The Orkney Hotel, Kirkwall ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

63 photos

The Orkney Hotel Kirkwall Exterior photo

Book on our site

Up to 10% cheaper

than Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

40 Victoria Street, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1DN

Near Saint Magnus Cathedral

Very good

7.7

8.6

/10

3.6

4.0

Loved by The Orkney Hotel guests

Helpful staff
Clean rooms
Delicious meals
Central location

"We particularly loved spending the evenings in the bar tasting some of the literal thousands of bottles of whiskey decorating the walls."

Paul from United States

read full review

"Netflix on a big screens tv in the evenings was good to relax , added by the jacuzzi in the the bath - the icing on the cake !"

Ankur from United Kingdom

read full review

"The Royal Cask Whisky Bar found in the hotel is excellent."

nwaynesworld

read full review

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.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.0/10Review score

View hotel on map

Highlights from guests

DiningWhisky heaven!

The bar boasts an incredible range of whiskies. Christmas dinner in the restaurant was also to our full satisfaction.

Kristoff from Sweden

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy parking

Parking was readily available. We scored a spot right outside the front door!

Oliver from United Kingdom

Review on

BedroomComfy beds

The bed was very comfortable and the room was clean and warm. Great sleep!

Leanne from Australia

Review on

Room FeaturesJacuzzi bonus

Netflix on a big screen TV was good to relax. The jacuzzi in the bath was the icing on the cake!

Ankur from India

Review on

View all

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

185 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Heating

room details

Single Room

2 persons

140 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

185 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Heating

Bathtub

room details

Twin Room

2 persons

185 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Heating

room details

Click button to see more rooms

Show all rooms

Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The Orkney Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.3/10Review 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

Electric kettle

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

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, United Kingdom, KW15 1DN

Map view

40 Victoria Street, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1DN

City landmarks

Landmark

Highland Park Distillery

1.1 mi

Landmark

The Orkney Distillery

2100 ft

Marina

Kirkwall Marina

2600 ft

Landmark

Harbour Street

2100 ft

Landmark

Peedie Sea

2200 ft

Landmark

Scapa Crafts Orkney Chairs

2500 ft

Landmark

HMS Royal Oak Memorial

1.2 mi

Landmark

Grain Earth House

1.0 mi

Landmark

Scapa Distillery

1.4 mi

Beach

Scapa Beach

1.3 mi

Island

JP Orkney

1.9 mi

Landmark

Quanter Ness

2.4 mi

Landmark

Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn

2.6 mi

Landmark

Wideford Hill

2.6 mi

Landmark

Head of Work

2.9 mi

Nearby

Monument

Saint Magnus Cathedral

800 ft

Palace

The Earl's Palace

1000 ft

Museum

The Orkney Museum

500 ft

Museum

Orkney Wireless Museum

1900 ft

Church

Kirkwall Baptist Church

500 ft

Clay Loan At Intersection With Bignold Park Road

Orkney Witchcraft Memorial

1000 ft

Albert Street

The Big Tree

1000 ft

Restaurants

The Happy Haddock

500 ft

69 Junction Road

St Magnus Cafe

600 ft

Broad St Kirkwall Community Centre

Sinclair's Ice Cream Parlour

1300 ft

37 Albert Street

Pomona Cafe

1500 ft

9 Albert Street

Harbour Fry

1900 ft

3 Bridge Street

Explore Kirkwall

Local Highlights Near The Orkney Hotel

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

Kirkwall6 min · 1700 ft

Airports

Kirkwall (KOI)9 min · 3.5 mi

Eday (EOI)49 min · 20.2 mi

Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?

Get exlusive rates right now!

Check Rates

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 for free.

Breakfast

At the hotel The Orkney guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.

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:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Orkney Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

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 99 verified reviews

7.4/10

Very good

72%

Recommend

Location

9.0/10

Staff

8.4/10

Value for money

6.7/10

Facilities

7.3/10

Pros

Excellent service

Comfortable bed

Great location

Friendly staff

Cons

Small rooms

Low water pressure

Old hotel

No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.

Open reviews

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.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.

Merkister Hotel

Harray, United Kingdom

8.990 reviews

290 USD/night

The Mey Hotel

Mey, United Kingdom

9.2109 reviews

184 USD/night

The Stromness Hotel

Stromness, United Kingdom

6.6112 reviews

67 USD/night

Smithfield Guesthouse

Dounby, United Kingdom

8.183 reviews

187 USD/night

Albert Hotel

Kirkwall, United Kingdom

8.371 reviews

270 USD/night

Hotel Eyvindara

Egilsstadir, Iceland

8.1257 reviews

152 USD/night

The Shore

Kirkwall, United Kingdom

7.9108 reviews

104 USD/night

The Sands Hotel

Burray Village, United Kingdom

9.3110 reviews

131 USD/night

Nethercliffe Hotel

Wick (Highlands), United Kingdom

8.189 reviews

143 USD/night

Diehls Hotel

Koblenz (Rhineland-Palatinate), Germany

7.9883 reviews

121 USD/night

Hilton Dresden An Der Frauenkirche

Dresden, Germany

7.81351 reviews

125 USD/night

Northop Hall Country House Hotel

Northop, United Kingdom

8.3177 reviews

46 USD/night

Popular hotels all over the world

Find your perfect hotel stay today

8.4/10

The Sun Outdoors Cape May Cape May Holiday Home

Cape May, United States

Seasonal outdoor pool, Children's play area

View hotel

8.8/10

Lake Village Lodge Hotel

Coeur d'Alene, United States

Near downtown festivities, Remodeled rooms

View hotel

8.6/109 reviews

Vasant Vilas Udaipur Hotel Web

Udaipur, India

2 km from Udaipur Railway Station, Outdoor swimming pool

View hotel

Hotel Clarion Hotel The Pier

Restaurant Fei on site, Sauna facilities

Domus Renier Boutique Hotel Historic Hotels Worldwide Chania Town Greece

Awarded Best Historic Hotel in Europe 2017, 10 unique historic suites

La Calcina Venice

Designated Italian Historical Establishment, Views of Giudecca Canal

Equitable Hotel Woolwich

4 km from Blackheath station, 4 km from O2 Arena

Hexagon International Hotel, Villas & Spa Hotel

1 km from Nadi International Airport, 3 outdoor swimming pools

Coconut Garden Beach Resort

Private beach area, On-site water sports facilities