The carpet was fraying in many places, and there was no desk in my room despite having booked a suite (the second room had only a 2-seater sofa, small side table and tv). Also, the curtains were poorly fitted to the windows, so the sunlight streamed into the room (I visited in summer) - for someone who struggles to sleep without darkness, it was hard. I would have usually put towels in the gaps to block the sunlight, but there were too many gaps! Because of this and the fraying, I think it was poor value for money.

The hotel has stunning views of the harbour, and is beautifully decorated. Fantastic location - parking outside the hotel is free overnight, but has a 2-hour limit during the day - a paid car park is a 2-3 minute walk just around the corner. The bar and restaurant are superb. The beds/linens/towels were luxurious and comfy. The rooms were quiet. The shower and bathroom were stunning. High quality teas, coffees, and biscuits were provided in the room with a kettle and tea pot. The staff were lovely and professional.

Stayed in July 2025

No AC, could be noisy.

Centrally located, very pleasant staff, good beds.

Stayed in July 2025

Breakfast felt a little over-priced.

Very comfortable beds and bathroom great. Property very clean but also full of character and charm. Staff all very pleasant and helpful.

Stayed in July 2025

The price was ridiculously expensive. We stayed during the island games and they increased their prices. The rooms are not worth that money.

Very central location and near the ferry terminal

Stayed in July 2025

Tiny room with no view apart from another wall.😭 Room was claustrophobic!! I much preferred staying in Youth Hostel on Island!

Great position in Kirkwall Lovely staff Quirky wee hotel Dogs very welcome

Stayed in July 2025

The breakfast was a little lacking considering the price. There were very little gluten free options. However, the staff were kind enough to give us a discount for this reason, thank you, we appreciate it and will be back!

The Kirkwall Hotel is in a lovely and accessible area right on the harbour and next to the main high street. The bedroom and bathroom were very clean and comfortable and the border biscuite and cafetiere are a nice touch. The overhead shower is luxurious as is the sea kelp shower soaps. The building has a nostalgic feel with historic pictures and information on the town.

Stayed in June 2025

Opposite of my room was a bar. It was sometime a bit noisy. But you can close the window.

Clean and specious room Friendly and helpful staff Excellent located Good food

Stayed in June 2025

Saturday night can be a bit noisy because dance club is around the corner but quiets down after midnight. Can be crowded and noisy at breakfast because of large tour groups. Vintage lift works but you'll need to be strong enough to open and close doors manually.

Super location, right on the harbor! Convenient to walk around downtown.

Stayed in April 2025

It’s a shame, as generally I don’t like to write a bad review but we were a bit disappointed and were expecting more. We booked a Suite room, which although larger and had a view of the harbor, didn’t have much character and some of the blinds didn’t work properly. It only had a shower. It didn’t have any wow factor that we expecting and was expensive for what it was. We had dinner in the hotel and were a bit underwhelmed. The starters were ok but mains particularly disappointing and as a result didn’t order deserts and left disappointed. The hotel did send a standard message a lot of times with details of the hotel even the day after we left! We did use the message chat which was quite responsive but not always very effective and didn’t always acknowledge the request. It is a shame as we were looking forward to staying. Not sure if we would return but hope the hotel improves and does well.

Love the location and character of the hotel. The staff were generally great, particularly front desk and bar. Restaurant staff were average

Stayed in May 2025

Quite expensive but this is Orkney!

Friendly staff, great location, impressive building, comfortable and clean. Nice touches with local quality furnishings.

Stayed in April 2025

Shower pressure was low, being on Main Street was a little bit noisy.

Elegant, clean and tidy. Staff were helpful and friendly.

Stayed in May 2025

Rooms that are on the side of the hotel that faces the narrow street are in for a sad night’s sleep. There is a club right below the hotel and not only is the music loud but the patrons stand outside to smoke and the sound d carries right into your room….until 1am!! The hotel knows this. They need to advise their guests and provide ear plugs. To add insult to injury jury the canopy lights over the street shine right into the room illuminating the gaps in the room Darkening shade. Hotels have exist for one reason- to give travelers a good nights sleep. Sadly they missed the mark on this BIG time.

The location was great - right across from the harbor. Parking was easy even though the hotel spaces were full. The hotel is historic and really unique in decor and character. Good buffet breakfast and friendly staff. Love the old lift with the gate!

Stayed in May 2025

The room was really quite noisy from the pub downstairs.

Fab location on the harbour front and near all the shops and transport links. The bed is one of the most comfortable I’ve had in a hotel in a long time. Staff were friendly.

Stayed in May 2025

The bed was a bit soft. The restaurant meal was OK, but not fantastic.

Fantastic location on the seafront. Really friendly person on reception. Large room with tea/coffee making facilities. Lots of interesting photos/mementos everywhere.

Stayed in April 2025

Very hospitable and friendly

Stayed in April 2025

The way the staff was dressed. Wear what you want. For the look and excellent standards we got. Uniform would be great. Other than that it was great and so was the staff.

Old and very well maintained.

Stayed in April 2025

Lovely staff my work finished early and they offered me somewhere comfortable to sit and wait before my ferry. They also gave me advice on places to see.

Stayed in January 2025

Bit cold in the room.

I liked the location. The ancient lift was great!!

Stayed in February 2025

Not much - very quaint and comfortable.

Good restaurant, handy location, easy parking, close to wharf and view.

Stayed in January 2025

Not much. Lift interesting.

Staff and food. Excellent.

Stayed in January 2025

Shower a bit small

Stayed in January 2025

Not much

Great renovation. Really comfortable rooms with excellent bathroom. Lovely food.

Stayed in December 2024

Nothing

The atmosphere and friendly staff

Stayed in December 2024

Elevator was a bit temperamental

Great location and rooms very comfortable

Stayed in November 2024