Top 11 Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Orkney, Scotland - Updated 2024

airbnb Orkney
Elsa Marie
Elsa Marie 
Updated
| 5 min read

Have you ever heard of Orkney? It’s a rather phenomenal place. Orkney is an archipelago located off the northeast coast of Scotland. Across its 70 islands, Orkney offers Neolithic sites such as burial tombs with carvings and ceremonial stone circles. If you can believe it, Orkney’s first civilization dates back more than 10,000 years! Orkney now serves as a fantastic destination for travelers from around the globe to explore and discover the history of these ancient islands. Check out the following Airbnbs in Orkney for your next adventure!

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 13, 2024.

1. Self catering Bothy (from USD 88)

It’s hard to get much better than this idyllic waterfront house. Located in central Stromness near the ferry, local shops, and cafes, the studio layout at this house offers a double bed or two twins, depending on your setup, a bathroom with shower, and an adorable kitchen. For guests who have a car, there is nearby parking. Superhost Lisa welcomes pets into her shoreline studio with prior notice, and offers a variety of amenities from a hair dryer to an iron to bathroom basics (soap and towels). There’s also heating and an indoor fireplace!

Stayed at this property?
Stromness, United Kingdom
9.88 km (6.2 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
364 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 1 Bed 2 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
quaint with sunrise views wharf location full kitchen nice bath and comfy chairs to view the bay
we loved the luxury of a king sized bed
it is very quiet there and the heating in the cottage maintains a very comfortable temperature
big windows look into the harbor with comfortable chairs and blankets
it had also everything one could need: big spaces a well-furnished kitchen and a beautiful view
Cleanliness:
comfortable clean quiet and warm
clean beautiful and one could not beat the location
the property was very clean and tidy and the facilities were good
spotlessly clean and comfortable views out of the window onto the harbour was fantastic
lisa’s place was absolutely perfect clean confortable very nice and in a good position (just outside stromness ferry terminal)
Host:
lisa is a lovely friendly and very helpful host who ensured everything ran smoothly
lisa was an amazing host there is so much to do around orkney and she has many excellent recommendations
lisa was very helpful with great directions and lots of info on not-to-miss sites
lisa is a great host
lisa gave us some very helpful advice about how to find the bothy and where to park etc
Location:
it has character and the location is superb
this bothy must be in the best location in stromness
great accommodation in a fantastic location
this wonderful tiny house has been renovated wonderfully fab location near ferry and walking distance to stores and cafes
absolutely great location and the bothy had everything we needed for a great break
Read more reviews

2. The Noust St. Margarets Hope (from USD 89)

This family-friendly cottage is located in St. Margarets Hope on the waterfront. Recently refurbished, this one-bedroom (with a king bed!) has a lovely kitchen, sofa bed in the living area, and a modest washroom and shower upstairs. You’ll find parking near the cottage, and on the premises there is a washer and dryer, heater, and television. If you stay here, make sure you check out the caves in South Ronaldsay!

Stayed at this property?
ORKNEY, Scotland, United Kingdom
33.09 km (20.6 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
154 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire cottage 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it has a most comfortable bed lovely views and easy parking right outside the front door
we had a fantastic stay in tracey's apartment
there is one bedroom upstairs and spacious kitchen/living/dinig area downstaris so perfect for a couple
it had everything we needed for a comfortable stay and tracey was really flexible with check-in time
Cleanliness:
tidy clean home
spotlessly clean and tidy
very clean cosy and comfortable
exceptionally clean with a well equipped kitchen
it was clean comfortable and well-equipped
Host:
and the staff are really great
tracey was the perfect host
tracey was a superb host
tracey very accommodating and a lovely host
our ferry got cancelled and she was just so kind and helpful
Location:
lovely location in a very pleasant village
very good location :)
amazing house and location
perfect location for the pentland ferry
beautiful tranquil location right on the waters edge
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3. in the heart of Stromness

This apartment is located above an art gallery on a pier in the heart of Stromness. With two bedrooms and one bathroom, this accommodation is suitable for up to six guests. The flat is comprised of two stories and offers, in addition to the bedrooms and bathroom, a kitchen with basic cooking facilities and a washing machine, and a living room with a Smart TV and board games! Superhost Lisa doesn’t mind dogs in the apartment as long as she’s notified before.

