Best Places to Stay on Orkney Island: Hotels, B&Bs, Cottages & Campsites

🏡 Where to Stay: Accommodation Options on Orkney Island

Orkney offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets, from simple campsites to cozy cottages to upscale hotels. Despite its small size, the islands have numerous lodging options since tourism is important here – but note that in peak season, places can book up quickly, so reserve early. Here’s an overview of where you can lay your head:

🏨 Hotels & Inns

You’ll find several hotels concentrated in Kirkwall and Stromness, as well as a few country hotels in rural areas and smaller islands. Options range from boutique hotels in renovated historic buildings to simple inns and family-run hotels. In Kirkwall, for example, the Kirkwall Hotel (a 19th-century harborside hotel) and The Orkney Hotel offer traditional stays, while newer boutique properties also exist. Stromness has quaint hotels and inns lining its picturesque waterfront. These hotels often have on-site restaurants serving local seafood and Orcadian specialties. Advance booking is recommended, especially for popular hotels during summer and festivals.

1. Kirkwall Hotel (Kirkwall)
Elegant harborside hotel offering period charm, modern comforts, and locally sourced dining just steps from the town's main attractions.

2. The Orkney Hotel (Kirkwall)
Historic 17th-century hotel featuring traditional decor, hearty Orcadian food, and a cozy whisky bar with over 100 malts.

3. Ferry Inn (Stromness)
Lively waterfront inn with stylish rooms, craft beer bar, and daily seafood specials right on the harbor.

4. Merkister Hotel (Harray, West Mainland)
Lochside country hotel perfect for anglers and birdwatchers, with rustic rooms and tranquil rural surroundings.

5. Standing Stones Hotel (Stenness)
Recently renovated property with panoramic countryside views, just minutes from the Ring of Brodgar and other Neolithic sites.

🛏️ Bed & Breakfasts and Guesthouses

B&Bs are a popular and hospitable choice across Orkney. Staying in a guesthouse or farmhouse B&B lets you meet locals and enjoy hearty home-cooked breakfasts. Orcadian B&B hosts are known for their friendliness and local knowledge – it’s a great way to get tips on hidden spots to visit. You’ll find B&Bs not only in Kirkwall and Stromness, but also in villages and on some outer islands. Many have just a few rooms, offering a homely, personal feel. Guesthouses similarly provide private rooms (sometimes en-suite, sometimes shared facilities) and often an optional dinner. If you prefer a homier, informal atmosphere, B&Bs are ideal.

1. Hildeval B&B (Kirkwall)
Bright, cozy guesthouse with hearty breakfasts and stunning views across the bay, just a short walk from Kirkwall center.

2. The Old Smokery B&B (Stromness)
Unique converted smokehouse with sea views, personal service, and proximity to Stromness galleries and ferry terminal.

3. Scorralee B&B (Westray Island)
Welcoming family-run B&B on remote Westray, ideal for peaceful walks and spotting puffins on the cliffs.

4. Bellavista Guest House (Kirkwall)
Spacious, comfortable rooms near Kirkwall harbor with friendly hosts and great value for couples or solo travelers.

🏡 Self-Catering Cottages & Apartments

Orkney has numerous self-catering options – from rustic cottages and restored stone farmhouses to modern apartments. Renting a cottage or holiday home can be perfect for families or those who want a bit more space and independence. You can find coastal cottages with sea views, or places on working farms in the countryside. Weekly rentals are common (Saturday-to-Saturday in summer), though shorter stays are sometimes available. Self-catering is popular, so there is a vast range of holiday homes across the islands. One perk is being able to cook with local produce – perhaps grill some Orkney beef or cook fresh seafood from Kirkwall’s fish market. Cottages often come well-equipped (kitchens, laundry, Wi-Fi, etc.) and some even have luxuries like wood-burning stoves or hot tubs. If traveling in a group or with kids, self-catering can be economical and convenient.

1. Seafront Orkney Cottage (Stromness)
Chic coastal home with sea views and modern interiors, perfect for families looking for a peaceful island base.

2. Broad Street Gardens Apartments (Kirkwall)
Stylish city-center apartments with full kitchens, Wi-Fi, and direct access to restaurants and shops.

