Off the northern tip of Scotland in the North Sea lie the Orkneys, a group of islands doused in history, mystery, and tons of revelry. While Orkney Mainland and Skara Brae boast an incredibly rich Neolithic lineage, Shapinsay Island is a hotspot for some outdoor fun. Add to that, whiskey tastings, lively music, oodles of charm, and a spectacular natural landscape. If you plan your trip smartly, you might even be able to catch the stunning Northern Lights, visible at certain times of the year.
Orkney is truly a Scottish island that will blow you away, and for that reason, you’ll want to visit as soon as possible. But first, you need to determine where to stay in Orkney. Luckily, you have many options, such as Airbnb vacation rentals and hotels. If you prefer the latter, check out this list of the top hotels in Orkney, Scotland.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status. recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 09, 2024.
1. Standing Stones Hotel, Stromness (from USD 144)
Reasonable rates for spacious, clean rooms with lovely views.
Convenient location for exploring historical sites, but some areas in need of refurbishment.
Great central location for visiting Orkney's archaeological sites and easy access to ferry.
Delicious breakfast with ample choices, but limited restaurant hours and menu options.
Standing Stones Hotel is a hotel in Stromness that features 17 rooms equipped with plush beds, coffee-making facilities, and televisions with access to Freeview Digital channels. If you’re bringing a dog with you, you can request a dog bed for an additional 35 GBP (39.5 USD).
You’ll also have access to other on-site amenities. As a guest, you’ll receive a complimentary breakfast every morning, and you can grab a drink from the bar. For more fun, be sure to explore the heart of Orkney. You have easy access to many beautiful landmarks, such as the Standing Stones of Stenness, Ness of Brogdar, Ring of Brogdar, and Maeshowe.
Standing Stones Hotel
Address: Stenness
10.27 km (6.4 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
2. Merkister Hotel, Harray (from USD 153)
Merkister Hotel is located right on the shores of Harray Loch, so you can enjoy spending your days at the lake or enjoying the views from your room window. This hotel is also within driving distance of other iconic Orkney cities, such as Kirkwall and Stromness, so don’t miss the opportunity to do some sightseeing during your vacation.
When you book your stay here, you’ll be able to stay in a room furnished with a television, coffee/tea-making facilities, and an ensuite bathroom. Free WiFi allows you to stream movies and shows of your choice. When you’re hungry, head down to the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, where you can enjoy scrumptious meals made of Aberdeen Angus beef, hand-dived scallops, and freshly caught halibut.
Merkister Hotel
Address: Loch Harray
6.67 km (4.2 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
3. Ayre Hotel & Ayre Apartments, Kirkwall (from USD 121)
The family-run Ayre Hotel & Ayre Apartments is a good hotel option to consider. In addition to guest rooms, the property also offers six one-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments. Each of these is self-catered and are equipped with a full kitchen. Else, the guest rooms are appointed with standard facilities such as a television, WiFi access, tea- and coffee-making facilities, as well as ironing facilities, among others. Some guest accommodations offer amazing sea views as well.
Ayre Hotel & Ayre Apartments
Address: Ayre Road
22.86 km (14.2 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
4. Murray Arms Hotel and Seafood Restaurant, Orkney - Saint Margaret's Hope (from USD 133)
Good value for money, especially for the quality of food and service.
Comfortable and clean rooms, pet-friendly, cozy atmosphere, well-equipped with facilities.
Great location near the ferry terminal, picturesque coastal village, easy access to Orkney attractions.
Excellent seafood restaurant, delicious and plentiful breakfast, locally sourced fresh seafood, accommodating for dietary restrictions.
Featuring a range of well-appointed guest rooms, an on-site bar and restaurant, a shared lounge and terrace, and a garden, is the three-star Murray Arms Hotel and Seafood Restaurant. Each of the rooms is equipped with a work desk, tea- and coffee-making facilities, a television, as well as bed linens and toiletries. Pets are also allowed here at no extra charges.
Murray Arms Hotel and Seafood Restaurant, Orkney
Address: Back Road. St Margaret's Hope
33.11 km (20.6 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
5. The Royal Hotel, Stromness (from USD 210)
Reasonable pricing, especially for the area and amenities offered.
Comfortable and clean rooms, friendly and helpful staff, convenient location near ferry terminal and parking.
Perfectly situated in the heart of Stromness, providing easy access to local attractions and transportation.
Outstanding breakfast with a variety of options, and the hotel's sister restaurant, The Ferry Inn, offers delicious meals.
One of the most affordable hotels in Orkney, The Royal Hotel is some 6 km (3.7 mi) from popular landmarks Ring of Brogdar and Standing Stones of Stenness. This property is a package of facilities, amenities, and offers a comfortable stay. There are ten guest rooms available here, including family rooms that can house up to five guests. However, please note that all the accommodations at this hotel require staircase access, so they may not be best suited for guests with mobility issues.
Additionally, the hotel’s on-site Hudson Lounge is a great spot to try some great Orcadian ales, Scapa whiskey, and a range of craft beers on tap.
The Royal Hotel
Address: 55-57 Victoria Street
9.88 km (6.2 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
6. The Kirkwall Hotel, Kirkwall (from USD 149)
Enjoy a thoroughly amazing stay by checking into The Kirkwall Hotel. One of the finest Victorian buildings around the town, the property boasts a harbour-front location. Several of their 37 guest rooms and suites enjoy stunning harbour views. There are adjoining and/or family accommodations too. Additionally, the property has one spacious mobility friendly accommodation that has a wet room.
