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The best guest houses in Orkney

Check out our pick of great guest houses in Orkney

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Royal Oak Guesthouse, hotel in Orkney

Royal Oak Guesthouse, a property with a shared lounge, is situated in Orkney, 2.2 km from Scapa Beach, 17 km from Maeshowe, as well as 19 km from Standing Stones of Stenness.

Arriving late off the Northlink ferry is sometimes a challenge for getting booked into places and obtaining keys and parking can be an issue. This however was perfect with its own car park and the room keys and a welcome note left for my arrival. The room was prepared ready for my arrival, heating and lights on and curtains closed. The en-suite room was warm and comfortable with all the usual shower gel, shampoo, tea and coffee etc. The breakfast was perfect and the owners/staff very welcoming and friendly. I've definitely found my place for when work takes me to Orkney :-)
Scored 9.3
9.3
Rated superb
Superb
135 reviews
Price from
£121
1 night, 2 adults
Smithfield Guesthouse, hotel in Orkney

Situated on the Orkney Island, 14 miles from Kirkwall, Smithfield Guesthouse offers 3-star accommodation with free parking. Kirkwall airport is 30 minutes’ drive away.

Breakfast was excellent. A hearty breakfast that set us up for the day. Staff were very customer centric provided great service and advice on local environment and tourist spots. Guest lounge was an added bonus, providing the opportunity to unwind and socialise. Would happily recommend this establishment.
Scored 8.5
8.5
Rated very good
Very good
315 reviews
Price from
£166.75
1 night, 2 adults
Castaway Guesthouse, hotel in Orkney

Set in Kirkwall, 15 km from Maeshowe, Castaway Guesthouse offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

Great breakfast. Host was friendly without being intrusive. Clean and comfortable.
Scored 9.0
9.0
Rated superb
Superb
262 reviews
Price from
£75
1 night, 2 adults
Karrawa Guest House, hotel in Orkney

Karrawa Guest House, a property with a garden, is located in Kirkwall, 2.6 km from Scapa Beach, 17 km from Maeshowe, as well as 19 km from Standing Stones of Stenness.

The quality of a accommodation was beyond our expectation. The bedroom was really comfortable and well appointed with a high spec ensuite. The breakfast was perfect with a wide variety of choice. Fyiona, the owner, made us feel very welcome. Great value for money and we will be back again.
Scored 9.4
9.4
Rated superb
Superb
102 reviews
Price from
£80
1 night, 2 adults
Bellavista Guest House, hotel in Orkney

Set in Kirkwall and only 17 km from Maeshowe, Bellavista Guest House offers accommodation with garden views, free WiFi and free private parking.

Friendly, clean, helpful, excellent location, good parking good atmosphere, very comfy mattress
Scored 9.2
9.2
Rated superb
Superb
25 reviews
Price from
£111
1 night, 2 adults
Grainbank Mews, hotel in Orkney

Grainbank Mews, a property with a garden, is set in Kirkwall, 16 km from Standing Stones of Stenness, 18 km from Ring of Brogdar, as well as 17 km from Ness of Brogdar.

Exceptionally clean and comfortable room - great quiet location. Hosts were really friendly and helpful
Scored 9.4
9.4
Rated superb
Superb
57 reviews
Price from
£114
1 night, 2 adults
Runa Guest House, hotel in Orkney

Runa Guest House has garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Twatt, 13 km from Ring of Brogdar.

It was smack bang in the middle of nowhere. Brilliant!
Scored 9.5
9.5
Rated exceptional
Exceptional
106 reviews
Shorelands B&B, hotel in Orkney

Offering a garden and quiet street view, Shorelands B&B is situated in Kirkwall, 2.7 km from Scapa Beach and 17 km from Maeshowe.