Stayed at this property?
Stromness, Orkney, United Kingdom
10.04 km (6.3 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
160 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 3 Beds 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
mattress in master bedroom very firm but otherwise furniture very comfortable
wifi was strong throughout the unit
very good wifi and plenty of power sockets
very comfortable with a lot of space
the lounge has a huge smart tv for the rainy evenings
Cleanliness:
very clean and modern
the flat was very clean modern and cosy
it is spacious exceptionally clean and tidy and communication with lisa is prompt and helpful
really nice decor and immaculately clean
it was spacious clean and nicely decorated
Host:
the host did a good job
she's a great host
very nice flat superb service from the host
she communicated clearly and was very helpful
lisa had prepared everything well & was very helpful & friendly
Location:
perfect location in stromness
great location truly in the heart of stromness
close to everything and easy parking
amazing location in the heart of beautiful stromness
outstanding accommodation in perfect location
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4. Eastbank House Hostel, room no. 2 (from USD 63)

Malcolm hosts guests in his Georgian house in Kirkwall, near the ferry and town center. The room here is basic, however, considering the many amenities offered, you’ll be taken care of. Malcolm says the house is family and pet-friendly should you be traveling with children or a pet. There is parking on the premises, and as a guest you’ll have access to a washing machine and dryer. You’ll also find simple washroom essentials.

Stayed at this property?
Kirkwall, United Kingdom
23.62 km (14.7 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
224 reviews   Wifi Available
PRIVATE ROOM IN HOME 1 Bed 1 Guest 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 1

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
big kitchen with all amenities and a comfortable warming and welcoming living/dining room
thanks for the bed malcolm
had an amazing breakfast as well
the room is warm and the bed is comfortable
just what i like clean good wifi free parking centrally located
Cleanliness:
toilet is clean too
basic but comfortable and clean with a tv
room is comfortable and warm bathroom en-suite is spotless clean; lots of warm water in the shower too
the rooms were sparkling clean and the common rooms felt like home immediately
thank you nice clean room and own shower and toilet is a bonus will stay again
Host:
everyone was friendly and made me feel at home
malcolm is a great host
malcolm is a really great host with outstanding hospitality
malcolm was the perfect host
knowledgeable host who can help with travel advice and may even offer a lift
Location:
great location and friendly atmosphere
ideal location 10 min walk into town
eastbank house is in a great location
great location fully furnished with conformable rooms
excellent location and very nice accomodation for the price
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5. Weaverhall cottage (from USD 76)

You’ll be spoiled with a gorgeous view if you stay at Superhost Neil’s house. On one end, you have rugged countryside to gaze across and on the other, the great Atlantic and island of Hoy. When booking here you’ll have the entire cottage to yourself. With one bedroom and bathroom, a lounge and kitchen, along with a garden out back, this accommodation is more than enough space for two guests. From Neil’s cottage, it’s about a 10 minutes walk to Stromness Pier Head. Though the cottage is located in a quiet area, there is Wi-Fi, parking, and washer and dryer.

Stayed at this property?
Stromness, Scotland, United Kingdom
9.52 km (6.0 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
216 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
good wifi and tv reception
the view was exceptional and the cottage was very comfortable
weaverhall cottage is warm and very comfortable with amazing views
great wifi and everything you need for a comfortable stay
the cottage is well equipped and very comfortable
Cleanliness:
it’s spotlessly clean too
cottage was spotless and had everything we required for a peaceful stay
the place was spotless and ingrid left some lovely local produce for us to try
the house is just right well appointed sparkling clean with cooking facilities and good heating
neil is very helpful and the place is spotless
Host:
lovely place and amazing host
neil made sure that everything went smoothly great host
neil was a fantastic host and the hospitality he showed was wonderful
neil himself is a kind man one of those helpful open orcadians
neil is a great host
Location:
wonderful location for touring the island
perfect location for a short walk into stromness
excellent accommodation in a superb location
the location was ideal for exploring the rest of the island
such a wonderful stay in an idyllic location just a short picturesque walk from town
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6. Netherstove Chalets 2 (from USD 114)

Graham will be happy to welcome you to his “Netherstove Chalets” for your stay in Orkney. He offers two identical chalets with two bedrooms and three beds, suitable for four guests. If you choose to stay here, you’ll marvel at the views of the Bay of Skaill and the surrounding countryside. There’s parking on-site, and the place is fitted with a washing machine. One more important note, from here you’re only a 10 minute walk to the beach!

