The Kirkwall Hotel Exterior photoThe Kirkwall Hotel Exterior photoThe Kirkwall Hotel Exterior photo

The Kirkwall Hotel, Kirkwall

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From$119 /night
Check-in
02Sept
Check-out
03Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Harbour Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1LF
-
Overlooking the beautiful harbour
Great
8.3
/10
3.8
4.2
/5

3-star historic hotel overlooking Kirkwall Harbour

Location

The Kirkwall Hotel is situated on the edge of Kirkwall Harbour, providing immediate access to the seaside and local attractions. Visitors can explore the historic architecture and independent shops in the revitalized town center. Daily ferries from Kirkwall to the Outer Isles enhance the exploration options for guests.

Accommodation

The hotel offers 37 rooms, including King Sea View and Classic Sea View Rooms, providing stunning views of the harbour. Each room is equipped with luxurious goose-down duvets, excellent mattresses, and industrial-style décor, reflecting the town's fishing heritage. Family rooms and spacious Junior Suites ensure adequate space for all types of travelers.

Dining

Dining at The Kirkwall Hotel is centered around the Harbour View Restaurant, where Orcadian produce, seafood, and a robust wine list are highlighted. Guests can choose from a mouth-watering selection of seafood platters and classic pub dishes, accommodating various dietary needs. Afternoon Tea, complete with seasonal cakes and scones, is also available regularly.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

The Kirkwall Hotel welcomes dog-friendly stays, offering provisions such as doggy beds and treats. Dogs can accompany guests in dining areas designated for pets, allowing for shared meals. Pre-booking is required for dog-friendly accommodations to ensure appropriate arrangements.

Entertainment

The Highland Park Bar serves as a lively gathering place with a broad array of over 100 whiskies and 70 craft gins. Live entertainment and big-screen sports events add a social aspect to the hotel's offerings. Guests can also take part in whisky and gin tasting flights, enhancing their experience on Orkney.

Highlights

Location: Kirkwall Harbour access

Rooms: 37 uniquely designed accommodations

Dining: Harbour View Restaurant with local seafood

Pet-Friendly: Designated spaces for pets

Entertainment: Over 100 whiskies in Highland Park Bar

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the historic St. Magnus Cathedral, a true architectural gem.
  • Explore the Orkney Museum to learn about local history and culture.
  • Savor freshly caught seafood at The Shore at Kirkwall.
  • Take a guided tour of the Skara Brae Neolithic settlement nearby.
  • Don't miss the Kirkwall Market for unique local crafts and foods.

Select your room type

The Kirkwall Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    16 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Twin Room
    2 persons
    16 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
  • Double Room Sea View
    2 persons
    16 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Sea view
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Kirkwall Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Billiard tables
  • Darts

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

The Kirkwall Hotel proudly showcases the Harbour View Restaurant, a vibrant dining destination where Orcadian produce and the freshest catches come together in a stunning setting overlooking the harbour. Guests can indulge in a range of delightful meals, from hearty breakfasts to refined afternoon teas, all accompanied by a compelling selection of whiskies and gins.
  • Harbour View Restaurant

    Local Orcadian cuisine
    Ambiance
    Warm and inviting with scenic harbour views
    Key Offerings
    Highlights include a freshly cooked breakfast featuring local butcher sausages, haggis, free-range eggs, and a selection of artisan bread. Guests can also indulge in specially crafted Afternoon Teas with sweet and savoury plates, accompanied by a choice of tea, coffee, or Prosecco. The bar boasts over 100 Highland Park whiskies and a range of gins, ideal for pairing with delightful nibbles.
    Reservation
    Not needed
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Kirkwall Hotel Location

