Kirkwall Hotel

Our dog was unusually keen on the treats in the welcome bag, which was a lovely surprise. The rooms were lovely, the food was to a really high standard, and the staff made us feel very welcome. Thanks so much to the Kirkwall Hotel. We'd definitely recommend it and come back.

Room 102 was huge, with a harbour outlook that was lovely to enjoy over a cup of tea or whiskey. The hotel is beautiful, with lovely rooms, a nice restaurant and friendly staff. It's right in the heart of Kirkwall. Wheelchair access is available, though the lift is an old relic of another era, attractive and in keeping with the building but a bit of a squeeze. We'd definitely return.

The rooms and shared spaces have been modernised recently, and everything was clean, comfortable and warm. I do regret the changes, though. I've stayed here a couple of times and love this old-fashioned Victorian building by Kirkwall harbour. It's handy for the town centre and for an overnight stop when catching a ferry.

The restaurant was lovely, with great food, beautiful decor and a warm, cozy feel for an old building without secondary glazing. I especially liked the pork dish on my last night, and my partner enjoyed a beetroot and quinoa (I think) burger. The service was amazing each time we ate there. Breakfast was a simple cooked and continental selection, with lovely views over Kirkwall harbour from the big picture windows. The bar is atmospheric and has a long list of Scottish, Orcadian and Nordic named whiskies, plus helpful advice. Staff were amazing, nothing was too much trouble. I like a quiet room, so I emailed weeks ahead as I usually do. The first room was over the kitchens, where a noisy fan came on and off all night. Room 316 was damp too, I recognised the smell straight away. Staff quickly moved us the next day to a lovely room in the middle of the hotel. It was spotless when we arrived, and I loved the top spec recently renovated bathroom. Housekeeping was odd, though. The bed wasn't made each day after I left it turned back to air. By day four I made it myself before going out. I asked, in an amused way, why it was left that way, and returned to find it made with no duvet on my side and tucked so tightly it only came up to your waist. I remade it completely. Basic housekeeping, really. I'm tidy and there's virtually nothing to do in the hotel rooms we stay in; I respect other people's property as I do my own home. The old-fashioned lift was fun. We remembered to close both doors each time so people on other floors could call it. There are interesting old photos on every floor. Long-term parking is free a short walk away, with short-term parking in front. The weather was glorious, so walking to the car with our cases was fine. I'd definitely recommend the hotel.