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The Sands Hotel

2.5 star property

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Photo gallery for The Sands Hotel

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

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
Pier Road, Burray, Scotland, KW17 2SS
  • Place, Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Orkney Fossil & Vintage Centre
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Orkney Museum
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Airport, Kirkwall (KOI)
    ‪26 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)
  • Sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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)
  • Sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

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 )

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • Sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

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 )

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

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 a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Orkney Fossil & Vintage Centre - 3 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Italian Chapel - 11 min drive - 5.7 miles
  • Orkney Museum - 24 min drive - 15.1 miles
  • Ring of Brogdar - 52 min drive - 29.4 miles

Getting around

  • Kirkwall (KOI) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Robertson's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Polly Kettle - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Barrier View Cafe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Commodore - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Anchorage & Galley Inn - ‬6 min drive

About this property

The Sands Hotel

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.

Similar properties

Exterior
The Ayre Hotel
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  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 250 reviews
$165 nightly
The price is $198
Jul 4 - Jul 5
Total with taxes and fees
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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

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table

Family friendly

  • High chair
  • 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

Food and drink

  • Ice maker

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 within a short 6-minute walk of Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre. You'll also find Italian Chapel and Orkney Fossil & Vintage Centre within a short drive.

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

As of Jun 8, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Sands Hotel on Jun 19, 2026 start from $285, 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.

Is there parking available at The Sands Hotel?

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

Is The Sands Hotel a good place to stay for couples?

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

Are there hot tubs at The Sands Hotel?

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

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

Yes, The Sands Hotel serves free continental breakfast 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, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to The Sands Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Sands Hotel is Kirkwall (KOI), which is 11.2 mi away (24 minutes by car). Another top airport is Wick (WIC), which is around 27.8 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Sands Hotel?

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

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.

The Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 58 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 58 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gered

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the location, friendly staff, great pub, excellent meals. Room was perfect with a beautiful view of the water.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ben D

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pleasant staff-great breakfast-convenient parking
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nelson

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was great! Tea, water and hot chocolate complementary in the room. Great restaurant with a separate pub. The staff were the major highlight!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jack

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed two nights and loved everything about this accommodation.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Slaveiko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely property and very friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tor Kristian

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

A splendid hotel, I want to come back!

Spent two nights, very nice place, extremely friendly and helpful staff. If I come back to the Orkneys, I’ll stay here and for more than two nights!
The hotel pub
Around the hotel
Skara Brea
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William Andrew Haralam and Mary Ann

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

10/10 Excellent

Jill

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wilma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Would highly recommend the Sands, very friendly homely atmosphere couldn’t do enough to help and the food well presented and very tasty
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Neil

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

Friendly welcoming hotel

Very comfortable, relaxed hotel with helpful staff and good hearty food. Great location for the ferry from Gills Bay, and all the major places of interest.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alex

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

10/10 Excellent

Mr Stephen Bruce

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

Fantastic place to stay on Orkney

Fantastic hotel - great location, warm & friendly service, beautiful rooms tastefully decorated & great attention to detail, excellent food & ambience. Highly recommended
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martin

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff is excellent. Fantastic location. Clean, quiet, I have no complaints
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Malcolm

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

Close to Ferry

Clean Hotel with friendly staff near to Portland ferries.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly, family run hotel. Good value and quality evening meals. Overall excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelsey

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Anne

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A beautifully restored building with rooms tastefully decorated and having views over the water. A warm welcome and great food served. Only sorry that I was there for one night.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022