The Shore, Kirkwall ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

Shore Street, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1LG

Next to Kirkwall Harbour

Very good

7.9

8.0

/10

4.1

Loved by The Shore guests

Beautiful room
Fantastic value
Good wifi
Comfy bed

"Accessible room which could be booked online."

Christina from United Kingdom

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"The Shore's location put you right on the waterfront in downtown Kirkwall so you have ready access (i.e., walking) to plenty of eateries, pubs, sights and shopping."

Evan Coopes from Australia

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"The property is on the water with easy access to the main avenue with shops and food options."

john

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Location

The Shore is located on the harbour's edge in Kirkwall, offering easy access to the mainland and the outer isles. This central location allows guests to explore historic buildings, independent shops, and various cafes. Daily ferries from Kirkwall provide convenient transportation to the Outer Isles during the summer.

Rooms

The hotel offers 37 beautifully restored bedrooms, each designed with rustic, fishing-inspired decor. King Sea View Rooms provide spacious accommodations, showcasing stunning harbour views. Additional room options include Double Rooms and a Junior Suite, accommodating families comfortably with sofa beds.

Dining

The Harbourview Restaurant specializes in Orcadian produce, serving seafood platters and classic pub favorites. Guests can enjoy a £25 dining allowance per person, ensuring an opportunity to experience local flavors. Afternoon Tea, available on specific weekends, features a selection of sweet and savory treats paired with tea or Prosecco.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

The Shore welcomes dogs in all areas except for the restaurant and lounge, with special arrangements for dining in the Highland Park Bar. Every pet-friendly stay includes a comfy bed and a Hound Bag with essentials for pets. Advance booking is required to ensure the best accommodations for pets.

Family-Friendly Features

Families can take advantage of spacious rooms, such as the Junior Suite, which can accommodate up to four guests. The hotel offers a scrumptious children's menu, catering to smaller appetites. Additional amenities include cots and high chairs to ensure a stress-free stay for families.

Highlights

Location: harbourside access in Kirkwall

Rooms: 37 beautifully restored bedrooms

Dining: Harbourview Restaurant with local flavors

Pet-Friendly: Comfortable stay for dogs

Family-Friendly: Spacious Junior Suite for families

“There's a distinct sense of place at this property; its restored bedrooms offer harbour views that immediately connect you to Kirkwall's maritime heart. The commitment to Orcadian dishes in the restaurant, alongside whisky tastings, adds a layer of local flavor that elevates the stay beyond mere accommodation, making it a worthwhile base for exploring the area's rich history.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.0/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

BedroomBest Night Sleep

The bed was the best I've ever slept in! The bedroom was cool and airy, which made for perfect rest.

Robert from Canada

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Parking

Free parking nearby was super convenient. I always found a space without any hassle. Very practical!

Maria from Spain

Review on

Room FeaturesHarbor Views

Our spacious room had comfy chairs overlooking the harbor. It was great for watching the ferries.

David from United Kingdom

Review on

DiningSuperb Breakfast

Breakfast was excellent. There was a good choice of food to start the day off right.

Emily from Australia

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Select your room type

The Shore offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Standard Single Room

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Twin Room

2 persons

175 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Budget Single Room

2 persons

140 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

195 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Shore offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Room features

Heating
Sitting area

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

The Shore Location

Shore Street, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1LG

Map view

Shore Street, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1LG

City landmarks

Landmark

Grain Earth House

3200 ft

Church

Kirkwall Baptist Church

2300 ft

Landmark

Orkney Witchcraft Memorial

2400 ft

Landmark

Highland Park Distillery

1.3 mi

Landmark

Peedie Sea

3000 ft

Landmark

Scapa Crafts Orkney Chairs

3800 ft

Landmark

HMS Royal Oak Memorial

1.4 mi

Landmark

Scapa Distillery

1.8 mi

Beach

Scapa Beach

1.7 mi

Island

JP Orkney

1.8 mi

Landmark

Quanter Ness

2.3 mi

Landmark

Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn

2.6 mi

Landmark

Head of Work

2.6 mi

Landmark

Wideford Hill

2.6 mi

Nearby

Monument

Saint Magnus Cathedral

1800 ft

Palace

The Earl's Palace

1900 ft

Museum

The Orkney Museum

1600 ft

Museum

Orkney Wireless Museum

600 ft

Ayre Road

The Orkney Distillery

700 ft

Marina

Kirkwall Marina

500 ft

Harbour Street

300 ft

Albert Street

The Big Tree

1100 ft

Restaurants

St Magnus Cafe

1500 ft

Broad St Kirkwall Community Centre

The Happy Haddock

2500 ft

69 Junction Road

Cafe At No.65

2300 ft

65 Victoria Street

Explore Kirkwall

Local Experiences

Saint Magnus Cathedral

7 minutes' walk

The 12th-century cathedral features stunning architecture and stained glass windows, showcasing Orkney's rich history.