The Kirkwall Hotel also offers a range of dog-friendly rooms. However, pets are permitted on prior request and additional charges may apply. Location-wise, the hotel is an easy distance from the marina, several tourist landmarks, as well as Kirkwall’s main shopping centre.
The Kirkwall Hotel
Address: Harbour Street
23.06 km (14.4 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
7. The Orkney Hotel, Kirkwall (from USD 172)
Reasonable rates for a centrally located hotel with free parking.
Cozy rooms, onsite bar/restaurant, free WiFi, and spacious car park.
Conveniently located in the heart of Kirkwall, easy access to attractions, shops, and transportation.
Good breakfast, fresh and plentiful fruit, and well-cooked meals with friendly service.
Offering 30 well-appointed guest rooms, The Orkney Hotel is in the historic town of Kirkwall. This 17th-century hotel boasts a pleasing mix of traditional Orcadian hospitality combined with modern conveniences, which guarantees an utterly comfortable stay to its guests. Each of their accommodations is equipped with standard amenities such as a television, WiFi access, as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities, plus some feature in-room hot tubs as well.
In addition to excellent on-site hospitality, the hotel offers packed lunches to its guests, which is a big highlight for those planning to make the most of their visit. This lunch package includes a sandwich of your choice, fruit, crisps, a chocolate treat, and a beverage. It can be ordered at the hotel’s reception at an extra charge.
The Orkney Hotel
Address: 40 Victoria Street
23.08 km (14.4 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
8. The Shore, Kirkwall (from USD 108)
Located in central Kirkwall, The Shore offers 17 fully equipped and comfortable guest rooms and suites. The loft suites are particularly a good stay option for large groups and/or families. A fold-down bed and cot can also be made available in each of the accommodations at an additional charge.
The Shore
Address: Shore Street
23.08 km (14.4 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
9. The Stromness Hotel by Paymán Club, Stromness (from USD 105)
Reasonable pricing for a historic hotel in a prime location near the ferry terminal.
Spacious rooms, friendly staff, and a convenient lift, though some rooms lack modern amenities like a fridge and USB charging points.
Perfectly situated in the heart of Stromness, with stunning views of the harbor and easy access to public transport and local attractions.
Breakfast is consistently praised for its quality, but the hotel lacks a bar and restaurant, and the dining options are limited.
Located in Orkney Islands’ second-most populous town is The Stromness Hotel by Paymán Club. The property enjoys a scenic harbour-front location and it is centrally located. Each of their 42 guest rooms is equipped with standard amenities such as toiletries as well as WiFi access and they boast stunning harbour views. The hotel’s on-site Scapa Flow Restaurant offers a range of specialities, prepared using local Orcadian produce that you must try during your stay.
The Stromness Hotel
Address: The Pierhead
9.83 km (6.2 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
10. The Sands Hotel, Orkney - Burray (from USD 126)
Looking for a hotel in the quaint fishing village of Burray? Check out The Sands Hotel, a 19th-century hotel offering the best of hospitality and a range of comfortable guest rooms and suites. Each of the accommodations is equipped with standard amenities such as an electric kettle, a television, and WiFi access. There are also two-bedroom suites on-site that feature a kitchen, dining area, and living room.
Note that all the guest accommodations at The Sands Hotel can only be accessed via stairs, so this hotel may not be suited for guests with mobility issues.
The Sands Hotel, Orkney
Address: Burray
33.47 km (20.8 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
11. Albert Hotel, Kirkwall (from USD 181)
Boasting a central location in Kirkwall is the Albert Hotel, one of the best places to stay in Orkney. This hotel offers guest rooms that are equipped with contemporary furnishings and amenities. These include tea- and coffee-making facilities, an iron and ironing board, a television, and a hairdryer, among others. Cots can also be made available in the guest rooms at an additional charge. A complimentary breakfast featuring local farmhouse delicacies and a selection of homemade jams is offered at this hotel.
In addition to comfortable stay options, the hotel’s on-site Bothy Bar is worth heading. They offer a range of Orkney ales, whiskies, and several other beverages.
Albert Hotel
Address: 7 Mounthoolie Place
23.03 km (14.4 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
12. St Ola Hotel, Kirkwall (from USD 85)
Located on Kirkwall Old Town’s historic waterfront is St Ola Hotel, which boasts a range of well-appointed guest rooms. The hotel also offers self-catering loft suites that are ideal accommodations for long-term travellers as well as family vacationers. Certain accommodations enjoy amazing harbour-front views. All of them are equipped with standard amenities such as tea- and coffee-making facilities, a television, a hairdryer, and WiFi access, among others.
St Ola Hotel
Address: Harbour Street
23.03 km (14.4 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
The Orkney Islands - Scottish gems
The Orkney Islands offer a treasure trove of activities, memorable experiences, and landscapes that seem like paintings in front of your eyes. Most of the popular tourist destinations enjoy good accessibility by ferry, train, as well as flight, and road travel is easy across. Plan this getaway in advance to make the most of your trip to this brilliant Scottish destination. For a memorable experience, stay at one of the best hotels in Orkney.
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