A historic church with a prominent tower and a surrounding graveyard.

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Our top choices for Kirkwall historic hotels

1. Grainbank Mews

Grainbank Mews
3.0 star property
Kirkwall
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (14 reviews)
"The room was spotless, very friendly staff,close to town centre. "
United Kingdom
Stephen
The price is £79
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Grainbank Mews

2. Albert Hotel

Albert Hotel
3.0 star property
Kirkwall
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (311 reviews)
"Clean and central location"
United States
Debra
The price is £126
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Albert Hotel

3. The Ayre Hotel

The Ayre Hotel
3.0 star property
Kirkwall
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (277 reviews)
"Comfy room, excellent service, perfectly located."
United States
Giorgia
The price is £77
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
The Ayre Hotel

4. The Orkney Hotel

The Orkney Hotel
3.0 star property
Kirkwall
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (83 reviews)
"Staff was very accommodating. The large tub with jets was relaxing. The central location was excellent. Hot breakfast and selection was very good. We plan to come back. Highly recommend."
United States
David
The price is £155
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
The Orkney Hotel

5. The Shore

The Shore
3.0 star property
Kirkwall
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (189 reviews)
"We were very pleasantly surprised to learn our 1 room family suite had 2 separate bedrooms. Beds were very comfortable and the bathroom was nice. Only issues were that we only had 1 key which made it tricky every time we went separate places. Also there was an illuminated exit sign in the king bedroom we had to cover up it was so bright, and when others shut their doors it would thump ours. Loved the skylights, was a bit stuffy but those helped. Loved the breakfast!"
United States
Beth
The price is £150
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
The Shore

6. Karrawa Guest House

Karrawa Guest House
3.0 star property
Kirkwall
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (138 reviews)
"Comfortable rooms, great breakfasts"
Canada
Gerald
The price is £71
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Karrawa Guest House

7. West End Guest House

West End Guest House
2.0 star property
Kirkwall
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (84 reviews)
"A very friendly welcome, they were happy to accommodate our very late (11.30pm) arrival after we travelled there on the ferry. The owners have recently taken it over and in the last few weeks completed an overhaul of the bar/restaurant area which looks lovely. We didn't try the evening meals but the breakfasts were phenomenal, a proper Scottish breakfast that really sets you up for the day. Very friendly hosts helped us to work out what to do during the day and suggested good walks and so...
United Kingdom
Tanya
The price is £56
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
West End Guest House

8. Lindisfarne Bed & Breakfast

Lindisfarne Bed & Breakfast
3.0 star property
Stromness
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (94 reviews)
"Friendly, clean and conveniently located. Breakfast was great and the owners were incredibly helpful. Really enjoyed my stay."
United States
Claudia
The price is £117
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Lindisfarne Bed & Breakfast

9. The Sands Hotel

The Sands Hotel
2.5 star property
Burray
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (63 reviews)
"The manager Bryce gave us excellent recommendations for dights to see at the south end of the island and where to park on a weekend in Kirkwall. Such a unique setting and quiet."
United States
Susan
The price is £136
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
The Sands Hotel

10. The Stromness Hotel

The Stromness Hotel
2.0 star property
Stromness
6.8 out of 10, (102 reviews)
"The location and old world charm. The staff member was very nice and went out of his way to help us."
United States
Donna
The price is £99
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
The Stromness Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Top Kirkwall Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

What should a history enthusiast expect from a trip to Kirkwall?
People visiting Kirkwall may want to book a tour of the historical sites. Why not absorb the local colour with a visit to the bars?
How many historical hotels are located in Kirkwall?
In Kirkwall, you'll find 29 hotels and other lodging options bookable on Expedia but not many designated as historic hotels.
What are the top historical sites and other places in Kirkwall?
Favourite places to visit include Orkney Museum, Highland Park Distillery and Orkney Wireless Museum. A couple of additional sights to add to your itinerary are Scapa Beach and The Orkney Library & Archive.
What is a historic hotel like in Kirkwall?
By booking a historic hotel, guests can stay someplace that has an official historic designation. A palace, castle, stately home or even a lodge, pub or skyscraper can be identified as a historic hotel provided that it's of special interest. Traditional architecture and period features are typically found within the guestrooms or public spaces of historic hotels in Kirkwall, giving a historical feel.
What is the difference between a historic hotel and a heritage hotel?
"Heritage hotel" is a term often used in Asia and Europe, wheareas the term "historic hotel" is more commonly used in the U.S. though overall the terms are quite similar. The architecture and building of historic hotels are generally the most significant aspect. For a heritage hotel, mainly, it's cultural value as well as how it shaped the community.
Do historic hotels in Kirkwall have modern facilities?
Hotel interiors feature the modern conveniences and safety features you've come to expect, though efforts have been made to preserve treasured traditions and historic facades. Private rooms with updated bathroom facilities, free WiFi and the amenities found in a hotel will be available in a historic hotel. When you book a historic hotel in Kirkwall, don't worry that you'll find a place that's uncomfortable for guests or simply rundown.

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