Hotels in Kirkwall

The best location for your Kirkwall hotel is in the Town Centre and around Broad Street, as this compact area is where all the major historical sites and amenities are clustered, making it easily walkable.

Accommodation near St Magnus Cathedral and the Orkney Museum is the most convenient choice. Staying here puts you steps away from the magnificent architecture, the narrow flagstone streets, and the town's best traditional pubs. This area is ideal for soaking up the town’s unique Norse-Scottish atmosphere.

For visitors prioritising the ferries and transport, look for accommodation closer to the Harbour and the Bus Station. This area offers easy access to the ferries for the outer islands and provides better access to the Orkney Wireless Museum and the Highland Park Distillery just outside the centre.

Kirkwall is served by Kirkwall Airport (KOI), with simple transfers via bus or taxi. The town is highly walkable. Local bus services, which depart from the central bus station, are essential for exploring the main island of Orkney, including the famous Neolithic sites of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar.

Hotel prices in Kirkwall are extremely high during the peak summer tourist season, from June to August, when the weather is at its best and demand is high due to the limited island accommodation. Prices are also affected by the annual St Magnus Festival in June.

The best value is found during the quieter winter months, from November to March, though daylight hours are short. The shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October offer a balance of moderate weather and lower rates. A unique tip for Kirkwall is that the town has a heavy reliance on ferry and cruise ship tourism. Booking a hotel for a mid-week stay that avoids the main cruise ship docking days (often found via local schedules) can offer a quieter experience and better rates.