Harbour Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1LF
Explore Kirkwall
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Saint Magnus Cathedral
Saint Magnus Cathedral
6 minutes' walk
Medieval architecture showcasing stunning stained glass. Regular music events enrich its spiritual ambiance.
The Orkney Museum
The Orkney Museum
6 minutes' walk
A comprehensive collection of Orkney's history from prehistoric to Viking times, with free admission.
Highland Park Distillery
Highland Park Distillery
25 minutes' walk
This distillery offers guided tours exploring the whiskey-making process, culminating in tastings of fine spirits.
Orkney Wireless Museum
Orkney Wireless Museum
2 minutes' walk
A unique display of communication devices, from vintage radios to modern tech, showing Orkney's innovation history.
Scapa Beach
30 minutes' walk
Great for walks, picnics, and exploring tidal pools. Access via nearby roads; ideal for relaxation lovers.
Hiking at Wideford Hill
45 minutes' walk
Challenging trails lead to panoramic views. Accessible via local paths; best for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
St Magnus Cafe
5 minutes' walk
Casual vibe serving locally-sourced dishes, including freshly baked pastries and hearty breakfasts. Vegetarian options available.
Cafe At No.65
8 minutes' walk
Cozy setting with seasonal menu options and local seafood specialties. Reservations are suggested for weekends.
Orkney Theatre
10 minutes' walk
Local cultural hub featuring various performances from drama to live music. Family-friendly shows are frequently programmed.
The St Ola Bar
3 minutes' walk
Lively atmosphere with local brews and live music events. Hosts trivia nights and karaoke, catering to all ages.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Kirkwall 3 min  ·  700 ft
  • Airports
    Kirkwall (KOI) 9 min  ·  3.7 mi
    Eday (EOI) 49 min  ·  20.0 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 19.5 per person.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2006
Number of floors:
4
Number of rooms:
37

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Kirkwall Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 252 verified reviews
8.2 /10
Great
83 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Comfort
9.0/10
Facilities
8.5/10
Free WiFi
8.6/10
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.0/10
Value for money
7.4/10
Guest reviews
based on 252 reviews
8.2/10
based on 524 reviews
3.5/5
based on 339 reviews
8.3/10
Keith from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 14, 2026
9/10

Solid stay near the harbor

convenient location clean room tasty breakfast
the location is convenient. i could easily walk to shops. the room was clean and well-appointed with contemporary touches (i liked the new-ish looking bathroom). breakfast was good, especially the kipper.
the absence of air conditioning was slightly inconvenient, requiring the window to be opened.
Location
9/10
the hotel is right on the harbor. it offers easy access to the pedestrian street. this makes it simple to walk around downtown and reach various shops and attractions.
0 Helpful
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Horace from United Kingdom
Business traveller
Double Room Sea View
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 29, 2026
9.0/10

historic hotel Was really nice

really good staff unmatched location historic charm
The Staff were professional. They helped with taxi arrangements. They even helped with an extended stay. The hotel's location provides convenient access to amenities. Lidl is a short walk. Magnus cathedral is also nearby. The corridors show historic pictures. I saw a guest register dating back to 1948. It ADDED a unique touch.
The room was small and the bathroom very small. Paint work NEEDED refreshing.
Location
9/10
The hotel is near a variety of useful amenities. Several restaurants are a short walk away. Guests can also easily reach local souvenir shops. Its central situation IS convenient.
Service
10/10
Staff members were quite helpful . They were friendly and professional. I was assisted with several requests.
Rooms
8/10
The room included a large, comfortable bed. The bedding felt very pleasant. The bathroom seemed newly refurbished. Everything looked of high quality and design.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast was very good. The breakfast is self-service. Staff checked regularly to ensure good quality. My partner recommended trying the kipper. IT was very tasty.
0 Helpful
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eric from united kingdom
Single
double room sea view
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 18, 2026
9.0/10

fantastic stay!

spacious room local pub clean hotel port view
i really enjoyed the spacious rooms with views of the port! the food in the restaurant was AMAZING!!! i also appreciated the local pub being conveniently next door. the hotel felt clean and well-kept, which i always appreciate.
the lift was a little small, only accommodating two people at a time.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel provides easy access for taxis plus wheelchair access. This makes it super convenient! the decor really gave me a sense of the area's history and culture, it was awesome!
Location
10/10
This hotel is right on the harbour and very close to the main high street. It made exploring super easy! being near so many shops, bars, and the cathedral was really convenient, i loved it!!!
Rooms
9/10
The room was recently updated, and it showed. The bathroom looked to be of very high quality. bedding was great, and i slept well. This is always important! i had a sea view, overlooking the harbour.
Dining
8/10
Breakfast was really good. There was a self-service setup, and everything was checked regularly. my partner recommends the kipper! while i didn't dine in the evening, the breakfast definitely impressed me.
Service
9/10
i didn't interact too much with the staff, but the interactions i did have were friendly and professional. they really seemed willing to help! the front desk staff were especially helpful, and that is awesome.
0 Helpful
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stella from italy
Business traveller
double room sea view
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 06, 2026
9.2/10

