Name: The Stromness Hotel
Address: The Pierhead, 15 Victoria St, Orkney, KW16 3AA, GB

8/10

Excellent

09 Jul 2026

Sari

Charming older hotel, great location a short walk from the ferry terminal.A bit on the worn out side, but clean and comfortable. No elevator that I saw and there is a 1 story walk up to reception, I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone with mobility issues. The parking at the back is limited and a little intimidating at first. The staff are helpful and friendly.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

03 Jul 2026

Alistair

The room was clean but dated, the hotel was dated for the price they charged

Self

8/10

Excellent

29 Jun 2026

Yung-Ching Thomas

Good location near ferry terminal

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jun 2026

Leonie

We loved the Stromness Hotel. Clean, comfortable and quiet. There were a lot of stairs but luckily we were on the second level and from the parking area there were no stairs to our room. Would definitely stay again as staff were very friendly.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

18 May 2026

Pam

Fabulous location. When parking in their back carpark be aware of the crows that leave the car looking like a Jackson Pollock!

Family

8/10

Excellent

14 May 2026

MAUREEN

While my room was chilly, it was perfect for sleeping. Reception was warm & welcoming.
The full breakfast was wonderful!

Friends

8/10

Excellent

08 May 2026

Tarissa

Car park was hard to find and located under 2 trees full of crows nest, little uneasy unpacking.

Partner

2/10

Poor

16 Feb 2026

Frazor

The hotel closed all food and beverage service. There was a notice on their website but no notice on Expedia. The surrounding town was largely closed too, so being without food options was not acceptable.

The hotel emailed to confirm my reservation. I complained and asked for a cancellation and refund. They never answered. As the cost was prepaid, I guess I will not get my money back. Ultimately we booked into a hotel in Kirkwall.

This was a shockingly bad experience. I would urge everyone to avoid this “hotel”.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

13 Oct 2025

Lawrence

Quirky and a bit dated

Bearing in mind it was just at the end of the season, and I arrived 1 hour early - unable to contact anyone by telephone or at reception to see if room ready. Despite the hotel being almost empty, it wasn’t!
Staff friendly enough but a bit of a ‘Shining’ feel to a mostly empty hotel.
Room fine, bed comfy and shower fine. Need to address the ‘dry’ hotel situation as it forces guests to go out - and probably dine elsewhere too.
Staff (when you find them) helpful enough but lacking initiative?
Would stay again for experience and ferry convenience. Unusual layout makes sense if arriving by car and you get directions to the car park in advance!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2025

Maya

The dining was excellent and the staff friendly and accommodating. The room was cozy with a view of the harbor.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2025

Anna

Classic charming old hotel feel...like an old movie. Everything was clean and good hot water. We had ferry cancellations and they were very kind and kept us two extra nights in the same room. Breakfast was good and hearty and the attached evening restaurant was fabulous.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Oct 2025

John

Breakfast good. Limited food options in stromness. Access to buses ferries and neolithic sites very good

Self

8/10

Excellent

20 Sep 2025

Jon and Mary

Convenient to the ferry and shopping. Helpful staff. Rooms were quaint and hotel in good condition

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Sep 2025

Jon and Mary

Loved being able to walk to shopping nearby and the ferry! It’s a beautiful old hotel and is kept as such.
Our ferry was delayed and we were so happy to get another room here for the second night.
Staff was courteous and enthusiastic.
Our bathroom electricity went out the second night but wasn’t a problem.
There was a book loaning shelf on the 3rd floor. We didn’t try the restaurant.

Leisure

4/10

Poor

28 Aug 2025

David

Extortionate

£188 for a tiny , dated , tired room. Uncomfortable bed , cobwebs hanging from the ceiling , the only thing smaller than the bedroom was the bathroom…. Ridiculously over priced , mainly because of the captive trade on Orkney , but no need for the poor condition and quality.

Business

6/10

Pleasant

26 Aug 2025

Martha

Good place to stay

The staff all seemed to be seasonal and weren’t really able to give us directions to places. But they were very friendly.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2025

Peter

Pros: Friendly staff. Fantastic English breakfast. Great location, walking distance from the ferry terminal and all stores near the Stronmess waterfront. Even without an elevator, the parking location made it easy to access the room. Beds were clean and comfortable. Showers had nice high water pressure that gave a massage feeling.

Cons: The building is historic, so the floors had older carpet. Newer flooring, e.g. newer carpet or luxury vinyl plank could improve the stay experience.