3. Sands Cottage (Birsay)
Classic Orkney cottage with wood-burning stove, sea-facing garden, and nearby archaeological sites.

4. Eastward Guest House & Apartments (Deerness)
Comfortable, light-filled self-catering units ideal for countryside walks and wildlife watching on the quiet East Mainland.

🧳 Hostels

Budget travelers and backpackers are served by a few hostels in Orkney. There’s a youth hostel in Kirkwall and one in Stromness, as well as camping barns or simple hostels on certain islands (e.g., on Westray and Sanday in summer). Hostels provide dormitory beds and sometimes private rooms at low cost – great if you’re island-hopping on a budget or just need a quick overnight. They typically have self-catering kitchens and common lounges. Hostels are also popular with cyclists and walkers. Expect clean, basic facilities and a chance to meet fellow travelers. In Orkney’s hostels, you might share stories with people from all over the world who’ve come to see the Ring of Brodgar or dive the Scapa Flow wrecks. Note that hostel capacity is limited, so book ahead in summer. Some hostels may only open April–October.

1. Kirkwall Youth Hostel
Well-equipped, centrally located hostel with communal kitchen, private and shared rooms, and easy access to bus and ferry terminals.

2. Burnside Hostel (Sanday)
Simple, rural hostel perfect for exploring Sanday’s wild beaches, with basic dorms and welcoming communal areas.

3. Ayre’s Rock Hostel (Westray)
Eco-friendly hostel with panoramic sea views, a greenhouse garden, and cozy social spaces for travelers.

4. Brown’s Hostel (Stromness)
Budget-friendly option with character-filled rooms, right in the heart of Stromness’s artsy, historic town center.

5. Rackwick Hostel (Hoy Island)Remote, rustic hostel nestled in a dramatic valley, perfect for hikers exploring cliffs, sea stacks, and wild Hoy landscapes.

⛺ Camping & Caravan Sites

For lovers of the outdoors, camping in Orkney is an adventure. There are a number of official campsites and caravan parks, including in Kirkwall (the Pickaquoy Centre has a well-equipped campsite), in Stromness, and on islands like Hoy, Sanday, and Westray. Facilities range from fully serviced sites (with showers, hookups, laundry) to more basic croft sites. Wild camping (informal camping outside of official sites) is legal in Scotland with permission and following the Outdoor Access Code – in Orkney this means you might pitch a tent on a remote beach or cliff-top for a night of solitude under the midsummer sky. (Always follow guidelines: leave no trace, stay well away from houses, and be mindful of farm animals and nesting birds.) Campervans and motorhomes are welcome on the ferries, and there are designated overnight parking spots and waste disposal points in some areas. Camping gives you great flexibility and a close-to-nature experience – imagine waking up to sunrise over the sea at Rackwick Bay on Hoy. Be prepared for wind (secure your tent well!) and bring midge repellent just in case. Glamping options also exist, such as wooden camping pods or eco-huts on some isles, offering a bit more comfort while still enjoying the camping vibe.

1. Pickaquoy Centre Caravan Park (Kirkwall)
Modern caravan park with electric hook-ups, showers, laundry, and access to leisure facilities like swimming pool and cinema—great central base.

2. Point of Ness Campsite (Stromness)
Stunning sea views and easy walking distance to Stromness town—popular with cyclists and nature lovers.

3. Wheems Organic Farm (South Ronaldsay)
Eco-farm with yurts and pod glamping, offering peace, sea air, and organic produce for campers.

4. Ayres Rock Glamping Pods (Westray)
Comfortable wooden pods overlooking the sea, with heating and Wi-Fi—perfect for a cozy island escape.

🌟 Accommodation Tips for Orkney Travelers

• Book early if you’re visiting from June to August—spots fill quickly, especially on smaller islands.
• Kirkwall is best for transport links, dining, and day trips.
• Stromness offers charm and proximity to Neolithic sites.
• Want true island immersion? Spend a night on a smaller island—you’ll see a different, quieter side of Orkney.
• No matter where you stay, the Orcadian warmth and jaw-dropping sea views are always included.

Whether you’re unwinding in a farm cottage, swapping tales in a hostel lounge, or sipping whisky by the sea in a harborside hotel, Orkney’s accommodations add to the magic of the islands. Rest well—your next island adventure begins at sunrise.