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From119US$ /night
Check-in
18Jan2026Select date
Check-out
19Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Harbour Street, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1LF
-
Overlooking the beautiful harbour
Great
8.3
/10
3.6
/5

Rooms with character

The Kirkwall Hotel has 37 restored bedrooms with industrial-style furnishings and warm textiles. Options range from double rooms to king sea view rooms. King Sea View Rooms are the most spacious and offer views of the harbor. Sea View Rooms include harbor views. Double Rooms are located in the heart of the hotel. Each room includes Egyptian cotton sheets, goose-down duvets, and a hospitality tray with tea.

Harbourside dining options

The Harbour View Restaurant features Orcadian produce and harbor views. Skippers Bar serves classic pub food and shows live sports on big-screen TVs. A freshly cooked breakfast includes local sausages, haggis, black pudding, and free-range eggs. Afternoon Tea is served on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month in the Harbour View Restaurant and Highland Park Bar.

Leisure and Entertainment

Skippers Bar provides live entertainment and big-screen TVs. The hotel offers more than 100 Highland Park whiskies and an extensive gin collection. Guests can sample whisky flights paired with smoked cheese, haggis, smoked mackerel, and dark chocolate. The East Mainland and islands of Burray and South Ronaldsay are linked by the Churchill Barriers, a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

Kirkwall location

The Kirkwall Hotel is in the heart of Kirkwall, overlooking the harbor. The hotel is 10 km from Kirkwall. The Highland Park Distillery is approximately 1 mile away. The hotel is near the Orkney Distillery (0.3 km) and Saint Magnus Cathedral (0.5 km).

Hotel's services

The hotel offers wedding services for up to 75 guests for ceremonies and 110 for receptions. The Highland Park Bar welcomes dogs. The hotel provides two conference rooms: The Study (maximum 18 people) and The Writing Room (maximum 80 people for business meetings and 75 for meals). Room service is available during breakfast and dinner.

“The Kirkwall Hotel stands out for its dedication to Orcadian culture, most notably through its dining. As a privately owned hotel, it emphasizes personalized service, which makes it a strong choice for exploring local attractions like St. Magnus Cathedral. Whisky enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Highland Park Distillery.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Double Room Sea View
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Room Sea View
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Billiard tables
  • Darts

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At The Kirkwall Hotel, guests can indulge in a delightful dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors of Orcadian produce, fresh catches from the sea, and the welcoming atmosphere of the Harbour View Restaurant. With stunning views of the harbour and a menu brimming with local specialties, every meal is a true taste of the region.
The Kirkwall Hotel Restaurant photo
The Kirkwall Hotel Restaurant photo
The Kirkwall Hotel Restaurant photo

Harbour View Restaurant

Local Orkney fare
Ambiance
Warm and inviting with panoramic views of the harbour
Key Offerings
Freshly cooked breakfasts featuring local butchers' sausages, haggis, black pudding, and free-range eggs, alongside a selection of vibrant dishes showcasing Orcadian produce, plus specially crafted Afternoon Teas. An extensive selection of over 100 Highland Park whiskies available for pairing with tasty nibbles, such as smoked cheese and dark chocolate.
Reservation
Reservations recommended
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location

