Glen Orchy House

The location made it easy to walk into town or take the coastal path. We liked heading up to the Knab after dinner each evening to look out at the sea. It was chilly, but lovely. The rooms were basic and a little tired, and the old towels, pillowcases and doonas really let the place down. They were close to threadbare. The man who was always around at breakfast was helpful and obliging. The dining room also operates as a Thai Restaurant in the evening, and our meal there was fine.

Breakfast was the bright spot, cooked nicely and served by a lovely, smiling gentleman. The rest of the stay was disappointing. The bed linen on one bed didn't fit, making it uncomfortable, and the sheets were faded and threadbare. The pillows were ancient and floppy. One bed could be adjusted, but the thick dust underneath was revolting. The shower had weak pressure and sometimes ran cold; its head needed replacing and the handle was broken. I couldn't read or adjust the room temperature control because it was mounted high above a chest of drawers. I could hear the person upstairs showering, using the toilet and walking around. The guesthouse sits at the top of Lerwick's highest hill.

We stayed four nights and found the rooms very clean, with soft pillows that weren't to our liking. The WiFi was a bit unreliable, though I understand that's normal on the islands. Both managers were lovely and helpful, and they also run the attached Thai restaurant, where we ate good food. It was handy having it right there. The guesthouse is near Lerwick centre, offers good value, and the breakfast was great. Housekeeping was uneven: we put out the room service sign, but the room wasn't serviced until the next day. I'd stay again.

We'd come back if we were in the area. The place was clean, the streets were quiet at night, and it was easy to reach trails and town, including the ferry. The hosts were enjoyable company, and the bed was comfortable. Our attic room felt like a maze to find, and you had to duck to get into bed on one side. At times we waited for the shower to warm up, and the hot tap sometimes had no pressure. There was a kettle with tea and coffee. Expect dated furnishings. People with limited mobility would need to climb stairs; we saw no lift or accessible entrance. The hotel also has an interesting historical significance.