The Orkney Hotel

A lovely hotel. Our hotel room was very nice, comfortable bedroom, and delicious breakfast. However the front desk was disorganised as they had initially cancelled our reservation. Also, the person at the front desk and the bar had a tendency to ignore us and serve others instead…. Even though we were there first. Very rude!

Experience a 17th Century hotel where fresh local produce meets friendly Orcadian hospitality, says the advert...or so you may think. Being kicked out...literally...after the 2nd of a 5 night stay was great. No reason was given, just the Basil Fawlty wannabee barman gleefully informing me, quite loudly and to all other guests, that "tonight was my last night, you're going tomorrow". No reason was given, and despite my requests none were ever forthcoming. It added to the terrible 'atmosphere' of this dump. I have honestly used public conveniences with more charm. The dated and smelly rooms are without any redeeming features at all. The barman/manager is utterly convinced of his charm and ability, whilst displaying neither. I had to leave before breakfast, so asked for a takeaway bag. It had a frozen muffin, an apple and a snack bar. Properly bad. You may ask why I was staying here if I am so negative, well I had no choice. I was working and had to go where I was booked in to. I left and went to stay at a pub in St Margaret's Hope...and the difference could not have been starker. Clean, non-aromatic rooms with mattresses not looking as if they had been used in a cull. Pleasant staff and great food, in fact everything the Orkney hotel is missing. I have now declined (as have all my colleagues) to stay at the Orkney hotel again...at least whilst there are still bus shelters in Orkney... An oft used quote about a poor experience, service or hotel is that 'It was so bad it was good' In this instance, it was so bad it was terrible. Avoid at all costs.

Very nice hotel. It was comfortable, very quaint & lovely service. Myself, my daughter & my granddaughter spent 2 nights there on a Rabbie's Tour Scotland. We had breakfast, dinner & drinks in the restaurant. The meals & service were excellent.

The hotel is in a great location and the bartender/receptionist named Joshua is great but everything else was bad. No elevator to get your bags to the 3rd floor rooms. The hotel smells musky. The shower in our room was so tiny and my head hit the ceiling- I am 5’5”. Would not stay here again.

A fantastic location with free car parking & also fantastic staff (special shout out for Sophie, Mike & Josh): nothing was too much trouble. Very warm, comfortable room and the food was excellent. We enjoyed time in the bar in the evenings (over 1,000 whiskies available!)

I truly enjoyed my stay at this hotel. Everyone was super friendly and helpful, the bed and bath were comfortable, and it was in a great location. The bar and pub were comfortable and friendly to hang out and the food was good. I would definitely stay here again and recommend.

Four night stay. Great location, super helpful and friendly staff. Delicious breakfasts. Would very happily stay agsin

I do agree with some of the comments that the property has a few minors issues or quick fixes to do like a bath sealer to redo. However, the room was spacious, the restaurant / bar very decent and staff was polite. It had thin walls so be prepared to hear a bit of the neighbors or the dinner area in the morning / evenings.

I have stopped in to this gem of hotel/bar several times while working in Kirkwall and surrounding area. Always a friendly smile at the bar where you can order dinner as well as unbelievable selection of whisky, beer, drinks which I assume they are known for. Have spoken to them about bringing the other half for holiday when I get a chance, they said to ring anytime direct. Much appreciated, and definitely recommend.