The Orkney Hotel Kirkwall Exterior photoThe Orkney Hotel Kirkwall Exterior photoThe Orkney Hotel Kirkwall Exterior photo

The Orkney Hotel, Kirkwall

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From$209 /night
Check-in
12Sept
Check-out
13Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

40 Victoria Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1DN
-
Near Saint Magnus Cathedral
Very good
7.4
8.6
/10
3.6
4.0
/5

4-star historical hotel in Kirkwall

Location

The Orkney Hotel is situated in the town center of Kirkwall, just minutes from St Magnus Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace. Visitors can explore award-winning local jewellery shops nearby and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skara Brae is a 25-minute drive away. Kirkwall Airport is accessible within a 10-minute drive.

Dining

The hotel's Garden View Restaurant offers meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients, including native bred beef, lamb, and seafood. Guests can enjoy over 1,000 whiskies and 160 gins in the Royal Cask Whisky Gin Bar. Home-style cooked dinners are served from 6 to 8:30 PM from Monday to Saturday.

Rooms

The Orkney Hotel provides 30 en-suite rooms, with options including Superior and Deluxe rooms featuring four-poster beds and Jacuzzi baths. Accommodation includes a variety of configurations such as double, twin, and single rooms. All rooms are non-smoking and designed for comfort.

Meetings

Two meeting rooms are available, the Richan Suite accommodating up to 35 delegates and the Whisky Room for 25 attendees. These spaces are equipped for smooth operations, with equipment available for hire. Catering options for tea, coffee, lunch, and dinner can be arranged.

Additional Services

Packed lunches can be prepared for guests planning a day out in the Orkney countryside, available for £10.95 each. The hotel operates a public bar, child-friendly back bar area for casual gatherings, and a lounge bar for relaxation. Daily breakfast options are served on-site to enhance the stay.

Highlights

Location: UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skara Brae, minutes from St Magnus Cathedral

Dining: Garden View Restaurant with local ingredients

Rooms: Superior and Deluxe rooms with Jacuzzi baths

Meetings: Richan Suite for up to 35 delegates

“Staying here places you squarely in Kirkwall, mere steps from St. Magnus Cathedral. I like that it's a historical building, with updated rooms and a whisky bar that I would consider a destination in itself. The jacuzzi and attentive staff struck me as especially welcome after a long day.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Select your room type

The Orkney Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Double or Twin Room
    2 persons
    17 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Heating
  • Single Room
    2 persons
    13 sq. feet
    1 Single bed
    Heating
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    17 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Orkney Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Nice
6.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Private parking is possible on site for free.

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • 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
Show more

Dining Onsite

The Orkney Hotel offers a delightful dining experience that beautifully marries fresh local ingredients with traditional British cuisine. Guests can enjoy the inviting ambiance of the Garden View Restaurant and unwind with a fine selection of whiskies at the Royal Cask Whisky Gin Bar, all rooted in the warm hospitality of Kirkwall.
  • Garden View Restaurant

    British
    Ambiance
    Traditional setting that reflects the rich history of the 17th Century hotel, offering scenic views of the surrounding garden.
    Key Offerings
    A menu featuring daily harvested seafood, succulent Aberdeen Angus beef, tender Orkney lamb, as well as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options for diverse dietary needs.
    Reservation
    Recommended
    Open for dinner from 18:00 to 20:30, daily.
  • Royal Cask Whisky Gin Bar

    Whisky and Gin
    Ambiance
    Refurbished bar with a cozy and elegant atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after dinner.
    Key Offerings
    Over 1,000 varieties of whiskies to choose from for an after-dinner dram, providing an intimate setting for savoring fine spirits.
    Reservation
    Not needed
    Hours vary; check with hotel for details.

