Business Details
Historic 17th Century Hotel in Kirkwall with Modern Amenities
Established in 1670, The Orkney Hotel combines centuries of heritage with modern hospitality, offering guests a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary comfort. Our 30 elegantly appointed en-suite rooms, including Superior and Deluxe options with Jacuzzi baths and four-poster beds, provide a restful retreat after exploring Orkney's rich cultural and natural landscapes. The Garden View Restaurant showcases locally sourced Orcadian produce, while the Royal Cask Whisky Gin Bar boasts an unparalleled collection of over 1,000 whiskies and 160 gins.Strategically located in Kirkwall's historic centre, we offer easy access to St. Magnus Cathedral, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the islands' renowned archaeological treasures. With dedicated meeting spaces and event facilities, we cater to both leisure and corporate visitors seeking authentic Orcadian hospitality. Our commitment to preserving the building's original features while providing modern amenities ensures a distinctive experience that reflects Orkney's enduring legacy.
Services
Accommodation
Restaurant
Bar
Meeting Rooms
Event Hosting
Highlights and features
- We offer 350 years of hospitality heritage combined with modern comforts
- Our menus feature exclusively locally sourced Orcadian produce
- We provide access to Orkney's most significant historical attractions
- We have Scotland's largest whisky bar collection with over 1,000 drams
- Our event spaces accommodate up to 35 delegates with custom catering
Services
Luxury Accommodation
Our 30 elegant en-suite rooms blend historic charm with modern comforts. Superior and Deluxe options feature Jacuzzi baths and four-poster beds, while all rooms include free WiFi, tea/coffee facilities, and premium bedding. Located in Kirkwall's historic centre, our accommodations provide the perfect base for exploring Orkney's cultural and natural attractions.
Local Cuisine Dining
The Garden View Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner using exclusively locally sourced Orcadian ingredients. Our menu features native bred beef, fresh seafood, and produce from award-winning local suppliers. The restaurant overlooks our private garden, offering a unique dining experience that showcases Orkney's culinary heritage.
Whisky Bar Experience
The Royal Cask Whisky Gin Bar houses over 1,000 whiskies and 160 gins, including local distilleries like Highland Park and Scapa. Our bar menu includes Orkney Brewery and Swannay Brewery ales. The child-friendly space maintains traditional features while offering modern comforts in a 350-year-old setting.
Corporate Events
We offer two dedicated meeting spaces: the Richan Suite (35 delegates) and Whisky Room (25 delegates). Both feature modern equipment hire options and custom catering using local produce. Our experienced team ensures seamless event planning with full dietary requirement accommodations.
Heritage Experience
As Orkney's oldest hotel, we offer unique access to our 1670 Richan family history. Guests can explore original features like Richan's Arch and learn about our merchant heritage through curated historical information. The hotel serves as an ideal starting point for visiting nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Questions
What historical features can guests expect to see?
Original features include Richan's Arch entrance and 17th-century lintels. The building retains its historic character while offering modern amenities.
Are there dining options available for non-residents?
Yes, our Garden View Restaurant and Royal Cask Bar welcome non-residents during regular service hours.
How close is the hotel to Kirkwall Airport?
We're located just 10 minutes drive from Kirkwall Airport with easy access to the town centre.
What local attractions are nearby?
We're minutes from St. Magnus Cathedral, Bishops and Earls Palaces, and 25 minutes from Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar.
Can the hotel accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes, we cater for all dietary requirements across our restaurant, bar, and event menus.
Is there WiFi access throughout the hotel?
Free WiFi is available in all guest rooms and public areas of the hotel.
Reviews (6)
David Jim Ferguson
Feb 15, 2022
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Great location. Looks small from the outside! Lovely, friendly staff. Great breakfast. Clean. Would stay again.
Dan McMullen
Nov 21, 2021
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Had a drink in the bar and was refused lemon in my drink as it "would take 10 mins to get the lemon" was told to "put in my mask" as I was putting it on, moody bar staff and had no interest in making our time in the bar a good time! Absolutely appalling service and would never go back to the bar!
Eggs Benedict
Jul 21, 2021
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The new Australian girl has exceptional customer service. She was very nice and polite and her smile is a breath of fresh air(I can see through masks). You have a true asset there Orkney hotel.
Sam Barnes
Feb 26, 2021
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Not the first time I've stayed here (key worker travelling, not for pleasure exactly) but it truly is a pleasure. Rooms are tidy and warm, most are away from the road and the little noise that generates. The staff are super and let you do your thing if you need, but every bit as chatty and full of energy if you wish to engage! Breakfast is superb, hearty and the tea is nicely brewed, the haggis is tasty as can be and how can I not mention the perfectly cooked bacon. Central to town this hotel is great value for money, and I'll be recommending it to my colleagues and others who wish to visit Kirkwall.
Steven Bruce
Feb 13, 2018
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Cant comment on the stay in the hotel but the pub and food is excellent. Food is great quality and very tasty. Drinks menu is unreal. Can have 5 gin, rum or single malt ranging all the way up to some of the rarest measures of whisky. A pub for everyone and also shows sports on the many Tv's in the pub. Always enjoy starting the night here.
Qype User Selkie
Jan 23, 2009
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The Orkney Hotel (or Royal Hotel as it used to be called) can be a bit hit and miss for food. I've never stayed there so can't comment first hand on that, but do know several other people who have stayed there who would happily stay there again, which is generally a good sign. The bar - the Wild West Saloon - is popular and gets very busy at weekends. There's quite a good atmosphere there, and a good range of beers available.
The restaurant is the bit that can be hit and miss. It's a little pricey - and for those prices you'd expect quality all the time, not just some of the time. Sometimes the food can be fantastic but the service very slow. And other times the service can be great and the food less so - such as puddings with what was supposed to be a caramelised topping which turned out to be about 6 teaspoons full of sugar! Now I like sweet things, but really.
The restaurant is the bit that can be hit and miss. It's a little pricey - and for those prices you'd expect quality all the time, not just some of the time. Sometimes the food can be fantastic but the service very slow. And other times the service can be great and the food less so - such as puddings with what was supposed to be a caramelised topping which turned out to be about 6 teaspoons full of sugar! Now I like sweet things, but really.
