Business Details
Luxury Hotel Accommodation in Orkney
Established in 1860, The Sands Hotel has evolved from a herring store to a four-star coastal retreat in Orkney. Our six en-suite bedrooms and two luxury suites offer uninterrupted sea views, combining historic charm with modern comforts. The award-winning Watersound Restaurant showcases locally sourced seafood and traditional Scottish cuisine, open year-round to guests and locals alike. Strategically located near Scapa Flow and the Churchill Barriers, we cater to divers, historians, and nature enthusiasts exploring Orkney's rich heritage. With over 160 years of hospitality experience, our team ensures seamless service, reflected in consistent five-star guest reviews praising our staff, facilities, and culinary offerings. 
Services
Accommodation
Fine Dining
Event Hosting
Diving Packages
Local Tours
Highlights and features
- We offer 160 years of hospitality expertise in a historic Orkney landmark
- All rooms feature uninterrupted sea views and modern four-star comforts
- Our Watersound Restaurant serves locally sourced seafood and home-cooked dishes
- Direct access to Scapa Flow diving sites and nearby Neolithic attractions
- Consistently rated 'Excellent' for staff service and facility standards
What people say
First class stay
Excellent staff
Sea views
Home-cooked food
Historic charm
Services
Luxury Accommodation
Six en-suite bedrooms and two luxury suites with panoramic sea views, combining historic features with modern amenities including free WiFi, premium bedding, and locally made toiletries. Each room offers direct access to coastal walks and 24-hour concierge service.
Watersound Restaurant
Award-winning restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with menus featuring Orkney seafood, homemade dishes, and a la carte options. Open daily 12-8:30pm, offering wine pairings and dietary options including gluten-free and vegan.
Event Hosting
Versatile event spaces including a conservatory and upgraded lounge for weddings, conferences, and private parties. Full catering support, AV equipment, and accommodation packages for up to 100 guests with dedicated event coordination.
Diving Packages
Specialist diving packages to Scapa Flow wrecks with equipment storage, guided tours, and drying facilities. Complimentary local knowledge from staff experienced in Orkney's maritime history and dive site navigation.
Local Tours
Curated tours to nearby attractions including Italian Chapel, St Magnus Cathedral, and Neolithic sites. Includes transport options, entry tickets, and expert commentary on Orkney's Viking heritage and natural landscapes.
Questions
Does The The Sands Hotel offer sea-view rooms?
All six en-suite bedrooms and two luxury suites feature uninterrupted sea views across Watersound Bay.
What dining options are available?
The Watersound Restaurant serves lunch (12-2pm), evening meals (5-8:30pm), and a la carte menus featuring local Orkney produce.
Are there nearby attractions?
We're near Scapa Flow dive sites, Italian Chapel, Churchill Barriers, and St Magnus Cathedral within 4-11 miles.
Is parking available?
Free on-site parking is available for guests with spaces for 98 cars in our dedicated lot.
Can I book events at the hotel?
We host weddings, conferences, and private events in our upgraded lounge and conservatory spaces.
Reviews (7)
Erik Smith
Jun 21, 2022
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Amazing place. Food is amazing. All freshly made. Lovely and clean rooms and excellent service. Warm welcome
Alistair Hastie
Jun 14, 2022
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This is one of the best hotels I have stay in. The food was excellent. The rooms were very clean and comfortable, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I would recommend this hotel to everybody, definitely worth 5 stars.
Lynne Allan
May 06, 2022
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Excellent food and drinks for a work night out. Salmon and prawn cornet followed by Sands curry - all delicious!
Helen Browett
May 05, 2022
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Very friendly staff, spotless rooms, great menu with lovingly cooked local ingredients. Couldn't ask for better.
Clare Fci
Mar 08, 2022
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A fabulous hotel. Astounding views. Very kind helpful staff. Our room was gorgeous, big comfortable bed, lovely bathroom - well equipped. Great breakfasts, lavish dinners. Enjoyed it so much.
The Amazing Adventures Of Alan Aim
Feb 04, 2022
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Absolute superb food quality, ambience, and customer service with a smile. Prices are mid-high, but extremely good value for money for the quality of dishes. Wifi available too. Probably one of the top 3 restaurants in Orkney.
John Wilkinson
Aug 23, 2021
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Convenient for ferry, small and quaint beside the sea shore and fishing boats. Lovely suite for family with everything you wish for and comfortable. Food delicious. I had the hand dived scallops and they were superb. Breakfast is ordered the night before and the menu is extensive and good sized portions. Overall top quality. I would stay here again and recommend.