Stayed at this property?
Sandwick, Scotland, United Kingdom
1.53 km (1.0 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
88 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful view good bed well equipped kitchen
wifi is very efficient in this remote place
and lovely comfortable space to stay with everything you need
Cleanliness:
it was very clean and had everything we needed
this was a lovely clean chalet that fitted all our needs
once inside the chalet was clean and well appointed with everything you could need ready to go
Host:
the owner is very friendly
hosts mum who welcomes you to the farm lovely
the hosts were very welcoming so can recommend to anyone
we truly appreciated our hosts as well
graham was very nice and helpful and always replied quickly
Location:
great location and comfortable accommodation
great location in a lovely rural area
there isn't anywhere to eat within walking distance but that is clear from the location
it was a cosy flat located in a beautiful surrounding close to skara brae and skaill bay
perfect location for exploring skara brae and the surrounding area
Read more reviews

7. Bayview 2 bedroom apartment (from USD 89)

Just by looking at the photos you wouldn’t think this apartment was located in a quiet village. Though the contemporary furnishings and design may be misleading, this apartment is indeed in Saint Margaret’s Hope. From the locale of this cottage, you’ll be minutes away from the Pentland Ferry Terminal as well as the village pubs and restaurants. The two bedroom flat is available to traveling families and those traveling with pets, and is equipped with Wi-Fi (a new feature).

Stayed at this property?
Saint Margaret's Hope, Scotland, United Kingdom
33.05 km (20.6 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
114 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the bay view apartments
spacious warm and comfortable apartment
lots of hot water good shower and nice and warm
Cleanliness:
very clean and tidy and nicely decorated and furnished
very clean and warm with easy parking
space is quiet and clean
it was a very nice warm and clean appartement
lovely clean bathroom with excellent heating
Host:
the host was kind
the host meagan and her mum margret were most welcoming and very attentive
very helpful host and well appointed flat
megan and margaret were lovely hosts and correspondence with them was excellent
megan & margaret were very responsive hosts and would highly recommend them
Location:
very close to the ferry and situated in a calm neighborhood
location ideal for gills bay ferry
wonderful location and very nice flat
excellent location and very comfortable place to stay
very close to st margaret's hope ferry terminal and easy drive to kirkwall
Read more reviews

8. Khyber Pass Cottage (from USD 150)

Superhost Christine calls her place the “Khyber Pass Cottage.” Her lovely home is just minutes from galleries, pubs, and restaurants, and Christine herself is five minutes away should you need anything during your stay. Though the cottage is in a central location, you’ll enjoy all the privacy and quiet you could want. The cottage offers a cozy kitchen, living room with a fireplace, and a bedroom. For those who may be less mobile, the kitchen and living room are located on the upper level of the cottage (the spiral staircase will lead you there). Also, parking is available about a two minute walk from the cottage.

Stayed at this property?
Stromness, United Kingdom
10.08 km (6.3 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
82 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage is full of character but comfortable and very convenient for the centre of stromness
the cottage was cozy a good size bedroom and bathroom/shower on the ground floor
khyber pass cottage is a delightful and comfortable base to explore the island from
this is a compact and comfortable cottage in the heart of stromness near pubs shops and ferry
the house was warm comfortable well-appointed and most welcoming
Cleanliness:
the cottage is really lovely everything was spotlessly tidy & clean & had everything you could possibly need
flat was perfectly clean
the cottage was very clean and well presented
we had a lovely experience in a clean well thought out and well presented space
a beautifully clean and pretty cottage in a wonderful location
Host:
very helpful and kind
best of all christine is a great host who offers a very friendly welcome
check-in was seamless and christine was a great host
Location:
location is superb - up a wee lane just off the main street
christine has an amazing place in stromness - fantastic location and really tranquil
the location within the village of stromness was perfect
right in town but really quiet cosy and comfortable
good location for exploring the rest of orkney
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9. A nice, spacious, two-bedroom cottage (from USD 140)

This spacious, two-bedroom cottage is perfectly situated in the beautiful calm parish of Deerness on the East Mainland. The living room is furnished with comfy sofas, a table, and an indoor fireplace. The kitchen and dining areas are adjoined in an open plan style. The kitchen is fully equipped with high-quality appliances and utensils. The bedrooms are well-furnished with comfy beds, clean linen, and ample storage areas. There are two bathrooms that come with clean towels and toiletries. The house also comes with Wi-Fi and free parking.

