The Kirkwall Hotel

We had a great overnight stay in the Kirkwall Hotel. We stayed in 204 overlooking the harbour, which was a beautifully decorated room. The location was perfect for the ferry, which we had disembarked at 11pm following a rough crossing from Shetland. Despite the late hour, we got a warm welcome at reception and our room was all ready with an extra bed made up for our son. We were particularly delighted by the real coffee and cafetière in the room - a lovely and much appreciated touch! All the staff were friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately we had to depart quite quickly this morning for the ferry to Scrabster, but we had time for breakfast which wasn’t a huge selection but had everything we needed. We would definitely stay again if we needed accommodation in Kirkwall.

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.

We stayed at this hotel as part of a tour group for four nights. We arrived on the ferry from Aberdeen, which meant a very late check-in. We were allocated a small but nice room with a very comfortable bed overlooking the harbour. The compact shower room was very well appointed. There is also a nice lounge area on the third floor. One feature of interest was the very old style small lift to the upper floors, which required external and internal doors to be shut manually. If not left fully shut on exit, the lift would not be available for future use. Breakfast in the restaurant also provided plenty of choice including catering for dietary requirements. We did experience a housekeeping issue related to the standard of bed making, which was reported, but overall our stay was very good. We would stay again if needing accommodation in Kirkwall.

Not a bad hotel and their sea view suites are quite acceptable. Missing some basic services such as laundry and a very antique elevator which is terribly slow and difficult to operate. Reasonable restaurant which a decent breakfast order but of lower standing than other restaurants in Kirkwall such as the one in the Ayres Hotel very close and many others. The worst really is that it seems to be a hotel specializing in cheap big group tours with loud music in the evening going too late with which nobody can sleep.

Came for an evening meal, having been a couple of times before. The young waiting staff were super, friendly and pleasant. The food was really not good enough - The haggis dough balls tasted awful (opinion of someone who likes haggis), the grimbister cheese was tepid and the accompanying cream, just plain odd. Our mains weren't much better-over cooked salty beef and unappetising vegetables. The decor upgrade is great, the food really let's it down. I certainly won't go back.

Lovely environment, with friendly and efficient staff. The food was a little disappointing compared to the other places we've eaten, but it wouldn't necessarily put me off trying it another time, as it was mainly the starters that let the meal down.

Stayed here for one night. The hotel is a Grand Old Dame, a traditional hotel in the heart of Kirkwall. The room I stayed in had a lovely view of the harbour and beautiful old solid wood furniture. The staff were helpful and friendly and there were several nice touches including a tea pot in the room. I would definitely book here again

Went here for dinner last night. Didn’t want to as I had read reviews but my colleague didn’t want to go elsewhere. We are tour guides and had just completed a cruise of northern isles. The place is nice and spacious, the service cheerful, polite and prompt. The food however was a complete waste of time. Is it truly so difficult to get a decent team in the kitchen when you have spent so much on refurbishment? Asked for olive oil to dress the mackerel salad and was given a pot of rank cooking oil. Too late! I’d put it on despite dubious colour. The £26 monkfish was just awful. Overcooked, bland served with stodgy tasteless mash and a horrible red sauce. So annoyed I wasted my money and didn’t go somewhere good when there are places available serving delicious local food. Don’t waste yours!