Hotels & Accommodation in Orkney Islands Scotland

The Orkney Islands sit off the northern tip of Scotland and offer an accommodation landscape shaped by their small, scattered island population and strong heritage tourism. The scene is dominated by independently run B&Bs, self-catering cottages, and guesthouses rather than large hotel brands. A handful of established hotels anchor Kirkwall and Stromness, but the majority of visitors who want local character book directly with family-run properties, many of which are set in traditional Orcadian stone farmhouses or waterfront buildings.

Self-catering cottages are arguably the most popular accommodation format, particularly for couples and families visiting for a week. These range from converted farm outbuildings to modern builds on working crofts, and they allow the kind of flexible, independent travel suited to Orkney's scattered archaeological sites. Farm stays and rural B&Bs on the outer islands — Hoy, Westray, Sanday, and others — are genuine and well-established, offering an experience well outside the typical hotel circuit.

Hostel provision is limited but exists in both Kirkwall and Stromness, serving budget travellers and those doing the North Coast 500 extension. Glamping and camping options have grown modestly in recent years. There are no major international hotel chains or luxury resort complexes; the closest thing to upscale accommodation is a small number of boutique country-house-style hotels. This is a destination where charm, remoteness, and simplicity define the stay, and travellers expecting city-style amenities should recalibrate expectations accordingly.

Peak summer (June–August) sees the highest demand across all property types. Orkney's long midsummer days and the high-profile Orkney Folk Festival (May) and St Magnus International Festival (June) cause local accommodation to sell out weeks or months in advance — book at least 3–6 months ahead for these periods.

April–May and September–October are shoulder seasons with better availability and cooler but often settled weather; these are popular with walkers and photographers and still require advance planning.

Winter (November–March) sees many smaller B&Bs, guesthouses, and outer island properties close entirely. Kirkwall and Stromness retain some year-round options. Those chasing the Northern Lights in winter should verify individual property opening dates carefully before booking.

Self-catering cottages on the outer islands often book on a Saturday-to-Saturday weekly basis in summer; mid-week arrivals may not be accepted.

• Seasonal closures are common: Many smaller B&Bs, guesthouses, and virtually all outer-island properties operate only April or May through September or October. Always confirm opening dates directly with the property.
• Car dependency: The vast majority of self-catering and rural B&B accommodation requires a car. There is no meaningful public transport on most islands; Kirkwall and Stromness are the only areas with any walking-distance infrastructure.
• Ferry and flight logistics: Staying on outer islands (Hoy, Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, etc.) requires coordinating with Orkney Ferries or Loganair inter-island flights. Check timetables before booking accommodation — ferry frequency can be very limited.
• Minimum stays: Many self-catering cottages impose 3-night or 7-night minimum stays, especially in peak season.
• No air conditioning: Essentially non-existent in Orkney; summer temperatures rarely require it, but properties can be cold and damp in off-season.
• Elevator/lift access: Rare in all but the largest Kirkwall hotels. Older stone buildings are not step-free. Verify accessibility needs directly.
• Breakfast not always included: Many self-styled B&Bs operate as room-only or with breakfast at extra cost. Confirm in advance.
• Deposits and cancellation: Small, family-run properties often require non-refundable deposits. Read policies carefully — standard OTA cancellation terms may not apply to direct bookings.
• Wi-Fi and mobile signal: Coverage is improving but remains patchy across the outer islands and rural Mainland areas. Do not rely on connectivity.
• Pet policies: Some rural cottages are pet-friendly; verify explicitly as policies vary widely.

Orkney has a high proportion of direct-booking properties operated by local families and estate owners, which is generally reliable but requires extra diligence. When booking self-catering cottages or B&Bs via local agency websites or direct contact, confirm the property owner's identity and use a traceable payment method (credit card or recognised payment platform). Be cautious of listings on general classified sites that request bank transfers only, ask for unusually large upfront deposits, or cannot provide verifiable local contact information. For outer island stays, cross-check the property against Visit Orkney or VisitScotland listings where possible. Use established booking platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb, direct operator sites) and retain all written confirmation of your reservation.

Kirkwall is the most practical base if you are arriving by air (Kirkwall Airport is within walking distance of the town centre) or by ferry (Northlink Ferries dock at Stromness, with a bus connection to Kirkwall). Stromness is walkable internally but is otherwise car-dependent for exploring the islands.

For any accommodation outside these two towns, a hire car is essentially non-negotiable. Orkney's main archaeological sites (Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, Maeshowe) are spread across the Mainland and are not reliably served by public transport. Cycling is feasible on Mainland for fit travellers in good weather but distances and wind can be significant.

Outer island stays require combining ferry or inter-island flight schedules with accommodation logistics — plan both simultaneously. The inter-island ferries are operated by Orkney Ferries and can be booked in advance, which is recommended in summer.

Self-catering cottages are the dominant family choice in Orkney, offering full kitchens, flexible meal times, and space for children — many have gardens or direct access to coastal or farmland settings. Several rural properties on the Mainland and South Ronaldsay are specifically set up for families with cots, high chairs, and outdoor space available on request. Families planning outer island visits should account for ferry timings carefully, as missed ferries on islands like Hoy can mean an unplanned overnight. Kirkwall's hotels offer the most predictable family infrastructure. Always verify whether a property has step-free access, appropriate sleeping configurations, and proximity to beaches or play areas if these matter to your group.

Orkney is not set up as a long-stay urban destination in the serviced-apartment sense. However, self-catering cottages — particularly those managed by local agencies — can often be negotiated at reduced weekly or monthly rates outside peak season. A small number of guesthouses in Kirkwall offer room-only rates suited to workers or contractors on extended visits. For stays of a month or more, direct contact with local letting agents and community noticeboards (including those listed via Orkney Islands Council resources) is more productive than mainstream booking platforms. There are no formal aparthotels on the islands.