3 Best Hotels in Kirkwall, Orkney and Shetland Islands

About 34 acres of grounds surround this modern, ranch-style hotel overlooking Scapa Flow, about 3 miles southwest of Kirkwall. Bedrooms are simply furnished, with firm beds and well-maintained bathrooms. Its restaurant has an attractive light-wood Scandinavian-style dining room and serves elegant dishes using quality, often local, ingredients including the sweetest scallops from Kirkwall Bay Shellfish, North Ronaldsay mutton, and Orkney beef.

Built in 1824 by a retired sea captain, the West End Hotel once served as Kirkwall's first hospital and is now a small, affably run hotel. Public rooms retain some Georgian grandeur and warmth with fireplaces and original features. Bedrooms are basic with the feel of a family home and an eclectic mix of furniture, while a few have grander pretensions; one even has a four-poster bed. A small restaurant serves hearty traditional meals with meat dominating.