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Orkney – 6 hotels and places to stay
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Rymmon Retreat, hotel in Orkney

Boasting lake views, Rymmon Retreat provides accommodation with a garden and a balcony, around 24 km from Maeshowe. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.

Lovely and peaceful- great for spending time in the north of the mainland
9.3
Scored 9.3
Superb
Rated superb
117 reviews
Price from£129.75per night
Peedie Picky Townhoose - STL OR00094F, hotel in Orkney

Situated in Orkney, 15 km from Maeshowe and 17 km from Standing Stones of Stenness, Peedie Picky Townhoose - STL OR00094F offers a garden and air conditioning.

Verry clean, great facilities and and very good communication with the owner.
10
Scored 10
Exceptional
Rated exceptional
8 reviews
Price from£130per night
1 Taits Flat, hotel in Orkney

Situated 41 km from Standing Stones of Stenness, 43 km from Ring of Brogdar and 7.4 km from Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre, Burray, 1 Taits Flat features accommodation set in Orkney.

We like St Margarets Hope & so it is our preferred location when staying on mainland Orkney. Apartment had everthing we required including being able to cook a bit & get our clothes washed. Comfy bed & a good shower.
9.1
Scored 9.1
Superb
Rated superb
19 reviews
Price from£71.25per night
Aurora - Self Catering, Kirkwall, Quiet Location with Luxury Hot Tub, hotel in Orkney

Boasting a hot tub, Aurora - Self Catering, Kirkwall, Quiet Location with Luxury Hot Tub is situated in Orkney. This holiday home features free private parking and private check-in and check-out.

Beautiful house, clean, comfortable, well appointed and warm. Great location. The hot tub was fantastic. Sarah was a great host.
9.8
Scored 9.8
Exceptional
Rated exceptional
19 reviews
Price from£262per night
VitaVer, B&B, STL-OR00012F, hotel in Orkney

Situated just 34 km from Maeshowe, VitaVer, B&B, STL-OR00012F features accommodation in Orkney with access to a garden, a shared lounge, as well as a shared kitchen.

This is by far, the best place we have stayed in. Location was great. Malcolm and Teresa are fantastic hosts. Breakfast was fantastic, just needed to let Teresa know what you wanted from her menu. Beautiful accom so close to the water, big rooms and comfy beds. Highly recommend.
9.8
Scored 9.8
Exceptional
Rated exceptional
17 reviews
Price from£300per night
Royal Oak Guesthouse, hotel in Orkney

Royal Oak Guesthouse, a property with a shared lounge, is situated in Orkney, 2.2 km from Scapa Beach, 17 km from Maeshowe, as well as 19 km from Standing Stones of Stenness.

Walking distance from town centre.
9.2
Scored 9.2
Superb
Rated superb
49 reviews
Price from£92per night
Smithfield Hotel, hotel in Orkney

Situated on the Orkney Island, 14 miles from Kirkwall, Smithfield Hotel offers 3-star accommodation with free parking, a bar, and a restaurant. Kirkwall airport is 30 minutes’ drive away.

This hotel is well located, the room was comfortable, but there is no bar and no restaurant (happily there is a Spar in front of the hotel). A lady welcomed us, and immediately left the hotel after our arrival... but we had everything in the room, so no problem with that. Apparently they are expecting a new lease in the coming months, reason why the situation is a little bit strange.
8.6
Scored 8.6
Fabulous
Rated fabulous
277 reviews
Price from£160per night
Merkister Hotel, hotel in Orkney

Located on the shore of Harray Loch and family-run for over 30 years, the Merkister Hotel is a 15-minute drive from the main towns of Kirkwall and Stromness.

Must be the best hotel on Orkney. Wonderful position on Loch Harray. Central for all the key sights. A bonus if you fish is it’s on a loch and John the gillie is a star. Food good. This is a traditional hotel … absolutely not a boutique hotel (long may it last).
8.9
Scored 8.9
Fabulous
Rated fabulous
161 reviews
Price from£215per night
Waterfront House, hotel in Orkney

Boasting a private beach area and views of sea, Waterfront House is a guest house set in a historic building in Finstown, 5.7 km from Maeshowe.

The view from the room was incredible. It felt like we were on the water. We sat for hours witching the birds on the shore. Just as we were leaving three Curlew flew right past the window - almost a leaving present.
9.6
Scored 9.6
Exceptional
Rated exceptional
78 reviews
Price from£175per night
West End Guest House, hotel in Orkney

West End Guest House is set in Kirkwall, 1.2 km from Highland Park Distillery. Free private parking is available onsite. Certain rooms feature a seating area for your convenience.

Great location, close to see the sights and restaurants. Parking available. Very safe area. Breakfast great
7.8
Scored 7.8
Good
Rated good
423 reviews
Price from£130per night
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What guests said about Orkney:

  • 8.0
    Scored 8.0

    I felt that there wasn't enough pubs, coffee shops, shops...

