Hotels & Accommodation in Orkney Islands Scotland
Where to stay — hotels, homestays, hostels, rare finds and everything in between.
Understanding the Accommodation Scene
The Orkney Islands — an archipelago of about 70 islands off the northern tip of mainland Scotland — offer an accommodation scene that is genuinely small-scale, locally owned, and deeply tied to the landscape. The majority of properties are family-run B&Bs, self-catering cottages, and guesthouses rather than large hotel chains. Kirkwall, the capital on Mainland (the largest island), holds most of the hotels and the widest variety of options; Stromness, the second town, has a more atmospheric, historic-street character with independent guesthouses and a hostel. The outer islands — Hoy, Rousay, Westray, Papa Westray, Sanday, and others — typically offer a handful of small guesthouses or self-catering properties each, making advance planning essential.
Self-catering cottages and farmhouse lets are arguably the most characteristic way to stay in Orkney. Many visitors rent a stone-built cottage for a week, with access to peat fires, dramatic coastal views, and proximity to Neolithic sites such as Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Ness of Brodgar. Farm stays exist in a quiet way — some working farms offer accommodation either within the farmhouse or in converted outbuildings — giving guests direct exposure to Orcadian agricultural life and wildlife such as grey seals and puffins. There is no luxury resort scene in the international sense, but upscale country-house-style hotels and boutique guesthouses do exist and command the upper end of the market.
Overall the ecosystem is tight: total bed stock across all Orkney is modest, the islands attract a dedicated, often well-researched visitor, and quality is generally consistent if variable in style. Independent booking direct with properties is common and often preferred by owners. Sustainability is increasingly a theme, with some properties actively promoting low-impact travel aligned with Orkney's UNESCO World Heritage surroundings.
Best Areas to Stay
The compact capital clusters around St Magnus Cathedral and a walkable harbourfront with shops, restaurants, and the main ferry terminal. Most services and the airport are within easy reach.
Tradeoff: Can feel busy in peak summer relative to the rest of Orkney; parking limited in centre.
mixedA beautifully preserved flagstone-streeted port town with an independent character, art scene, and ferry links to mainland Scotland. Guesthouses here tend to be atmospheric and personal.
Tradeoff: Fewer dining options than Kirkwall; last ferry connections require planning.
budgetRural landscape with self-catering cottages and B&Bs within easy driving distance of Kirkwall and key Neolithic sites. Pastoral and peaceful with coastal outlooks.
Tradeoff: Car essentially required; limited walking access to amenities.
mixedReached via the Churchill Barriers causeways, this southern island has a distinct character with the Italian Chapel, sandy beaches, and small guesthouses.
Tradeoff: Limited dining options; guests need a car or bicycle for most movement.
budgetOrkney's most dramatic island — mountainous, with the Old Man of Hoy sea stack and WWII heritage. Has a hostel and small guesthouses; feels genuinely remote.
Tradeoff: Ferry-dependent; very limited services; requires self-sufficiency.
budgetThese northern outer islands are home to some of the world's oldest known buildings and seabird colonies. Accommodation is extremely limited and highly personal.
Tradeoff: Flight or inter-island ferry required; must book months in advance; almost no infrastructure.
budgetRare & Memorable Places to Stay
One of Kirkwall's longest-established hotels, on the harbour with views across Scapa Flow approaches. A consistent choice for those wanting a traditional hotel base in the capital.
A well-known central Kirkwall hotel operating for many decades, within walking distance of St Magnus Cathedral and the main shopping street.
A historic harbourfront hotel in Stromness with a long association with the town's maritime heritage. Well-positioned for the Northlink ferry terminal and Stromness's flagstone main street.
A small, independent hostel in Stromness offering budget accommodation with a community feel. A base for walkers, cyclists, and budget travellers exploring the western Mainland.
A basic but well-regarded hostel on the island of Hoy, used primarily by walkers hiking to the Old Man of Hoy sea stack. Genuinely remote and self-sufficient in character.
