The Kirkwall Hotel Exterior photoThe Kirkwall Hotel Exterior photoThe Kirkwall Hotel Exterior photo
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From119US$ /night
Check-in
08Jun2026Select date
Check-out
09Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Harbour Street, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1LF
-
Overlooking the beautiful harbour
Great
8.6
/10
3.7
4.2
/5

The Kirkwall Hotel - A harbourside hotel in a Victorian building with harbour views, local seafood, and proximity to historic sites

The Kirkwall Hotel, a 36-bedroom property situated in the heart of historic Kirkwall, overlooks the harbour and offers rooms with views of Shapinsay or the busy waterfront. Guests receive a freshly cooked breakfast with locally sourced ingredients, including sausages from nearby butchers, haggis, and free-range eggs. The hotel features two distinct dining venues: the Harbour View Restaurant serves seafood platters and Scotch whisky pairings, while Skippers Bar provides pub fare with live sports on multi-screen TVs. Leisure options include whisky tours at Highland Park Distillery, a three-minute drive away, and proximity to Neolithic sites like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, both within 30 minutes by car. The Writing Room accommodates business meetings for up to 80 attendees. Dogs are permitted in designated areas, and family rooms include sofa beds or cots for children under 16.

Pros

Harbour-facing rooms provide unobstructed views of dayboats and cruise ships.

Offers whisky flights paired with locally smoked cheese and haggis.

Afternoon Tea is served with homemade strawberry jam on the first weekend of each month.

Highland Park Distillery tours are accessible without a car.

Dog-friendly policy includes treats and a walking map.

Cons

No on-site spa or fitness facilities.

Limited lunch service hours (12:00-14:00) in the main restaurant.

“I found the recent renovations give it a fresh, modern feel while maintaining its heritage charm. Its harbour-front location is superb, placing you steps from shops and transport, and the bar seems a great place to unwind. The exceptionally comfortable beds and high-quality restaurant certainly caught my attention.”
Hotel logo
Luke HarrisonEditor-in-Chief at Hotelewam
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Select your room type

The Kirkwall Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room
2 persons
16 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Room
2 persons
16 m² 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Double Room Sea View
2 persons
16 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Room Sea View
2 persons
16 m² 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

The Kirkwall Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Billiard tables
  • Darts

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Direct dial telephone
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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The Kirkwall Hotel Location

Harbour Street, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1LF
Map view
Harbour Street, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1LF
Nearby
Monument
Saint Magnus Cathedral
490 m
Palace
The Earl's Palace
530 m
Museum
The Orkney Museum
430 m
Museum
Orkney Wireless Museum
160 m
Ayre Road
The Orkney Distillery
180 m
Marina
Kirkwall Marina
200 m
Harbour Street
60 m
Albert Street
The Big Tree
280 m
Restaurants
St Magnus Cafe
400 m
Broad St Kirkwall Community Centre
Bremners
750 m
Coach Car Park Netherstove
Cafe At No.65
660 m
65 Victoria Street
Explore Kirkwall
Explore Kirkwall
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Saint Magnus Cathedral
6 minutes' walk
A stunning medieval cathedral known for its unique architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
Orkney Wireless Museum
2 minutes' walk
A small but fascinating museum showcasing the history of wireless communications in Orkney.
The Orkney Museum
6 minutes' walk
A history museum that displays artifacts from Orkney's rich past, including Viking history and local geology.
Highland Park Distillery
25 minutes' walk
A renowned distillery famous for its single malt whisky, offering tasting tours and visitor experiences.
Scapa Beach
30 minutes' walk
A serene beach perfect for walking and picnicking, ideal for relaxation amidst stunning landscapes.
Scapa Distillery Tour
30 minutes' drive
Thrilling distillery tours showcasing the whisky-making process, book in advance for a guided experience.
St Magnus Cafe
5 minutes' walk
A cozy café serving delicious local dishes with fresh ingredients, perfect for casual dining.
Bremners
10 minutes' walk
A popular brasserie known for seafood specialties and a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Orkney Theatre
10 minutes' walk
A vibrant venue hosting plays, live music, and community events, perfect for families and couples alike.
The Reel
5 minutes' walk
An intimate bar featuring live music and open mic nights, offering a lively atmosphere for nightlife.
Getting around
City Centre
Kirkwall3 min  ·  200 m
Airports
Kirkwall (KOI)9 min  ·  5.9 km
Eday (EOI)49 min  ·  32.2 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP17.50 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2006
Number of floors:
4
Number of rooms:
37

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Kirkwall Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 249 verified reviews
8.2/10
Great
83%
Recommend
Cleanliness
8.9/10
Comfort
9.0/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.2/10
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Comfortable bed
Friendly staff
Excellent food
Cons
Damp smell
High prices
Guest reviews
based on 524 reviews
3.5/5
based on 335 reviews
8.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About The Kirkwall Hotel
What is the distance from The Kirkwall Hotel to the city center?
The hotel is located approximately 5 km from the city center.
Which notable landmarks are near The Kirkwall Hotel?
Nearby landmarks include Saint Magnus Cathedral (0.5 km), Orkney Wireless Museum (0.5 km), and Highland Park Distillery (2 km).
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Kirkwall Hotel?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Is there parking available at The Kirkwall Hotel?
Free parking is available on-site for guests.
What dining options are available at The Kirkwall Hotel?
The hotel features the Harbour View Restaurant and Skippers Bar, both of which serve local cuisine.
What amenities are available in the rooms at The Kirkwall Hotel?
Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee facilities, and en suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.
Is breakfast included in the stay at The Kirkwall Hotel?
A full breakfast is available for an additional charge of 19 GBP.
Are pets allowed at The Kirkwall Hotel?
Pets are allowed on request, subject to charges.
What recreational activities does The Kirkwall Hotel offer?
Guests can enjoy darts, a pool table, and live music performances at the hotel.
How far is The Kirkwall Hotel from the nearest airport?
The nearest airport is Kirkwall Airport, located approximately 5 km from the hotel.
What are the facilities available for business meetings at The Kirkwall Hotel?
The hotel offers spaces like The Study and The Writing Room for business meetings and conferences.
Does The Kirkwall Hotel have any special features?
The hotel showcases historic Victorian architecture and offers a selection of local Orcadian dishes.
What family-friendly amenities does The Kirkwall Hotel have?
Spacious rooms are available that can sleep 2 to 4 guests, with cots provided upon request.
Can guests enjoy views from the rooms at The Kirkwall Hotel?
Rooms feature views of Kirkwall Harbour.

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Check-in
08Jun2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room