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4-star hotels in Kirkwall
A handpicked shortlist of 4-star stays in Kirkwall, from B&Bs and apartments to a hostel and a hotel. It is for couples, families and business travellers who want somewhere reliable to stay in Orkney's main town.
Staying in Kirkwall
Kirkwall is the main town on Orkney, and these 4-star stays put you close to its centre. Most are on or just off the main streets, with a few in nearby Orphir and on Hoy. The addresses here, like Holm Road, Palace Road, Castleyards, Albert Street, Junction Road and Firth Square, show that the heart of town is within easy reach.
The range suits different travellers. Couples might prefer the quiet of Lynnfield Hotel Kirkwall or The Old Endie Hoose Kirkwall Orkney. Families will find space and family rooms at The Pally behind 13 Palace Road Kirkwall Orkney STL OR00122F, Orcades Hostel and The Old Endie Hoose. For business or a short break, the self-catering apartments on Junction Road and Castleyards offer independence. Bachylis Self Catering and Fara Self Contained 2 Room B&B Suite sit a little further out, for those who want a quieter base.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Lynnfield Hotel Kirkwall
Holm Road, Kirkwall, United Kingdom
- Internet access
Why stay hereWith a 4.7 guest rating across 229 reviews, the Lynnfield Hotel Kirkwall is the strongest-rated 4-star option in this Kirkwall shortlist. Its restaurant and bar make meals easy without leaving Holm Road, and the garden offers a quiet spot after a day out. Bathrobes and toiletries in the bathroom add a touch of comfort, while internet access and housekeeping keep the stay practical. Best suited to travellers who want a full-service hotel rather than a self-catering base.
See Lynnfield Hotel KirkwallThe Pally behind 13 Palace Road Kirkwall Orkney STL OR00122F
13 Palace Road, Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereThe Pally behind 13 Palace Road suits families and longer stays: it has family rooms, a cot and high chairs, plus a full kitchen with oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator and washing machine. Free car parking and free wifi cover the essentials, and the non smoking rooms are cleaned between stays. With 313 reviews and a 4.1 guest rating, it is a well-used 4-star base on Palace Road for guests who prefer cooking their own meals in Kirkwall.
See The Pally behind 13 Palace Road Kirkwall Orkney STL OR00122FCastleyards Apartment 12
12 Castleyards, Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereCastleyards Apartment 12 is a 4-star apartment on Castleyards, with its own kitchen, washing machine and fireplace, plus free wifi and free car parking. Active guests are well placed here: the facilities list diving and scuba diving, fishing, horse back riding, a golf course and a tennis court, and a beach nearby. Non smoking rooms, a safe and express check in round out the practical side. A good fit for couples or small groups who want space and outdoor pursuits.
See Castleyards Apartment 12Hildeval B & B
Hildeval Easthill Kirkwall Scotland Kw15 1Ly, Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereHildeval B & B is a small 4-star bed and breakfast on Easthill, with breakfast included and a garden to sit in. Free car parking makes it straightforward if you are exploring Kirkwall by car, and bicycle storage is available for anyone cycling. Housekeeping, free wifi and wheelchair accessible facilities are among the practical details. A calm choice for guests who want a hosted stay with breakfast rather than self-catering.
See Hildeval B & BOrcades Hostel
Muddisdale Road, Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereFree wifi and free car parking are included, and luggage storage helps if you arrive early or leave late. Each room has its own bathroom with shower and hairdryer, plus a refrigerator and TV. Suited to families and groups who want simple, well-connected 4-star accommodation.
See Orcades HostelBachylis Self Catering
Bachylis Self Catering Orphir, Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereBachylis Self Catering stands out for its setting near Orphir, with both lake and sea listed among its facilities and a garden to enjoy them from. The 4-star property has a full kitchen with oven, microwave, refrigerator and washing machine, plus free car parking. Bath, shower, hairdryer and a safe cover the rest. Ideal for guests who want self-catering space and coastal scenery rather than a central Kirkwall address.
See Bachylis Self CateringApartment 76
76 Junction Road, Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereApartment 76 on Junction Road is a 4-star self-catering option with kitchen and kitchenette, dishwasher and washing machine, plus free wifi and free car parking. Little comforts are thought through: bathrobes, slippers, a desk and a cot. Divers, anglers, golfers and riders are all catered for by the listed activities, and tennis and squash are also available. Express check in and non smoking rooms suit couples or small families wanting a central, well-equipped base.
See Apartment 76The Old Endie Hoose Kirkwall Orkney
Albert Street 11, Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereThe Old Endie Hoose Kirkwall Orkney sits on Albert Street, putting guests in the middle of Kirkwall with a 4-star self-catering setup. The kitchen includes an oven, microwave, refrigerator and washing machine, and there are family rooms, a cot and high chairs for those travelling with children. Free wifi and free car parking are provided, along with laundry service. A solid choice for families or groups who want their own kitchen in the town centre.
See The Old Endie Hoose Kirkwall OrkneyFara Self Contained 2 Room B&B Suite
10 Soulisquoy Place Kirkwall Hoy Island Hoy Island United Kingdom, Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
- Kitchen
Why stay hereFara Self Contained 2 Room B&B Suite combines bed and breakfast with self-contained space: breakfast is served in the room, and there is a kitchen plus laundry service. The 4-star suite has a garden, patio and terrace, and sea views are listed among its facilities. Free wifi and free car parking make arrival easy, and express check in, a desk and a safe add convenience. Best for guests who want privacy, outdoor space and a hosted breakfast.
