Name: West End Guest House, Kirkwall
Address: 14 Main Street, Kirkwall, Highlands, KW15 1BU
Price range: US$150+
Rating: 8.0

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West End Guest House Kirkwall Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

14 Main Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1BU

Steps from Saint Magnus Cathedral

Great

8.0

/10

3.4

Loved by West End Guest House guests

Central location

Delicious breakfast

Friendly service

Easy access

Good value

Lovely dining room

"Nice touch to have wine glasses and crockery/cutlery in the room so if you wanted to get a takeaway you could bring it back."

Stuart from United Kingdom

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"Breakfast was superb. Freshly cooked and very tasty."

Eddie_m from United Kingdom

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"Very central location in the town centre and adjacent to the main street (Victoria street) leading up to St Magnus cathedral."

Medicbhoy from United Kingdom

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4-star accommodation with historical charm in Kirkwall

Location

West End Guest House is conveniently situated just a short walk from Kirkwall's city center. The hotel provides easy access to key attractions such as St. Magnus Cathedral and the Orkney Museum. Visitors will find themselves within reach of local shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks.

Rooms

The hotel offers a variety of room types, including single, double, and twin rooms, accommodating both solo travelers and groups. Each room is equipped with ensuite facilities, ensuring convenience for all guests. Selected rooms provide views of Kirkwall's scenic streets.

Dining

A complimentary Scottish breakfast is served each morning, featuring locally sourced ingredients. The hotel's breakfast options cater to various dietary preferences, providing a hearty start to the day. There are also numerous dining options nearby, allowing guests to explore local cuisine in Kirkwall.

Pet Policy

West End Guest House welcomes pets, allowing guests to travel with their furry companions. The hotel offers designated pet-friendly rooms for visitors with animals. This approach provides added convenience for pet owners looking for accommodations in Kirkwall.

Attractions

The hotel is located near some of Orkney's most notable attractions, such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar. Guests can easily arrange tours to explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of the islands. The location serves as an excellent base for cultural and historical excursions.

Highlights

Location: Short walk from Kirkwall's city center

Rooms: Single, double, and twin rooms

Dining: Complimentary Scottish breakfast

Pet Policy: Pet-friendly rooms available

“This is a comfortable base for exploring Kirkwall and the surrounding Orkney Islands. The extensively refurbished interiors, coupled with a prime location near St Magnus Cathedral, create a memorable ambiance. I particularly appreciate the focus on fresh, local ingredients in its highly-regarded breakfast.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.0/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingParking Perks

The car park access made it easy to come and go as I pleased and explore the surrounding area by car.

David from United Kingdom

Review on

DiningDelicious Start

Breakfast exceeded expectations! It featured local produce, and the option to complete a slip with requests the night before was ideal.

Emily from Canada

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Room FeaturesPerfect pit-stop

The guest lounge was a great spot to relax outside of the room. It had a small fridge, microwave, and cutlery.

Ricardo from Brazil

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BedroomCosy Nights

The room was small, but cosy. It provided a very comfortable bed, ensuring a good night's sleep every night.

Ingrid from Sweden

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Select your room type

West End Guest House offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Single Room
2 persons
9 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Small Single Room
2 persons
8 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
14 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details

Show all rooms

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

West End Guest House offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
VIP check-in/ -out
No pets allowed

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Dining

Picnic area/ Tables
Dinner

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Heating
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

West End Guest House Location

14 Main Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1BU

Explore Kirkwall

Saint Magnus Cathedral

6 minutes' walk

A historic 12th-century cathedral featuring stunning Romanesque architecture and notable stained glass windows.

The Orkney Museum

5 minutes' walk

Local history artifacts spanning centuries, with free admission and engaging exhibits suitable for all ages.

Highland Park Distillery

20 minutes' walk

One of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, offering guided tours and tastings of exceptional single malt whisky.

The Earl's Palace

6 minutes' walk

Impressive 16th-century ruins with rich history, surrounded by beautiful gardens, ideal for a relaxed stroll.

Peedie Sea

10 minutes' walk

A charming lake perfect for family picnics, birdwatching, and leisurely walks. Enjoy the scenic views.

Scapa Beach

30 minutes' walk

Great for thrill-seekers with windsurfing and kayaking opportunities. Check seasonal availability for rentals.

Kirkwall Marina

13 minutes' walk

Ideal for a calming fishing trip or a boat tour of the nearby islands. Rentals available with booking required.

The Happy Haddock

3 minutes' walk

Casual dining known for its fresh fish and chips. Family-friendly with vegetarian options; no reservations needed.

Sinclair's Ice Cream Parlour

8 minutes' walk

Delectable handmade ice creams and sorbets with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for families. Seasonal flavors available.

