The above photograph is one of the Kent Series of pictures, taken of the hotel at midnight in June before the turn of the century. Just as it was then, the Ayre Hotel is still a hotel serving visitors to the county, whether they are passing through or staying here on holiday. As you can see from the photographs, The Ayre has come a long way from its beginnings last century. The hotel is under new ownership and is run under the personal supervision of Lyall & Wendy Harray. With personal service a high priority and we aim to look after our guests as if they were in their own homes.www.ayrehotel.co.ukAyre Rd, KW15 1QX

Dramatically placed between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, the ebb and flow of waves can be heard constantly. Our home, now a Private Hotel, offers oak panelled rooms, log fires and comfortable bedrooms containing beautiful Victorian furniture and antiques. A perfect central location for touring the fascinating Orkney Archipelago.www.balfourcastle.co.ukBalfour Castle Balfour, KW17 2DY

The Barony Hotel is a family run hotel which stands on the shores of the Boardhouse Loch in Birsay. It is surrounded by 3 excellent bird reserves and is close to 4 other trout fishing lochs. Most of our rooms are en suite and all have tea/coffee making facilities. We have a large lounge bar from which we serve from our extensive supper menu. Beef, fish and shellfish feature high on our menu as it is all locally produced.www.baronyhotel.comBirsay, KW17 2LS

This comfortable friendly Inn is situated centrally by the harbour area of the picturesque town of Stromness in Orkney with its winding, narrow, paved and cobbled streets. One can view from the Inn the harbour, the bustle of boats of all kinds and further beyond Scapa Flow the famous Orkney Naval Base of two World Warswww.ferryinn.com10 John St, KW16 3AD

Foveran is a warm and inviting family-run hotel and restaurant, offering accommodation on the Orkney Mainland - an ideal base to further explore the splendour of Orkney. Only three miles from Orkney's main town of Kirkwall, on the A964, Foveran sits in an area of unspoilt countryside, offering guests beautiful views over Scapa Flow.www.foveranhotel.co.ukSt. Ola, KW15 1SF

We are a small, family run hotel situated by the sea in the village of Kettletoft. Within easy walking distance of the hotel are the local shops and post office and direct access to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island Backaskaill Bay. Watch the seals and wildlife from the comfort of our well stocked bar, great especially on a rainy day We serve good food using local produce wherever possible and provide a good selection of homemade puddings, Meals are available throughout the day, though times may vary during winter.www.kettletofthotel.comSanday, KW17 2BJ

The Kirkwall Hotel offers 37 refurbished en-suite rooms, which are perfect for both individuals and groups. Our rooms are all equipped with colour television, telephone and tea / coffee making facilities. Superior rooms situated at the front of the hotel have magnificent harbour views looking out onto the northern isles. Standard rooms are situated at the side and back of the hotel, these rooms have views of the town and surrounding area.www.kirkwallhotel.comHarbour St, KW15 1LE

The Lynnfield is in an ideal position to tour Orkney, centrally situated and positioned adjacent to the world famous Highland Park Distillery. There is ample parking and there are spectacular views looking out over the town and beyond. The view from the restaurant over the bay can be a distraction from the excellent menus, which are changed daily to accommodate deliveries of the fresh local ingredients.www.lynnfieldhotel.comHolm Rd, KW15 1RX

Situated in the heart of picturesque Dumfries and Galloway Scotland, the Murray Arms Hotel Gatehouse of Fleet is one of the most charming, proprietor run hotels Dumfries and Galloway has to offer. With 12 ensuite bedrooms, six meeting or break-out rooms and as a charming Dumfries and Galloway wedding venue , we are well-equipped to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.www.murrayarms.comBack Rd St. Margarets Hope, KW17 2SP

Our rooms range from premier doubles, through standard doubles to our value twin and singles. All are en-suite with doubles recently refurbished to a high standard. The premier rooms are larger, front facing and have baths as well as showers. We use these rooms as family rooms also when required, as they have ample room for fold down beds or cots that we are happy to supply.www.queenskirkwall.co.ukShore St, KW15 1LG

We offer 30 en-suite rooms, many renovated to a four-star standard, such as our junior suites that include a four-poster bed, Jacuzzi bath, wide screen TV, DVD player and two phone points. All rooms offer Sky Satellite TV and include Sky Sports 1, 2 and 3. Our Taste of Orkney Victoria Restaurant offers unique and creative dishes prepared with the finest local produce by Head Chef Mark Jordan. Guests may enjoy views of the St. Magnus Cathedral or stroll through our private gardens. Choose from over 60 Scottish whiskies for an after-dinner dram in the quiet St. Magnus lounge.www.orkneyhotel.co.uk40 Victoria St, KW15 1DN

Overlooking the picturesque harbour in Stromness (birthplace of George MacKay Brown), the Stromness Hotel provides comfortable accommodation and finest Orkney produce in our Scapa Flow restaurant to make your trip to Orkney very special. The Stromness Hotel is situated just 4.5 miles from the Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones historic sites and is the perfect base for your visit to Orkney. The narrow, winding streets through Stromness have a unique traditional and historic feel about them, and the contemporary styled Pier Arts Centre offers up a truely inspired harmony between the traditional and the modern.www.stromnesshotel.comVictoria St, KW16 3AA

Perched on a hill commanding uninterrupted views of the Orkney Isles and over the Pentland Firth to mainland Scotland, the Stromabank offers far more than bed and breakfast. The Conservatory Restaurant and elegant Public Bar provide the perfect venue for wining and dining or perhaps a dram or two by the fire to round off a hard day relaxing and soaking up the Island's dramatic history and scenerywww.stromabank.co.ukLonghope, KW16 3PA

Four star recently upgraded character building situated along the shore of Scapa Flow in Burray village. All rooms are en suite overlooking the beach and pier where local fishermen work from. Our busy restaurant is open daily serving lunches, bar meals and a la carte, fresh local produce is used whenever possible. The hotel is completely non-smoking. The Sands Hotel, originally built as a fish store in 1860, has been recently refurbished and upgraded to provide a high standard of both bed and breakfast and Self Catering accommodation in Burray Village.www.thesandshotel.co.ukSands Motel Burray, KW17 2SS