The Orkney Hotel Location

40 Victoria Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1DN
Explore Kirkwall
Local Highlights Near The Orkney Hotel
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
The Orkney Museum
2 minutes' walk
The Orkney Museum showcases the rich history and culture of Orkney, featuring artifacts from the Stone Age to modern times.
Saint Magnus Cathedral
3 minutes' walk
Saint Magnus Cathedral, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, offers guided tours highlighting its fascinating history.
The Earl's Palace
4 minutes' walk
The Earl's Palace represents Renaissance architecture. Its gardens and ruins provide a glimpse into Orkney's storied past.
The Orkney Distillery
8 minutes' walk
The Orkney Distillery features guided tours and tastings, perfect for whisky enthusiasts interested in local distillation traditions.
Scapa Beach
25 minutes' walk
Scapa Beach is great for a relaxing day outdoors, with sandy shores perfect for sunbathing or picnicking.
Highland Park Distillery Tour
20 minutes' walk
The Highland Park Distillery offers thrilling tours showcasing whisky production. Reservations recommended for tours.
The Happy Haddock
2 minutes' walk
The Happy Haddock delivers tasty fish and chips in a casual setting, famous for its fresh local ingredients.
St Magnus Cafe
3 minutes' walk
St Magnus Cafe serves locally sourced dishes with a cozy atmosphere perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Orkney Wireless Museum
7 minutes' walk
The Orkney Wireless Museum offers intriguing exhibits on the history of communication. Family-friendly atmosphere.
Harbour Street
8 minutes' walk
Harbour Street hosts various shops and occasional street performances, perfect for a leisurely evening stroll.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Kirkwall 6 min  ·  1700 ft
  • Airports
    Kirkwall (KOI) 9 min  ·  3.5 mi
    Eday (EOI) 49 min  ·  20.2 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 10.95 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
17

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Orkney Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Orkney Hotel is appreciated for its central location, close to St Magnus Cathedral, shopping, dining and the port, making it easy to explore the city on foot. Guests find the rooms spacious and comfortable, often mentioning the lovely bathrooms. The bar stands out, particularly for its extraordinary whisky collection, while breakfast, served on the second floor, includes cooked options and offers views of the gardens. Some guests have found rooms on the street level across from the main building, accessed without an elevator.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 150 verified reviews
7.2 /10
Very good
67 %
Recommend
Location
9.1/10
Free WiFi
9.0/10
Paid Wi-Fi
5.0/10
Value for money
6.4/10
Pros
Excellent service
Comfortable bed
Great location
Friendly staff
Cons
Small rooms
Low water pressure
Old hotel
Guest reviews
based on 150 reviews
7.2/10
based on 163 reviews
7.4/10
Georgia from United Kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 15, 2026
9/10

excellent stay!

helpful staff plentiful breakfast en-suite toilet
the staff was so helpful and friendly. from arrival to breakfast, i got great suggestions for local places. the breakfast had a plentiful selection cooked to order. the en-suite toilet had good space.
0 Helpful
Steven from United States
Twin Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 11, 2026
9/10

Excellent Stay!

spacious room efficient service
I stayed in a twin room . It was spacious! breakfast service impressed me with its efficiency in the second-floor dining area.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About The Orkney Hotel
Will I be able to check in if I arrive late in the evening on the ferry? Are there bus or taxi options available since I don't drive?
12 November 2024
Check-in is possible with an on-call night porter after reception closes. Taxis and buses can take you directly to the hotel from the ferry terminal.
Is there parking available for guests at the hotel?
16 December 2024
Parking facilities are available, including two bays at the front and a larger car park behind the property. Directions can be provided at reception if needed.
Is there a laundry service available for guests, and what is the cost?
04 January 2025
A laundry service is offered for residents at a rate of £12 per load.
Are there any twin bed accommodations at the hotel?
22 January 2025
Twin room options are available for guests.
I would like to park my car at the hotel. Is that permitted?
10 February 2025
Yes, parking is allowed at the hotel, with designated areas for guests.
What are the standard check-in and check-out times for guests?
18 March 2025
Check-in begins at 15:00, and check-out is required by 11:00.
Are lifts available in the hotel for easier access to the rooms?
05 April 2025
Currently, the hotel does not have a lift, but some ground floor rooms are accessible.
Is the hotel pet-friendly? If so, what are the associated costs?
20 May 2025
Pets are welcome at the hotel at a cost of £9 per pet, per night.
Can I order a packed lunch for excursions while staying at the hotel?
15 June 2025
Yes, guests can request a packed lunch from reception the night before, available for £10.95 each.
Is there a place at the hotel where I can enjoy a diverse selection of drinks including whisky and gin?
30 July 2025
The Royal Cask Whisky Gin Bar offers an extensive range of over 1,000 whiskies and 160 gins, as well as local draft ales.

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