charmed stay

harbour view friendly staff
i enjoyed the harbour view from my room it was wonderful. staff was friendly to me and helpful with all my requests.
the lift gave us a main problem. we needed the lift to access our room. it was a period lift and the doors were manually opened, but not always flush with the floor.
Service
10/10
the staff was lovely and helpful and they couldn't wait to help me. they assisted with taxi arrangements and extended my stay. their hospitality was very really good.
Facilities
8/10
the building is excellent, but the lift was the main problem. you must manually open the two doors. the doors didn't always open flush with the floor.
Location
9/10
the hotel is very lovely town. it provides convenient access to various amenities. restaurants and souvenir shops are all within easy walking distance.
Dining
10/10
the restaurant was ace, and dinner was excellent too. breakfast is cooked fresh, no keep warm buffet here. the food is great with nice surprise.
Rooms
9/10
the room was large and stylish it was a comfortable room with lovely touches. the bathroom is renovated tastefully with a big shower head. the bed with lovely linen are super comfy.
0 Helpful
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elizabeth from united kingdom
Couple
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 04, 2026
9.0/10

beautiful stay

clean room ground coffee comfortable bed lovely staff
the room was very clean and tidy. i liked the ground coffee, it was superb. the bed was great. the staff were lovely.
the blind in my bedroom was lopsided, though it did not affect the overall quality of my stay.
Service
9/10
the staff was friendly and helpful, answering questions with a smile. every team member offered prompt assistance. their local knowledge enhanced my travel experience and made it even better.
Location
10/10
the hotel is situated right across from the harbour, offering a great view. it provides easy walking distance to the pedestrian street for local shopping. i found it very convenient to explore nearby attractions.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast was good with a typical scottish selection including haggis and blood pudding. usual options like eggs, bacon, and sausages were also available. dinner was excellent. I enjoyed the fresh, high-quality meals.
Facilities
8/10
the lounge on the second floor offered a peaceful view of the harbour. the bathroom included a walk-in shower, which i found very convenient. there is an elevator, though i preferred the stairs.
0 Helpful
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Scarlett from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: November 26, 2025
6/10

a stay with some drawbacks

loud music limited fruit
the noise from the nearby pub was excessive. music played loudly late into the night. i struggled to sleep due to the disturbance.. also, the breakfast lacked variety. the fruit options seemed limited and not particularly fresh.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Kirkwall Hotel
What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Kirkwall Hotel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
Is parking available at The Kirkwall Hotel?
The hotel offers free on-site parking for guests.
What dining options are available at The Kirkwall Hotel?
The hotel features the Harbour View Restaurant and Skippers Bar, offering locally sourced cuisine and Orkney ales.
Which attractions are near The Kirkwall Hotel?
Attractions include Saint Magnus Cathedral (0.5 km), Orkney Wireless Museum (0.5 km), and Highland Park Distillery (2 km).
Are pets allowed at The Kirkwall Hotel?
Pets are allowed on request in designated areas of the hotel for an additional charge.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at The Kirkwall Hotel?
Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee and tea-making facilities, and en suite bathrooms.
What types of events can be hosted at The Kirkwall Hotel?
The hotel can accommodate meetings and conferences with spaces for up to 80 delegates.
What is the breakfast offering at The Kirkwall Hotel?
Breakfast includes local butcher's sausages, haggis, black pudding, free-range eggs, and freshly baked bread.
How far is The Kirkwall Hotel from Kirkwall city center?
The hotel is located approximately 0.5 km from Kirkwall city center.
Is The Kirkwall Hotel accessible?
The hotel features accessible amenities with limited mobility considerations in certain areas.
What recreational activities are available at The Kirkwall Hotel?
Guests can enjoy darts, live music performances, and a pool table within the hotel.
What nightlife options are available at The Kirkwall Hotel?
The Skippers Bar offers live entertainment and big screen sports events.

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