Parking area had mosquitos after the rain.
Mosquito counter measures may have been helpful. E.g. Spaying, stratgeically placed zappers, torches, etc...

This was our first visit to the Orkney islands. We visited in August. Insect repellant is highly recommended when visiting certain areas on the island. The local people were all very friendly.

Overall, the Stromness hotel was a great experience. My family and friends all had a fun time. We would stay at this hotel again if we were to visit the Orkney Islands.

8/10

Excellent

11 Aug 2025

Adam

Clean and spacious, but rather basic facilities.
Wonderful staff!

8/10

Excellent

29 Jul 2025

Amy

This hotel is conveniently right by the ferry terminal. There is an elevator but when we stayed in late June 2025, the elevator was broken. We brought a car to the island and it was difficult to find the designated parking area behind the hotel; even with GPS there is no clear sign for the hotel when approaching from the back road until you have already driven down the driveway and into the parking area. We were unfamiliar with how to use the vintage locks, but the staff on duty was very helpful coming to our room and showing us how to use the lock. The bathroom was spacious and beds were comfortable.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jun 2025

kevin

close to sea port and right next to whole rows of shops bars places to explore- jut dandy

4/10

Poor

18 Jun 2025

Mark

Faded glory. Very over-priced. Shower had not been cleaned properly since previous guest. Housekeeping door (with COSSH label re hazardous substances within) was lwft unlocked / open for half my stay. No lift so stairs were a chore. No-smokiny policy not enforced properly (guests were opening the fire door outside my room to smoke, the fumes of which were then present in my room.

Self

8/10

Excellent

20 May 2025

Lesley

Stromness hotel

The hotel car park has a skip full to overflowing, and this, as well as disused furniture and scrap metal reduced the hotel parking, on an island where parking spaces are hard to find.
We were not given the code to the fire door but were lucky enough to meet another couple of guests who did and let us in.
The manageress was aloof and abrupt but the 2 girls working in the restaurant rescued the hotel from getting a lower grading.
The hotel also let itself down with the amount of litter at the under side of the hotel, as well as seemingly dumped bedding.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Aug 2024

Ann

Just would have preferred a bar facility but was fine with that also thanks

Business Self

4/10

Poor

25 Jul 2024

Sand

Unimpressed with service, nice old hotel.

This was a very pretty old hotel… But we were unimpressed with the service. When we checked in the person answered a phone call and we were standing waiting with our luggage. The hotel was not so busy. The rooms are reasonably clean, but there’s little care attention put into products like soap and shampoo. Location was good right by the ferry, which was handy as we didn’t have our own car. However, we will choose somewhere different next time.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

17 Jul 2024

Verified traveler

Could be much better

This hotel was probably very good in its day but it could use a bit of tlc.
The staff were welcoming but clearly stressed. Dinner service was very very slow with no ambience in the restaurant. No alcohol served so you will have to byo.
Its a shame as its a prime location but based on the restaurant experience i wouldnt stay again.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jul 2024

Stephanie

I loved this stay. The hotel had some poor reviews and I did not have that experience. The checkin process was quick and easy. The staff were very friendly. The hotel could not be closer to the ferry (you could walk in five minutes probably). We had the closest parking spot as live ever had - right in front of the hotel (free parking until 9am).

The beds were comfortable. The room was cute.
There was one time when I heard the pipes from someone else’s room. We were there late and out pretty early so that didn’t really affect us.

If this might be a concern for you I would recommend wax ear plugs.

Don’t let the quirks of an old building or the negative reviews of a few turn you off of this one!

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

11 Jun 2024

Christine

The room we had should not be rented out. The window wouldn’t close; it was open about 4”. We shoved a towel in to block the cold air and rain. The ceiling in the bathroom leaked badly. In the morning there was quite a puddle. Extremely dated which would be fine if it was an interesting dated. The reception staff are hard to find, but once you find one they’re helpful.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2024

Verified traveler

Loved our visit!

The location is wonderful for ferry travelers--right on the harbor, and so near shops, bakeries, and points of interest! The hotel is old but beautifully cared for and quaint in style. Our room was very comfortable, clean, and spacious for three guests. The staff was friendly and helpful. The car park is a little challenging to get to, but happily there is a helpful hand-drawn map on the front desk to assist visitors to find it! I highly recommend this hotel to visitors to Stromness and Orkeny in general.

