Smithfield Guesthouse Dounby Exterior photoSmithfield Guesthouse Dounby Restaurant photoSmithfield Guesthouse Dounby Amenities photo
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From225US$ /night
Check-in
05Jun2026Select date
Check-out
06Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Dounby, Dounby, United Kingdom, KW17 2HT
-
Close to the Corrigall Farm Museum
Great
8.3
/10
4.0
4.3
/5

3-Star Family-Run Hotel Surrounded by Orkney's Archaeological Wonders

Location

Smithfield Guesthouse is situated in Dounby on the west mainland of Orkney. This location provides convenient access to top archaeological sites such as Skara Brae and Maeshowe, both within a short drive. Visitors can explore numerous RSPB reserves and brown trout lochs, perfect for fishing enthusiasts.

Rooms

The hotel offers six comfortable rooms, including five ensuite options and one with a private shower room. Recent refurbishments ensure all rooms meet a three-star standard with essential amenities like Freeview TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Accommodation options include a family ensuite room, double ensuite rooms, twin ensuite rooms, and a single room.

Dining

Smithfield Guesthouse features a restaurant that operates daily, focusing on Orkney's finest local produce. The warm atmosphere invites guests to enjoy meals prepared with quality ingredients, showcasing the region's culinary excellence. Additionally, the public bar provides a selection of local whiskeys and beers for guests to unwind.

Outdoor Activities

Nearby activities include extensive coastline walks, ideal for spotting seabirds and seals. Sea angling and diving can be arranged from Stromness, offering more adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. For fishing, boat hire at local lochs such as Boardhouse and Harray can be organized.

Family Amenities

Smithfield Guesthouse supports family visits with a variety of room options, accommodating families with a dedicated ensuite space. The surrounding area provides ample activities for children, including outdoor exploration and water sports. Additional facilities include safe storage for bikes and outdoor gear.

Highlights

Location: Surrounded by archaeological sites

Rooms: 5 ensuite options available

Dining: Focus on Orkneys finest local produce

Outdoor: Activities like sea angling & walking

“This family-run hotel seems to embody true Orcadian hospitality, and its location is ideal for those keen to explore nearby archaeological sites, notably Skara Brae; the recently refurbished rooms include tea and coffee making facilities, but it's a pity the restaurant is currently closed. The bar, however, remains a warm, traditional space serving local whiskeys and beers, enhancing the strong community feel.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

Smithfield Guesthouse offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room
2 persons
120 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Heating
Twin Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Single Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
100 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Smithfield Guesthouse offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Luggage storage

Sports & Fitness

  • Darts

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Laundry

Dining

  • Special diet menus

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Smithfield Guesthouse Location

Dounby, Dounby, United Kingdom, KW17 2HT
Map view
Dounby, Dounby, United Kingdom, KW17 2HT
Nearby
Click Mill
200 ft
Restaurants
Smithfield Hotel Restaurant
300 ft
Restaurant
Explore Dounby
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Loch of Bosquoy
30 minutes walking
A scenic loch perfect for birdwatching and picnics, just a short walk away, ideal for nature lovers.
Dounby Click Mill
40 minutes walking
An operational watermill showcasing traditional milling methods, offering guided tours for a historical experience.
Corrigall Farm Museum
9-minute drive
A museum depicting Orkney's agricultural history through exhibits and displays in a charming farmhouse setting.
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
11-minute drive
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring remarkably preserved Neolithic houses, offering rich insights into prehistoric life.
Hiking Trails
30 minutes walking
Various hiking trails around Loch of Bosquoy cater to all levels, providing stunning views and fresh air.
Kirbuster Farm Museum
7-minute drive
An interactive experience at a preserved farmstead showcasing traditional farming lifestyles. Great for families.
Kayaking at Loch of Harray
9-minute drive
Adventurous kayaking on Loch of Harray for thrill-seekers, with rental services available during summer.
Wellness Spa Retreat
10-minute drive
Relaxing spa services in nearby Dounby including massages and wellness treatments, perfect for rejuvenation.
Smithfield Hotel Restaurant
1 minute walking
An onsite dining option offering locally inspired dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Vegetarian options available.
The Old Post Office
4-minute drive
A charming café serving hearty breakfasts and homemade cakes, known for its friendly service and ambiance.
Ferry Inn
10-minute drive
A traditional Orkney pub specializing in fresh seafood dishes. Ideal for casual dining; reservations recommended.
The Galley
8-minute drive
Serving fine dining with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and spectacular views of the coastline.
Stromness Town Hall
15-minute drive
Hosts regular live music performances and community events, creating a vibrant atmosphere for socializing.
Orkney Theatre
20-minute drive
A venue for weekly shows including theater productions and film screenings. Family-friendly options are available.
The George Hotel Bar
10-minute drive
A lively bar providing live music and quiz nights, perfect for mingling and enjoying the local nightlife.
Local Markets
10-minute drive
Seasonal farmer's markets showcasing local produce and crafts, a great way to experience the local culture.
Getting around
City Centre
Dounby2 min  ·  400 ft
Airports
Kirkwall (KOI)43 min  ·  17.5 mi
Eday (EOI)81 min  ·  33.4 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:00
Check-out
from 09:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Smithfield Guesthouse provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
6

