Name: Shetland Hotel
Address: Holmsgarth Road, Lerwick, ZE1 0PW, GB

8/10

Excellent

26 Jul 2026

Janet

The only issue was lift not working but Jane helped to take luggage up the stairs. Breakfast a very wide choice table service. Very clean room and restaurant evening meals very good. Parking around the reception area but confusing when you are not driving. Hence the luggage issue.

8/10

Excellent

16 Jul 2026

Michael

Friendly helpful staff. Super convenient to the ferry!

Self

6/10

Pleasant

14 Jul 2026

DAVID

The Shetland Hotel is an older property, and the owners don’t seem to have invested much in upgrades. Most of the rooms are not easily accessible for people with impaired mobility, who generally must climb at least a flight of stairs to get to their rooms. The lift does not service every floor. The room was very warm (despite it being only 10-15° C outside). There was no thermostat control. The manager’s answer was to open a window. This invited in a swarm of flies who were constant companions, no matter how many we dispatched. The staff was generally attentive and the food in the dining room was excellent, particularly at dinner.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Jul 2026

Mark

The hotel is a little bit further a out of than we thought. It overlooked the ferry port. We enjoyed watching the ferries (we are old). The hotel food was excellent and reasonably priced, compared to the town. At weekend you needto book in the town. The breakfast was good. The staff were lovely. We stayed a week,so they got to know us. We'll be back.
On a another note, we are thinking of moving to Shetland.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Jul 2026

Terence

-

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2026

Jorn

Older property but with distinct charm. It is well maintained and clean. Good breakfast and good onsite dining. Extremely friendly, helpful, and efficient staff.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2026

kevin

Outstanding service and care from the staff- they seem to have a ‘family’ vibe going on
Speciall thanks to manager Jane for local info & taking care of us.
Rooms we saw were spacious and clean
We had a room at the back which was light and quiet- we neede a couple of recovery afternoon kips which were uninterrupted.
Dinner was tasty & of really good quality and variety; breakfasts hearty with healthier/ continental options. 5 stars.
Even locals confirmed best hotel in Shetland

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2026

Shelley

Great stay! The staff was very friendly! The hotel was in a great spot next to the ferry. We had a great stay. Much thanks to the girl a the front desk who helped us find a fabulous tour guide.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2025

tracey

Exceptional service, food options for Gluten-free were numerous and very tasty. Restaurant pricing was reasonable. Really enjoyed the service at this hotel. The staff are just lovely.
The property is a little dated to look at, but is very clean and comfortable.
Lots of gathering areas thoughout hotel and very good sized rooms.
Would recommend and will return if possible.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

18 Sep 2025

David

The food was good and there was plenty of choice. The staff particularly in the restaurant were excellent and always attentive which always adds to a stay.
The location was good with plenty of parking
My only slightly negative comment is that with the great view we had of the harbour would have been better had the windows externally been cleaned
Would stay here again
I

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

17 Sep 2025

Susan

Friendly staff and was able to check in early which was a great bonus. Room was large and comfortable. Breakfast provided lots of choices.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Sep 2025

Alan

Helpful, cheerful staff. Good food. Very relaxing.

6/10

Pleasant

07 Sep 2025

William

Nothing Fancy, but a Great Location

A Shetland local told us there are no great hotels on the island, and it's basically a small town so our hopes were not too hight. The outside of the hotel is rather dismal. In this case the book is better than the cover. Our room was spacious but not fancy. We enjoyed the view - looking right at the ferry building. It was fun watching the ferry leave each night. And we arrived by ferry, so the location was a huge plus.

The breakfast buffet (free) was good. Both hot and cold options. Hot food is cooked to order. There wasn't any room service during our 4-night stay but the lobby had extra supplies laid out so we could grab toilet paper, coffee, towels, etc. at any time of day.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Aug 2025

Richard

We decided to eat at other restaurants but for breakfast and for our other needs the property was fine and the staff very helpful. We enjoyed our stay.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Aug 2025

Peter

Quiet hotel, even though across from ferry landing. Staff was friendly, especially in dining room. Easy walk to the Co-op for supplies

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

30 Aug 2025

Sharmane

The hotel is ideally located for those taking the NorthLink ferry to and from Shetland. If you are planning to stay for a few days like we did, it's worth noting that the hotel is about a 25-minute walk from the city centre and an 18-minute walk from the central bus transport hub in Lerwick. The staff were exceptionally friendly and provided great recommendations for local sightseeing. One aspect we would suggest improving is the issue of flies entering the room, as the windows lack screens. This did impact our overall experience at the hotel.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Jul 2025

