Accommodation in Orkney

Orkney accommodation is as varied as the landscapes, and comes in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. You can stay at boutique hotels in Orkney where everything is carefully handpicked or a family-friendly or traditional historic hotel. There's also a vast range of holiday cottages and B&Bs off the beaten track or even luxurious self-catering beach houses to choose from.

Key facts

Whether you like to get up close to nature and are thinking of staying at an Orkney campsite or prefer town centre accommodation in Kirkwall - Orkney offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and needs making a unique holiday in Orkney easy.

Most common type of accommodation: self-catering, B&Bs, and camping
Best times to visit: May and September - usually quieter months before and after the busy summer season
What to expect: incredible island views, authentic Scottish culture

Types of accommodation on Orkney

Hotels

Dotted across the islands you can find a variety of hotels to stay in, from renovated 17th century buildings, to modern home comforts, you've got a great choice on Orkney.

Hostels

If you're on an adventure and island hopping from place to place, hostels may be the option for you. This budget-friendly option is a great choice if you're only staying for a night or two and aren't too fussed about the frills and luxuries. Equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, alongside facilities to leave your bike or outdoor equipment, hostels are an ideal choice for the adventurous traveller.

Finstown from above, Orkney
© VisitOrkney / Colin Keldie

Self-catering

If you're planning a trip to explore all the nooks and crannies of the Orkney Islands, finding a cosy self-catering cottage as your base might be the option for you. Cosy up in front of a log burning fire after a long day of discovering islands, complete with all the home comforts and luxuries you need for your stay.

Northlink-veerboot, Kirkwall
© Northlink Ferries

B&Bs and guesthouses

Stay in a B&B or guesthouse on Orkney to add a more rustic and homely feel to your holiday. Tuck into homemade or fresh local produce served up for breakfast, delve into the atmosphere or island life, and soak in the incredible island views from your window too.

Camping and caravanning

You'll find holiday parks, quirky glamping accommodation, coastal campsites and more across the Orkney Isles. You can choose to bring your own caravan, book a holiday home or try glamping, with a range of options including wooden pods, eco-cabins and cosy bothies.