Ring of Brodgar standing stones in Orkney at golden hour

Orkney Islands, Scotland

Orkney Accommodation
Hand-picked Stays Across the Islands

Hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering across Kirkwall, Stromness, St Margaret's Hope and Finstown — every property linked through to live Booking.com availability.

From Coastal Cottages to Cathedral-View Suites

Orkney accommodation spans the full spectrum — boutique hotels and B&Bs in Kirkwall, the islands' cathedral capital; harbourside guest houses in the artists' town of Stromness; guest houses and inns in St Margaret's Hope at the southern tip of the South Ronaldsay causeway; and quiet self-catering cottages around Finstown within easy reach of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO sites.

Every property links through to live Booking.com pages, with current photos, guest ratings refreshed at import, and real-time pricing and availability when you click through.

Whether you're after budget Orkney accommodation for a long weekend of wildlife watching, a luxury Orkney stay for a slow-paced anniversary, or the full directory of every property we feature, start with the curated picks below or explore the full map.

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Explore Orkney Accommodation on the Map

Browse every verified property across the islands. Click any pin for details, or filter by type.

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Orkney Accommodation FAQ

Where is the best place to stay in Orkney for first-time visitors?

Kirkwall is the natural base — it has the highest concentration of accommodation, restaurants, and the bus links out to the Neolithic sites. Stromness suits travellers arriving by the NorthLink ferry from Scrabster and visitors prioritising Hoy and the Old Man stack day-trip.

How many nights do I need in Orkney?

Four to five nights covers the headline sites — Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe, the Italian Chapel and St Magnus Cathedral — without rushing. A full week opens up day trips to Hoy, Westray and Papa Westray.

Is Orkney expensive compared to mainland Scotland?

Mid-range accommodation is broadly comparable to Inverness or Aberdeen — slightly higher in central Kirkwall, lower in the outer villages. Peak summer (July–August, especially around the St Magnus Festival) is the most expensive window; May–June and September deliver the best value.

Do I need a car to stay in Orkney?

A car (or one hired on arrival) is strongly recommended for visitors basing themselves outside Kirkwall, or wanting to explore beyond the limited bus routes. Cycle hire is available in Kirkwall and Stromness for short-distance touring on Mainland Orkney.

Which type of Orkney accommodation has the best availability?

Self-catering cottages and farm stays have the most flexibility for short-notice bookings. Hotels and the small number of harbourside guest houses in Stromness book out well in advance for the July–August window — start your search early in spring.

Orkney Travel Guides & Tips