Sharon

It’s probably the ugliest building we’ve ever stayed in, but better inside. Our room was rather ‘tired’ - wallpaper peeling off, large crack in the basin, but was clean. Food was really good, and excellent breakfast.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Jul 2025

ellen m

It was comfortable, quiet, clean, convenient to the bus. The food was good but one of the waiters did not get my order correct and did not clean off my table and ask me if I wanted dessert. It was a minor incident but irritating

8/10

Excellent

04 Jul 2025

carole

The hotel was a bit tired but the staff made up for it - the food service was excellent

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

19 Jun 2025

Sheila

Convenient.

Staff were all very friendly , but the hotel is rather dated & in need of a re vamp.
The dining room is unwelcoming & is like being in a ferry . Line upon line of ghastly Formica topped tables . Very unappealing.
Very expensive for quality of the hotel .

Business

6/10

Pleasant

18 Jun 2025

Tom

We found the Shelton to be great for travelling by ferry. It’s a short walk to the city center. The included breakfast was a nice benefit with a continental or hot option. We would have liked a longer breakfast hours. We did find it a bit cheeky that the restaurant/bar manager wanted to charge us £3.50 for a glass of ice to take back to our room.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2025

Geoffrey

No probblems and our stay was great .but property needed some repair/maintenance.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2025

Kathleen

20 minute walk to downtown Lerwick. Staff were so very friendly and knowledgeable. Food was very good, breakfast outstanding. Shout out to Valerie in the dining room.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

25 May 2025

john

Plus point,VERY convenient for the ferry.to/from Aberdeen
Negative points.
Reception level on third floor. Utilitarian layout.
Very inconvenient. Elevator arrangement to certain floors1

8/10

Excellent

10 May 2025

Karen

Excellent location for Aberdeen to Lerwick ferry. About a mile from city center. I walked a lot.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

07 May 2025

kenneth

All that is needed.

Quick and easy check-in and out. Room was large and clean. TV was difficult to control but all that you need was in the room. Breakfast was served which was nice and not a buffet style. Bed was not comfortable and mattress needs to be replaced. Restaurant was fair and not too expensive as the town is a little walk from the hotel.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2025

Charles

Quick and easy check in and out (at unsociable hours. Friendly staff, and great food. All that I needed for a flying visit.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

24 Sep 2024

Geraldine

Receptionist went above and beyond when I developed a cold and generally feeling unwell. She was very approachable and kind. Couldn't find fault with any of the staff members.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Aug 2024

david

Hotel location ideal for coming off the ferry but after that your away from town. Buses don't run later at night , so it's taxi or lomg walk back.
Staff were very good but the decor is dated and dark.changing to brighter colours would transform it.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2024

Francis

Excellent room size, comfortable bed and great menu selection.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Jul 2024

Richard

The hotel needs an injection of cash to refurbish it but the staff were friendly and cleanliness of the room was good.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2024

Jennifer

Shetland hotel

Clean and comfortable room. Staff very attentive and helpful.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2024

Mary

A week’s stay in Lerwick

We were very impressed with the professionalism of the staff.Every meal we had was excellent and the rooms were clean and comfortable

Partner

4/10

Poor

26 Jun 2024

alastair

Very dated decor. Most of the windows are dirty or have blown and need replacing

Business

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2024

Ian

An Enjoyable Stay

The hotel is situated very close to the terminal for the ferry from Aberdeen room. Indeed we went there for breakfast having docked at 0700, even though we couldn't check in until 1400. The room was comfortable, well appointed and well presented. There was a good choice of breakfast food and the cooked breakfasts were \"to order\" (ie not a buffet). However, whilst having good flavour, I did think it a little dry, especially the scrambled eggs, though my wife was perfectly satisfied wit hers. However, the dinners were incontrovertibly very good; we ate in the hotel restaurant on three of our five evenings in Lerwick and wished we had done so on a fourth evening instead of gong into Lerwick. All told, we'd certainly stay at the Shetland Hotel on future visit.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2024

Richard

It was an excellent base for exploring the islands. Location next to the ferry terminal is not the prettiest but always something to look at and in easy distance of the town centre. Room was large and comfortable. Food was excellent and staff were invariably friendly and helpful.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Jun 2024

