The Kirkwall Hotel

We had a great overnight stay in the Kirkwall Hotel. We stayed in 204 overlooking the harbour, which was a beautifully decorated room. The location was perfect for the ferry, which we had disembarked at 11pm following a rough crossing from Shetland. Despite the late hour, we got a warm welcome at reception and our room was all ready with an extra bed made up for our son. We were particularly delighted by the real coffee and cafetière in the room - a lovely and much appreciated touch! All the staff were friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately we had to depart quite quickly this morning for the ferry to Scrabster, but we had time for breakfast which wasn’t a huge selection but had everything we needed. We would definitely stay again if we needed accommodation in Kirkwall.

The hotel is perfectly located next to the harbour and close to the town centre but the hotel itself has no parking. There are parking bays close by but these are available generally for all road users so you might be unlucky. Not so good for someone who is disabled. It is fitted and furnished in a classic period style. This was attractive but meant that there were some limiting features for those with a physical disability. It has a period lift so the two doors have to be opened and closed manually. If someone has exited the lift without closing the doors, the up/down control button will not work. Sometimes the lift was not flush with the floor which meant there was a step to negotiate. No problem for me but difficult for my disabled wife. Breakfasts were the most disappointing feature - no fresh fruit. Not even a banana. Premier Inns provide fruit and a better selection of food so I would say that breakfast at a PI is much superior to this hotel. Our room was spacious and very comfortable and had beautiful views of the harbour. The bathroom was huge too but there wasn’t much space available for setting toiletries etc on. Although the shower tray was large, it was slippy despite a small mat being provided. Again, no where to set toiletries on so for someone who is disabled this was an issue. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay but for the price charged it was not value for money, given the disappointing breakfasts. The staff were friendly, helpful and attentive and I would recommend this hotel to other travellers.

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.

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.

Good Location in front of the port, the restaurant food is good and there is a local pub next to the hotel. The rooms are spacious enough with the view on the port. The service is good and overall the hotel is clean and tidy. Perfect for a short stay in Kirkwall