The Stromness Hotel

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”.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

£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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Nur is very kind. But she have to do all. Please hire more staff. The cleaning is very bad.

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.

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.

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!