Harbour Street, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1LF
Map view
Harbour Street, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1LF
Nearby
Monument
Saint Magnus Cathedral
1700 ft
Palace
The Earl's Palace
1800 ft
Museum
The Orkney Museum
1500 ft
Museum
Orkney Wireless Museum
600 ft
Ayre Road
The Orkney Distillery
600 ft
Marina
Kirkwall Marina
700 ft
Harbour Street
200 ft
Albert Street
The Big Tree
1000 ft
Restaurants
St Magnus Cafe
1400 ft
Broad St Kirkwall Community Centre
Bremners
2500 ft
Coach Car Park Netherstove
Cafe At No.65
2200 ft
65 Victoria Street
Explore Kirkwall
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Saint Magnus Cathedral
Saint Magnus Cathedral
6 minutes' walk
This stunning medieval cathedral showcases intricate stonework and offers guided tours, making it a historical centerpiece.
The Orkney Museum
The Orkney Museum
6 minutes' walk
Engaging exhibits detail Orkney's rich history, from ancient artifacts to local art, with free admission most days.
Highland Park Distillery
Highland Park Distillery
25 minutes' walk
A renowned whisky distillery offering guided tours and tastings, highlighting the island's distilling heritage.
Orkney Witchcraft Memorial
Orkney Witchcraft Memorial
8 minutes' walk
A poignant memorial commemorating the victims of witch trials, situated in a serene park setting, perfect for reflection.
Peedie Sea Walk
11 minutes' walk
A peaceful walking trail around a scenic loch, ideal for leisure strolls or bird watching in a tranquil environment.
Scapa Beach Hiking
30 minutes' walk
For thrill-seekers, hiking at Scapa Beach offers stunning coastal views and opportunities for beach activities, accessible all year.
Bremners
Bremners
10 minutes' walk
A cozy bistro known for its hearty seafood dishes and local specialties, perfect for casual dining. Reservations recommended.
St Magnus Cafe
St Magnus Cafe
5 minutes' walk
Casual café offering fresh, locally sourced meals with stunning views of the harbor, great for breakfast or lunch.
Orkney Wireless Museum
Orkney Wireless Museum
2 minutes' walk
An intriguing museum dedicated to the history of wireless communication, offering interactive exhibits for family-friendly fun.
The Earl's Palace
The Earl's Palace
7 minutes' walk
Historic ruins hosting evening events and guided tours, often featuring live performances in a picturesque setting.
Getting around
City Centre
Kirkwall3 min  ·  700 ft
Airports
Kirkwall Airport (KOI)9 min  ·  3.7 mi
Eday Airport (EOI)49 min  ·  20.0 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP17.50 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2006
Number of floors:
4
Number of rooms:
37
Questions of the users
About The Kirkwall Hotel
Are dogs welcome in the dining areas, and if so, are there any specific rules I should know about?
12 November 2024
Dogs are allowed in the bar area of the restaurant, where meals are served just like in other dining sections, provided they are kept on a lead.
Is there an elevator available to access all hotel floors?
25 December 2024
There is a lift in the main building that provides access to all floors, but the annex (The Shore Hotel) does not have an elevator. However, accessible rooms are available on the ground floor.
What is the process for cancelling a booking if circumstances change?
3 January 2025
To cancel a booking, you will need to provide the name under which the booking was made for verification purposes.
Are whale watching or wildlife expedition tours available for booking through the hotel?
17 January 2025
Yes, it is possible to arrange whale watching and other wildlife tours from the local harbour. For more information, feel free to explore available options online or upon arrival.
Can laundry services be requested during the stay?
29 February 2025
Laundry services are usually available, though they might be limited due to ongoing health guidelines. It's advisable to check directly with the hotel for the latest information.
What parking facilities are available for guests arriving by car?
8 March 2025
The hotel does not have its own private parking, but there are several public parking options nearby, including free and paid spaces.
Is breakfast included in the room rate, or is it available at an additional cost?
15 March 2025
The standard room rate does not include breakfast; however, it can be added at check-in for £12.50 per person, with the option for a full Scottish breakfast or continental choices.
What accommodations are available for families visiting the hotel?
21 March 2025
Families are welcome, and there are spacious rooms available, including Junior Suites with options for sofa beds or cots, along with a special children's menu.
Can guests with pets expect any added services or facilities?
10 April 2025
Pets are welcome, and there is a flat rate charge of £20 per pet for the duration of the stay. However, it is essential to inform the hotel in advance to ensure proper arrangements.
Are late check-in options available for guests arriving late?
5 May 2025
The hotel provides a Night Porter service for late check-ins, making it possible for guests arriving late to access their rooms easily.

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