Kirkwall Youth Hostel ★★

"As other Reviewers have stated, it is a hostel. It is clean and tidy and bare bones. I stayed here with a group of 15 people for a week as we used the Hostel as our base while we traveled by car and ferry to hike around the Orkney Islands. We shared basic rooms and there are communal showers/toilets that are separated for women/men. Sheets and towels are provided. There is a communal kitchen where we cooked every night and cubbies & fridge to store food. A pub is a quick 15 min walk away for drinks and the town is probably 20-25 mins walk. There is a large communal area to eat and a large lounge to read, be on your phone or otherwise relax. Overall great staff and had no issues the days we were there. We were up early every morning and back around 5 pm each night. The glorious week of sun and a little rain kept us outside exploring the beautiful Islands"

Albert Hotel ★★★

Ayre Hotel & Ayre Apartments ★★★

"The location is excellent, not far from the airport bus stop and several restaurants, and it's right by the sea with a sea view. The facilities are a bit dated, but acceptable, and the heating works fine. There's a damp smell upon entering the room, which is much better with the windows open. For a small archipelago town, these conditions are acceptable."

The Kirkwall Hotel ★★★

"Lovely hotel great location but every single member of staff are beyond friendly and helpful could not ask for more, would definitely come back because of the brilliant and lovely employees in every area. Shout out to Adam in the restaurant but everyone went above and beyond to make this a special stay."

Royal Oak Guesthouse ★★★

"My friend and I stayed for three nights at this excellent guest house recently. We arrived late evening as we were coming straight off the ferry. I had sent email earlier to advise owner of this. Alix gave us a warm and friendly greeting as we arrived. He spent time showing us around the guest house and explaining how things run. For example, ordering breakfast night before to ensure everything is cooked fresh at the time we requested. The rooms are just beautiful. Modern, warm, well thought out and spotlessly clean with everything you could possibly need. There is a guest living room upstairs with books, games, a microwave and fridge. Also large comfortable sofas to relax into if you wanted to. Alix is so bright and cheerful in morning. Breakfast was just delicious. There is plenty on offer including cereal, fresh fruit and homemade muesli. Cooked breakfast could not be faulted at all Alix and his wife are Orcadians and full of local information and top tips. Alix was happy to chat and give us information on local tourist attractions. The guest house is not in central Kirkwall, but the town centre is within walking distance. I would suggest having a car to get around the islands to see what beautiful Orkney has to offer. I would not hesitate in recommending this delightful guest house. We certainly plan to come back at a later date"

The Shore ★★★

West End Guest House ★★★

"Be careful when booking here based upon the reviews. This establishment has downgraded its offering from a full service hotel to a guest house offering B&B only. The guest house is largely unstaffed. Check in is a key box on the wall, check out is a letter box to drop off your keys in. There's no dining room offering evening meals, and no bar. My room was simple but adequate. There are tea and coffee facilities, and you can help yourself to top ups from a central store. Breakfast comprises a limited hot menu, which is cooked to order, alongside a coffee machine, juices, cereals and toast. Service from the front of house breakfast team was good. Location wise, it's a 10 minute easy stroll down the main shopping street to the harbour. Price wise, £95 per night is high for what's on offer. Is it comparable with other similar establishments in Kirkwall? I don't know. But whilst the West End is fine, I've paid less for better places many times. "

Karrawa Guest House ★★★

"It was a very cozy guesthouse. Anyway, it's close to the local bus stop, but it's hard because there are only a few buses."

Grainbank Mews ★★★

"The family is lovely and very helpful; they are locals who know the area well and can provide great tips on what to do in Kirkwall and the surrounding area. The facilities are newly renovated and quite modern. We did the continental breakfast; they have a menu you fill out the night before which is great for reducing waste. The food was fresh, well-prepared, and more than enough to keep us going for a long day of exploring the islands. Our room was clean and well equipped and the beds were comfortable. They are located about a kilometre outside of the city centre so if you are travelling without a vehicle be prepared for a little bit of a walk into town."