Penelope

Excellent local food

Although the hotel was rather dour from the outside, it was perfectly nice, if a little old-fashioned, inside. Particularly good was the food. The sirloin steak and kippers were the best we have ever eaten in a hotel or restaurant and are locally sourced. Service was very good and the room was very pleasant - the only negative being that the bed wasn't the most comfortable. A view of the Ferry Terminal made for interesting watching and we enjoyed watching the boating activities as the hotel is right next to the sea.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Jun 2024

Alan

The property is a bit tired in condition. However the staff are friendly and helpful and keep the hotel spotlessly clean. Joseph in particular at breakfast stands out but all staff we encountered were great. We would stay here again

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Jun 2024

Stephen

Further from the town centre than I had imagined.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

15 Jun 2024

Marie

The hotel staff were efficient and pleasant. Our room was clean and tidy. The location across from the ferry dock and close to town was handy. The property needs updating. The furniture, mattresses and decor is worn, but functional. Our stay came with breakfast, but it was not made clear that this was provided.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2024

Christina

Local knowledge from reception is worth more than a guide book.
Friendly and helpful staff

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2024

Michael

Highly recommend this hotel!!
The staff is top notch!!!
We spoke with Jane quite a bit and she was so helpful with suggestions on what to see and where to go.
Anything we needed, we were helped with.
The breakfast is great quality and had a nice choice.
Rooms are basic but comfortable. We had 3 of us in a room and the room was spacious.
Room service was amazing.
We had a wonderful stay, and would stay again!
We lived Shetland, and it is the people there who make it a special place to visit!!
Thank you

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

17 May 2024

JOHN

Nice Stay in Leerwick

Nice enough hotel. Decor was dated. Room was immaculate. Desk and bar staff members were wonderful and took good care of us.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

07 Oct 2023

Sally

There are a few broken things in my room, and I could have used som instruction on how to operate heater. Staff were all friendly and helpfu!

10/10

Exceptional

16 Sep 2023

Paul Kellond

Great hotel and very clean with everything we needed.
Very friendly staff and so efficient.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

31 Aug 2023

Catherine

Liked that the property was near the terminal and had things to walk to. Staff was friendly and helpful. It’s an older hotel and some rooms are showing their wear. Our room was very musty.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Aug 2023

Mary Ellen

The staff were very nice and attentive. Room was very clean and beds were very comfortable. Location not very pretty, very industrial. A bit too far from the main village.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

21 Jul 2023

Verified traveler

Drab strange hotel, but is there any better choice

A very dark and drab hotel, couldn’t see out of any of the windows as are so dirty, bed was horrendous, smelt like it hadn’t been changed, and was so rickety it kept me awake all night.
Thought it served a purpose and otherwise the room and bathroom was clean.
Some weird things like they had wired the electrical socket into the light switch, so if you wanted to charge your phone you had to have the main light on (not ideal if you want to sleep)
Breakfast was ok, though staff need training, they need to start thinking in the mindset of the customer, what is it that they want when they come for breakfast? They seem very regimented in, you are a single person, you must sit here where the single people sit, no you can’t sit there it’s laid up for 2, you are only 1.
No that’s not hospitality- you should be asking the guest where they want to sit, there is plenty of space.
There was plenty of staff at breakfast so no excuse for the juices, continental,
fruit etc to be permanently ran out, staff were walking past, paying no attention to it.

Business

4/10

Poor

15 Jul 2023

Verified traveler

A 3 night holiday stay. Initial impressions were of a rather tired, dated hotel. The room was clean with adequate but basic facilities.
Breakfast was good but spoilt by the filthy windows looking out over the ferry terminal. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Jul 2023

Kathleen

Had a continuous problem with the hot water cutting out in the shower. Staff was friendly and helpful. Hotel was quiet. Mattresses were low quality. Breakfast was fresh. We enjoyed Shetland very much.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

26 Jun 2023

Verena

The staff was very friendly especially the young ladies in the dinning room. However, we were disappointed that the chef would not allow us to share an entree when it was obvious there was much too much food for one person.

The location was great due to its location directly across from the NorthLink Ferry Terminal.

Business_and_leisure Friends

2/10

Poor

20 Jun 2023

Iain

Just don't you have been warned.