The Orkney Museum

6 minutes' walk

Home to fascinating artifacts from Orkney's past, the museum offers insights into Norse history and local culture.

The Earl's Palace

7 minutes' walk

An impressive ruin of a 16th-century Renaissance palace, perfect for a tastes of Orkney's regal history and architecture.

Highland Park Distillery

25 minutes' walk

Scotland's northernmost distillery provides guided tours and tastings, highlighting its unique whisky production process.

Scapa Beach

30 minutes' drive

A scenic beach ideal for picnicking, swimming, or beachcombing. Families can enjoy a day of relaxation and fun.

Hiking at Wideford Hill

45 minutes' drive

Thrill-seekers will love the breathtaking views from the top, with trails suitable for various skill levels.

Yoga at Kirkwall

10 minutes' drive

Local studios offer yoga classes focusing on relaxation and wellness, perfect for rejuvenating the mind.

St Magnus Cafe

6 minutes' walk

A cozy spot serving fresh local produce, with delicious soups and cakes. Perfect for a casual lunch.

The Happy Haddock

10 minutes' walk

Famed for its fish and chips, this casual eatery offers a friendly atmosphere and hearty portions.

Cafe At No.65

9 minutes' walk

Famous for its artistic environment, this cafe serves a range of international dishes, including vegetarian options.

The Orkney Distillery

3 minutes' walk

A venue offering tastings and tours, showcasing Orkney's whisky culture in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Orkney Wireless Museum

3 minutes' walk

This quirky museum features exhibits on communication history, perfect for families and tech enthusiasts.

Getting around

City Centre

Kirkwall3 min · 700 ft

Airports

Kirkwall (KOI)10 min · 3.8 mi

Eday (EOI)48 min · 19.7 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:30

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP17.50 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Shore from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Shore is a modern and comfortable annex to the Kirkwall Hotel, perfectly situated on the waterfront in downtown Kirkwall, allowing easy access to nearby restaurants, bars, sights, and shopping. Guests often appreciate the clean, spacious rooms, some even featuring separate access. Breakfast is conveniently located at the Kirkwall Hotel next door; however, some guests have noted that the rooms can feel a bit compact or that the skylights let in a lot of daylight.

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Review score

Based on 154 verified reviews

7.7/10

Very good

76%

Recommend

Location

9.0/10

Staff

8.8/10

Value for money

7.5/10

Facilities

8.0/10

Pros

Cozy room

Harbour view

Comfy room

Great location

Cons

No on-site staff

No hotel facilities

No windows

Poor housekeeping

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.

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Questions of the users

About The Shore

What parking options are available near the hotel, and will there be a fee for using them?

15 November 2024

There is a public carpark across the road from the hotel that offers long-stay parking at no cost, generally with available spaces outside of office hours.

Is there a steam iron available for guest use during a stay?

10 December 2024

All rooms come equipped with irons, or one can be supplied upon request.

Are the bathrooms in the accommodations completely separate from the bedrooms?

20 October 2024

No, the bathrooms are shared between the bedrooms and are not completely separate.

Are there single rooms available that include a private bathroom?

30 June 2024

Yes, all rooms, including the standard single rooms, have ensuite bathrooms.

Can you confirm if late check-in is accommodated, especially after arriving from a ferry?

5 January 2025

Late check-ins are welcome, with a night porter available to assist with arrivals regardless of the time.

Are pets allowed to stay in the hotel rooms?

12 February 2025

Yes, dogs are welcome in all rooms, subject to an additional charge of £20.00 per night.

Is breakfast included in the room rates, or is there an extra charge?

25 March 2025

The room rates are typically room-only; breakfast can be added for £12.50 per person at check-in.

How spacious are the pet-friendly rooms - will they accommodate my three dogs?

8 April 2025

Pet-friendly double rooms are approximately 18 square meters, suitable for accommodating well-behaved dogs.

Is there a lift in the hotel for accessing higher floors?

2 May 2025

Unfortunately, there is no lift within the property.

Are there connecting rooms available for families visiting the hotel?

18 May 2024

Yes, there are family rooms and spacious connecting options that can comfortably accommodate families.

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