Kirkwall Hotel

The staff were so welcoming and the food was to a very high standard. The rooms were lovely, and our dog got a welcome bag with treats that even our very fussy doggy unusually loved. We’d definitely recommend the Kirkwall Hotel and would gladly return. Thank you so much.

Our room, 102, was huge, with a harbour view. Sitting with a cup of tea or whiskey and watching the world go by was lovely. The hotel is beautiful, with lovely rooms, a restaurant and friendly staff, right in the heart of Kirkwall. It’s wheelchair accessible, though be aware the lift is a relic of a bygone era. It looks lovely and suits the hotel, but it’s a bit of a squeeze. We’d definitely come back.

I’ve stayed here a couple of times. It’s a wonderful old-fashioned Victorian building by Kirkwall harbour, well placed for the town centre and an overnight stay when making ferry connections. The rooms and public spaces have recently been modernised. My only regret is that modernisation, though the place is clean, comfortable and warm.

The hotel’s evening food was amazing. I especially liked the pork dish on my last night, and my partner had the beetroot and quinoa (I think) burger. Restaurant service was consistently amazing, with lovely ambience and beautiful decor. It was surprisingly warm and cosy for an old building with no secondary glazing. Breakfast was simple, with cooked and continental options and lovely views over Kirkwall harbour from the big picture windows. Staff were amazing, nothing was too much trouble, and the bar had a great atmosphere, an extensive list of Scottish, Orcadian and Nordic named whiskies, and good advice on what to drink. The hotel is right by everything to do and see in Kirkwall. I’d asked by email weeks ahead for a quiet room, as I always do. The first room was over the kitchens, with a noisy fan switching on and off all night, and room 316 was damp. I recognised the smell as soon as I went in. The staff were great and moved us the next day to a lovely room centrally placed in the hotel. It was spotless when we arrived and had a top spec recently renovated bathroom, but housekeeping was strange. I’ve never stayed somewhere that doesn’t make the bed every day. I turn it back to air before we go out, but it was left that way. By day four, I made it myself, just like the 48 weeks a year I’m at home. I asked, a bit amused, why, and came back to find a made bed, no duvet on my side, and the duvet tucked so tightly it came only to the waist. Bizarre, so I remade it. It’s basic housekeeping, really. I’ll add that I’m tidy and there’s virtually nothing to do in the hotel rooms we stay in. I respect other people’s property like my own home. I loved the old-fashioned lift, and remembered to close both doors each time we got out so people on other floors could call it. There were lots of interesting old photos on every floor. Long-term parking is free and just a short walk away, with short-term parking in front. The weather was glorious, so walking to the car and back with cases was fine. I’d definitely recommend the hotel.