The Stromness Hotel
The Pierhead, Stromness waterfront · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Stromness Hotel
Landmark 42-bedroom Victorian hotel on the Stromness pierhead, directly opposite the Scrabster ferry terminal and the harbour.
What's nearby
- The Scapa Flow Restaurant next door
- Pier Arts Centre next door
- Argo's Bakery next door
- UHI Orkney, Stromness Maritime Campus next door
- The Royal Hotel next door
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
About The Stromness Hotel
The Stromness Hotel is the large stone building that dominates the pierhead, and for many visitors it is the first thing they see when the NorthLink ferry berths. Built in the Victorian era and spread over four storeys, it has 42 en-suite rooms, a good number of which look out over the harbour towards Scapa Flow and the hills of Hoy.
Rooms vary considerably given the age and scale of the building, from compact singles to spacious harbour-view doubles, and the hotel offers a direct booking discount. Rates commonly start near £100 to £120 for a double, which is reasonable for the position. The hotel has a long history, having served as headquarters for military operations during the Second World War, and the public rooms retain a sense of that scale.
The practical case for staying here is strong. Step off the ferry and you are at the door; step out of the door and you are on Stromness's flagstone main street with its lanes, piers, galleries and the Pier Arts Centre. Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness are all within twenty minutes by car, and the passenger ferry to Hoy leaves from the same harbour, making this the obvious base for a walking trip to the Old Man.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday
- 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday
- 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Friday
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday
- 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday
- 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
What a fantastic find! The atmosphere of the place is just amazing. Yes, it needs a little updating but don't need Wetherspooning and dim grey decor. Excellent service and a very good ribeye steak. Could have done with slightly more veggies (little bit of salad?) and slightly crispier chips given that they market it as three times fried but the feel and location - man!
3 months ago · via Google
We had dinner in the hotel as it was the only place with availability. It’s a funky old hotel, so the atmosphere takes you back in time. The front desk clerk was helpful and even walked us through the menu & gave us recommendations. We were the only ones in the restaurant, so service was great. Food was good. We are happy we ate here.
3 months ago · via Google
Absolutely horrible. We literally could not get out of this place fast enough. Zero staff on hand, they had a sticky note with a number if we needed anything. Moldy coffee pot in their “lounge” and dirty water jugs on counter. The room had stains all over the carpet, mold in the shower, a broken chair that you nearly fall through when you sit down. I wanted a drink of water and the glass had a whole lipstick stain on it! Absolutely disgusting. We did not stay for our 3 night reservation but went down the street to a much nicer hotel. Do not waste your money on this place, they have zero standards for great hospitality.
3 months ago · via Google
Famously the worst hotel in Scotland, hated by the locals. A litany of accidents, damp and legal actions by the council over unpaid staff and safety failings. Alcohol banned and food hard to get in Stromness. I will not even speak to anyone staying there, the behaviour of the new owners towards both the local community and guests is an absolute disgrace.
a month ago · via Google
Some guests say this hotel has friendly and helpful staff, and clean rooms with comfortable beds.
Other reviews mention the hotel can be outdated and in need of refurbishment.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- The Pierhead, 15 Victoria Street, Stromness, KW16 3AA Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- The Pierhead, Stromness waterfront
- Star rating
- 3 star
- Guest score
- 8.4 / 10 (1,100 reviews)
- Prices from
- £105 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Orkney