The Ayre Hotel

3.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Ayre Hotel

Exterior
One Bedroom Apartment | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living area | TV
Lobby
Bar (on property)

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • 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

Panoramic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Sea View

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

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

Panoramic Double or Twin Room, Sea View

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

Standard Double or Twin Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

Panoramic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Sea View

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

Budget Double Room

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

One Bedroom Apartment

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

Family Room

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

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 neighborhood

Kirkwall

The Ayre Hotel places you next to Orkney Wireless Museum and within a 10-minute walk of St. Magnus Cathedral. This 51-room, 3-star hotel has a restaurant along with conveniences like free in-room WiFi and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Orkney Wireless Museum - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Orkney Museum - 6 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • St. Magnus Cathedral - 6 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Earl's Palace - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Bishop's Palace - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles

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

Guests of The Ayre Hotel enjoy free WiFi in public areas, coffee in a common area, and laundry facilities. There's free parking if you drive. Front-desk staff can help with luggage storage, and provide local restaurant recommendations. This smoke-free hotel also has a TV in a common area.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and TVs. Coffee makers and phones are also standard.

Similar properties

Property amenities

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

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

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)

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

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

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 25.00 per pet, per stay
  • Dogs only
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • 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. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed 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

Is free cancellation available at The Ayre Hotel?

The Ayre Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. To learn more, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Ayre Hotel?

As of Jun 19, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Ayre Hotel on Jul 4, 2026 start from $180, including 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.

What can I see close to The Ayre Hotel?

Located steps from Orkney Wireless Museum, this hotel is in Kirkwall, and within a 10-minute walk of Orkney Museum and Earl's Palace. You'll also find Bishop's Palace and The Pickaquoy Centre less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at The Ayre Hotel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does The Ayre Hotel feature a casino on the premises?

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

Will I find an indoor pool at The Ayre Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Ayre Hotel?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this hotel include a restaurant and a bar/lounge.

Are there hot tubs at The Ayre Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Ayre Hotel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, The Ayre Hotel serves buffet breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will The Ayre Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at The Ayre Hotel for a fee of GBP 25.00 per pet, per stay.

Are there connecting rooms at The Ayre Hotel?

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

How far is the airport from The Ayre Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Ayre Hotel is Kirkwall (KOI), which is 3.7 mi away (6 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Ayre Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms at The Ayre Hotel that offer a balcony.

The Ayre Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 131 out of 251 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 77 out of 251 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 27 out of 251 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 251 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 251 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

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

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

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

Deborah

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

8/10 Good

Alexander

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diana

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

8/10 Good

Nicolas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Room clean and comfortable. Some minor maintenance issues (hole in bathroom door) and difficult to squeeze into shower past extremely hot towel rack but otherwise good. Location very convenient and plenty of parking.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025