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Smithfield Guesthouse from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Smithfield Guesthouse is praised for its spacious and comfortable rooms, located in a very convenient central location for exploring the island, with a supermarket and bus stop nearby and easy access to attractions like Skara Brae. The breakfast is consistently mentioned as a highlight, with a good variety of options and prepared to individual tastes. While some guests have pointed out the lack of on-site dining beyond breakfast, the location in Dounby provides access to local amenities like a pharmacy and grocery store, making it a good value base for discovering the area.
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Review score
Based on 173 verified reviews
8.1/10
Great
87%
Recommend
Staff
9.3/10
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Value for money
8.0/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Pros
Perfect location
Spotless room
Fantastic breakfast
Friendly host
Cons
Road noise
Guest reviews
based on 173 reviews
8.1/10
based on 337 reviews
8.3/10
Kevin from Ireland
Single
Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: January 02, 2026
6/10
closed restaurantlate notice
i was a bit disappointed to find out that the restaurant was closed. this meant i had to travel a distance to find a place to eat , which was inconvenient. also , i wasn't informed about this closure until the day i arrived , it was a bit late to make alternative plans .
0 Helpful
Brian from United Kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: December 05, 2025
9/10

great breakfast and convenient location

convenient locationparts of islandcooked order
The location was certainly convenient. i visited all parts of the island. breakfasts were very good. They were cooked to order. it was tasty.
0 Helpful
Parker from United States
Single
Twin Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: October 28, 2025
8.5/10

central orkney stay

good selectionlocal advicerelaxing placefree parking
breakfast included a good selection. the staff provided great local advice , so i explored the area well. the guest lounge was relaxing. plenty of free parking spaces were available.
i noticed some very minor wear on the bathroom fixtures , but everything functioned well.
Rooms
9/10
the twin room featured ample space and two comfortable beds. a good supply of coffee and tea was available in the room , and there were several plug points conveniently located near the beds.
Facilities
8/10
the supermarket opposite the hotel was very convenient. ample possibilities of parking are available and there is a petrol station nearby.
0 Helpful
|
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Charlotte from United Kingdom
Business traveller
Single Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: August 25, 2025
9/10
super clean roomhomely lounge
the room was super clean. i found the lounge quite homely.
the room lacked space.
0 Helpful
Georgia from United States
Single
Double Room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: August 24, 2025
8.5/10

Quiet stay with excellent breakfast

island explorationcooked-to-order optionspre-packed breakfastconvenient supermarket
The location was advantageous for exploring the island (i visited many places). The breakfast included cooked-to-order options and they tasted delicious. The staff accommodated my early departure with a pre-packed breakfast. I also appreciated the convenience of the supermarket just across the street.
Location
9/10
The guesthouse is conveniently positioned near essential services such as a supermarket and petrol station, offering easy access. A bus stop is located very close to the premises, providing transport links to major attractions in the north.
Rooms
8/10
The room was comfortable and well-equipped. The available amenities were good. The room was notably spacious and contributed positively to my overall experience.
0 Helpful
|
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Rowan from United Kingdom
Business traveller
Twin Room
4 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: August 23, 2025
6/10

adequate stay, some drawbacks present

hallway noiseon-site dining
the breakfast was adequate, it was not really good. my room was located near the entrance, i could hear noise from the hallway. the lack of on-site dining options was a problem. i was informed of this only upon arrival, so i had to find alternative places to eat, not conveniently nearby. this added unexpected costs and inconvenience to my stay.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About Smithfield Guesthouse
Is it possible to check in late after arriving on the NorthLink ferry from Lerwick?
5 April 2024
Late arrivals are welcomed. Just inform the staff about the expected arrival time.
Are there bicycle rentals available nearby for exploring the area?
12 April 2024
Bicycles can be rented in Kirkwall for those looking to explore the beautiful surroundings.
What types of accommodations are available at the hotel?
20 May 2024
The Smithfield offers a variety of rooms including family, double, twin, and single options, all refurbished to a high standard.
Can dining be arranged in the hotel's restaurant?
15 June 2024
Yes, the restaurant is open daily, serving delicious meals crafted from the finest local produce.
What types of leisure activities can guests enjoy while staying here?
22 June 2024
Guests can enjoy activities like trout fishing, cycling, and exploring the nearby archaeological sites.
Is there a facility to dry clothes and store equipment for outdoor activities?
30 June 2024
Yes, a drying facility is available along with safe storage for bikes and equipment.
How far is the hotel from the nearest town or city?
10 July 2024
The Smithfield is conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from both Kirkwall and Stromness.
Are there local transportation options available for getting around?
25 August 2024
Yes, there are bus and taxi services available in the area to assist with local travel.
What types of local attractions can visitors explore during their stay?
12 September 2024
Visitors can explore a variety of attractions including RSPB reserves, historical sites, and beautiful coastline walks.
Are there any special events or festivals taking place during the year?
19 October 2024
Orkney hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Folk Festival and the Blues Festival among others.

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