See Fara Self Contained 2 Room B&B Suite8 Firth Square
8 Firth Square Junction Road, Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay here8 Firth Square is a 4-star apartment on Junction Road with a full kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave and oven, plus free wifi and free car parking. The facilities list diving and scuba diving, fishing, horse back riding, a golf course and squash, so there is plenty to fill days out. Non smoking rooms, a safe and laundry service cover the essentials. Suits couples or small groups who want to cook and self-cater in central Kirkwall.
See 8 Firth Square
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lynnfield Hotel Kirkwall | ★★★★ | – | – |
| The Pally behind 13 Palace Road Kirkwall Orkney STL OR00122F | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Castleyards Apartment 12 | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Hildeval B & B | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes |
| Orcades Hostel | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Bachylis Self Catering | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Apartment 76 | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
| The Old Endie Hoose Kirkwall Orkney | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Fara Self Contained 2 Room B&B Suite | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes |
| 8 Firth Square | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
The Pally behind 13 Palace Road Kirkwall Orkney STL OR00122F offers a kitchen, dishwasher, cot and high chairs; Orcades Hostel has family rooms and free car parking; The Old Endie Hoose Kirkwall Orkney also has family rooms, a kitchen and cots.
The Pally behind 13 Palace Road Kirkwall Orkney STL OR00122F · Orcades Hostel · The Old Endie Hoose Kirkwall Orkney
For couples
Lynnfield Hotel Kirkwall combines a restaurant, bar and garden with a 4.7 rating. The Old Endie Hoose Kirkwall Orkney sits on Albert Street, close to the centre, while Fara Self Contained 2 Room B&B Suite adds a patio, terrace and sea views for a quieter stay.
Lynnfield Hotel Kirkwall · The Old Endie Hoose Kirkwall Orkney · Fara Self Contained 2 Room B&B Suite
For business or short breaks
These self-catering apartments are set up for independent stays. Apartment 76 has express check-in, a desk, kitchenette and free Wifi. Castleyards Apartment 12 offers a fireplace and free parking. 8 Firth Square, on Junction Road, includes a full kitchen, laundry service and express check-in.
Top-rated picks
Lynnfield Hotel Kirkwall holds the highest guest rating, 4.7 from 229 reviews. The Pally behind 13 Palace Road Kirkwall Orkney STL OR00122F follows with 4.1 from 313 reviews, making these two the best-reviewed 4-star options on this list.
Lynnfield Hotel Kirkwall · The Pally behind 13 Palace Road Kirkwall Orkney STL OR00122F
Where to stay in Kirkwall
Holm Road
Lynnfield Hotel Kirkwall sits on Holm Road, on the edge of the centre. With a restaurant, bar and garden, it offers a slightly quieter base while still being close to the town's main attractions. Its 4.7 rating from 229 reviews makes it a popular choice.
Our picks here: Lynnfield Hotel Kirkwall
Muddisdale Road
Orcades Hostel on Muddisdale Road provides a practical option with family rooms, free parking and free Wifi. It's a straightforward base for exploring Kirkwall and the wider Orkney mainland, with golf and other activities within reach.
Our picks here: Orcades Hostel
Castleyards
Castleyards Apartment 12 is on Castleyards, a central spot with a fireplace and free parking. It's close to the beach and offers easy access to diving, fishing and horse riding, making it a good fit for active travellers who want to be near the water.
Our picks here: Castleyards Apartment 12
Questions, answered
Which hotels in Kirkwall offer free parking?
Many 4-star stays here include free car parking. The Pally behind 13 Palace Road Kirkwall Orkney STL OR00122F, Castleyards Apartment 12, Hildeval B & B, Orcades Hostel, Bachylis Self Catering, Apartment 76, The Old Endie Hoose Kirkwall Orkney, Fara Self Contained 2 Room B&B Suite and 8 Firth Square all list free parking.
Are there family-friendly hotels in Kirkwall?
Yes. The Pally behind 13 Palace Road Kirkwall Orkney STL OR00122F, Orcades Hostel and The Old Endie Hoose Kirkwall Orkney all have family rooms. They also provide cots or high chairs for younger children.
Which hotel is closest to Kirkwall town centre?
The Old Endie Hoose Kirkwall Orkney is on Albert Street 11, very close to the centre. Apartment 76 on Junction Road and 8 Firth Square on Firth Square are also centrally located, making them convenient for exploring on foot.
Which hotel has the best guest rating in Kirkwall?
Lynnfield Hotel Kirkwall has the highest rating on this list, 4.7 out of 5 from 229 reviews. The Pally behind 13 Palace Road Kirkwall Orkney STL OR00122F is next with 4.1 from 313 reviews.
Do any Kirkwall hotels serve breakfast?
Hildeval B & B and Fara Self Contained 2 Room B&B Suite both list breakfast among their facilities. Fara also offers breakfast in room. Other stays, like The Pally and The Old Endie Hoose, are self-catering with kitchen facilities.
Which hotels in Kirkwall have a restaurant or bar?
Lynnfield Hotel Kirkwall has a restaurant and bar. Fara Self Contained 2 Room B&B Suite also lists a bar. Both give you the option of dining or having a drink without leaving your accommodation.