The property location is excellent within walking distance of beautiful Kirkwall. It is quiet and cosy with a relaxed happy vibe. Nicky and his wife are outstanding hosts and the breakfasts were great.
Scored 9.3
9.3
Rated superb
Superb
205 reviews
Aviedale Suite, hotel in Orkney

Located 15 km from Standing Stones of Stenness, 16 km from Ring of Brogdar and 15 km from Ness of Brogdar, Aviedale Suite provides accommodation situated in Gorseness.

An incredibly beautiful, cosy accommodation where you have to feel comfortable. Beautiful location near the sea and very clean. Thank you for the really lovely welcome kit. The host was easy to contact. Also a big thank you to the wonderful, lovely neighbours who have helped me so much with my car problem!
Scored 9.0
9.0
Rated superb
Superb
43 reviews
All guest houses in Orkney
Looking for a guest house?
Warm and welcoming guest houses are ideal for travellers who prefer unfussy accommodation with a personal touch. They are usually family-run, and your host will provide local recommendations and optional meals. Often cheaper than regular hotels, guest houses can also feature a cosy living room and a garden.

Guest houses that travellers love in Orkney

See all
  • Scored 8.8
    8.8
    Rated fabulous
    Fabulous
     · 12 reviews
    Really lovely host and very helpful. Well organised and equipped flat. The food (bread, butter, milk etc) was all a lovely surprise and as it happened much needed and appreciated! Great location and Stromness is beautiful.
    Jo
    Solo traveller
  • Scored 9.9
    9.9
    Rated exceptional
    Exceptional
     · 75 reviews
    Janice is a superb host, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable about the area, and makes a great breakfast. Make sure you ask for her fresh fruit plate! The studio itself is spotless, spacious and well equipped. I will certainly be back when I return to Orkney.
    Helen
    Solo traveller
  • Scored 8.9
    8.9
    Rated fabulous
    Fabulous
     · 87 reviews
    Loved the place. Great location, very quiet, clean, comfortable. Host was very friendly, nothing was any trouble to him but respected your privacy. Communal cooking and dining area was fab.
    Edward
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £90
    Scored 9.3
    9.3
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 135 reviews
    The hosts made the place extra special. Very helpful and accommodating. A lovely family owned place. Very relaxing. Rooms clean and quiet. Nice meeting other guests in the lounge room. Close to Kirkwall centre. Great place to stay for a few or several days.
    Liana
    Young couple
  • Scored 9.3
    9.3
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 6 reviews
    Apartment was spotless, great location for what we needed. Host was helpful and provided all necessary information required for stay
    Julie
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £135
    Scored 9.2
    9.2
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 149 reviews
    Great location - quiet and peaceful with lovely views from the deck. It was clean and well appointed. The tub in the bathroom was a bonus. Good communication with the hosts.
    Jenny
    People with friends
  • Scored 9.8
    9.8
    Rated exceptional
    Exceptional
     · 32 reviews
    Beautiful house, clean, comfortable, well appointed and warm. Great location. The hot tub was fantastic. Sarah was a great host.
    Susan
    People with friends
  • Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 88 reviews
    Lovely responsive host. Great location in centre of Kirkwall. Locksafe for front door. Quiet. I stayed in January. Central heating in living room works well, and bathroom is warm too with a good, but compact size shower.
    Fiona
    Solo traveller
  • Scored 9.7
    9.7
    Rated exceptional
    Exceptional
     · 211 reviews
    Location was just outside of town, about a 30-minute walk from the centre or a quick trip by bus from the nearby bus stop. Laura and Brian were charming hosts, friendly and full of advice but unintrusive. My single room was quiet, tastefully decorated, and had a very comfortable bed with quality linens. There was a good choice of usually cold foods for breakfast, but one day Laura made delicious banana pancakes. The property was very clean. The best British B&B I’ve ever stayed in. I hope one day to return.
    Eugene
    Solo traveller
  • Scored 9.5
    9.5
    Rated exceptional
    Exceptional
     · 54 reviews
    Great hosts and very nice accommodation in great location. Really well equipped. Comfy beds!
    Jenny
    Solo traveller