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The Ayre Hotel

3.0 star property
Enjoy the free WiFi at this 3-star Kirkwall hotel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Ayre Hotel

A row of white buildings with chimneys, reflecting on the water.
Bar (on property)
Panoramic Double or Twin Room, Sea View | View from room
Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living area
A pool table in a bar area with wooden flooring and green walls.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Bar

Explore the area

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

Room options

View all photos for Panoramic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Sea View

A hotel room with a bed, bedside table, desk with a computer, and a window with curtains.

Panoramic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Sea View

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

A hotel room with a bed, bedside table, desk with a computer, and a window with curtains.

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(15 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Panoramic Double or Twin Room, Sea View

Panoramic Double or Twin Room, Sea View | View from room

Panoramic Double or Twin Room, Sea View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Double or Twin Room

Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Standard Double or Twin Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Panoramic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Sea View

Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Panoramic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Sea View

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Budget Double Room

Budget Double Room

Budget Double Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(12 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for One Bedroom Apartment

One Bedroom Apartment

One Bedroom Apartment

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living area

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the area

Kirkwall

In Kirkwall .With a stay at this Kirkwall hotel, you'll be steps from Orkney Wireless Museum and within a 10-minute walk of St. Magnus Cathedral. Orkney Museum and Earl's Palace are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Orkney Wireless Museum - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Orkney Museum - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • St. Magnus Cathedral - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Earl's Palace - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Bishop's Palace - 9 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

  • Kirkwall (KOI) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sunbeam Coffee House - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Movement Coffee - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Auld Motor Hoose - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Bothy Bar - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Skipper's - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Ayre Hotel

Enjoy the free WiFi at this 3-star Kirkwall hotel
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. The Ayre Hotel also features coffee/tea in a common area, laundry facilities, and a television in a common area. Free self parking is available.

This 3-star Kirkwall hotel is smoke free.

  • 51 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Television in lobby
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Ayre Hotel offers 51 accommodations with coffee/tea makers. This Kirkwall hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Fireplace
Albert Hotel
Kirkwall
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 284 reviews
The price is CA $282
CA $339 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Albert Hotel

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: GBP 15 for adults and GBP 15 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • 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.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Room service

More

  • Heating
  • Phone
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: GBP 25.00 per pet, per stay
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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 buffet breakfast: approximately GBP 15 for adults and GBP 15 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 25.00 per pet, per stay
  • 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; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
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 American Express. Cash is not accepted. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

National rating

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

Property is also known as

Ayre Hotel Kirkwall
Ayre Kirkwall
Ayre Hotel
The Ayre Hotel Hotel
The Ayre Hotel Kirkwall
The Ayre Hotel Hotel Kirkwall

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Ayre Hotel to the airport?

The Ayre Hotel is 3.7 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 The Ayre Hotel?

As of Jul 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Ayre Hotel on Aug 1, 2026 start from CA $186, 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 The Ayre Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Ayre Hotel.

How close is The Ayre Hotel to the beach?

This hotel is 1.9 mi (7-min drive) from Scapa Beach and 6.9 mi (23-min drive) from Mill Sand. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Ayre Hotel offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at The Ayre Hotel, but buffet breakfast is offered for a fee of GBP 15 for adults and GBP 15 for children. It's available every day from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a casino at The Ayre Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at The Ayre Hotel?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at The Ayre Hotel?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does The Ayre Hotel have a pool?

The Ayre Hotel does not have a pool.

Does The Ayre Hotel have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does The Ayre Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The Ayre Hotel to downtown Kirkwall?

The Ayre Hotel is 0.2 mi away from Kirkwall.

The Ayre Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 133 out of 256 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 79 out of 256 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 27 out of 256 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 256 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 256 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Restaurant was excellent. Had dinner there 4 nights. Staff was helpful and courteous.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Kenneth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable room
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our second stay in a matter of weeks and both were excellent. Friendly, welcoming, professional and efficient staff, a very nice room, and excellent food. I hope we will be back.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

stewart

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were excellent - on booking in we were moved to the apartments as there was a coach party in. Very friendly
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Duncan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely saff, grear food, comfy room.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
really friendly staff at the hotel, had excellent service and would be very happy to stay here again. Breakfast buffet was good and dinner in the restaurant was very enjoyable
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Staff were very good, happy to help!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Bree

Liked: Cleanliness
The staff at the Ayre were wonderful: warm, friendly, helpful, attentive. The room was ok, nothing special. Menu in the restaurant/pub was ok, nothing special. We were there over the New Year, stayed for 7 days... Again, the staff were wonderful!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Liked the staff and the quietness
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

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

Great place to stay

A great place to stay. Convenient for harbour and town centre. Delicious food. Friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Iain

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

Great place to stay

Good location super clean helpful staff
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, a brief walk to town. We had a one bedroom suite with a kitchen. It was very clean and quiet. Would definitely stay here again. Orkney was great, every one was friendly and helpful.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Only stayed one night, but it was dreamy!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was nice and central.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We stayed for 3 nights as a family of four in one of the apartments. The room was very well presented and had a small kitchen. The food served by the restaurant was delicious. There was an excellent selection of spirits and local beers. The staff very helpful and friendly. Will stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian

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

Perfect stay

Great welcome, lovely clean room overlooking the harbour, beautiful food at dinner and breakfast and helpful and friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff friendly and efficient.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent Hotel well positioned in Kirkwall.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ruta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, friendly staff, good food
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great service for late check in from the ferry. Really helpful staff. Good room and amenities. Handy to everything
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Robert

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

Great location

This hotel is convenient for seeing the sights of Kirkwall. Rooms are charming and comfortable. Breakfast has a good variety of choices.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Perfectly agreeable for our one-night stop-over.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Ayre is conveniently located and we we very pleased with the accommodations. The staff was friendly and helpful. It is a great place to stay when arriving on the late night ferry.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was very accommodating to our visit to Orkney.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Handy for town centre
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025