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Kirkwall Youth Hostel

2.0 star property
Travelers find peaceful respite both indoors and out at this tranquil spot, where comfortable spaces invite relaxation after exploring the quiet surroundings

Choose dates to view prices

Kirkwall Youth Hostel offers a genuinely peaceful retreat with its quiet garden that guests can access throughout their stay. The rooms come with free WiFi for staying connected, while practical laundry facilities make longer visits more comfortable.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry room
  • Kitchen
The current price is £87
includes taxes & fees
19 Jul - 20 Jul

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Men only, Shared Bathroom

Bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Men only, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only, Shared Bathroom

Bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Women only, Shared Bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Single Room, Shared Bathroom

Single Room, Shared Bathroom | Bed sheets

Single Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom | Bed sheets

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

7.6 out of 10
Good
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Standard Quadruple Room, Shared Bathroom

Bed sheets

Standard Quadruple Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Beds

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | Bed sheets

Standard Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | Bed sheets

Standard Double Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Triple Room

Bed sheets

Standard Triple Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
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About the area

Located in Kirkwall, Kirkwall Youth Hostel is near the beach. Scapa Distillery and Orkney Wine Company are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Scapa Beach and Mill Sand. The Pickaquoy Centre and Stromness Museum are also worth visiting. Visit our Kirkwall travel guide
View more Hostels in Kirkwall
Map
Old Scapa Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1BB

What's nearby

  • A historic stone castle surrounded by lush green trees.
    Bishop's Palace
    9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • A historic church with a prominent tower and a surrounding graveyard.
    St. Magnus Cathedral
    11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • An ancient stone building with arched windows and a tower in the background.
    Earl's Palace
    11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Orkney Museum
    11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • The Pickaquoy Centre
    13 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Kirkwall (KOI)
    6 min drive

Restaurants

  • Movement Coffee
    15 min walk
  • Sunbeam Coffee House
    9 min walk
  • Auld Motor Hoose
    14 min walk
  • Skipper's
    16 min walk
  • Lucano
    9 min walk

About this property

Kirkwall Youth Hostel

  • Property highlights
  • You can look forward to a garden, laundry facilities and a restaurant at Kirkwall Youth Hostel. Free WiFi in public areas and a snack bar/deli are available to all guests.
  • Additional perks include:
    • Self-service breakfast (surcharge), smoke-free property and luggage storage
    • Secured bike storage and a TV in reception
  • Other conveniences in all rooms include:
    • Showers and toilet paper
    • Communal kitchens, ovens and stovetops

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Exterior
The Ayre Hotel
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  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 256 reviews
The price is £125
includes taxes & fees
1 Aug - 2 Aug
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Limited on-site parking

Food and drink

  • Daily self-serve breakfast available 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: GBP 6.50 for adults and GBP 6.50 for children
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared refrigerator

Outdoors

  • Garden

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Vibrating pillow alarm
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 2 floors
  • Communal living room
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shower
  • Toilet paper

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Oven
  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 5 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 16

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Monday - Sunday (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) and Monday - Sunday (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between 21 July and 31 March.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 7.50 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property on the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for self-service breakfast: from approximately GBP 6.50 for adults and from GBP 6.50 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 7.50 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kirkwall Youth Hostel pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of GBP 7.50 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much does it cost to stay at Kirkwall Youth Hostel?

As of 16 Jul 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kirkwall Youth Hostel on 19 Jul 2026 start from £87, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Kirkwall Youth Hostel?

Limited spots are available.

What time is check-in at Kirkwall Youth Hostel?

Check-in start time: 5 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Kirkwall Youth Hostel?

Checkout is at 10 AM.

Where is Kirkwall Youth Hostel located?

