Varis House

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2026

Sherri

The staff was very friendly, and willing to help find attractions, recommend restraunts, and offer local recommendations. A few in our party had limited mobility so the staff assisted carrying their bags. The staff really went above and beyond. The room and facility were very clean and home. It was the exact thing we were looking for and hope to return in the future.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2026

Mary Courtney

Lovely convenient location. Very helpful staff.

6/10

Pleasant

14 Jul 2026

Sarah

Great choice for continental breakfast that you sorted yourself. Got a good quiet night's sleep.
Staff helpful. Parking is free.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Jul 2026

Alexander

Would have preferred a cooked breakfast, however the continental breakfast had a huge choice of items.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Jun 2026

Harriet

Friendly, convenient for town, very helpful having breakfast room available throughout day for tea and home made cakes.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2026

Lauren

The place was well kept, and the breakfast was a great selection.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2026

Paul

Great stay at Varis House! Friendly staff, clean room with comfortable bed and a good breakfast to get going in the morning.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2026

Jim

Clean, comfortable and efficient. Good breakfast. It suited my short stay well.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2026

Nadia

The location was excellent, for walking, and if walking is too much, the taxi service is excellent. The breakfast here is lovely, definitely would stay here again!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Jun 2026

Donald

Room was clean and tidy with on suite. The staff were friendly and took time to show us the facilities and spoke to us about the isles and the points of interest that we might want to visit while in Lerwick. Breakfast was continental and the choices on offer were plentiful including breads, fruits, yoghurts, spreads and home made cakes. Toast and a variety of hot drinks were also available. Off road parking was adjacent to the property. We would definitely stay there again.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 May 2026

ROBERT

Host was friendly. Free parking was provided. Close to town.
Walk in shower was a bonus however the size of it was too small. Had to shower with the door open.
Sloped ceilings in the room, bathroom and staircase were a hazard for tall people.
Bed and pillows were very comfortable.
Continental breakfast was provided.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

Rebecca

Check-in was super easy and shown around. Room was clean. Continental breakfast with lots of choice and could pop in whenever to help myself which was quite nice as didn’t have to book a time. Car park was full but there was plenty of street parking. Only thing I would say is that I wouldn’t have called the room I had a harbour view room as couldn’t really see it, but it was still nice.

Self

8/10

Excellent

23 May 2026

Sebastian

Great location and nice welcome on arrival. Simple and practical, the room we had worked fine although the bed was a little uncomfortable. Small bathroom as you’d expected from a converted residence, but good dining room for breakfast and a microwave to heat up any meals you might bring back to the house after a long day exploring. Owners are not on site so don’t expect hotel concierge service! Everything worked and as a base for travels around Shetland the price is great!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2026

Robert

Just above many variables shops mainly independent. Did not drive but parking looked adequate.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 May 2026

Ricky

Having a self-service breakfast was very helpful for my requirements.

The property was very clean and the room was large and comfortable. The proprietors were quite helpful but I am not sure that it was clear before I arrived that they were not resident on site. I may have missed something somewhere.

They however weren't too difficult to get hold of and were pretty responsive but it can still be a bit disconcerting when you first arrive.

I was able to leave my luggage while I was out for the day until my return transport was due and that was much appreciated. I would certainly stay here again.

Self

8/10

Excellent

10 May 2026

David

Nice, convenient stay an location. Owners helpful and attentive. Harbour literally just down the street convenient to stores and eateries. Good breakfast with large selection for Continental. Free parking across the street.

Self

8/10

Excellent

28 Apr 2026

Lona

I was on the top floor, which meant a lot of stairs, but the reward was a great sea view. Room was quiet, clean and comfortable.
Nigel, the owner, was lovely and the \"serve youself anytime\" continental style breakfast (with home-made cakes!) was a great idea.
I'd be happy to stay again.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2026

Carol

We had a lovely stay at the Varis House. The location was very good, close enough to everything. The room was cozy and warm. Enjoyed our stay and Nigel was was so great helping us with all the information we needed. Perfect place for staying in Lerwick.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Feb 2026

Anthony

Great spot. Very accommodating and relaxed.

Business

6/10

Pleasant

01 Feb 2026

John

The only thing that could be improved is the communication as I messaged twice before arriving about a early check-in and never got a reply back.

