The Kirkwall Hotel

The hotel is perfectly located next to the harbour and close to the town centre but the hotel itself has no parking. There are parking bays close by but these are available generally for all road users so you might be unlucky. Not so good for someone who is disabled. It is fitted and furnished in a classic period style. This was attractive but meant that there were some limiting features for those with a physical disability. It has a period lift so the two doors have to be opened and closed manually. If someone has exited the lift without closing the doors, the up/down control button will not work. Sometimes the lift was not flush with the floor which meant there was a step to negotiate. No problem for me but difficult for my disabled wife. Breakfasts were the most disappointing feature - no fresh fruit. Not even a banana. Premier Inns provide fruit and a better selection of food so I would say that breakfast at a PI is much superior to this hotel. Our room was spacious and very comfortable and had beautiful views of the harbour. The bathroom was huge too but there wasn’t much space available for setting toiletries etc on. Although the shower tray was large, it was slippy despite a small mat being provided. Again, no where to set toiletries on so for someone who is disabled this was an issue. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay but for the price charged it was not value for money, given the disappointing breakfasts. The staff were friendly, helpful and attentive and I would recommend this hotel to other travellers.

We stayed in Room 303 which is above bar (albeit 3 floors above) but also across the road from a night club and even with window tightly closed it is incredibly noisy. Can’t sleep, so unless you are going out to the clubs until closing time you’ll need to get a room at the other end of the building. Alternatively find somewhere else quieter. Staff were lovely in the hotel and drinks and food were decent. Room was well appointed, good shower. Rooms are warm but couldn’t possibly open the windows due to noise. To put the noise in perspective, I had to turn the tv up high to hear it. Really sell expensive rooms at this end of hotel on Fri/Sat other than to those guests who are out clubbing.

The hotel is steeped in history and has lots of character, modern and old which was great. The location is right in the heart of Kirkwall harbour. The food, hotel and rooms i thought were very good, my only gripe was some of the staff at the restaurant and bar. Some didn’t seem interested and lacked basic skills (E.G Asking if you would like a drink when seated, smiling and interacting politely, giving out menus, removing used plates, slow service etc). It was if they didn’t want to be there and everything was an effort, they spent a lot of time talking and not serving (not all but some). The manager was very friendly and accommodating and overall my experience was good.

10/10. What a little gem to find in Kirkwall. Beautifully done out inside. Reasonable rates, excellent food, amazingly comfortable bed and lovely staff. It really was just a beautiful stay and certainly top of my list if I’m ever staying in Kirkwall again.

Good Location in front of the port, the restaurant food is good and there is a local pub next to the hotel. The rooms are spacious enough with the view on the port. The service is good and overall the hotel is clean and tidy. Perfect for a short stay in Kirkwall

Two night stay at The Kirkwall Hotel in September 2024. Lovely, comfortable room with sea view overlooking the harbour. Large, comfortable bed with amazing bedding. We slept so well! It looked like the bathroom had recently been refurbished and everything looked to be of very high quality. Great shower! Did not dine here in the evening but breakfast was very good. Partner can recommend having kipper here. Its self service but all of very good quality and checked regularly. Did not have too much interaction with the staff but the ones we did were very friendly and professional. I think the location and history of this hotel makes it so good. Its within easy walking distance of shops, bars, cafes and St Magnus Cathedral. Would like to mention the lift. It's great! Must be the original from when the hotel was built. Like stepping back in time. Thank you for a great stay.