It's grim and they took £135 on mainland you would get this for £40. Bed was ok

Business

8/10

Excellent

13 Jun 2023

K M

So close to the ferry terminal

Perfect hotel choice if your travels involve the Northlink Ferry - the terminal is literally across the road.
Not really walkable to the town centre.
Friendly staff.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2023

Lynn

We liked the hotel although it was old and smelled musty it was clean. The staff was very nice except for the manager. Who consistently proved rude and arrogant. You really should consider telling him to clean up his customer service skills. He ruined our stay.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

26 May 2023

Robert

Food fine, room clean and good size, staff friendly and helpful, location next to port and a few minutes from Lerwick town centre. The only downside was the building was a bit tired. Would use again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2023

Robert

A very present overnight stay at the Shetland Hotel. Will look to stay again next time in Lerwick.

8/10

Excellent

24 May 2023

James

One night in Lerwick.

Hotel is OK, but food is really average with average service. I had chicken in a piri-piri sauce which was almost inedible - incredibly salty!

Business

8/10

Excellent

20 May 2023

Douglas

Excellent and efficient front desk staff who were wonderful in providing suggestions of places to visit. Dining room service was a bit hit and miss at times - though food was generally good. Very, very convenient when arriving by ferry as the hotel is located just across from where the ferry docks.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2023

Anne

This is a perfect location for people taking the ferry as the terminal is across the street. The hotel has been around for a while, so might seem a little worn, although we found everything clean and our room/suite was lovely. Hot breakfast was really good & staff were pleasant. Walking distance to much of downtown Lerwick in 15-20 minutes. Great hotel!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Oct 2022

Diane

The staff were lovely and very helpful, the manager couldn't do enough for you. The room was a bit dated but very clean. The breakfast was very nice too.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

19 Apr 2022

Niki

Unfriendly welcome from reception staff. Bathroom and bed were clean, however décor in the bedroom and communal areas was drab and dated, and wallpaper peeling from the walls in bedroom. Waiting staff at breakfast were friendly and cheerful, and breakfast absolutely fine. Overall though I was disappointed with my stay. I was meant to return for another night later in the week, but cancelled and booked elsewhere.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

21 Oct 2021

Robert

Great staff and very welcoming, we were part of the hotels family, and my wife and l would recommend a stay to any of our friends.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Oct 2021

Raymond Scott

The front desk/management staff was accommodating, helpful and pleasant. The restaurant staff were also great as was the food.

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Sep 2021

douglas

Don’t be put off by first impressions

Don’t be put off by the outside, the corridors or the fact the lift doesn’t stop on most of the floors with bedrooms. Or the fact that floor 4 doesn’t exist 😳

Outside looks like a nuclear bunker and the corridors are reminiscent of the hotel from the Shining. However, the beds are comfortable, it’s quiet, the TVs are great and the breakfast is excellent. And the staff are lovely. Also it’s right opposite Northlink ferry terminal, so it’s really handy

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Sep 2021

John T

No hot water

Hotel was good, But there was no hot water in the morning.

Business

2/10

Poor

04 Sep 2021

Dr Bhramar

Very near to ferry terminal and town centre. Staffs are polite.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

24 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

As good as could be expected in the current circumstances. The room was excellent

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2021

kenneth

quick restful stop

Everything was as planned and staff were good, food was excellent but had a squeaky bed or would give full marks

Business

8/10

Excellent

11 Jul 2021

john

Would certainly go back.

Great value for money, especially the restaurant, great food at reasonable prices. Good location and very helpful staff. Couldnt fault it.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2021

Verified traveler

Good wee hotel close to Lerwick town centre

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

01 May 2021

James

2 nights in Lerwick.

Decent hotel, friendly staff. Directly opposite ferry terminal which is bonus if you are arriving by ferry or a nuisance when you are awakened by passengers and cars disembarking!

Business

8/10

Excellent

30 Apr 2021

kenneth

Short stopover

All went well with good service and organised for Covid restrictions. Food was good in the restaurant and all areas were clean especially the bed linen.

Business

4/10

Poor

11 Dec 2020

joao manuel

Room was cold on arrival. Window open and heating turned off on the tenth of December.

Business

8/10

Excellent

27 Aug 2020

Mary

Shetland stopover

This is a very comfortable hotel, but seemed to be mainly used for workers coming on to the island. Staff went out of their way to assist you (Overheard one of the older female room attendants offering to carry a gentleman's bags for him as he said they were heavy!) The corridors are a bit dark and a small double bed in our room, even although the rooms are very spacious with lots of storage. The hotel was very clean and following all the COVID-19 rules. It is situated directly across the road from the Northlink Ferry terminal and borders the industrial part of town. Five minute walk into town and supermarket 2 minute walk.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Aug 2020

Raymond McCann

Very friendly staff

Business