Business Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2026

Peter

Room was very well laidout and 200% clean. Excellent location with a few steps down the road to commercial street with all the shops and cafes. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Made you feel extremely welcome! I give it 11 out of 10👍

2/10

Poor

28 Jan 2026

Santiago

The staff was highly unfriendly, I arrive with the ferry go to the place and nobody was there, nobody answer the phone the first 10 minutes, the weather was challenging, rain and small periods of snow, very unpleasant experience

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

20 Nov 2025

Ross

This is in a great location, with ideal amenities for a short stay. Staff were present and made the check in quick and convenient

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2025

Laura

Great stay, very clean and friendly staff

10/10

Exceptional

07 Nov 2025

Sarah

Exceptional stay , nothing too much trouble at all

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

03 Nov 2025

Hugh

First I would like to say Hotels. Com should not have this place on their website! There were NO staff, we were met by a very nice chap who was a friend of the owner ( his words) the owner was not in Shetland. I think we were the only people staying there, the central heating was not on or not working, we had a small electric heater in the room. The electric towel rail in the bathroom did not work. The bed was very uncomfortable, I could feel the bed springs in the mattress. Breakfast was help yourself, we did get it all explained to us by the chap we met for 15 mins on the 1st day. We did not see or hear anyone during our stay.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 Oct 2025

Edward

No cooked food, just toast, fruit, and yogurt

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Oct 2025

Thomas

Comfortable and walking distance to most things in Lerwick

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2025

Kathy

A very sweet B and B. Rooms we clean, all necessities were available. Room was smaller than expected.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2025

Gemma

Brilliant

8/10

Excellent

27 Sep 2025

Ronald

A cozy and comfortable B&B within walking distance of much of Lerwick. We had a fun and friendly host but we never saw him after check-in. Our door lock was broken or the key was faulty, only working with effort, until we were locked out on our last day after having breakfast in the very nice dining room. Calls to our host and an alternate number went unanswered, but we did finally get into our room after 20 minutes of trying and were able to check out. Our host did finally get back to us while we were on the road to our next destination. Other than the lock though, Varis House is a fine accommodation.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2025

Lily

Excellent location and a wonderful experience overall!
Will stay again if ever I come to Shetland again!
View from top room absolutely amazing!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2025

Katherine

Always a pleasure to stay here.

6/10

Pleasant

21 Sep 2025

Amanda

Liked the position in relation to the town and that there was parking.
However for the money it was a disappointment.
Everything about the place was tired and worn. Seriously needs an upgrade. Beds and bedding old and lumpy. Decor dusty and from the ‘80 s.
Also we were refused a late checkout and when we left at the required time, there was no one to check us out!
Not an enjoyable stay.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

21 Sep 2025

Jan

Friendly landlord, room and bed quite small

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2025

Stephen

The guest house was in a great position, just a few minutes walk from the harbour area. Our twin room with very comfy, great shower with loads of hot water. The room was quite compact but had everything we needed for our 4 night stay. We loved the breakfasts, continental style with the added bonus of Julie’s lovely home baking! Nigel and Julie were wonderful hosts. Recommended.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2025

Erik

Very warm welcome

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

09 Sep 2025

keith allan

Ideal for Lerwick and getting about Shetland.

8/10

Excellent

03 Sep 2025

Bridget Anne

Convenient location with extensive breakfast options at any time of the day.
Plenty of free of charge parking either at the property or close by.
Lots of cafe / restaurant options within easy walking distance.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

02 Sep 2025

Janet

It is an inexpensive room. Similar to a basic self serve bed & breakfast. A very small old room with an ensuite in the original room and thin walls. Steep stairs to all rooms. Conveniently located, the water is hot and the bed is comfortable.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

01 Sep 2025

Ailsa

Guesthouse was clean. Nice gentleman called Johnny met us there. He was covering for the owner who was aware. Breakfast very good, continental. Plenty of choice. No other food catered for.

Parking was an issue as there was a white van in the evening that blocked the cars in the small carpark.

Not suitable for people with mobility issues. We contacted before the stay and asked for downstairs room. Never got a reply and was then put up on first floor. 16 steps on spiral staircase. Very tricky for my partner.