A small, privately owned hotel on the edge of Kirkwall known for its whisky collection and reputation as one of Orkney's more upscale dining and accommodation options.
A country hotel on the shores of Loch Harray, historically associated with trout fishing and popular with anglers and those seeking a rural retreat close to Neolithic sites.
A small, characterful country house hotel in a woodland setting (unusual in largely treeless Orkney) on the north Mainland coast, known for an intimate atmosphere and creative hospitality.
A small but growing sector of eco-pods and glamping units positioned for Aurora viewing and dark-sky experiences, several with panoramic windows toward open sky. Operators change; verify current listings.
A long-established hotel in the Birsay area, used as a base for exploring the far north of Mainland, RSPB Birsay Moors, and the archaeological site at the Brough of Birsay.
A straightforward, well-known Kirkwall hotel offering reliable accommodation convenient to the town centre and ferry services, long used by both tourists and business travellers.
A well-regarded organic farm on South Ronaldsay offering self-catering accommodation in a working farm setting, with genuine connection to Orcadian land and seasonal produce.
A representative example of the many owner-managed self-catering stone cottages in and around Stromness offering weekly or short-break lets with traditional Orcadian character.
One of the best-known small hotels on the outer island of Westray, offering comfortable accommodation with sea views and a genuine outer-island experience far from tourist infrastructure.
A small farm-based accommodation option on the tiny island of Wyre, accessible only by inter-island ferry, offering an exceptionally quiet and authentic Orcadian island experience.
Places Travelers Talk About
AI-researched from well-known properties — always verify current status, rates and availability before booking. Nothing here is a paid placement.
Hotels
One of Kirkwall's longest-established hotels, on the harbour with views across Scapa Flow approaches. A consistent choice for those wanting a traditional hotel base in the capital.
A well-known central Kirkwall hotel operating for many decades, within walking distance of St Magnus Cathedral and the main shopping street.
A historic harbourfront hotel in Stromness with a long association with the town's maritime heritage. Well-positioned for the Northlink ferry terminal and Stromness's flagstone main street.
A country hotel on the shores of Loch Harray, historically associated with trout fishing and popular with anglers and those seeking a rural retreat close to Neolithic sites.
A long-established hotel in the Birsay area, used as a base for exploring the far north of Mainland, RSPB Birsay Moors, and the archaeological site at the Brough of Birsay.
A straightforward, well-known Kirkwall hotel offering reliable accommodation convenient to the town centre and ferry services, long used by both tourists and business travellers.
Boutique Hotels
A small, privately owned hotel on the edge of Kirkwall known for its whisky collection and reputation as one of Orkney's more upscale dining and accommodation options.
Hostels
A small, independent hostel in Stromness offering budget accommodation with a community feel. A base for walkers, cyclists, and budget travellers exploring the western Mainland.
A basic but well-regarded hostel on the island of Hoy, used primarily by walkers hiking to the Old Man of Hoy sea stack. Genuinely remote and self-sufficient in character.
Guesthouses
One of the best-known small hotels on the outer island of Westray, offering comfortable accommodation with sea views and a genuine outer-island experience far from tourist infrastructure.
Apartments
A representative example of the many owner-managed self-catering stone cottages in and around Stromness offering weekly or short-break lets with traditional Orcadian character.
Farm Stays
A well-regarded organic farm on South Ronaldsay offering self-catering accommodation in a working farm setting, with genuine connection to Orcadian land and seasonal produce.
A small farm-based accommodation option on the tiny island of Wyre, accessible only by inter-island ferry, offering an exceptionally quiet and authentic Orcadian island experience.
Heritage Stays
A small, characterful country house hotel in a woodland setting (unusual in largely treeless Orkney) on the north Mainland coast, known for an intimate atmosphere and creative hospitality.