    I felt that there wasn't enough pubs, coffee shops, shops open on a Sunday. I felt Stromness was quiet and there was a severe lack of shops. The Blues Festival was on when we were there and if this was not on Stromness would have been very quiet indeed. A lot of empty shops on Kirkwall and Stromness high streets which is really sad to see.
    Diana
    United Kingdom
  • 10
    Scored 10

    There is so much to see and do in Orkney it warrants several...

    There is so much to see and do in Orkney it warrants several visits to explore the sights and other islands. Local food is excellent. Try the seafood restaurants. Local people we met were helpful. A great place for a holiday and share with friends.
    Elizabeth
    United Kingdom
  • 10
    Scored 10

    These islands have a fascinating history and culture with...

    These islands have a fascinating history and culture with internationally notable archaeological sites such as Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe. For Maeshowe its is important to book ahead as access is limited. You can do this at the very helpful Visit Scotland Travel Centre in Kirkwall by the bus station. It is now thought that Neolithic Orkney may have been the wellspring of the culture that built Stonehenge in England and Newgrange in Ireland. The museums in Kirkwall and Stromness are well worth a visit. The former is free and the latter very cheap. The bus service on the main island, unsurprisingly called Mainland, is excellent. Day tickets are available and good value on the buses. I spent a day looking at the Churchill Barriers around Scapa Flow and the quaint and interesting second town of the islands, Stromness, using the buses. There is a frequent bus service, no. 4, between Kirkwall Airport and the Travel Centre in the heart of the town. There is plenty of natural interest as well as archaeology. I saw a hen harrier, skua, a pair of eider ducks, and common and grey seals. Food and drink is good. I recommend St Ola's, a friendly locals' pub on the harbour side, with good ale from both the excellent island breweries and food. Helgi's next door is worth trying but tends to get very full. Next time I will visit some of the other islands of the archipelago. Beware that visiting cruise liners can double the population of the islands and according to the locals everywhere is then utterly packed out. I visited in the last week of April and first one of May, just before they started to arrive. Worth checking on cruise ship visits to Kirkwall before booking your trip.
    Stephen
    United Kingdom
  • 10
    Scored 10

    Easy to find your way around with plenty of clear signposts...

    Easy to find your way around with plenty of clear signposts and good roads. Picturesque towns, fantastic scenery and historic sites. Friendly people, good quality food, not overly priced in my experience. Spectacular sunsets. Be prepared for variable weather.
    William
    United Kingdom
  • 10
    Scored 10

    We had the most fabulous trip, fitted in most of the sites...

    We had the most fabulous trip, fitted in most of the sites we wanted to see, despite some..umm...changeable weather. The Orcadians were very friendly and helpful, and also knowledgeable about their historic sites, which was what we had gone for. The only drawbacks were some hailstones at the Stones of Stenness, and the fact that both Kirkwall and Stromness seemed to close down completely at 4pm. Not a problem for us as we'd done everything by then, but we did find ourselves taking a trip to Stromness, arriving at 4.10 to all the shops shut and a whistle-stop tour around the museum (which closes at 5). The roads were a dream to drive, straight and hardly any traffic, but also hardly any garages, so fill up with fuel when you find one!
    Jane
  • 10
    Scored 10

    Landscapes, ancient sites.

    Landscapes, ancient sites. Skara Brae astounding as were other Brochs and Stone Circles etc. St Magnus Cathedral also worth a visit as is the Italian Chapel. Excellent restaurants, even at the end of October. (e.g. Helgis, The Storehouse, The Kirkwall Hotel) Excellent range of 'independent' shops. Free Toilets just about everywhere and clean and open!!! Decent roads, we had our car. Would like to (may well) return in a different season particularly to see the birdlife and visit other islands.
    Alasdair
    United Kingdom

