City center stay.With a stay at this Kirkwall hotel, you'll be steps from Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace. Also, St. Magnus Cathedral is within half a mile (1 km) and Highland Park Distillery is within 2 miles (3 km).
What's nearby
St. Magnus Cathedral - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Earl's Palace - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Bishop's Palace - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Orkney Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Orkney Wireless Museum - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
Getting around
Kirkwall (KOI) - 6 min drive
Restaurants
Movement Coffee - 6 min walk
Sunbeam Coffee House - 1 min walk
Auld Motor Hoose - 5 min walk
Skipper's - 7 min walk
Lucano - 1 min walk
About this property
The Orkney Hotel
3-star hotel near St. Magnus Cathedral
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served on weekdays. Public spaces have free WiFi.
The business-friendly The Orkney Hotel also features a library and a garden. Free self parking is available.
This 3-star Kirkwall hotel is smoke free.
30 guestrooms or units
Full breakfast (free)
Front desk (limited hours)
Storage area for luggage
Library
Garden
No smoking on site
Bar or lounge
Dining venue
The Orkney Hotel offers 30 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers and complimentary toiletries.
This Kirkwall hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.
Free full breakfast available on weekdays 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
A bar/lounge
A restaurant
Things to do
Library
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
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Room amenities
Entertainment
Flat-screen TV with digital channels
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Bathtub or shower
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels provided
Food and drink
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Room service
More
Desk
Heating
Iron/ironing board on request
Phone
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 16
Check-out
Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Renovations and closures
The following facilities are closed seasonally each year. They will be closed from December 23 to January 8:
Bar/Lounge
Dining venue(s)
The following facilities are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day:
Bar/lounge
Dining venue(s)
Front desk
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets: GBP 12 per pet, per night
An off-leash area is available
Service animals are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
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.
Pet fee: GBP 12 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, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
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, American Express, debit cards, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
National rating
This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.
Property is also known as
Orkney Hotel Kirkwall
Orkney Hotel
Orkney Kirkwall
The Orkney Hotel Hotel
The Orkney Hotel Kirkwall
The Orkney Hotel Hotel Kirkwall
Frequently asked questions
How close is The Orkney Hotel to the airport?
The Orkney Hotel is 3.4 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 Orkney Hotel?
As of Jul 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Orkney Hotel on Jul 17, 2026 start from CA $277, 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 Orkney Hotel have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at The Orkney Hotel.
How close is The Orkney Hotel to the beach?
This hotel is 1.9 mi (8-min drive) from Scapa Beach and 6.4 mi (22-min drive) from Mill Sand. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Does The Orkney Hotel offer free breakfast?
Yes, The Orkney Hotel offers free breakfast.
Is there a casino at The Orkney Hotel?
No, there is no casino at this hotel.
What time is check-in at The Orkney Hotel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.
Is there free parking at The Orkney Hotel?
This hotel offers free self parking.
Does The Orkney Hotel have a pool?
The Orkney Hotel does not have a pool.
Does The Orkney Hotel have a restaurant?
The Orkney Hotel is home to Garden View Restaurant, which features British cuisine. The dining venue(s) will be closed seasonally each year from December 23 to January 8. The dining venue(s) are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
Does The Orkney Hotel have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this hotel.
How close is The Orkney Hotel to downtown Kirkwall?
The Orkney Hotel is 0.2 mi away from Kirkwall.
The Orkney Hotel Reviews
Reviews
8.4
Very good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Room was pretty good condution, great sleep and breakfast was very good. With the resteraunt not being open due to season the food in the bar was limited but still good quality.
convenient location close to cathedral and palace ruins; excellent "full Scottish breakfast" in morning; we had arrived at 23:00 and they were able to help us with our late check-in
Very accommodating and friendly host, nothing was too much trouble. Our dogs were also made to feel very welcome!
Bed was very comfortable and the room was clean and warm. Breakfast was amazing, nicest haggis I’ve ever tasted.
Leanne
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Sue
Jun 25, 2025
Decent sized bathroom and a comfortable bed. Good breakfast. No USB ports
The staff were so friendly and accommodating when we checked in. It was quite expensive for a 1 night stay and breakfast in the morning was a shambles. I would have rated this place lower if it wasn't for the staff at check in.
Phil
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Richard
Apr 30, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Really quaint. Great location. Water pressure was low
A very handy place located in the middle of Kirwall. Charming, traditional hotel with lots of character. Friendly and helpful staff. Great bar! The one difficulty we had was resolved promptly and professionally
Michel
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
David
Aug 26, 2024
Liked: Room comfort
Adequate hotel
One night only. Accommodation was adequate and comfortable. High season, so a bit on the pricy side. Can not comment on food as I arrived late and kitchen was closed already. Location is good for exploring Kirkwall on foot.
Excellent service from friendly staff, comfy bed, good shower, good hot breakfasts, excellent bar, all round good place to stay.
If older person, no lifts, walk up, & limited vehicle access to front of the building.
John
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Verified traveller
Jan 26, 2023
Liked: Staff & service
Hotel was good but bedroom let it down. Artex peeling of roof, mould round taps in shower etc. Food was good and service great.
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Catherine
Jul 7, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
convenient location, staff lovely, decor rather dated, wifi only ever connected for a few seconds. facilities ok
Catherine
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified
8/10 Good
Margaret
Jun 22, 2023
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
The hotel was a bit worn. The room was very small, but we expected that. Shower was TINY and had mold in it. The food in the hotel restaurant was AWESOME. Based on the moldy shower I would not stay here again.
Margaret
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Veronique
Sep 3, 2023
Liked: Amenities
I do agree with some of the comments that the property has a few minors issues or quick fixes to do like a bath sealer to redo. However, the room was spacious, the restaurant / bar very decent and staff was polite. It had thin walls so be prepared to hear a bit of the neighbors or the dinner area in the morning / evenings.
Veronique
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Verified traveller
Sep 10, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Only drawback was that the car park was at the back of the hotel with a precarious set of steps which took you to the front of the hotel. Not very easy in the dark.
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Verified
8/10 Good
Alison
Sep 20, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
A friendly welcome and there was fruit at breakfast which was nice. No warning upfront that our bedroom would be reached by 2 flights of stairs - no lift - so my painful tendon certainly got a workout. Stayed for 3 nights and the menu was the same every night - even the specials.
We originally booked as the hotel was advertised as 'pet friendly' with a private garden area. Thankfully, we had a change of plan and didn't take our dog.
When we arrived and someone finally appeared to check us in, after about 10 minutes, we were allocated a small room on the 3rd floor which the wi-fi didn't seem to reach. While the room was just about adequate for a couple, it would not have worked for us with our dog.
Also, none of the staff knew how to access the garden as although there was a door from the dining room, we were told this 'wasn't allowed' to be used - we heard other guests asking too.
I'd suggest anyone with any specific requirements check with the hotel in advance.