Situated near the beach, this hostel is within a 15-minute walk of Bishop's Palace, Earl's Palace and Orkney Museum. St. Magnus Cathedral and The Pickaquoy Centre are also within 15 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Kirkwall Youth Hostel Reviews

8.0

Very good

8.2

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

8.8

Staff & service

7.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 46 reviews

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Meg

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Arrived in the middle of the night. Luckily we were able to get in and rouse the night staff, who appeared immediately. Very comfortable room
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and comfortable, well organised. Free WiFi available in communal areas only.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Beth

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Several of the staff were very helpful, like Ross and Joseph. I initially had a dorm room, but there wasn't enough space for me to layout equipment I needed each day. Was very happy to switch to a private room. Great set up for kitchen use.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Arthur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
We arrived late from the Shetland Ferry. Instructions to get in were clear. We had a private room but no towels, they were complimentary but had to be provided for by staff and upon arrival there was no staff… so we could not shower in the evening. All was clean and working well. Room was clean and effective - but could be made more friendly by just putting up some pictures or Orkney fotos.. that would really make a difference. Staff was very accomodating and nice, breakfast room was pleasant. We had an okay stay but all in all found it quite high priced for the basic facilities we got.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Shawn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room and commons nice location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
If you are visiting Kirkwall do not hesitate to stay in this wonderful hostel
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Exactly what we needed - a place to kip for the night that was warm, clean and dry.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I liked my private room. I stayed 3 nights and really appreciated the simplicity of the facility. Everything you need is there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Decent hostel with private rooms

Youth hostel with (some) rooms converted to double rooms. Rooms slightly basic, but comfortable. The place is somewhat aged but appears well kept. Spacious communal kitchen and dining room.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Maren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My stay was great. The place was clean but a bit small. You can wash your laundry there for a small price and even use the dryer. The bathroom was clean. The showers were new but a bit narrow.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Andy

👍
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

JOSE VICENTE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Too expensive breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

john

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

It does what it says on the tin!

Clean warm with good facilities. Only downer was hot water was a pain to access. Cold showers unless you waited and waited and waited!! However cheap and comfortable place to stay not too far from town
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2018
Verified

4/10 Poor

YaoQiang

Liked: Staff & service
Wi-Fi so bad the price one £80 room. You can’t get Wi-Fi in room no chair in room
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Mrs P

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
The private room was ok but I did not like the gender neutral toilets and washrooms. If they had been single units affording some privacy, that would have been fine - but they weren’t. Also there was an unpleasant smell of cooking in the corridor. The room smelled ok. The doors of the other rooms banged as they were closing - so quite noisy late at night while trying to sleep.The warden was helpful and pleasant.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A sad state of affairs

Run down- would benefit from a complete revamp. There are few amenities ( ie toilets) for size. Cost is extremely high for quality of accommodation on offer. A shame that this syha hostel has lost it way and is now more expensive and not as good as local competitors. No one about to let in some poor folk who came in on late boat despite arrangements having been made. Overall, extortionate and poor quality- reccomend either lowering the price or providing a much better service. W
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really nice facilities for the price
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fine kitchen Facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Caroline

Auberge de jeunesse vieillotte Pratique pour visiter l’île.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nära centrum och prisvärt
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Anja

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Kirkwall Youth Hostel

Unterkunft für Ausflüge auf der Insel fußläufig sind die Destillerien Highland Park und Scapa (ca 20min Fußweg) zu erreichen. Auch der Weg in die Innenstadt ist nach kurzen Fußmarsch gut zu erreichen.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Will stay here again

First time in a youth hostel as an adult (and since the 80s) was a surprisingly pleasant experience. A private twin room for myself and my 12 yo daughter was great, shared facilities not too much of an issue even though the place was busy. Could do with more fridge space for guests, but ambient storage is plentiful, and the kitchen area and supplies ample for everyone. Location is great: within easy walking distance of the bus station for the able-bodied even with a heavy suitcase in tow, 10 minutes walk from 3 supermarkets and multiple takeaway food outlets (all independant, no chains), and within 10 minutes to the town centre and major attractions. Staff were available during advertised hours; friendly and efficient whenever encountered
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly place and in a great location. On town service bus route on the hour until 6.00pm but everywhere was within walking distance.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were excellent and accommodating. Great value for the money if you just need a clean bed. Didn't like large communal area. Too many people using foul language. Dishes and utensils not clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Maureen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Convenient location. Kitchen had all of the amenities necessary, but fridge space was limited and fridges were not clean. Private room was basic, but had everything needed. Only concern was not having staff available earlier in the day for checkin, and when I sent the hostel an email earlierthrough the booking program, I did not receive an answer.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019