Explore guest reviews of hotels in Orkney

  • 9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 117 reviews
    Rymmon Retreat was a memorable stop on our three week trip through Scotland. The location was perfect (we went hoping to glimpse the Northern Lights but rain won that battle). It was starkly isolated as you would hope a property in Orkney would be but spacious, comfortable and well appointed. The sunset from the deck was spectacular (pre-rain) and we left regretting that we only had the one night. It definitely felt like "home on the road". Couldn't recommend it more highly.
    Daniel
    United States
  • 9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 26 reviews
    Very well appointed, nice furnishings, comfortable bed. Everything was very clean and homely. There was a fresh pot of coffee and pastries waiting for my arrival, and even a quiche in the oven. That’s hospitality done right! Jackie was a wonderful host, and the people on the island, just lovely! It’s my first ever trip to the Orkneys and it was well worth taking the trip over to Sanday. It’s my new favourite. I’ll definitely be booking again.
    thomson
    United Kingdom
  • 9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 43 reviews
    The cottage was wonderful, everything was there that we needed plus extras...tea, coffee, washing up liquid, loo rolls and more. We were greeted with a bottle of wine and some Orkney fudge. The place was so lovely and clean, and everything was such good quality. John and Hazel were always there at the end of a phone if we needed anything. The cottage was within easy walking distance of the town. A great stay, highly recommended it....
    amanda
    United Kingdom
  • 9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 156 reviews
    Everything was a breeze from check in to check out. Laura is a lovely gracious host and has put a lot of effort into the little touches such as homemade scones and warm croissants waiting in the oven for our breakfast. The room was immaculately clean and very comfortable. The views of Kirkwall and surrounds were remarkable from our room. It is a gem of a find to stay whilst on Orkney!
    Caroline
    Australia
  • 9.9
    Scored 9.9
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 55 reviews
    This has been our favorite stay so far on our Scotland trip. The Old School is wonderful!! Great location for all things on Orkney, immaculately clean and wonderfully appointed- excellent linens, comfortable bed and couch. Lovely to have so much room to spread out in a beautiful setting. Janice herself is a lovely person, wonderful host, and excellent cook!! I highly recommend!
    Carrie
    United States
  • 9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 60 reviews
    Home like! Everything you might possibly need to make your stay comfortable. It’s cozy and has Orkney character (loved the Orkney chair); hosts have thought of every little detail. Location is perfectly situated in the town centre, with plenty of shops and restaurants around. Hosts are so kind and caring. Thank you once again for this wonderful stay.
    Giedre
    United Kingdom
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 57 reviews
    A spacious and comfortably furnished house right next to the Murray Arms Hotel and Restaurant, where they serve delicious seafood, and close to the little shop and post office for all the necessities - a great base to explore Mainland Orkney! The owner was easy to reach and very helpful.
    Kathrin
    United Kingdom
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 57 reviews
    Shona has done an exceptional job in her first self catering effort. The house is warm and welcoming and the updates she has made made the stay even more enjoyable. The house has plenty of room for a couple or a family. A great value in a super location. Will visit again.
    Michael
    United States
  • 8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7 reviews
    The hosts, Lorraine and John, made me feel very welcome. Lorraine is warm hearted and very friendly. It was my first time as a solo traveller and I had never been to Orkney. It made a huge difference to be welcomed. Now I have a new friend!! Thank you, Lorraine and John.
    Jayashree Kumar
    India
  • 9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 117 reviews
    Our stay at the Rymmon Retreat was very welcoming with a bottle of wine waiting for us to the well stocked kitchen. Everything was just as pictured. You were defiantly off the beaten path for some relaxing and beautiful sunsets off the west coast of Orkney.
    Heidi
    United States
  • 9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 5 reviews
    It was self-catering, so provided our own breakfast. The house was a matter of feet away from the sea, very well equipped and comfortable. Also, very close about 10 minutes drive from Kirkwall the main town in Orkney
    Foster
    United Kingdom
  • 9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 43 reviews
    Lovely little house close to the centre of Kirkwall. Easy parking nearby, two minutes from the Cathedral. Very close to local shops and restaurants. Very quiet neighbourhood. Great kitchen. Highly recommended.
    Michael
    United Kingdom
  • 9.9
    Scored 9.9
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 55 reviews
    Fabulous place to stay. It is a nice location, a beautiful garden, many birds and it's very quiet. Owner is very kind and helpful. Breakfast is excellent. We recommend this place for your stay at Orkney!
    Robert
    Netherlands
  • 9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 156 reviews
    Aultnager is a lovely spot convenient for all your travels in Orkney. Laura is kind and cooks a delicious breakfast... especially the bacon cheese scones :). The place is very clean and easy to get to.
    Amanda
    United States
  • 9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 60 reviews
    The owner was very kind and accommodating when I had issues with the ferry. The property itself was excellent. Had everything I needed for a weeks stay. Perfect location in the middle of Kirkwall.
    Alison
    United Kingdom
  • 9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 12 reviews
    Comfortable and very well equipped. Short walk to Kirkwall and handy for all our exploring around Orkney. Short drive to beautiful Inganess beach for some wild swimming.
    Ruth
    United Kingdom
  • 9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 15 reviews
    5 mins walk from the ferry terminal, close to shops, bars and restaurants. Ideal for exploring Orkney’s Neolithic past. House was warm and well appointed.
    erwin
    United Kingdom
  • 8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 52 reviews
    Extremely clean and very spacious. Very good location close to restaurants and shops, grocery stores and to set off to see the sights of Orkney.
    B
    Bridget
    United Kingdom
  • 9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 156 reviews
    Breakfast was simple but all we needed. Fresh fruit, coffee, tea and bread were all great. The Orkney Cheddar was great.
    Lisa
    United States
  • 9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 25 reviews
    Its a nice central location would be great for a holiday exploring orkney and the islands.
    Christopher
    United Kingdom