Hotels & Accommodation in Orkney Islands Scotland

The Orkney Islands sit off the north coast of mainland Scotland and offer a surprisingly varied accommodation ecosystem for their size and population. Options range from globally recognised hotel brands absent here — instead you find family-run guesthouses, stone farmhouse B&Bs, self-catering cottages in converted outbuildings, and a small number of hotels concentrated in Kirkwall and Stromness. The outer islands (Hoy, Rousay, Westray, Sanday, and others) rely heavily on community-run hostels, simple B&Bs, and self-catering lets, making logistics more demanding but the experience distinctly local. Seasonal closures are common on the outer islands, and visitors should expect limited availability year-round.

The Faroe Islands present one of the North Atlantic's most dramatically scenic — and logistically tight — accommodation markets. The island group has grown substantially as a tourism destination since around 2015, and supply has expanded but remains limited relative to demand in summer months. Tórshavn dominates the hotel stock; beyond the capital, accommodation becomes sparse and highly local — guesthouses in fishing villages, farm stays on working agricultural land, and a small but growing number of design-conscious boutique properties taking advantage of the volcanic landscape. The Faroes have developed a modest glamping/luxury-tent scene and some heritage farm conversions that genuinely warrant attention.

Across both destinations, the accommodation character is shaped by remoteness: guests should not expect urban-style amenity density, round-the-clock staff, or large chain properties. What they will find instead is a high proportion of family-run operations with genuine local character, close connections to the landscape and food culture, and — particularly in the Faroes — internationally recognised standards of design and hospitality that belie the small population.

Orkney Islands: Peak demand runs from late June through August. The St Magnus International Festival (typically June) draws visitors to Kirkwall and can exhaust available beds across the mainland for its duration — book months in advance if visiting then. The Orkney Folk Festival (usually May, Stromness) has a similar effect on Stromness-area accommodation. For outer island stays, book as early as possible for any summer date, as capacity is genuinely very small. Shoulder season (April–May, September–October) offers more availability and lower prices, with the autumn equinox sky ideal for aurora viewing. Winter availability is very limited, particularly on the outer islands.

Faroe Islands: The tourism surge of the mid-to-late 2010s made summer booking pressure acute. July especially sees the archipelago near capacity — book 3–6 months in advance for any July or August travel. The G! Festival (Syðrugøta, Eysturoy, usually July) and Ólavsøka national festival (Tórshavn, late July) are major demand spikes for local accommodation. May, June, and September offer better availability and still usable daylight. Winter travel is possible but accommodation options contract significantly, and ferry routes between islands operate on reduced schedules.

• Orkney outer islands: Many B&Bs, guesthouses, and the community hostels operate on a seasonal basis (roughly April/May to September/October). Confirm current operational dates directly before booking.
• Faroe Islands ferry-dependent islands: Accommodation on islands accessible only by ferry (e.g., Suðuroy, Mykines) is extremely limited. Mykines especially — the puffin island — has only a handful of beds; demand vastly outstrips supply in summer.
• Minimum stays: Self-catering properties in both destinations commonly require a 2–7 night minimum, particularly in peak season. Check before assuming single-night availability.
• No lift / elevator: The majority of properties in both destinations are small-scale historic buildings without lifts. Do not assume step-free access unless explicitly confirmed.
• Air conditioning: Almost universally absent in both Orkney and Faroe Islands accommodation — climate rarely requires it, but confirm if this matters to you.
• Heating: Usually included in rates but confirm for self-catering cottages, particularly in shoulder/winter months — fuel surcharges can apply.
• Breakfast: Not automatically included outside B&Bs; check each property individually.
• Card payments: Widely accepted in Tórshavn and Kirkwall; cash advisable as a backup for very small rural properties.
• Deposits and cancellation: Small family-run operations often have stricter non-refundable deposit policies than large platforms suggest — read the property's own terms.
• Self-catering restocking: In the Faroe Islands' more remote islands, grocery restocking can be an event rather than a routine errand. Check proximity to shops.
• Parking: Generally not a constraint in Orkney towns; Tórshavn has limited central parking — confirm with your property.

Both destinations have relatively small, well-established tourism sectors, but fake listings on vacation rental platforms are a growing risk globally. For Orkney, cross-reference listings with VisitOrkney.com (the official tourism body), which maintains a vetted accommodation directory. For the Faroe Islands, visitfaroeislands.com lists registered accommodations. Be cautious of any property requesting bank transfer or payment outside the platform's system — this is the most common scam vector. For very small, family-run operations not listed on major platforms, direct contact via an official tourism board referral is the safest route. Verify the property's physical address exists using satellite mapping before sending any payment.

Orkney: Kirkwall and Stromness are the only towns with meaningful walkability — staying in either, a car is not strictly essential for a few days' sightseeing of the main Neolithic sites (some bus connections exist). However, for the full Orkney experience and the outer islands, a car is strongly recommended on the Mainland, and inter-island travel requires ferries (Orkney Ferries) or Loganair inter-island flights — both require advance booking. Accommodation location on the outer islands determines everything about your daily logistics.

Faroe Islands: A car is effectively essential outside central Tórshavn. The island road network, including the remarkable subsea tunnels, connects most major islands, but distances between villages and accommodations are significant, and bus services between villages are infrequent. Vágar Airport (FAE) is on Vágar Island, connected to Streymoy (where Tórshavn sits) by the Vágar tunnel — a taxi or rental car from the airport is the norm. Budget extra time for weather-related disruptions to ferry services between islands.

Orkney: Self-catering stone farmhouse cottages and converted outbuildings are the most practical family option — they offer space, kitchen facilities, and proximity to rural landscapes. Several farms on the Orkney Mainland allow children to engage with agricultural activity. The main Neolithic sites (Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar) are accessible and genuinely engaging for older children. Look for properties with enclosed gardens given the wind exposure. The SYHA-affiliated hostel in Kirkwall can accommodate families in private rooms.

Faroe Islands: Family-run guesthouses in smaller villages often have the most practical family configurations at moderate prices. The Faroes landscape — dramatic but not fenced — requires close supervision of young children near cliffs and coastal paths. A car seat will need to be arranged with your rental company in advance. Self-catering apartments in Tórshavn give families independence and access to the excellent local supermarkets (Bonus, SMS). Some farm stays on Streymoy have historically welcomed families, though capacity is small — confirm directly.

Neither destination has a formal serviced apartment or aparthotel sector in the conventional sense. Orkney: Self-catering cottage rentals are the most viable long-stay option; weekly and fortnightly rates are standard for cottage lets, often offering better per-night value than hotels. Some Kirkwall guesthouses offer reduced rates for extended stays — negotiate directly. Faroe Islands: Tórshavn has a small supply of apartment rentals (some on Airbnb and local platforms) suitable for stays of a week or more. Monthly rental of private apartments does exist but is typically accessed through local contacts or Faroese housing boards rather than mainstream tourism platforms. Remote workers should verify broadband reliability before committing — it is generally good in Tórshavn and varies significantly in rural areas.