The Orkney Hotel

Hotels
8 (238 reviews)
40 Victoria Street , Kirkwall , gb

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Free

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Room service
Luggage storage
Fax/photocopying
Packed lunches
Non-smoking throughout
Kid meals
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Excellent breakfast
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Outdated rooms
Poor value for money

Categories

Cleanliness
7.21
Several guests reported cleanliness issues, including dirty rooms and unclean items.
Service
9.18
Staff were described as friendly, helpful, and made the guests feel welcome.
Location
9.22
Multiple reviews praised the excellent location near key attractions.
Room Quality
7.17
Some rooms were noted as outdated and with specific issues such as mismatched bedding.
Amenities
7.7
Some amenities like breakfast were good, but issues such as lack of wifi were noted.
Value for Money
7.16
Guests felt some aspects were overpriced given the issues mentioned.
Food and Beverage
8.21
Overall positive feedback about breakfast, despite some issues reported.
Overall Experience
8.18
Generally a positive experience, with many highlights despite several concerns.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 00:45

Property Description

Charming Accommodation in Kirkwall

Modern Amenities: The Orkney Hotel offers free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk for your convenience. Each room comes equipped with a desk, flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Delicious Dining Options: Enjoy an à la carte or Full English/Irish breakfast at the hotel's restaurant. With a bar on-site, guests can unwind and enjoy a variety of beverages after a day of exploring the nearby attractions.

Convenient Location: Situated just 2.7 km from Scapa Beach, and with easy access to Maeshowe and other historic sites, The Orkney Hotel is the perfect base for your Orkney adventures. Book now for a memorable stay in Kirkwall!

Important information:

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children are not allowed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

8
Based on 238 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.21
Service: 9.18
Location: 9.22
Room Quality: 7.17
Amenities: 7.7
Value for Money: 7.16
Food and Beverage: 8.21
Overall Experience: 8.18
N
Neale • couple • gb
8
Overall very satisfied with our stay & would come again
Pros:

Room was very comfortable & the hotel is well maintained. Bar is very well stocked & inviting

Cons:

Car park at rear not easy to navigate

2026-05-02 • via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth • solo_traveller • gb
5
Expensive compared to other upgraded hotels in the area.
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Needs modernising

2026-04-30 • via Nuitee
M
Mary Ann • solo_traveller • ca
6
A nice stay
Pros:

Great location, comfortable bed, very clean

Cons:

Bearing in mind it is a very old listed building there are no elevators if you have a heavy suitcase and plumbing isn’t that great. They also have limited staff but they do their best.

2026-04-28 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • solo_traveller • us
9
The receptionist/ bartender/hostess Olivia makes this place shine with her friendliness and exceptional customer
Pros:

Perfect location in the middle of town with easy access to dining, shops, buses, and tourist attractions. There is an excellent bar right on the property and a pretty garden view from the breakfast room. Hotel was clean, quiet and had nice views from the bedroom window.

Cons:

No elevator, uncomfortable bed and no safe in the room. Breakfast was made to order, but very limited menu. At more than $200/night; I expected better amenities.

2026-04-27 • via Nuitee
H
Hannah • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-04-27 • via Nuitee
J
Johnson • couple • gb
1
Disappointing, snail trails on the carpet in the breakfast room, pubic hairs and dirty flannel in b
Pros:

Breakfast average

Cons:

We complained about a noise in the attic which woke us up, it sounded like rats! Reception screamed and said I get pest control which was scary! The manager came and said it was probably just a pigeon and they would sort it, no apology at all! And certainly no suggestion of a refund. As we were asked to pay upfront the attitude was very much take it or leave it! Not what we would expect from an expensive mistake!

2026-04-24 • via Nuitee
R
Russell • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

A great location.

Cons:

Cold breakfast room.

2026-04-22 • via Nuitee
K
KStefanJ • solo_traveller • se
10
2026-04-21 • via Nuitee
B
Ben • solo_traveller • au
9
Pros:

Warm, welcoming staff. Comfortable room. Great bar. Good breakfast. Great location.

Cons:

Room probably needs and update, but comfortable.

2026-04-20 • via Nuitee
J
Jim • solo_traveller • us
7
2026-04-16 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-04-12 • via Nuitee
T
Thierry • couple • ch
8
2026-04-11 • via Nuitee
J
James • solo_traveller • gb
10
Grand, cosy and right in the heart of Kirkwall!
Pros:

Thoroughly lovely hotel in the heart of Kirkwall, love the décor throughout - felt very grand! Room was a great size, very comfortable and good sized windows overlooking the street - handy for Orkney's changeable weather! Staff were lovely, very helpful and a good breakfast served in a lovely dining room. Can't wait to come back here!

2026-04-07 • via Nuitee
M
matteo • solo_traveller • it
5
Pros:

Competenza e gentilezza della ragazza della reception
Ricchezza nella scelta dei drink del bar

Cons:

Pulizie non effettuate lenzuola sospette ....forse non erano state cambiate!
No scopino nel bagno
Luce guasta ingresso
1 solo rotolo carta igienica

2026-03-13 • via Nuitee
T
Teresa • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

Perfect location and friendly staff

2026-02-14 • via Nuitee
D
David • solo_traveller • gb
8
MATCHED MY NEEDS AND BREAKFAST INCLUDED. WIFI INCLUDED, WHICH WAS A MUST.
2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
K
Kevin • family_with_children • gb
9
Great
Pros:

All

Cons:

Nothing

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
A
Angela • solo_traveller • gb
10
Excellent location, lovely hotel, breakfast fab!
Pros:

Excellent

Cons:

Nothing

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • extended_group • us
10
Pros:

Our visit to the Orkneys on our adventure through Scotland wasn't planned, but with a last minute booking we were lucky enough to be able to spend a couple nights at the wonderful Orkney Hotel! This historic inn far exceeded our expectations. We particularly loved spending the evenings in the bar tasting some of the literal thousands of bottles of whiskey decorating the walls. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the Scottish breakfast was delicious. I would highly recommend a stay at the Orkney Hotel on your next visit!

2025-12-03 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • solo_traveller • gb
6
Pros:

Great location, nice clean hotel . Breakfast was good but not a lot on the plate.

Cons:

There was a problem with cold water pressure in my room, couldn’t fill the kettle and near got scolded in shower.

2025-11-30 • via Nuitee