Well I booked a home overlooking the harbour and it is just stunning. This hotel even though 3 stars has some of the best food you will find. The rooms are a little pricey however you can not beat the view. The hotel has now opened a room where you can come a buy a drink and sit and watch the view if not a resident. During the summer the hotel gets fully booked so book ahead.

Orkney was fascinating. The Kirkwall Hotel is a wonderful place to stay. It's not Claridge's, but makes no pretenses to be. The staff were friendly, efficient, and helpful. The restaurant was delightful. The beef was very good and I'd like an order of the onion rings any time. The view of the harbour was mesmerising. If there on a Sunday, please go to the service at St. Magnus. Mac Harley, Charleston, SC, USA

The Kirkwall Hotel we’re told was to have been refurbished and fully renovated, but if it has the results are very disappointing. The first clue is the only lift with doors that have to be closed manually, meaning every time someone doesn’t close them properly, you’re left to walk up or down. Our ‘upgraded’ room overlooking the harbour was drab, totally pictureless, with horrible little printed notes stuck everywhere to provide you details from operating the fuzzy TV to evacuating in the event of a fire. It had only a shower (we didn’t find anyone who had a bath) and instead of proper bath mats, you’re provided with nasty paper mats which are fairly useless as well as wasteful. And bath towels fluffy and decent size, forget! Staff are helpful but the hotel has seen better days.

And by the way, don’t book a harbour view room if you’re staying over Friday and Saturday. The noise from the pub below will keep you awake till around 2am or longer. You have been warned.

I enjoyed my stay very much. The staff was friendly and very helpul; I had no problem getting ice for my recently-operated shoulder. My room had a harbour view as I had requested. Dinner was delightful as I had the lamb and their famous DarK Island Ale.