The Orkney Hotel
40 Victoria Street, Kirkwall · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Orkney Hotel
A Victoria Street hotel in the heart of Kirkwall, Orkney, known for its whisky selection and hearty breakfasts.
What's nearby
- Sutherland's Pharmacy next door
- Lucano next door
- Bishop’s and Earl's Palaces next door
- The Orkney Museum next door
- St Magnus Cathedral 200m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
Details via Google — worth confirming with the hotel before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Orkney Hotel
Kirkwall's Victoria Street is the natural place to base yourself on Orkney, and The Orkney Hotel sits right on it, putting shops, pubs and restaurants within easy walking distance. Kirkwall Airport is also nearby, which makes arrival straightforward whether you're travelling for the golf courses, fishing spots or coastal walking routes the islands are known for.
Rooms come with en-suite bathrooms, and family and accessible options are available, along with practical touches like room service, drinks in room and free WiFi throughout. There's a garden to sit out in, meeting rooms for those travelling on business, and free on-site parking for anyone arriving by car. Luggage storage and packed lunches are also on offer for guests heading out for the day.
The restaurant and bar are where the hotel earns its reputation, with breakfast singled out as a strong start to the day and a whisky selection that runs to a good number of reasonably priced options. Staff are consistently described as friendly and the location as hard to beat, though some guests have found room rates on the higher side. Watersports and cycling are both within reach nearby, making it a workable base for exploring the rest of Orkney beyond the town itself.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
It was not a great stay - the hotel is very dated, the bathroom was dingy and dark, almost zero water pressure in the miniscule shower, the towels were past their useful stage. Wifi was non-existent, and when I called the front desk, I was told that they would talk to the manager. After 1/2 hr, I called back and someone came to my door, looked at my cellphone and left. I never heard from anyone after that and in the morning several of us were in the lobby talking about the lack of wifi and the response we received from the front desk was "It is free" and then an admission that it was not functioning and a tech was working on it". We were there 2 nights, and never did get "free" wifi access. I could hear water running from somewhere all evening as well as murmured conversations from other guests rooms. Thankfully, I had ear plugs, so those noises didn't keep me awake. We ate in the restaurant, and after more than 45 minutes wait, our burgers ( ordered after hearing great things about Orkney beef) were dry and definitely not fresh Orkney beef. Breakfast on the other hand was surprisingly good. All of the staff we encountered were very friendly with the exception of the individual who reminded us that the wifi was a free service.
3 months ago · via Google
Very loud front room for us ours room was located above the bar. Lovely staff good food!!! Room very bright all night due to lights on front of building. Nice location and staff were great.
3 months ago · via Google
Bang in the middle of Kirkwall, great location . The dinner was ok nothing great. The breakfast oh my god, you get one spoon full of beans and 3 mushrooms . I asked for extra beans the second day and got 2 spoonfuls. Are the in short supply ?
5 months ago · via Google
Overpriced. Rooms ok and bed was comfortable but no wifi on this occasion. I had to request a room change. Not even a bottle of water in the room. Breakfast was very good. Great location
11 months ago · via Google
Guests mention this hotel offers comfortable rooms and good food, with breakfast being a particular highlight. They also appreciate the central location, friendly staff, and extensive selection of whiskys at reasonable prices.
Some reviews mention the rooms can be expensive.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 40-41 Victoria Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1DN Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- 40 Victoria Street, Kirkwall
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Kirkwall