shared Bathroom

Bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Men only, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only, Shared Bathroom

Bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Women only, Shared Bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Single Room, Shared Bathroom

Single Room, Shared Bathroom

Single Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Quadruple Room, Shared Bathroom

Bed sheets

Standard Quadruple Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Double Room

A neatly made bed with blue bedding and pillows, a wooden nightstand, and a window with a green curtain.

Standard Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Triple Room

Bed sheets

Standard Triple Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

About the area

Kirkwall

Close to the beach.Within a 15-minute walk of the hostel, you'll find Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace. Orkney Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Hostels in KirkwallOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Bishop's Palace - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • St. Magnus Cathedral - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Orkney Museum - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Earl's Palace - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Highland Park Distillery - 2 min drive - 2.3 km

Getting around

  • Kirkwall (KOI) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sunbeam Coffee House - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Skipper's - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪The Bothy Bar - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Auld Motor Hoose - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Torvhaug Kirkwall - ‬16 min walk

About this property

Kirkwall Youth Hostel

Enjoy the restaurant at this Kirkwall hostel
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. Public spaces have free WiFi. Kirkwall Youth Hostel also features a garden, laundry facilities, and a communal living room.

This Kirkwall hostel is smoke free.

  • 20 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Deli
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Garden
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Dining venue
Kirkwall Youth Hostel offers 20 accommodations. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Bathrooms include showers.

Similar properties

Exterior
The Ayre Hotel
Kirkwall
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 243 reviews
The price is CA $224
CA $269 total
includes taxes & fees
May 23 - May 24
The Ayre Hotel

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limited onsite parking

Food and drink

  • Daily self-serve breakfast available 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: GBP 6.50 for adults and GBP 6.50 for children
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Vibrating pillow alarm
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shower
  • Toilet paper

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Oven
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Stovetop

More

  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 5 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM

Late check-in subject to availability

Minimum check-in age: 16

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Monday - Sunday (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) and Monday - Sunday (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between July 21 and March 31.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: GBP 7.50 per pet, per night
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for self-serve breakfast: approximately GBP 6.50 for adults and GBP 6.50 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 7.50 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.

Property is also known as

Kirkwall Youth

Kirkwall Youth Hostel Orkney Islands

Kirkwall Youth Hostel Kirkwall

Kirkwall Youth Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Kirkwall Youth Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Kirkwall

Frequently asked questions

How close is Kirkwall Youth Hostel to the airport?

Kirkwall Youth Hostel is 3.6 mi (6-min drive) away from the Kirkwall (KOI) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Kirkwall Youth Hostel?

As of May 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kirkwall Youth Hostel on May 17, 2026 start from CA $124, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Kirkwall Youth Hostel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Kirkwall Youth Hostel.

How close is Kirkwall Youth Hostel to the beach?

This hostel is 1.1 mi (2-min drive) from Scapa Beach and 7.1 mi (22-min drive) from Mill Sand. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Kirkwall Youth Hostel offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Kirkwall Youth Hostel, but self-serve breakfast is offered for a fee of GBP 6.50 for adults and GBP 6.50 for children. It's available every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Kirkwall Youth Hostel?

No, there is no casino at this hostel.

What time is check-in at Kirkwall Youth Hostel?

Check-in start time: 5 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM.

Is there free parking at Kirkwall Youth Hostel?

Free parking is not available at this hostel.

Does Kirkwall Youth Hostel have a pool?

Kirkwall Youth Hostel does not have a pool.

Does Kirkwall Youth Hostel have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Kirkwall Youth Hostel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is Kirkwall Youth Hostel to downtown Kirkwall?

Kirkwall Youth Hostel is 0.6 mi away from Kirkwall.

Kirkwall Youth Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 42 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

wilma

Happy visit

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Maren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My stay was great. The place was clean but a bit small. You can wash your laundry there for a small price and even use the dryer. The bathroom was clean. The showers were new but a bit narrow.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A sad state of affairs

Run down- would benefit from a complete revamp. There are few amenities ( ie toilets) for size. Cost is extremely high for quality of accommodation on offer. A shame that this syha hostel has lost it way and is now more expensive and not as good as local competitors. No one about to let in some poor folk who came in on late boat despite arrangements having been made. Overall, extortionate and poor quality- reccomend either lowering the price or providing a much better service. W
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Meg

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Arrived in the middle of the night. Luckily we were able to get in and rouse the night staff, who appeared immediately. Very comfortable room
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Beth, DPO

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Several of the staff were very helpful, like Ross and Joseph. I initially had a dorm room, but there wasn't enough space for me to layout equipment I needed each day. Was very happy to switch to a private room. Great set up for kitchen use.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
If you are visiting Kirkwall do not hesitate to stay in this wonderful hostel
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcelo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Andy

👍
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and comfortable, well organised. Free WiFi available in communal areas only.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Mrs P

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
The private room was ok but I did not like the gender neutral toilets and washrooms. If they had been single units affording some privacy, that would have been fine - but they weren’t. Also there was an unpleasant smell of cooking in the corridor. The room smelled ok. The doors of the other rooms banged as they were closing - so quite noisy late at night while trying to sleep.The warden was helpful and pleasant.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Laura

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Takumi

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gabriele

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Exactly what we needed - a place to kip for the night that was warm, clean and dry.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I liked my private room. I stayed 3 nights and really appreciated the simplicity of the facility. Everything you need is there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Nigel

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

4/10 Poor

YaoQiang

Liked: Staff & service
Wi-Fi so bad the price one £80 room. You can’t get Wi-Fi in room no chair in room
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Will stay here again

First time in a youth hostel as an adult (and since the 80s) was a surprisingly pleasant experience. A private twin room for myself and my 12 yo daughter was great, shared facilities not too much of an issue even though the place was busy. Could do with more fridge space for guests, but ambient storage is plentiful, and the kitchen area and supplies ample for everyone. Location is great: within easy walking distance of the bus station for the able-bodied even with a heavy suitcase in tow, 10 minutes walk from 3 supermarkets and multiple takeaway food outlets (all independant, no chains), and within 10 minutes to the town centre and major attractions. Staff were available during advertised hours; friendly and efficient whenever encountered
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Nathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly place and in a great location. On town service bus route on the hour until 6.00pm but everywhere was within walking distance.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were excellent and accommodating. Great value for the money if you just need a clean bed. Didn't like large communal area. Too many people using foul language. Dishes and utensils not clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Maureen, Canada

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Convenient location. Kitchen had all of the amenities necessary, but fridge space was limited and fridges were not clean. Private room was basic, but had everything needed. Only concern was not having staff available earlier in the day for checkin, and when I sent the hostel an email earlierthrough the booking program, I did not receive an answer.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

sally

Amazing and welcoming!

Amazing!!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2018

2/10 Terrible

Paul

Don’t go there!

No hotels available for my date, so only a hostel available. This is not a hotel. Poor standard of accommodation, shared bathrooms, no tv etc in room. Uncomfortable single bed. If you’re a student on s budget this could be for you. Not for someone on business.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2018