The Stromness Hotel

The location, overlooking the harbour, is convenient and lovely, but the hotel has surely seen much better days. It had just reopened following renovation work before our stay but, walking through the front door we were immediately met by a view of a plumber on the floor renovating a toilet, but no Reception. When asked, the plumber told us that reception was on the first floor. There was no sign to show this. The whole place was a bit chaotic, still shabby in a lot of places, but there were some very friendly staff which made up for some of its failings.| |Our room was tired but ok, although one of the bedsheets had been put on so haphazardly that it looked like it had been done by a child. A slightly rusty bath, and faded pictures on the walls also didn’t help.||On our floor there was a cleaner’s room marked ‘contains hazardous chemicals’; when we came back to the hotel in the late evening, the door had been left open which, given its very recent closure for serious safety failings, seemed surprising. Although the management hasn’t changed, so perhaps not.||The dining room had a lovely view but someone smoking on the balcony meant that the whole room smelled of smoke when we were there – we went out for breakfast. ||Sadly, the bar, which apparently used to be a great local gathering place, only serves tea and coffee these days. No one was there at all when we looked in.||Having read the previous shocking reviews (as well as some suspiciously good ones) we only booked here because we were too late to find anywhere else. It was a gamble because it was still shut when we booked. And it certainly wasn't cheap. Anyway, at least it had reopened just in time for our stay, and we also did get a good night’s sleep, so that was positive. In addition, we were able to leave our luggage there and collect it later, which was also good.||Glad to be able to report that our other stays on these wonderful islands were notable for reasonable value and good standards. Sadly, this place still has some way to go.

We loved our stay at the Stromness Hotel. The staff are fantastic. They really care. The building is a historic building right on the ferry dock with views of the ocean. I’m very glad the new owners have reopened it and are continuing to improve it. If you want a perfect hotel, look for something else. If you want a quirky piece of Orcadian history in a quiet town on a relaxed island, this is your spot.

I had a 2 night stay at The Stromness Hotel and was seriously charmed by the place. I think you have to have a certain mindset to appreciate it - it's obviously very old, has undergone work and will doubtless need to be poked and prodded into behaving for years to come. Location was excellent, very short walk to the bus and ferry travel centre. Mattress and bed were very comfortable. Previous reviews mentioned smells but there were none that I noticed on the top floor (or while ascending the many stairs to get there). You will need to be stair friendly but I did overhear an older couple who got moved to a lower floor upon request. Cooked breakfast was just fine, I snagged the best seat in the house by the big harbour window both mornings which was a treat. I had dinner there one night as well (restaurant was closed the other, I suspect chef availability can be an issue) and I was pleasantly surprised by a very hefty sized salmon, hearty veg and a tasty sticky pudding for dessert. Staff were all incredibly friendly and charmingly "ah yes i'll add it to the list" accepting upon my reporting of the door lock to my room having issues. Will the shower be freezing cold or scalding hot without warning? Yes, but the water pressure is excellent, so do a dance out of the way until it returns to the right temperature. I wish the owners the best of luck in continuing to cajole the place into some kind of modernity, and if you're an easy going sort of person who can enjoy some quirks, I think you'd be tickled by the place like I was. If I was a local I'd certainly pop by for dinner whenever I could. But alas back to the other side of the globe I am returning.

We arrived during folk festival so village had a nice vibe. A Scottish highland band, with pipers, was playing outside hotel so we received a rousing welcome !! Really quaint fishing village and friendly people wherever we went. Overall the hotel was very good. We had 2 great meals on site and breakfast was really good too. Young staff who were friendly and hard working.

In June my wife and I visited Orkney. We pre booked B&B accommodation in 4 very different places on mainland Orkney. We travelled all over the island taking trips and visiting sites. Stromness Hotel was for our last 3 nights and was a huge disappointment and shock. We paid £810 which was the most expensive accommodation and expected so much more that we got! On the arrival at the room (room 34), 80 steps up (we are both in our late 70s) we found a comfortable bed but with un- ironed bedding (not a good look), a miniscule bathroom with no space even for our toilet bags and a faulty lock on the door. |No telephone returning down the many stairs to ask for assistant which we did receive from kindly staff.|On another occasion the battery for our TV remote control was also required from reception. This still not make the TV work and a technician was called on day 2 to fix the problem. |Then it was breakfast… The choice was Corn Flakes or Weetabix, whit pre sliced bread and jam (no marmalade available). We did not partake of the heated pre cooked breakfast which consisted of burnt potato scones, baked beans and unappetising looking scrambled eggs and little in the way fried bacon, sausage and black pudding. We complained and on day 2 fruit was available and day 3 yogurt but the hot food looked awful. My wife has a video of what was under the lids on day 3!|The car park was partly taken up by 2 skips full of rubbish. |This was our worst (and most expensive) hotel stay.

The location, overlooking the harbour, is convenient and lovely, but the hotel has seen better days. Expensive, shabby and a bit chaotic, but there were some very friendly staff which made up for some of its failings. Surprisingly, the owners have closed the bar because of the dangers of alcohol (see response to a previous review). Recently reopened after closure for safety issues but work was still going on when we were there at the end of May. We only stayed because nowhere else had rooms. Do read previous reviews!

Upon arrival (stayed twice) on both occasions we were told we'd not paid and had to prove that we had. Absurdly expensive but cashing in on the lack of competition locally I imagine, would expect four or five star amenities for £178 (for a twin) rather than the three star. Breakfast not included in the £178! Not having a drinks licence is strange. Loud music coming from the kitchen below at 11pm (turned down when we complained but shouldn't have had to). Stromness locals have a lot of bad stories about this hotel so it will need to up its game to establish a good reputation. Staff seemed great but under pressure.

Very accomodating staff for our late arrival. Spacious room with great view. Clean and hot shower Charming old world hotel. Breakfast was good Geoff and Millie Australia

This hotel was a decent place to stay for one night. I was stuck in Orkney for an additional night since the ferry was canceled, and I landed at this hotel. The staff were super friendly and helpful to our group of 25. Some of the rooms are updated, others are not. I ended up in an older room that had a mean draft coming from the window. It was clean, so I did not complain. There also seems to be some shutters that make a lot of noise when it's windy. It was a bit hard to get to sleep because of this. This hotel can use a facelift, but I think it can be good again with some help. 3 Stars

Took refuge in here when the heavens opened. Great old, imposing building with a bar overlooking the harbour on the first floor. A couple of good local ales, including Scapa Special, with friendly service. The roaring fire was particularly welcome.