"The hotel has stunning views of the harbour, and is beautifully decorated."
Alexandra from United Kingdom
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"This heritage Hotel has been upgraded in beautiful Scottish decor."
Maria O from United States
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"The overhead shower is luxurious as is the sea kelp shower soaps."
Murty from United Kingdom
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"Love the location and character of the hotel."
Douglas from United Kingdom
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"The rooms are beautiful."
Felicia S from United Kingdom
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4-star harbourside hotel in Kirkwall with over 100 Highland Park whiskies at Skippers Bar
Harbourside Victorian Hotel
The Kirkwall Hotel is a privately owned 4-star property overlooking Kirkwall Harbour in the Orkney Islands' largest town. The Victorian building mixes historic architecture with renovated interiors and sits a short walk from the town's main shopping area. Sea view rooms at the front of the hotel look out onto Kirkwall Harbour, with views of boats and rigging.
Rooms & Accommodation
Room types include Double Rooms with Sea View and a Junior Suite with Sea View. The hotel has family rooms and facilities for disabled guests. Sea view rooms overlook Kirkwall Harbour, and some bathrooms are newly renovated with large showers.
Dining & Whisky Bar
The Harbour View Restaurant serves extensive menus showcasing local island produce, including an extensive selection of local seafood cuisine, special diet menus and kids' meals. Breakfast includes local butchers' sausages, haggis, black pudding, free-range eggs and locally baked bread. Skippers Bar stocks over 100 Highland Park whiskies distilled at the nearby Highland Park Distillery, alongside Orkney ales, wine and champagne.
Location & Attractions
The hotel sits a short walk from Kirkwall's main shopping area. Kirkwall's attractions include the Orkney Museum and the 12th-century Saint Magnus Cathedral, while Skara Brae Neolithic site and Highland Park Distillery are nearby attractions. Pickaquoy leisure centre and cinema is around 15 minutes' walk from the hotel.
Amenities, Entertainment & Pet-Friendly Stays
The hotel has a shared lounge and TV area, outdoor furniture and packed lunches. Billiards, darts, live music/performance and live sport events are offered for entertainment, while meeting and banquet facilities and fax/photocopying serve business guests. Dogs are allowed in specific areas; pet stays include a complementary doggy bag with treats, a ball and poo bags, plus food and drink bowls.
Highlights
Location: Harbourside, a short walk from Kirkwall's main shopping area
Rooms: Double Rooms with Sea View and Junior Suite with Sea View
Dining: Harbour View Restaurant with local seafood, special diet menus and kids' meals
Whisky Bar: Skippers Bar with over 100 Highland Park whiskies
Pet-Friendly: Dogs allowed in specific areas with complementary doggy bag
Business: Meeting and banquet facilities with fax/photocopying
“The Kirkwall Hotel presents a beautifully preserved historic charm with an undeniably excellent location, overlooking the harbour and placing you steps from Kirkwall's amenities and the Magnus Cathedral. Its tasteful renovations are evident, creating comfortable, characterful rooms and a truly superb bar and restaurant that made our stay quite enjoyable. The genuinely helpful and professional staff further elevate the experience, ensuring a warm welcome.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukhighlands
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
Heating
Shower
room details
Twin Room
2 persons
16 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details
Double Room Sea View
2 persons
16 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
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Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Facilities
The Kirkwall Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review 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
No parking available.
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
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
At The Kirkwall Hotel, guests can indulge in the vibrant flavors of Orcadian produce at the recently refurbished Harbour View Restaurant. With stunning views of the harbour, this dining venue offers a delightful range of seasonal dishes and a compelling selection of whiskies, creating an inviting atmosphere for all meals throughout the day.
Harbour View Restaurant
Local Orcadian cuisine
Ambiance
Charming setting with harbor views, enhancing the dining experience
Key Offerings
Featuring a freshly cooked breakfast with local sausages, haggis, and free-range eggs, alongside crafted Afternoon Teas that can be paired with Prosecco. A diverse wine list complements the menu, along with over 100 Highland Park whiskies and curated whisky flights.
Reservation
No
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The Kirkwall Hotel Location
Harbour Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1LF,
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Orkney Witchcraft Memorial
640 m
Church
Kirkwall Baptist Church
720 m
Landmark
Highland Park Distillery
2.07 km
Landmark
Peedie Sea
880 m
Landmark
Grain Earth House
1.28 km
Landmark
Scapa Crafts Orkney Chairs
1.28 km
Landmark
HMS Royal Oak Memorial
2.3 km
Landmark
Scapa Distillery
2.82 km
Beach
Scapa Beach
2.67 km
Island
JP Orkney
2.92 km
Landmark
Quanter Ness
3.73 km
Landmark
Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn
4.16 km
Landmark
Head of Work
4.23 km
Landmark
Wideford Hill
4.17 km
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 featuring intricate architecture and historical significance. Free to enter and explore.
The Orkney Museum
6 minutes' walk
This museum showcases the rich history and culture of Orkney, with free admission and engaging exhibits.
Highland Park Distillery
25 minutes' walk
Renowned distillery offering guided tours and tastings. Learn about the whisky-making process while sampling local spirits.
Peedie Sea
11 minutes' walk
A picturesque body of water ideal for peaceful walks and birdwatching. A natural retreat close to the city center.
Scapa Beach
30 minutes' walk
A beautiful beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Great for a relaxing day by the sea.
Quanter Ness
40 minutes' walk
A scenic coastal walk providing stunning views and outdoor adventure opportunities for hiking enthusiasts.
St Magnus Cafe
5 minutes' walk
Cozy cafe known for its homemade cakes and local dishes. Perfect for breakfast or a casual lunch.
Bremners
10 minutes' walk
Popular eatery featuring fresh seafood and local ingredients. Reservations recommended due to high demand.
Cafe At No.65
8 minutes' walk
Charming cafe offering a selection of artisan sandwiches and specialty coffee in a relaxing setting.
Orkney Wireless Museum
2 minutes' walk
A unique museum showcasing the history of wireless technology. Interesting for both families and tech enthusiasts.
The Reel
10 minutes' walk
Local bar known for live music events. A vibrant atmosphere, especially on weekends with bands playing.
Getting around
City Centre
Kirkwall 3 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 the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 19.5 per person.
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.
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Comfort
9.0/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Location
9.6/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
7.4/10
Pros
Harbour location
Historic character
Quality in-room amenities
Stylish bathrooms
Cons
Inconsistent restaurant service
High menu prices
Room noise
Guest reviews
based on 524 reviews
3.5/5
based on 330 reviews
8.2/10
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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