Willows Takeaway

11 minutes' walk

Quick-service dive offering delicious local fare, including seafood and comfort food. Great for on-the-go meals.

Orkney Arts Theatre

10 minutes' drive

A local gem hosting plays, live music, and community events. Check schedule for family-friendly performances.

Kirkwall Baptist Church

2 minutes' walk

Hosts regular community events and concerts, enriching the local arts scene with its welcoming atmosphere.

Getting around

City Centre
Kirkwall 9 min · 2300 ft
Airports
Kirkwall (KOI) 9 min · 3.4 mi
Eday (EOI) 50 min · 20.3 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:30

Check-out

from 01:00-10:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about West End Guest House from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

West End Guest House enjoys a great location in Kirkwall, making it easy to visit the town center and other sites, with parking conveniently available. Guests find the rooms clean and appreciate thoughtful touches like plates and cutlery provided for enjoying takeaways. The breakfast is considered good and some have noted the beds could be more comfortable. Many appreciate the tea and coffee facilities that are topped up each day.

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Review score

Based on 203 verified reviews

7.4 /10

Very good

75 %

Recommend

Breakfast

10.0/10

Free WiFi

9.1/10

Paid Wi-Fi

5.0/10

Value for money

7.1/10

Pros

Convenient location

Helpful staff

Clean rooms

Cons

Outdated website

hannah from united kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 23, 2026

9/10

a good surprise!

perfect location quiet place nice privacy lounge provisions

The location was perfect for exploring. i found peace and quiet near trees. i appreciated the privacy the hotel offered. the provisions in the lounge were a nice touch. I used them every day.

some parts looked a little worn, though cleanliness was definitely maintained

Rooms

9/10

my room featured a good shower and an effective heater. clean towels was every day, a nice bonus. tea and coffee facilities were replenished daily, ensuring i always had a warm drink available.

0 Helpful

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Graham from United Kingdom

Single

double room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 04, 2026

8.5/10

convenient and well kept stay

excellent breakfast coffee service

the staff was indeed very helpful! the included breakfast was excellent. the coffee service in the room was also great and the hotel kindly provided plates and cutlery for takeout dinners.

i noticed the shower alternated between piping hot and freezing cold. the furnishings were old, tattered, worn and rusty, and a warm shower is pretty much expected.

Dining

9/10

breakfast was included and fabulously presented each morning. the hotel provided plates and cutlery if guests got takeout. i found these services convenient.

Rooms

8/10

the double room was clean. coffee service was available directly in the room. this made mornings much easier.

Facilities

8/10

the hotel offered free private parking, a bonus. self-check-in was available, and it was clear and easy. this made arrival smooth.

Location

9/10

the hotel features an easy walk to shops and the harbor. i could quickly access various amenities. it was a great spot.

0 Helpful

winifred from united kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: October 30, 2025

8.5/10

central stay

central location easy access useful facilities nice lounge

the location offered convenient access to the town centre. self check-in was straightforward. i found the kitchen facilities useful. the lounge was nice.

the decor seemed a bit dated, and i noticed some wallpaper peeling.

Location

9/10

the guesthouse has a great location. it is situated near the main street, with access to various amenities. the bus station is very close, providing convenient transportation options for exploring the area.

Service

8/10

Staff was friendly and helpful. the breakfast lady was very lovely. the organization was very good. Also good information was provided in advance. the cooked breakfasts were great.

0 Helpful

Molly from Ireland

Single

Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: October 15, 2025

9.0/10

great stay near the town centre

local attractions breakfast options convenient location quiet atmosphere

the staff provided information on local attractions. breakfast included varied options. the location offered easy access to the town centre. parking was convenient behind the building. i found a quiet atmosphere within the hotel.

the bathroom felt a bit small

Rooms

8/10

the room was clean. it included a comfortable bed. i also had a nice personal touch within the room.

Dining

9/10

breakfast offered good choices. the food tasted fresh. i found the breakfast setup well-organized.

Service

10/10

the staff were friendly. they provided very helpful assistance. self check-in process was straightforward, allowing flexibility upon arrival, which added convenience

0 Helpful

Naomi from Japan

Single

Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: October 07, 2025

6/10

Reasonable stay in town

clean room fresh towels central location hard bed dripping tap breakfast absence

The room was clean. Fresh towels were provided daily. The location is very central, providing easy access to the town center.

The bed was quite hard. The hot tap dripped continuously. There was no breakfast option offered at the hotel.

0 Helpful

Alexander from Germany

Single

Small Single Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: August 03, 2025

8/10

tasty food friendly woman

The breakfast included tasty food. A very friendly woman cooked the breakfast. The guesthouse was also close to the bus depot. The location works, it is not far from the center.

The single room I had was somewhat compact.

0 Helpful

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