Glamping
A small but growing sector of eco-pods and glamping units positioned for Aurora viewing and dark-sky experiences, several with panoramic windows toward open sky. Operators change; verify current listings.
What Accommodation Costs
When to Book
Booking Lead Times & Seasonal Demand
Peak demand (June–August): The long summer days — with near 24-hour light around midsummer — drive the highest visitor volumes. The St Magnus International Festival in June is the single biggest demand spike; accommodation across Kirkwall and Stromness fills many months in advance. Book 6–12 months ahead for peak summer, especially for self-catering cottages.
Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October): Good availability and lower rates; weather is changeable but manageable. Many repeat visitors prefer this period. Book 2–4 months ahead.
Winter (November–March): The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) attracts a growing winter market; the Ba' Game (a traditional street football match in Kirkwall on Christmas and New Year's Day) draws local and visitor interest. Some smaller B&Bs and self-catering properties close entirely in winter — confirm availability carefully. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead for the festive period.
Outer islands: Year-round supply is extremely limited. Even in low season, the handful of rooms on islands like Westray, Rousay, or Sanday can fill quickly. Book outer-island accommodation as early as possible regardless of season.
Event note: The Orkney Folk Festival (usually May) and Orkney Science Festival (September) also create localised demand spikes in Stromness and Kirkwall respectively.
Before You Book
Destination-Specific Warnings
- Seasonal closures are real: Many smaller B&Bs and guesthouses close October–March. Always confirm operating dates; do not assume year-round availability from a website.
- Self-catering minimum stays: Most cottage lets require a minimum 3–7 night stay, especially in peak season. Weekend-only lets are uncommon.
- Deposit requirements: Independent properties often require a non-refundable deposit at time of booking. Read cancellation terms carefully before paying.
- No lifts (elevators) in most properties: The majority of Orkney's accommodation stock is in traditional stone buildings with no elevator access. Guests with mobility requirements should confirm room floor and access directly.
- Air conditioning is essentially absent: Orkney has a cool, maritime climate; AC is not standard or necessary, but properties can be warm in summer peak.
- Outer island logistics: Accommodation on non-Mainland islands requires coordinating ferry or inter-island flight bookings separately. Missing a ferry can mean an unplanned overnight stay.
- Limited late-night food: Outside Kirkwall, very few properties have on-site dining. Check whether breakfast is included and what evening food options are nearby.
- Pets: Some self-catering cottages accept dogs; many do not. Confirm explicitly if travelling with animals.
- Wi-Fi and connectivity: Rural and outer island properties may have limited or slow broadband. Verify if reliable internet is essential to your stay.
- Accessibility: Cobbled streets in Stromness and Kirkwall's old town can be difficult for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Confirm specific access needs with properties directly.
- Card payments: Some very small B&Bs and guesthouses are cash-preferred or cash-only. Ask in advance.
Booking Safely
Booking Safely in Orkney
The majority of Orkney properties are booked either through established platforms (such as VisitScotland's ASSC-listed self-catering directory, Booking.com, Airbnb, or direct property websites) or through direct contact with owners. For direct bookings, prefer properties with a clear web presence, verifiable reviews on independent platforms, and contact details that match their website.
Be cautious of listings that request payment via bank transfer to a personal account outside the platform payment system, or that ask for unusually large deposits without a clear written cancellation policy. For self-catering cottages, a written rental agreement is standard practice and should be expected. If a deal appears significantly below the typical price band for the area and season, verify the listing independently before paying. The VisitScotland quality assurance scheme provides some baseline verification for participating properties, though membership is voluntary.
Getting Around From Your Accommodation
How Location Interacts with Transport
Kirkwall Airport is the main air hub, served by Loganair flights from Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow, and inter-island routes. Kirkwall town centre is a short taxi or bus ride from the airport; no properties are genuinely walkable from the terminal, though it is close. Stromness Ferry Terminal receives Northlink Ferries from Aberdeen and Scrabster (near Thurso); staying in Stromness itself means you can walk off the ferry to your accommodation, which is a genuine convenience.