Good value for money. Some leaflets in the room about Shetland would have been very helpful. Had to ask for room service half way through as not enough milk and teabags in the room. Could have left these in the dining room for convenience.

Overall not too bad for a budget guesthouse.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Aug 2025

Debbie

A lovely B&B. Excellent location in Lerwick. An abundance of all you can eat continental breakfast. Home made bakes available 24/7. Very helpful staff. Not the most modern decor but recommended.

6/10

Pleasant

27 Aug 2025

Carolyn

Comfortable stay

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2025

francis

Great location and enjoyable stay

Last minute booking and really lucky to stumble upon this guest house

Business

8/10

Excellent

17 Aug 2025

Ross

Great position.

We had a nice room. It was on the third floor so a bit of a challenge for people who don't like stairs. The breakfast was continental and had everything you need. The hotel is ideally located to central Lerwick. Some on sight parking but plenty free parking nearby.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Aug 2025

Andries

Nigel was an excellent host, very accommodating and went the exstra mile to help. First class!

6/10

Pleasant

26 Jul 2025

Nicole

The b&b was quaint, clean, and walkable. Check-in was very inconvenient. Also- parking is consistent.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2025

Alexander

The hotel has nice rooms and is well located in the center of Lerwick.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

12 Jul 2025

John

Varis house was close to town centre . Breakfast room was bright and airy. Continental breakfast had plenty of choice. Our room was very small, for 2 people with very little space to put things . The available space was taken by a table top fridge and tea making facilities leaving little space for personal items. A firmer mattress and pillows would have suited us better. There were no bedside tables just a small narrow shelf .
The ensuite was very narrow, the width of a single shower cubicle.
Overall we feelthe room is tired and in need of attention.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2025

Ian

Love the pastries! Lovely room with a view and staff helpful. Location is very close to town and busses. Would recommend without reservation!

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2025

Mary

Great view

Stayed one night. Great room. Nigel putting binoculars in the room so you can make the most of the views as the place is situated high up and you can see down to the harbour is a great touch. Self serve breakfast, lots of choice including a couple of home baked items.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2025

Christine

Great location, near the harbour and the centre of town. Lovely help yourself breakfast, with the addition of freshly made cakes in the afternoon. Handy little fridge in the room which was very quiet for sleeping. Friendly and helpful staff. No complaints whatsoever.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2025

Greg

Great location and great accommodation.

Great place to stay. The room was spacious, I had a great view of the harbour and the bed was very comfortable. I thought the mini fridge was a great bonus and the bottled water was appreciated. Varis House is located very close to many bars, restaurants and cafes etc. The next time I travel to Shetland with work I will 100% stay here again.

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

16 Jun 2025

Eileen

Stayed there for a work trip and facilities more than met my needs. Lovely breakfast with home baking

Business Self

6/10

Pleasant

14 Jun 2025

Mike

Shower head didn’t spray just poured water like an open pipe. Breakfast a bit odd, basically help yourself from the containers or fridge, plenty of variety but not sure how long things had been open. Quite steep stairs in the house if you are not so mobile. Room ok but window needed to be jammed open (with the piece of wood provided), could a trapped finger risk. Generally adequate for a short time but generally underwhelming.

Business

6/10

Pleasant

12 Jun 2025

James

Very nice and quiet
Comfortable beds

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2025

Karen

Thank you Johnny for your kind service and the support when needed. Varis House was a lovely stay, we will be back

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

04 Jun 2025

Frank

Check in was awful. No one theree when I arrived eaarly, but I did talk with owner abd that was OK. Arrived back from t our about 1530 and still no one to answer doorbell - and my phone was out of battery. About 30 minutes later someone with a phone showed up, and I got in.

Bathroom was very small. I could not bend over in the shower to wash my lower legs. I needed to go into the bedroom to dry off. A trash basket would have been nice, except there was no room fr one in the bathroom.

Breakfast was unattended. Pancakes and bread had to go through the toaster. Continental at best.

The bed mattress was lumpy, with very little support. Woke up with stiff back both mornings.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

25 May 2025

Robert

Parking was difficult at the property.
The showerhead kept falling off the bracket as it had obviously been changed but did not stay in place. Should have changed the holder as well as the head.
The room was quiet and tidy.
Breakfast was help yourself and was ok. Nothing cooked.

