The Orkney Hotel

3.0 star property
Hotel with free breakfast, steps from Bishop's Palace

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Orkney Hotel

Garden
Exterior
Twin Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Bar (on property)
Reception

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Pet friendly
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
40 Victoria Street, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1DN
  • Place, St. Magnus Cathedral
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Earl's Palace
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Bishop's Palace
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Airport, Kirkwall (KOI)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Single Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Deluxe Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Double Room

7.4 out of 10
Good
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Twin Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Executive Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Kirkwall

The Orkney Hotel is adjacent to popular attractions such as Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace. This 3-star hotel has 30 guestrooms and offers conveniences like free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • St. Magnus Cathedral - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Earl's Palace - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Bishop's Palace - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Orkney Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Highland Park Distillery - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Kirkwall (KOI) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Skipper's - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Ayre Restaurant - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Helgi's - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Trenabies Cafe Bistro - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Storehouse - ‬7 min walk

About this property

The Orkney Hotel

Hotel with free breakfast, steps from Bishop's Palace
Guests staying at The Orkney Hotel enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a library, and a banquet hall. If you plan to drive, free parking is available. Front-desk staff can help with luggage storage, and provide local restaurant recommendations. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers an off-leash area. This smoke-free hotel also has a garden.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with digital channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include coffee makers and desks.

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

  • Free full breakfast available on weekdays 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Garden View Restaurant

Things to do

  • Library

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden

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)

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Room service

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request

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

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 12 per pet, per night
  • An off-leash area is available
  • 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.

  • Pet fee: GBP 12 per pet, per night
  • 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, 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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 16
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, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

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

Is free cancellation available at The Orkney Hotel?

The Orkney Hotel offers free cancellation on certain room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on our site.

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

As of Dec 8, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Orkney Hotel on Dec 18, 2025 start from $161.04, 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.

What's there to do close to The Orkney Hotel?

This hotel is located in Kirkwall, just steps from Orkney Museum and Bishop's Palace, and within a short walk of Earl's Palace. You'll also find Highland Park Distillery and Scapa Beach within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at The Orkney Hotel?

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

Does The Orkney Hotel feature a casino on the premises?

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

Is there an indoor pool at The Orkney Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is The Orkney Hotel good for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a bar and a restaurant plus some guestrooms include jetted bathtubs.

Does The Orkney Hotel have a hot tub?

No, but some guestrooms at this hotel feature jetted bathtubs.

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

Yes, The Orkney Hotel serves free full breakfasts at Garden View Restaurant on weekday mornings.

Does The Orkney Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at The Orkney Hotel for a fee of GBP 12 per pet, per night. The property also provides an off-leash area.

Are there connecting rooms at The Orkney Hotel?

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

What is the closest airport to The Orkney Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Orkney Hotel is Kirkwall (KOI), which is 3.4 mi away (6 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Orkney Hotel?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at The Orkney Hotel.

The Orkney Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 74 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 31 out of 74 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 13 out of 74 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 74 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 74 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Antoinette

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a very enjoyable stay. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely like to return
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property is an old building but in good order. Food was excellent. Main shops a couple of hundred metres away.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marc

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel, near St. Magnus, shopping, dining, transportation hub. The bar has an extraordinary whisky collection!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Sue

Traveled with group
Decent sized bathroom and a comfortable bed. Good breakfast. No USB ports
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

zbigniew

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fajne miejsce w centrum miasta blisko do portu.sniadanie ok
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Angela

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent, newly renovated room was perfect for dogs. Friendly and helpful team and superb breakfast. Really convenient for all the Kirkwall sights.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Gordon

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

10/10 Excellent

Keiran

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

10/10 Excellent

Leanne

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

Lovely stay in the centre of town

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.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Tracy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

David

Business traveler
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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Phil

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Orkney Hotel

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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Michel

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

D

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overnight stay. Comfortable room.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Charles

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Diane

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer c

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Four night stay. Great location, super helpful and friendly staff. Delicious breakfasts. Would very happily stay agsin
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Veronique

Traveled with partner
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

David

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

Bruce

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.

8/10 Good

Margaret

Traveled with partner
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Richard

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Really quaint. Great location. Water pressure was low
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023