Stayed at this property?
Deerness, Scotland, United Kingdom
35.85 km (22.3 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
21 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire bungalow 5 Beds 7 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 7

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very well equipped all mod cons including a hi tech music player and broadband/wifi
good facilities wifi stereo etc spacious kitchen and dining area
sofa bed was really comfortable
Cleanliness:
the house was very clean and had everything we needed every one was very helpful
light and spacious warm two big bathrooms with great showers and a bath really clean and organised
Host:
very helpful and thoughtful
Location:
superb beaches close by - great for blowing away the cobwebs of city life
great value and convenient location
lovely walk to local beach and shop nearby
highly recommend a sunrise walk to the beach
Read more reviews

10. Wheems Eco Cabin 1: Oyster Catcher

These adorable “eco cabins” are located right along the cliffs of Orkney alongside an organic farm. Though the wooden structures are small – 8'10" x 6'6" (2.69 m x 1.98 m), they provide everything you’ll need for your stay. You’ll be provided with towels and bedding, a small heater, and shared with the other campers (there are four eco cabins), are bathrooms and a kitchen. Not only will you be overlooking the sea during your stay, but you’re also welcome to the neighboring farm where you can pick up seasonal, organic produce to cook in the shared kitchen!

Stayed at this property?
Orkney, United Kingdom
35.94 km (22.4 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
120 reviews  
Entire cabin 1 Bed 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
electric heater and light appreciated
no wifi encouraged old fashioned conversation and enjoyable card games
lovely views and the bedding was comfortable
warm cosey amazing view and very comfortable
good well placed eco pod great view and good facilities
Cleanliness:
very clean kitchen and bathroom facilities (there’s hot water )
the ecocabin was clean simple and cosy and very spacious for a couple sharing
the bathroom block was clean and the showers were great
great views campsite with good generous clean facilities tks islay
the bothy was clean warm and snug with light fixtures electric sockets bed rolls and towels
Host:
our hosts were just wonderful making us feel welcome and helping us wherever they could without interference
our puppy absolutely loved it too the hosts were really good at answering any emails very quickly
islay was super welcoming and friendly and gave me great directions to my cabin
everyone at wheems we’re so welcoming and friendly and always had a smile
i inquired about eggs and mike was kind enough to sell some of what he had
Location:
easy to find from st margaret’s hope ferry station
enjoyed going down to the nearby beach/clifftop walk and buses were regular from st margaret's hope
stunning beautiful scenery in a very tranquil and peaceful location
this place is perfect for camping and the pods are beautiful
islay's dad's place was amazing
Read more reviews

11. Double room in Kirkwall

You can walk to the center of Kirkwall in five minutes from Ailsa’s house. Guests here will stay in a private bedroom with a double bed that has a memory foam mattress. As for the rest of the house, you’re welcomed to share the bathroom, kitchen, dining room, living room, and lovely garden. Ailsa will provide you with breakfast as well as shampoo, soap, towels, and a hair dryer. While staying here, Ailsa recommends you check out nearby attractions like the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, and Highland Park Distilleries.

Stayed at this property?

23.36 km (14.6 mi) from Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
48 reviews  
Private room 1 Bed 2 Guests

Retreat to Orkney

Now that you’ve peaked inside 11 of the top homes in Orkney, we hope you’ve found the perfect place for you. Orkney is an exceptional destination with its rugged coastline and Neolithic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Whether you are planning a marriage proposal or simply a relaxing getaway, Orkney could be the place for you.

Stayed at this property?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Elsa Marie is a storyteller who seeks to share the wisdom and wonder of the remarkable people she meets in her travels. She's curious about quiet stories that are often overlooked, the miraculous...Read more

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