Manager seemed nice and showed me all around just got relaxed and he knocked on the door to discuss payment! Then the next morning he was talking about payment issues with other guests. I beleive there were some issues but dont think they were handled with professionalism.

In general it was a nice clean and tidy place in the Heart of Lerwick

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

21 May 2025

Kerry

My room was depressing. Window overlooked a small yard that was fully of junk. Window couldn't be opened and blind cord was too high for me to reach. Small desk was covered by a small fridge, tea-making facilities etc all of which had to be moved before I could use it. Stuffy. On the plus side the shower gave a good,hot water supply. Breakfast was set up the previous day. All tables were set so nowhere to sit and write or watch TV. Breakfast was plentiful. Worst aspect for me was the absence of any staff. Except for when I returned for check-in late on my day of arrival the owner was most interested in explaining the breakfast arrangements. I had to ask him to change my bed because the bottom sheet was so worn. The mattress could do with replacing. With the tourist office closed a landlord who can give advice, information etc is invaluable. Not even a map of the town available. I cut my losses and left a day early to stay somewhere more pleasant.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

19 May 2025

Joan

It is important to arrive at a mid-afternoon check-in time or arrange with the owners in advance. There is limited parking on site, but there is a nearby lot which is usually available. The owners are not located on site so there was some delay in paying the remaining amount. The room was upstairs and reasonably comfortable. It was an easy walk to the downtown. Restaurants are available nearby but it is important to book in advance to ensure a table.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2025

Catherine

This was a lovely spot to stay for my short stay in Lerwick. The host was friendly and helpful, and their self-serve breakfast room is a lovely place for a bite to eat to start the day. The room is open at all times, so a quick bite is always available. And the home-made baked goods are DELICIOUS - loved the carrot cak. My only minor quibble is that the ferry arrives so early in the morning and the check-in isn't until much later in the day. Would be great to have an earlier check in option. Highly recommend if visiting Lerwick!

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

28 Apr 2025

Kenneth

Excellent location to town for access to local restaurants and bars.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2025

Katie

Great stay. Jonny was a great host!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2025

Barry

The Jonny was very friendly. Rooms clean breakfast facilities where great.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

22 Apr 2025

Earl

The room was TINY. The bathroom was even smaller. Our room needed a good clean. Maybe a scrub or even paint. The breakfast was very good. All we needed and then the baking was a great extra.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2024

Harry

It was hard to find since the online mapping bearings were a bit off. But once I found it with the help of locals, everything was fine. Great night

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

19 Oct 2024

Derek

Lerwick gem of a b&b

We had a wonderful stay at the Varis Hotel in Lerwick. The place was clean, comfortable, and offered great value for money. The location is excellent, making it easy to explore the area. Nigel, the owner, was incredibly welcoming and provided lots of helpful information. The self-serve breakfast was ideal, with a great selection to choose from. I would highly recommend this B&B and will definitely rebook in the future.”

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2024

Lee

Comfortable stay

I enjoyed my stay, nice choice for continental breakfast and there was some homemade cakes to take away. The rooms were warm and clean. Its not far from the town centre.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Oct 2024

Susan

Never used a B&B before…..lovely historical building….close to everything in Lerwick!…..quiet, comfortable, definitely would recommend……contributed to a wonderful trip to the Shetland Islands……meet many great people on the Islands….including the Varis House owner and staff!

6/10

Pleasant

02 Oct 2024

Jean-Guy

Go it alone kind of place

Great if you like to fend for yourself. Don't expect much in terms of support or service. They set you up fine then leave you alone (all the while keeping an eye on you with their cctv).

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2024

Ken

Great location, within walking distance to Lerwick

10/10

Exceptional

26 Sep 2024

Debora

Easy walking to town

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2024

Tracy

Wonderful place to stay. Nothing is really walkable in Shetland, but I would say Varis House is great for walking to the main shopping street. Our room was neat and clean. There was parking on the premises, but there were trucks filling it when we were there. There was also parking across the street, so it was not a big deal. Lots of pastry, cereal, fruit, meat and cheese options for breakfast. I would definitely stay there again. Make sure you speak with someone before you book if stairs are not good for you, so you can make sure you get floor accommodations. There are no elevators.

