Hotels in Kirkwall

Find the best Kirkwall hotel for your dates, by price or preference

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Prices may change – pop in your dates for the best estimate. Note that prices are based on previous traveller searches and partner prices.
Prices may change – pop in your dates for the best estimate. Note that prices are based on previous traveller searches and partner prices.
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Luxury stay or budget getaway?

Whether you're after 5-star comfort or ease on your wallet, we do the searching so you can sleep easy during your stay in Kirkwall.

Find a Kirkwall hotel in the heart of the action

Beat the queues at the top Kirkwall attractions by staying close to them.

Fast facts

Sleep easy, armed with the stuff that's good to know before you go.
Highest rated hotelRoyal Oak Guesthouse – 4.9

How to find the best hotel deals in Kirkwall

Want to use the same magic that powers our award-winning flight search to find the best room rates on the internet? Here are a few tips to help you search and save in seconds.

How to find the best hotel deal in Kirkwall

  • The same magic behind our flight search can also help you find the sharpest room rates around. Use these hacks to search smarter and pocket savings on your Kirkwall hotel.

  • Plan your trip ahead of time to save on your Kirkwall hotel. You'll also have a bigger selection of stays and room types to pick from, especially around holidays and school breaks.

  • Still, be ready to snap up any last-minute deals. Some places drop their rates just before check-in to fill rooms. This is more likely to happen on less busy days or in low season, though.

  • The more flexible your dates, the better the bargains. Move your travel window around to discover what deals are on offer. Prices are typically cheaper midweek and outside peak seasons.

  • Find accommodation options with free cancellation and take the stress out of booking. You can adjust or cancel your stay without penalty if things change or a better deal shows up.

Where to stay in Kirkwall

Central Kirkwall

  • Choose the city centre and you'll be surrounded by things to do. Take your pick of these accommodation options that keep you close to the best attractions in central Kirkwall.

  • The Orkney Hotel puts you right where you want to be. Around 0.16 kilometres away, this 3-star stay is one of the most well-known hotels near Saint Magnus Cathedral. It gets a lot of bookings from families in particular.

  • Browsing around for hotels near Bishop's and Earl's Palaces? About 3 kilometres away, The Foveran gets you close to this must-see. With a 3-star rating, this hotel in Kirkwall is a favourite choice for business travellers in particular.

  • Hotels near Scapa Beach are also worth considering. The Shore is 3 kilometres or so from this top sight and caters perfectly to families. It has a 3-star rating and is a great starting point for discovering the city.

When to go to Kirkwall

  • If you want to be there in peak season, book your hotel in Kirkwall for October. This is when the city's attractions and events are in full swing, giving you plenty to fill your days with.

  • Take things at a slower pace by locking in a Kirkwall hotel in September. This is the quietest time to visit and often offers better rates too.

  • Good weather can make all the difference. If you prefer warmer conditions, August tends to deliver with temperatures that reach up to 15ºC.

  • The weather is at its coolest in February. Expect lows of 2ºC.

  • Browse around for Kirkwall hotels during June for your best shot at clearer skies. Averaging five days of rain, it's the driest month.

  • Rain is most common in October, which gets around 13 days of wet weather.

Best hotels in Kirkwall

Best budget hotels

  • Let your travel money work harder by choosing from at least eight budget Kirkwall hotels. Ideal for when you want to spend less on lodging and more on exploring, these stays come with the basics like fresh towels and linens, and simple breakfast options.

  • The Inn Guest House offers comfort without the big spend. Make use of Wi-Fi, parking and more at this 3-star accommodation option.

  • The Foveran delivers 3-star value. Practical perks including heating and a laundry are there to make your Kirkwall hotel stay more enjoyable.

  • A lift and a restaurant are just the start of the things you'll find at Albert Hotel. Another win for your budget, this place is rated 3 stars.

Best pet-friendly hotels

  • Let your best buddy join in the fun at a pet-friendly Kirkwall hotel. Many have nearby parks or outdoor areas for exercise, and some even offer extras like grooming or pet-friendly menus. A few rules might apply, but most places go the extra mile to make your furry friend feel comfortable.

  • You pack the treats, The Shore will manage the rest. Amenities like internet access and luggage storage add to the comfort of this pet-friendly hotel in Kirkwall.

  • Let your little buddy tag along on exciting adventures at The Kirkwall Hotel. Internet access and room service are part of what's offered at this pet-loving accommodation option.

Flying to Kirkwall

Kirkwall Airport (KOI)

  • Most flights to Kirkwall arrive at Kirkwall Airport (KOI), this city's main airport. From there, the centre is about 5 kilometres away.

  • It takes around 10 minutes to reach the centre of Kirkwall when driving. The journey by public transport is roughly 15 minutes.

  • If you're flying in late, think about staying at The Kirkwall Hotel, a 3-star option within easy reach of the runway. One of the things travellers like most about this place is its value.

  • Also close to KOI, Ayre Hotel & Ayre Apartments is a hit with guests. This 3-star stay has a consistent 4-plus out of 5 overall rating based on traveller feedback.

  • Want more ideas? The Shore adds a little comfort to every connection. Many families make this 3-star hotel their go-to.

Finding cheap hotels in Kirkwall: FAQs

In Kirkwall, the expected average temperature in May is 9°C. The warmest month is typically August, which averages 14°C. The coolest month is February, with temperatures averaging 4°C. The rainiest month is October, and the driest month is May.
You can always cancel or amend your hotel reservation if you need to, but look out for hotels in Kirkwall with free cancellation or flexible booking options if you want to protect your money. Some hotels allow you to cancel and get your money back if your plans change.
Of course - the cheapest hotel deal we found within the next seven days is ₹ 8,653 per night. If you need somewhere in the next 24 hours, we've found you somewhere to stay for ₹ 12,284 per night.
The average price of a hotel during the week is ₹ 18,786 per night, and the average price on weekends is ₹ 18,481. Overall, it looks like the cheapest day to stay in Kirkwall could be Thursday.
The nearest airport to Kirkwall is Orkney Kirkwall Airport (KOI), which is 2.9km from the city centre.

Other airports include:

Westray Airport, which is 40.7km from the city centre.
Papa Westray Airport, which is 41.0km from the city centre.
Wick Airport, which is 59.1km from the city centre.
We crunched some numbers on our calendar and found that Thursday is the cheapest day to stay in Kirkwall. And the most expensive day seems to be Tuesday
The average price of a 3-star hotel in Kirkwall is currently around ₹ 23,497 per night. And the cheapest 3-star hotel we found is ₹ 12,284 per night.
The cheapest month to stay in a hotel in Kirkwall is November, with an average price of ₹ 12,951 per night. The most expensive month is September, when the average room rate can rise to ₹ 23,892 per night. These average prices are based on all the hotels we found – from hostels through to fancy 5-star hotels.
The average price of a hotel in May is ₹ 17,683 per night, which is around 6% lower than the rest of the year.
If you're hitting up Kirkwall with kids in tow, try Albert Hotel, or Orcades Hostel.