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jun 2024

Michael

Basic hotel. Family of four in one room was fine.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

27 May 2024

Paul

Great location to catch the ferry

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

27 May 2024

Ernest

The state of the hotel does not reflect the wonderful people of the area. Shower runs hot and cold, mold on the windows. Keep your socks on while in the room. The beds were clean. Way over priced. $800 cdn per night during the festival.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

13 May 2024

Carol

No bar or restaurant, all shut down. Staff seemed very unsupported. They ran out of food at breakfast and were understaffed. Felt bad for the workers. The management underwhelming. Construction going on. Not at all worth the price.

8/10

Excellent

05 May 2024

Ryan

Hotel felt a it needs some work here and there. However the room was comfortable and the staff was friendly. Breakfast was delicious!

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

21 Feb 2024

Findlay

2 night stay

This is a very old building.
However it needs the investment to bring it up to date. Refurbishment required in all areas.

You can tell it a grand place in its day.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

07 Nov 2023

adela joanne

Room 3 has magnificent working harbour & scenery views. The room was large and warm with super comfy, huge bed and a powerful shower. Beverage making facility and hairdryer.

It was not fashionable decorated, there was no spa etc. It was perfect for people wanting to explore the beauty of Orkney, which we surely did 😉

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2023

Heather

Neat vintage style hotel

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2023

David

The Hotel is old, quirky, and feels like youve traveled back in time. Lovely. Staff were delightful.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Sep 2023

Colin

A charming, old style hotel. I wouldn't have been surprised to see Bogart walking down the stairs. Even the room keys are kept in pigeonholes behind the receptionist. Conveniently located a few metres from the ferry terminal and in the middle of the quaint town of Stromness. Maybe not for those who like the ultra-modern, but I'm glad to see there are still places for people seeking a slightly tired but good old fashioned elegance.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

03 Sep 2023

Garry

Stay somewhere else!

Hotel is dated inside, not worth over £190 for a double room for 1 night.
No restaurant or bar, breakfast is average.

Stay in Kirkwall, there are very limited restaurants open in Stromness & the places that are open are very busy, Leaving us without any options for dinner.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

19 Aug 2023

Helen

Location, personal were great. Room was spacious

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

10 Aug 2023

Paula

Staff went above and beyond to help us

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Aug 2023

Paula

Staff was extremely helpful

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2023

Perry

Great stay, large room at the front with the bay window. View was good and in the shopping area opposite the dock. Friendly and helpful staff.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2023

Carlos

Very kind staff and tasty breackfast.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Jun 2023

Roy

Christine helped us to contact Biily a local taxi driver to take us to see the Neolithic sites.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

26 May 2023

RAAKESH

Not not Sarisfied but neutral.

We had a late check in so no one was present to help us which we were told beforehand but still abd then we could not fund the parking and when we did find it was soo dark we could not see entrance or signs showing the entrance. There is never someone at reception when you need someone. Overall you need to fend for yourself more or less.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2023

Thomas

The hotel is large, rooms are spacious and it is ideally situated in the centre. But what I really loved was how much the staff obviously love the place and want to make your stay enjoyable.

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

21 Mar 2023

Robyn

The room was comfortable, great breakfast and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2022

martin

a grand old lady, facelift in progress

SUMMARY. hotel has enormous potential, room 2 is fab, love the feel and view. The whisky room amazing, breakfast quite adequate unless you’re a fat pig, the no-alcohol is good as far as I’m concerned, keeps drunkards away. One review made out like his life would end without a “drink in a raucous bar” !!??… yeah mate, YOU and the stinky smokers outside we can do without.

Yes, the hotel is old, Hello, ALL the buildings are old here… why did you come here then?

I have been here three times in 15 years and each time in room 2, for 3 days. Room 2 is at the front on the 2nd floor with a big bay window.. It’s a 120 year old hotel, and room 2 is great, a huge 55 sq m. Spacious, great view, and an ensuite. Yes the fan rattles, hello, just turn the main light off, stop whining.

As for the alcohol ban, having spent much time with alcohol-drinking losers in my private life, and in my past businesses, I don’t blame them… who wants a load of rowdy local alkies there?

The breakfast was continental and fine. The whisky room is amazing, you can feel the ages ooze all over you… and Winston Churchill sitting there pontificating. The breakfast room is also a project in hand, another fat whinger was moaning about no cooked sausage and baked bean breakfasts… Who cares? The lift is weird and fun, the revolving doors… A grand old lady… I’m sure the ongoing work on her will proceed slowly…

Partner

2/10

Poor

16 Sep 2022

Gary

I did not like anything about the hotel. the rooms were in such bad condition. I will never book a stay in this hotel again. images on the website are very attractive and nice, but trust me it is not as it seems online.

Business