The Sands Hotel Burray Village Exterior photoThe Sands Hotel Burray Village Exterior photoThe Sands Hotel Burray Village Nature photo
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From131US$ /night
Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
Check-out
04Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Burray, Burray Village, United Kingdom, KW17 2SS
-
Near the Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre
Perfect
9.3
/10
4.6
4.7
/5

4-star seaside hotel in Burray Village

Accommodations

The Sands Hotel offers six en-suite bedrooms and two luxury suites, all with sea views. Each room is equipped with excellent facilities for a comfortable stay. The oceanfront location adds to the appeal for guests looking to enjoy the coastal scenery.

Dining

The Watersound Restaurant operates daily, providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner to guests and locals alike. The restaurant serves an à la carte menu featuring home-cooked dishes made with fresh local produce. Bar meals and casual dining options are also available to enhance the dining experience.

Local Attractions

The hotel is situated close to various attractions, including the Orkney Museum and St Magnus Cathedral. Guests can explore The Italian Chapel and the Churchill Barriers which are also nearby. Historical sites like Bishop's Palace & Earl's Palace and the Scapa Flow Visitor Centre offer further exploration opportunities.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Sands Hotel provides a variety of activities suitable for both adults and children. Nearby attractions cater to families, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Exploring historical sites can create enriching experiences for younger guests.

Recreation

The location allows for numerous recreational activities along the coastline. Guests may enjoy walking paths and opportunities for outdoor exploration. The sandy shores invite relaxation and leisure right outside the hotel's door.

Highlights

Accommodations: six en-suite bedrooms and two luxury suites

Dining: Watersound Restaurant offers home-cooked food

Local Attractions: Orkney Museum and St Magnus Cathedral

Family-Friendly: activities suitable for both adults and children

Must-do experiences

  • Visit Skara Brae, a stunning Neolithic settlement by the coastline.
  • Try fresh seafood at The Burray Fish & Chip Shop for local flavors.
  • Explore the historic Italian Chapel, a beautifully crafted gem.
  • Take a guided tour of Orkney Distilling for unique local spirits.
  • Discover the Orkney Museum for fascinating local history and culture.
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Select your room type

The Sands Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
165 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Deluxe Triple Room Sea View
2 persons
165 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
Superior Suite Sea View
4 persons
165 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Heating
Fireplace
Standard Double Room
2 persons
1 Double bed
Heating
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Facilities

The Sands Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Allergy-free rooms

Sports & Fitness

  • Billiard tables
  • Darts

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

The Sands Hotel offers delightful onsite dining options that celebrate local flavors while catering to diverse dietary needs. Guests can savor hearty breakfasts and exquisite dinners against a backdrop of stunning sea views, making every meal a wonderful occasion.

Garden Room

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free
Ambiance
Family-friendly with beautiful sea views
Key Offerings
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, delightful lunch options, and a vibrant dinner menu featuring a la carte dining. The ambiance is welcoming for families and offers a warm atmosphere for gatherings.
Reservation
Not needed
Breakfast and dinner are served; hours vary.

The Bar

Casual dining
Ambiance
Relaxed, social setting with scenic views
Key Offerings
A well-stocked bar where guests can unwind with a selection of local beverages while enjoying the serene views of the sea. Perfect for a casual evening after a day of exploration.
Reservation
Not needed
Open throughout the day for drinks and light bites; hours may vary.

Restaurant

À la carte dining
Ambiance
Stylish yet cozy with panoramic sea views
Key Offerings
The restaurant serves a varied dinner menu that highlights seasonal ingredients, making each meal a distinctive experience. Ideal for romantic dinners or family gatherings, where every dish is crafted with care.
Reservation
Recommended
Open for dinner; hours vary.

The Sands Hotel Location

Burray, Burray Village, United Kingdom, KW17 2SS
Map view
Burray, Burray Village, United Kingdom, KW17 2SS
Nearby
Museum
Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre
0 ft
Restaurants
The Sands Hotel
200 ft
Sands Motel Pier Road John & Evelyn Gunn
Explore Burray Village
Explore Burray's Charm
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre
Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre
25 minutes' walk
Fossils and artifacts showcase Orkney's natural and historical evolution. Guided tours offer in-depth insights.
Burray
Burray
17 minutes' walk
A picturesque village known for its scenic views and local culture, perfect for leisurely strolls and community events.
Echna Loch
18 minutes' walk
A serene spot for birdwatching and picnicking, this natural loch provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by wildlife.
The Smiddy Museum
The Smiddy Museum
35 minutes' walk
Local history and craftsmanship are displayed in this quaint museum, including artifacts from the village's past.
Cycling around Burray
5 minutes' drive
Cycling trails weave through scenic landscapes. Rentals available locally for an adventurous experience.
Kayaking at Hunda
10 minutes' drive
Experience kayaking on tranquil waters. Seasonal rentals and tours cater to all skill levels for a thrilling nature outing.
Relaxing by Echna Loch
18 minutes' walk
Enjoy a peaceful day by the loch, with picnic spots and scenic views, ideal for unwinding or a quiet family outing.
The Sands Hotel
The Sands Hotel
1 minute' walk
Offers local dishes with fresh ingredients. Enjoy hearty meals and friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Italian Chapel
The Italian Chapel
15 minutes' drive
A unique dining spot known for its Italian specialties. Great ambiance, vegan options available; reservations recommended.
Local Pub Events
5 minutes' drive
Vibrant local pubs offer live music and quiz nights for a fun night out, suitable for guests of all ages.
Stromness Theatre
30 minutes' drive
Features a range of performances from plays to live music, catering to families and adults; check the schedule for events.
Getting around
City Centre
Burray Village9 min  ·  2300 ft
Airports
Kirkwall (KOI)28 min  ·  11.3 mi
Eday (EOI)76 min  ·  31.4 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-22:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel The Sands provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
10
Former name
Sands Motel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Sands Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 153 verified reviews
9.3/10
Perfect
98%
Recommend
Breakfast
9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Comfort
9.7/10
Facilities
9.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.4/10
Location
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.6/10
Staff
9.6/10
Value for money
9.0/10
Guest reviews
based on 153 reviews
9.3/10
based on 263 reviews
9.3/10
Elizabeth from United Kingdom
Couple
Superior Suite Sea View
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 15, 2026
9.3/10

