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The Sands Hotel

2.5 star property
Hotel in Burray with free breakfast and a restaurant

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Photo gallery for The Sands Hotel

Garden
Bar (on property)
Traditional Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (Second Floor ) | Room amenity
Classic Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (First & Second Floor ) | Room amenity
Classic Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (First & Second Floor ) | Room amenity

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
Pier Road, Burray, Scotland, KW17 2SS
  • Place, Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Scrabster Ferry Terminal
  • Place, Orkney Fossil & Vintage Centre
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Kirkwall (KOI)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Superior Double Room, Ensuite, Sea View (First Floor )

Room amenity

Superior Double Room, Ensuite, Sea View (First Floor )

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Ensuite, Sea View (First Floor )

Room amenity

Standard Double Room, Ensuite, Sea View (First Floor )

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Traditional Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (Second Floor )

Traditional Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (Second Floor ) | Room amenity

Traditional Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (Second Floor )

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Classic Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (First & Second Floor )

Classic Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (First & Second Floor ) | Room amenity

Classic Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (First & Second Floor )

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Burray Village

Within a short walk of Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre, The Sands Hotel is within a mile (2 km) of Orkney Fossil & Vintage Centre. This 8-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, a restaurant, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Orkney Fossil & Vintage Centre - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Highland Park Distillery - 20 min drive - 12.7 miles
  • Stromness Ferry Terminal - 52 min drive - 33.1 miles
  • Skara Brae - 59 min drive - 35.3 miles

Getting around

  • Kirkwall (KOI) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Robertson's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Barrier View Cafe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Anchorage & Galley Inn - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Polly Kettle - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Hoxa Tearoom - ‬13 min drive

About this property

The Sands Hotel

Hotel in Burray with free breakfast and a restaurant
Guests staying at The Sands Hotel enjoy free WiFi in public areas, laundry facilities, and wedding services. If you drive, take advantage of free parking.
For entertainment, guests can enjoy TVs.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Wedding services

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 parking

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

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 cash
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:30 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Driving? This property offers free parking.
Property Registration Number OI/PL/86

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

The Sands Hotel Hotel
The Sands Hotel Burray
The Sands Hotel Hotel Burray

Frequently asked questions

What can I see within easy reach of The Sands Hotel?

This hotel is located in Burray, just steps from Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre. You'll also find Orkney Fossil & Vintage Centre and Italian Chapel within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at The Sands Hotel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does The Sands Hotel include a casino on the premises?

No, The Sands Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Sands Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What do couples enjoy most about The Sands Hotel?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including a bar and a restaurant plus some guestrooms feature fireplaces.

Are there hot tubs at The Sands Hotel?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does The Sands Hotel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, The Sands Hotel serves free cooked-to-order breakfasts each morning from its restaurant.

Does The Sands Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Sands Hotel.

Are there connecting rooms at The Sands Hotel?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

What is the closest airport to The Sands Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Sands Hotel is Kirkwall (KOI), which is 11.1 mi away (22 minutes by car). Another top airport is Wick (WIC), which is around 27.9 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Sands Hotel?

No, at The Sands Hotel, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

Does The Sands Hotel have a wedding venue on site?

There are wedding services available at The Sands Hotel if that's in your vacation plans.

Reviews

The Sands Hotel Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 53 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Peter

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

Well worth a stay

This is a really nice hotel with great staff and great food. You receive a warm welcome and the whole stay was relaxing and enjoyable.
Wonderful view if small harbour
View from room of open sea
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter, Auchengray

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

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

Serene sea views

Lovely quiet place by the sea with a great restauarant and cosy nautical themed bar. Very friendly staff :) Would love to stay here again next time!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
we had a bad credit card and they politely let us know to pay our dues with a new card which we just did - all is well kevin mcleod
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
We loved staying at the Sands hotel and wished we could have stayed longer! Facilities, location and food fantastic, Thankyou for making our Orkney trip memorable - You even laid on lovely weather too !!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia, Burns Lake

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Anne

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They are lovely people and it is a nice enough hotel. It’s in an out of the way location which was fine for us as we had a car. The food was ok. The room was light, clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Margret

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roger

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Sands Hotel is a lovely small hotel in a tranquil island within the Orkneys. There is absolutely no noise in any of the rooms, they are equipped with WiFi and everything you need. The restaurant serves excellent-quality food with locally sourced ingredients. The staff are first rate, every single one of them. They helped us out with everything we needed. Very prompt and professional service. Best Hotel in the Orkneys, bar none!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alex

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
An enjoyable stay. Attentive staff. Excellent food.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Lovely quiet historic hotel

Lovely quiet hotel being an old Herring Warehouse. Rooms were comfortable and had a nice view of the boat ramp. We stayed 2 nights and meals were nice both nights. We needed washing done and were able to pay 15 pounds for a small bag to be done for us, which saved having to go to Laundromat in Kirkwall.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ludovic

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

Good base from where to explore part of Orkney

Our brief stay at the Sands Hotel was just what we were looking for in that part of Orkney. We wanted to see Skapa Flow, the Italian Chapel, and we discovered a fascinating private museum with fossil collection. The staff were helpful and welcoming and the room comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elise

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved it. Need a car to explore but that’s obvious
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is exceptionally clean! The restaurant staff were friendly, outgoing and accommodating to a food allergy. This hotel is convenient for morning ferry departures from St. Margaret's Hope.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darren

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

William Andrew Haralam and Mary Ann

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pleasant Quiet comfortable nice dining options
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelsey

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

So lovely

Everything at this hotel was just lovely- staff, ocean views, food. The room was simple but nicely updated and maintained. This hotel was a highlight of our trip. The restaurant is also delicious and we loved breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martin

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

Brilliant staff and brilliant stay

The staff were brilliant and truly went out their way to make my stay very enjoyable. I would return here and recommend others to stay here also. The food was excellent and a very good selection to choose from.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

John

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

Excellent hotel in Burray

Stayed at the Sands with my wife for one night. All the staff in the hotel we came into contact were very friendly and helpful. Our room was tastefully decorated and very comfortable.We enjoyed a beautiful evening meal in the restaurant and the cooked breakfast provided in the morning was one of the best I have had in any hotel.Our only complaint is we could only stay one night.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Dont overlook this Hotel

A lovely hotel over looking Burray Harbour. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, rooms are very clean and comfortable, food is honest well cooked fair. The homemade Mac n Cheese was a delight. If youre leaving before breakfast theyll make up a lunch sandwich for you. Salmon and Scrambled egg and full cooked breakfast both superb. Lots of Tea and Toast too. The bar stocks well kept beer and a few Whiskys. You pass the Highland Park Distillery on the way to Burray. If you are looking for a quiet hotel with genuinely friendly people who provide superb service, book The Sands.
View from bedroom window.
View from bedroom window at sunset.
Hearty and tasty breakfast.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Simon

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

A hidden gem

For someone who stays in hotels a lot The Sands was a wonderful experience. All the tiny things that you’d wish for in other hotels are just done perfectly here! I can’t recommend this hotel highly enough. The restaurant is great, breakfast is cooked to order so absolutely no food waste and the evening meals are delicious.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023