Hotels in Kirkwall

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

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Look out for Kirkwall hotels with free cancellation or excellent ratings

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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

  • Want to find hotel deals as quickly and easily as flights? Our clever search engine can do it all. Here's how you can save time and money when searching for your Kirkwall hotel.

  • Plan ahead to save on your Kirkwall hotel. You'll also have a greater range of stays and room types to pick from, especially during peak seasons.

  • Still, be prepared to grab any last-minute offers. Some places cut their rates a day or two before arrival to fill empty beds. It's more likely this will happen in low season or on quieter days, though.

  • Another secret to finding cheaper hotels? Being flexible. If your itinerary isn't fixed, check prices across different dates and discover how much you can save.

  • Browse around for stays with free cancellation. Lock in a great offer today and easily cancel later if your itinerary changes.

Where to stay in Kirkwall

Central Kirkwall

  • Central Kirkwall keeps you where it's all happening. If sightseeing is high on your list, stay at any of these hotels and you'll find yourself close to some headline attractions.

  • Find a room at The Orkney Hotel. One of the leading hotels near St Magnus Cathedral, get comfy here and you'll be about 0.16 kilometres from this major sight. This Kirkwall hotel is a favourite with families and has a 3-star rating.

  • Browsing around for hotels near Bishop’s and Earl's Palaces? About 0.48 kilometres away, Ayre Hotel & Ayre Apartments lines you up nicely for a visit. With a 3-star rating, this hotel in Kirkwall is a favourite choice for families in particular.

  • Or experience the city at its best from one of the hotels near The Tankerness House. Aultnagar Accommodation is 2 kilometres or so from this leading sight.

When to go to Kirkwall

  • The tourist season peaks in July. If you like to keep your trip action-packed, there's no better time to lock in a hotel in Kirkwall.

  • February is the quietest month to visit. Lock in a Kirkwall hotel then and you can look forward to a more relaxed experience.

  • Don't overlook the weather when planning your trip. August offers the warmest conditions, with maximum temperatures of 15ºC (59ºF).

  • The coolest month is February. Expect lows of 2ºC (36ºF).

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

  • The wettest time of year is January. Plan your getaway then and you'll likely get around 12 days of rainfall.

Best hotels in Kirkwall

Best budget hotels

  • Make your travel money go further by choosing from at least six budget Kirkwall hotels. Perfect for when you want to spend less on the room and more on the real fun, these stays come with essentials like fresh towels and linens, and simple breakfasts.

  • The Inn Guest House offers comfort without the big spend. Make use of shuttle services, luggage storage and more at this 3-star accommodation option.

  • Albert Hotel comes with conveniences like heating and luggage storage. Set yourself up at this 3-star Kirkwall hotel and make your travel money go the extra mile.

Best pet-friendly hotels

  • Hitting the road with your furry friend? Pet-friendly hotels often come with comfy pet beds, feeding bowls, and outdoor areas to run around. Some even go the extra mile with things like pet-sitting or grooming services. Explore the Kirkwall hotels that welcome pets and let your best buddy tag along too.

  • You pack the treats, The Shore will take care of everything else. Amenities like internet access and a golf course add to the experience of this pet-friendly hotel in Kirkwall.

  • You can also relax with your four-legged friend at The Kirkwall Hotel. It includes a bar, a restaurant and more.

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 July is 13°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 100 € per night. If you need somewhere in the next 24 hours, we've found you somewhere to stay for 108 € per night.
The average price of a hotel during the week is 213 € per night, and the average price on weekends is 193 €. Overall, it looks like the cheapest day to stay in Kirkwall could be Saturday.
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 59.2km from the city centre.
We crunched some numbers on our calendar and found that Saturday is the cheapest day to stay in Kirkwall. And the most expensive day seems to be Monday
The average price of a 3-star hotel in Kirkwall is currently around 255 € per night. And the cheapest 3-star hotel we found is 132 € per night.
The cheapest month to stay in a hotel in Kirkwall is January, with an average price of 129 € per night. The most expensive month is September, when the average room rate can rise to 227 € 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 August is 201 € per night, which is around 11% higher than the rest of the year.
If you're hitting up Kirkwall with kids in tow, try Kirkwall Youth Hostel.