Really good Service and Comfort

fresh dishesfriendly staffefficient servicecute atmosphere
The hotel restaurant offered diverse choices. I found the food to be excellent, with dishes prepared fresh. The staff was consistently friendly. They were efficient, and always willing to help with anything I needed (.
The hotel is a little far from the main attractions, though this adds to the peacefulness.
Location
9/10
The hotel is in a tranquil spot. It provides a peaceful retreat away from busier areas. The surroundings offer scenic views.
Facilities
10/10
The hotel provides a well-stocked bar with various beverages. There is a wide selection of drinks. The restaurant serves both a la carte and bar menus, offering ample choices for dining.
Rooms
9/10
The room featured a comfortable bed. Pillows ensured restful sleep . The bathroom included a bathtub and a separate shower, providing convenience.
0 Helpful
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Avery from United States
Family with children
Superior Suite Sea View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 09, 2026
9/10
superior suiteuseful amenitiesdelicious breakfast
the superior suite sea view was spacious (it really was like a treat). the kitchenette included useful amenities. breakfast was delicious and promptly served each morning.
the in-room coffee machine needed a better cleaning.
0 Helpful
Ryan from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 04, 2026
9.5/10

Really good Stay, Details Was really good

generous portionperfect cookingcomfortable roomgood bathroom
I greatly enjoyed the Christmas dinner. Portions were generous with perfect cooking. My pals and I started with deep fried cheese and salad, a flawless choice. Apple crumble with ice cream was superb. The room was very comfortable, equipped with tea and coffee. The bathroom had both a bath and shower.
The price for the room was a bit high. An additional charge was applied for a breakfast cappuccino.
Location
10/10
The hotel provides a peaceful setting, located away from the bustling town. Mainland access is simple, enabling easy exploration of the surrounding areas. The view from the bedroom window allowed for enjoyment of the sound (an inlet of the sea).
Rooms
9/10
Our double room featured a private bathroom. The room was clean, and all the furnishings were well maintained. Plenty of hot water was available with a good shower water pressure (this.
0 Helpful
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Justin from United States
Family with children
Standard Double Room
2 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: June 28, 2025
9.5/10

Really good Stay

amazing servicetasty mealfriendly service
The staff offered amazing service and tasty meals. The beach nearby provided fun for exploration, and there was a great children's park close by. I greatly appreciated the delicious food and friendly service. The chef made my dinner even though I arrived just before 8 p.m.
The room lacked a bit of space.
Location
9/10
The hotel offers a beautiful location. It is very handy to the ferry, only 7 miles away. This proximity is convenient for travelers arriving by sea. Views from the hotel are excellent.
Dining
10/10
Tasty breakfast and supper service was perfect, warm, and friendly. I found the food delicious, especially the Orkney fudge cheesecake. The restaurant offers a beautiful bay view. The experience added to my meal.
0 Helpful
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FAQs
About The Sands Hotel
How far is The Sands Hotel, Orkney from Kirkwall Airport?
The hotel is approximately 20 km from Kirkwall Airport and takes about 20 minutes by car.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
Check-in is available from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
Does The Sands Hotel, Orkney have a restaurant on-site?
The hotel features the Watersound Restaurant, offering an à la carte menu with a focus on seafood.
Is there parking available at The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
Free public parking is available on-site for guests.
What amenities are included in the rooms at The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
Rooms include an en suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, and a hairdryer.
Can guests enjoy any activities at The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
On-site activities include billiards and darts.
What is the nearest landmark to The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
The hotel is 6.4 km from the Pentland Ferries terminal at St Margaret's Hope.
Which cultural venues are close to The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
Cultural venues nearby include the Smiddy Museum and the Hoxa Tapestry Gallery, which are approximately 3 km away.
Does The Sands Hotel, Orkney offer breakfast?
The hotel provides breakfast served in the restaurant, featuring a wide selection of options.
Is there Wi-Fi available at The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
What type of hotel is The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
The Sands Hotel is a family-friendly hotel located along the shore of Scapa Flow in Burray village.

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Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
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04Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room