A car is strongly recommended for exploring Mainland and is essentially required for rural and farm-stay properties. Road distances are short but public bus services (Orkney Coaches) are limited in frequency and do not serve all areas. Cycling is popular among visitors and works well for Mainland, though wind can be significant.
For outer islands, inter-island ferries (operated by Orkney Ferries) and inter-island flights (Loganair) are the only options. Time your accommodation check-in around ferry arrival times and confirm with your host. Some ferry crossings are infrequent — as few as once or twice daily — so missed connections have real consequences for check-in.
Family & Group Stays
Family & Group Accommodation
Self-catering cottages and farmhouses are the most practical choice for families and groups visiting Orkney. Having a full kitchen, living space, and private outdoor area suits families with young children and removes dependence on restaurant availability, which is genuinely limited outside Kirkwall. Many cottages sleep 4–8 and are specifically marketed to family groups.
Farm stays — where available — offer an added dimension for children, with exposure to livestock and rural Orcadian life. B&Bs typically have a smaller number of rooms and may not accommodate groups well, and connecting rooms are uncommon. For groups of more than 4–6, renting a whole cottage or house is both more economical and more practical.
Check whether self-catering properties provide cots, high chairs, or stair gates, as provision varies; do not assume these are available. Outer island visits with young children require extra logistical planning around ferry schedules.
Longer Stays
Long-Stay & Extended Visits
Orkney does not have a dedicated aparthotel or serviced apartment sector in the conventional sense. However, self-catering cottage lets are well suited to extended stays of a week or more, and some owners offer reduced weekly or monthly rates, particularly outside peak season. A growing number of properties advertise on platforms such as Airbnb with flexible longer-term options.
For workers, researchers, or visitors staying multiple weeks, direct negotiation with cottage owners often yields better rates than platform pricing. The local rental market (unfurnished long-term) is separate from the tourist accommodation market and tight; those considering relocation should approach this through local estate agents rather than tourist booking channels. Kirkwall has the widest selection of self-catering options for longer stays with access to supermarkets and services on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
For exploring Mainland Orkney thoroughly — including most Neolithic sites, farm stays, and rural B&Bs — a car is strongly recommended. Kirkwall and Stromness are walkable within themselves, and the Kirkwall–Stromness bus route exists, but frequency is limited. Outer islands require ferry or flight regardless of whether you bring a vehicle.
For June and July, particularly around the St Magnus International Festival in June, booking 6–12 months ahead is advisable, especially for self-catering cottages and smaller properties. Outer island accommodation should be booked as early as possible regardless of season due to very limited supply.
Yes, a small number of working farms offer self-catering or B&B accommodation — Wheems Organic Farm on South Ronaldsay is one well-established example. This is not a large sector; search through VisitScotland's self-catering directory and verify current availability directly with properties.
Most outer islands have between one and a handful of guesthouses, small hotels, or self-catering properties. Some very small islands have no commercial accommodation at all. Book well in advance, confirm operating seasons, and coordinate with ferry or flight schedules before finalising your stay.
Most of Orkney's accommodation stock consists of traditional stone buildings without lifts, and towns like Stromness have uneven cobbled streets. Accessible rooms and facilities exist but are not widespread; contact properties directly with specific requirements before booking.
Orkney's latitude and relatively low light pollution make Aurora sightings possible, particularly in winter months. Some glamping pods and rural self-catering properties position themselves specifically for dark-sky viewing. However, Aurora activity is unpredictable; no accommodation provider can guarantee sightings.
Major international hotel chains are not represented in Orkney. The market is dominated by independent, locally owned hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering operators. This is part of the destination's character, but it means standards and policies vary more than in a chain-dominated market.
AI-researched guide, generated 2026-09-08. Property status, rates and policies change — verify with the property before booking.
Orkney Islands Scotland Stays Talk – Vibes
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