Albert Kirkwall

The place felt clean and welcoming, and the staff were friendly. It’s in a handy central spot, with a restaurant and bar on site. Just keep in mind they close at 8pm, so if you’re getting in late, sort out food beforehand.

The rooms are lovely, new, modern, and comfortable, and the staff were very nice. The Orkney breakfast tasted good, but the rest of the breakfast setup let it down. The coffee machine was broken both mornings, and the coffee they served instead was very weak. There’s hardly room in the breakfast area; using the dining room when the hotel is full would make more sense. At this price, I’ve never stayed somewhere without fresh pastries, and it gave the breakfast a budget-hotel feel. My room was cramped and poorly ventilated, with a strong smoked-fish smell. In the kitchen, orders seemed to get mixed up regularly, and plates arrived at random, so some people were still waiting while others at their table had finished eating. With better organisation and more effort put into the baked goods, breakfast could live up to the rest of the hotel.

The room was fab. The two people working front of house were doing their best, but they were rushed and couldn’t manage everything at once. We waited to check in, to get a restaurant seat, and then to have our order taken. The breakfast bacon was very dry and overcooked.

I was in Orkney for my best mate’s wedding, with the reception at the hotel, and stayed there too. The restaurant food was amazing, with huge portions for reasonable prices, and breakfast the next morning was top notch. My room was modern, very clean, and tidy. The staff were so friendly and happy to help with anything. I loved my short stay and would definitely come back.