4/10

Poor

16 Sep 2024

Paul

Stay for 3 nights the bed was never made and The towels were never changed, The breakfast was averaged, The Location was good.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Sep 2024

Dave McDowell

Great friendly service and welcome, nice selection of breakfast food, very walkable to town center and other attractions

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Sep 2024

Andrew

This stay was just what I needed. The staff were very helpful and on hand to ensure all was as one would expect. I would strongly recommend that anyone that comes to stay in Lerwick looks this place up to stay. The room was spacious and had everything that you would expect. The breakfast was just outstanding as there was so much choice. The location is perfect too, not too far out and easily reached from the town centre. Overall there is an absolutely wonderful experience to be had by anyone who stays at the Varis House. Thank you so so so much to both Nigel and Julie for making my stay an extremely worthwhile visit to the Shetland islands.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

26 Aug 2024

Yibo

Convenient location with fresh breakfast.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Aug 2024

Verified traveler

Nice place to stay in a 200 year old town house less than 5 minute walk to Lerwick centre. Good value, good host, and free public parking. across street

10/10

Exceptional

22 Aug 2024

Ronald

Well run Guest house with superb staff

The management were extremely helpful in arranging an easier access room when I forgot to inform them that my wife who is partially disabled had difficulty with stairs,.and the other member of staff who dealt with us--I think her name was Caroline was really nice and helpful..

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2024

Edmund

Very friendly and helpful staff great location.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

04 Aug 2024

Patricia

This was an interesting experience. Very much DIY, once you had been met and shown your room you were on your own, did not see any staff again. Breakfast was set out, help yourselves, if its not visible its in the fridge, cereal, toast, juice, yoghurt.
The plumbing in our room left a lot to be desired, very noisy pump for water and loo.
On the plus side, very central, easy walk to the harbour area.
Necessary ingredients to make sandwiches for the day, cake and fruit available.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2024

Alan

Varis house was opposite a free car park and positioned a short walk from Lerwick's main street, which contained shops and restaurants.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2024

IKE

Well location near the town center. Limited onsite parking. There's cold breakfast available but no cooked option. Nice and friendly proprietor.

Business Self

6/10

Pleasant

23 Jul 2024

Steven

Not kept up with property. Beds and pillows uncomfortable. Room TINY for 2pp. Location close to center of Lerwick but so is everything, Lerwick quiet small.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

01 Jul 2024

Verified traveler

Room was small with no storage
Breakfast was self service cereal and toast, and told to clear crockery away without breaking it.
Room was not cleaned or checked during 5 night stay

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2024

Mary

Lovely comfortable room, amazing hot shower, and bountiful self-service breakfast. Couldn't ask for more!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2024

Kevin

Beautiful old home, tastefully decorated and a very comfortable and relatively spacious room.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2024

Katherine

It's good to have the property back as a guesthouse at a reasonable price in a good location.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2024

Lynette

Lovely B&B, conveniently located for walking about Lerwick. Pleasant, helpful management and well supplied breakfast.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Jun 2024

Chris

Other than the smallness of everything, it was ok

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2024

Doug

Extremely quick check in and great location and facilities. Awesome hospitality

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2024

Frederick

Friendly host, short walk to town centre, secure parking and good breakfast choice.

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jun 2024

Chris

Welcoming host but the location was more noisy than expected, especially with the window open.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2024

STEPHEN

Very friendly staff, excellent location, nice and clean, plentiful continental breakfast, including delicious home made cakes. Real value for money, would definitely recommend staying here.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2024

Neil

Great place to stay. Very clean. Reasonably priced

Self

8/10

Excellent

01 Jun 2024

Edeana

It was a really great location, very close to the commercial Street.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

29 May 2024

David

Top marks for location and also helpful

6/10

Pleasant

25 May 2024

Claude

Good location, easy contact with host, installation could be updated.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2024

George

Lovely accommodation
Warm welcome on arrival
Good facilities especially very comfortable beds, well presented room
Superb breakfast with excellent choices to eat and enjoy the continental spread offering. Host very helpful
Recommend Varis House to anyone wanting to visit Lerwick without any hesitation.
No negative comments to make

Friends_and_family Friends