The Kirkwall Hotel

Hotels
8.3 (429 reviews)
Harbour Street , Kirkwall , gb

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Heating
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Good food
Cons:
Poor cleanliness in hallways
Small rooms
Inconsistent bar service

Categories

Cleanliness
7.53
Some reviews indicated that the hallways were shabby and decoration needed updating.
Service
9
Most reviews highlighted friendly and helpful staff across various interactions.
Location
9.04
Multiple reviews praised the excellent location and proximity to attractions.
Room Quality
7.99
Rooms were noted as comfortable, though some found them small.
Amenities
8.02
The hotel offers good amenities, but some feedback on the bar service could improve.
Value for Money
7.98
Overall value is perceived as good, with some comments suggesting higher prices.
Food and Beverage
8.53
Breakfast and restaurant services received positive remarks, though some suggestions for improvement.
Overall Experience
8.3
The overall sentiment is positive with recommendations for future stays.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 06:22

Property Description

Harbour Views and Stylish Rooms
The Kirkwall Hotel offers picturesque views of the Orkney Islands' harbour, complemented by modern en suite rooms featuring all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.

Fine Dining and Local Flavors
Indulge in a culinary experience at the Harbour View Restaurant, where you can savor a variety of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, or unwind at Skippers Bar with a selection of Orkney ales and whiskies.

Convenient Location and Leisure Activities
Situated a short stroll away from Kirkwall's main shopping area, guests can easily explore nearby attractions such as the Orkney Museum and Saint Magnus Cathedral, with the added convenience of free Wi-Fi and parking at the hotel.

Book your stay at The Kirkwall Hotel for a memorable Orkney getaway.

Important information:

Please note that this hotel does not accept American Express credit cards.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

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

  • Parking

    No parking available.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 6 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 5 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 6 years old to 16 years old stay for £12.50 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.3
Based on 429 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.53
Service: 9
Location: 9.04
Room Quality: 7.99
Amenities: 8.02
Value for Money: 7.98
Food and Beverage: 8.53
Overall Experience: 8.3
E
Edward couple gb
8
2026-07-18 via Nuitee
P
Paul couple be
8
2026-07-18 via Nuitee
T
Tracy couple gb
7
Nice hotel badly positioned room.
Pros:

Great position for the town and ferries. Modern decor in rooms.

Cons:

Unfortunately our room 107 was very noisy. There were some kind of vents just outside the windows which made a terrible hum. As the weather was warm we needed the windows open but their noise made it impossible to sleep. Such a shame as the room was nice.

2026-07-17 via Nuitee
S
Scott extended_group us
1
Terrible Staff
Pros:

It is well located right across the street from the ferry terminal in Kirkwall

Cons:

There was construction covering the windows to our room. They didn’t notify us until it was too late to cancel. The “suite” is still just one room. The other room was very small. The staff were rude and indifferent. We asked them to makeup the sofa bed in our “suite” and they simply left the pillows and blankets in a pile leaving us to do it ourselves. There is no one to help you in and out with your luggage. The staff can’t even be bothered to say hello when you walk in. When we checked in at 3:00 PM there was nobody at the desk and we had to wait 10 minutes for someone to show up. Then they couldn’t find our reservation claiming we didn’t have one even after I showed them our Booking.com confirmation. When my mother complained they shrugged and said there was nothing they could do. The manager was never available when we asked to speak to him. We left messages for him but he never responded.

This hotel is not even remotely worth the price. Orkney is beautiful and there are many cheaper and nicer accommodations. I have traveled to over 60 countries in my life and this was one of the most negative experiences I have had.

DON’T STAY HERE.

2026-07-17 via Nuitee
C
Catherine couple us
9
Pros:

We reserved a king suite which was very comfortable. The linens are high quality. Our room had a lovely view of the harbor. The location of the hotel was excellent with easy access to all parts of the main Orkney Island. Breakfast was a good buffet. We enjoyed a drink at the lounge/bar. The staff were all excellent. The front desk did a great job.

Cons:

It was nice to have a lift for the suitcases, but it was interesting to operate. There were a few corners of the bathroom along the window that need cleaning attention.

2026-07-14 via Nuitee
J
Judith couple gb
2
Convenient and functional, but don’t expecr much more, regardless of the price you’re paying.
Pros:

Location was nice, room was nicely furnished (if a little cramped), general atmosphere in the hotel was nice.

Cons:

There were a large number of small things that, taken together, for a price point of over £300 per night, were very disappointing. There’s a serious mismatch between the Kirkwall’s price point and the service provided.

2026-07-13 via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth solo_traveller gb
8
Cons:

Slightly marred by the scaffolding

2026-07-13 via Nuitee
T
Theodoor Antonius extended_group za
10
Pros:

Central and classical

2026-07-12 via Nuitee
G
George couple gb
7
Unfortunately spoiled by noise of roofing work.
Pros:

Good location, comfortable and clean room, friendly staff

Cons:

We were warned about roofing work after booking and knew scaffolding would obstruct the sea view. We did not expect the very loud noise in our room.

2026-07-10 via Nuitee
R
Raul family_with_children gb
8
Very relaxing and pleasurable.
Pros:

Location was "point zero".
Staff at the bar, restaurant and front desk were friendly and helpful. They seemed a good team all around.
Dinner was great. So was breakfast. Hotel is 136 years old but has all the infrastructure needed. Dinner hall, Highland park bar and lobby/rooms were great!

Cons:

Hotel had its facade refurbished - wish we did not overlap with that but at least it is getting done :)
New rooms could have done with a bit more of attention but I understand the times we live in..

2026-07-05 via Nuitee
A
Alex solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

Situation. Staff.

Cons:

Too pricey. Obvious lack of competition.

2026-07-02 via Nuitee
D
daniel solo_traveller ro
9
2026-06-28 via Nuitee
D
daniel solo_traveller ro
9
2026-06-28 via Nuitee
S
Simon extended_group au
9
We will be back
Pros:

Great location and wonderful large rooms. Staff were excellent

Cons:

Price seemed very high but at least backed up by quality

2026-06-26 via Nuitee
T
Torstein couple no
8
Pros:

Flott rom

Cons:

Frokosten var ikke bra. Enkelt utvalg som på et billig hotell.

2026-06-26 via Nuitee
B
Birgit extended_group ca
8
Very good. Nice hotel
Pros:

Great location. Clean and spacious room and bathroom. Friendly staff. Great food in the restaurant for dinner.

Cons:

Buffet breakfast food did not get replaced near the end of the breakfast time frame. So the last guests did not have the full breakfast options.

2026-06-25 via Nuitee
D
Dorian family_with_children us
9
Pros:

Nice hotel in a great location in Kirkwall. Dinner was good. No major complaints.

Cons:

The room had an old, musty smell.

2026-06-24 via Nuitee
R
Ronald extended_group gb
9
Really enjoyed my stay. I would undoubtedly stay there again.
Pros:

The location of the hotel was excellent with easy access to the centre of Kirkwall. Breakfast was good albeit the pastries could be better. The food at dinner was excellent and we were able to share the delicious pizza without trouble. The hotel had a very comfortable lounge on the first floor which was a real bonus. My suite was comfortable and had all the facilities I wanted. The staff were all great.

Cons:

The lift was interesting but characterful. It can get very busy if there are large tour groups.

2026-06-23 via Nuitee
C
Christine couple gb
9
2026-06-23 via Nuitee
D
DAVID solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

Good breakfast,great location

Cons:

Nothing much

2026-06-22 via Nuitee