Kirkwall Hotel

Fantastic renovation means this once dowdy hotel is truly a top experience. What a comfortable room with lovely touches such as a cafetière and ground coffee rather than sachets of instant, and teapots with teapigs teabags in the in-room hospitality. Super comfy bed with lovely linen. The bathroom is stylishly and tastefully renovated with a lovely big shower head. Breakfast is cooked fresh, no keep warm buffet here, what a nice surprise. Dinner excellent too. Friendly staff. Great job, I’ll be back.

This is our favourite place to stay in Orkney, friendly attentive staff, comfortable clean rooms, and great tasting local food. Our last visit for a valentine weekend 2025 was wonderfull, with a special sharing menu laid on for the occasion. Thanks to all the staff who made it a great weekend.

Two night stay at The Kirkwall Hotel in September 2024. Lovely, comfortable room with sea view overlooking the harbour. Large, comfortable bed with amazing bedding. We slept so well! It looked like the bathroom had recently been refurbished and everything looked to be of very high quality. Great shower!|Did not dine here in the evening but breakfast was very good. Partner can recommend having kipper here. Its self service but all of very good quality and checked regularly.|Did not have too much interaction with the staff but the ones we did were very friendly and professional.|I think the location and history of this hotel makes it so good. Its within easy walking distance of shops, bars, cafes and St Magnus Cathedral.|Would like to mention the lift. It's great! Must be the original from when the hotel was built. Like stepping back in time.|Thank you for a great stay.

The hotel is steeped in history and has lots of character, modern and old which was great. The location is right in the heart of Kirkwall harbour. The food, hotel and rooms i thought were very good, my only gripe was some of the staff at the restaurant and bar. Some didn’t seem interested and lacked basic skills (E.G Asking if you would like a drink when seated, smiling and interacting politely, giving out menus, removing used plates, slow service etc). It was if they didn’t want to be there and everything was an effort, they spent a lot of time talking and not serving (not all but some). The manager was very friendly and accommodating and overall my experience was good.

A Dram Good Stay at the Kirkwall Hotel (5/5) The Kirkwall Hotel in Orkney deserves all five of its stars (and maybe a bonus dram). My room was so cozy and the bed so comfortable, I felt like I was being hugged by a friendly cloud each night. From the moment I stepped in, the staff greeted me like a long-lost friend returning home. That genuine, welcoming atmosphere made it easy to relax – I almost considered moving in permanently! Now, let’s talk about the whisky: the hotel’s Highland Park selection is nothing short of legendary. Their bar boasts over 100 different Highland Park whiskies (yes, you read that right), all distilled just down the road. I felt like a kid in a candy store – if candy were 18-year-old single malt and the store was a cozy Orcadian whisky den. With each dram I tried (strictly for research, of course), I found myself growing more cheerful and convinced I’d discovered heaven (or Valhalla) in a glass. Between the warm hospitality, the ultra-comfy lodgings, and that treasure trove of whisky, I left feeling like a happily spoiled guest. If you love comfort, friendly faces, and a quality dram (or three), Kirkwall Hotel is an absolute gem. Five stars – I’ll definitely be back for another “research” session at that whisky bar! Slàinte!

The staff and local residents are friendly and helpful, after travelling a lengthy time my next flight was canceled do to weather wind! Buses had canceled but the driver offered to take me to the Kirkwall hotel and showed me how to get back to the airport in the morning offering to pick me up when need the next day. ||Front desk set me up in a room with a view over the harbour. Very clean and updated.

This has become my new favourite place for lunches. The restaurant is light and airy and staff are really nice and efficient. Try the St Magnus Wrap for lunch, delicious. There is the restaurant and bar menu as well as light bites. Something for everyone.

Friendly and efficient staff made my stay special. Nice room with everything needed including great shower. Comfortable bed and well heated. So lovely to be right opposite the harbour and see the ferries go in and out to the islands. Thoroughly recommend.