The Kirkwall Hotel

Lovely, but pretty expensive for...

Liked: The hotel has stunning views of the harbour, and is beautifully decorated. Fantastic location - parking outside the hotel is free overnight, but has a 2-hour limit during the day - a paid car park is a 2-3 minute walk just around the corner. The bar and restaurant are superb. The beds/linens/towels were luxurious and comfy. The rooms were quiet. The shower and bathroom were stunning. High quality teas, coffees, and biscuits were provided in the room with a kettle and tea pot. The staff were lovely and professional.
Disliked: The carpet was fraying in many places, and there was no desk in my room despite having booked a suite (the second room had only a 2-seater sofa, small side table and tv). Also, the curtains were poorly fitted to the windows, so the sunlight streamed into the room (I visited in summer) - for someone who struggles to sleep without darkness, it was hard. I would have usually put towels in the gaps to block the sunlight, but there were too many gaps! Because of this and the fraying, I think it was poor value for money.

Good spot if you are...

Liked: Centrally located, very pleasant staff, good beds.
Disliked: No AC, could be noisy.

Very comfortable stay in a...

Liked: Very comfortable beds and bathroom great. Property very clean but also full of character and charm. Staff all very pleasant and helpful.
Disliked: Breakfast felt a little over-priced.

Good

Friendly and fabulous

Liked: Traditional features, refurbished with taste
Disliked: Nothing

Very very disappointing for the...

Liked: Location was good. Breakfast was poor. Only ate toast but machine did not work properly. Burnt toast.
Disliked: The room was small. The bathroom very small. Paint work needed painting. The shower cubicle was so small and the shower head was so big you couldnt have a shower without the water drowning you. They had renovated the bathroom but had bought all substandard items. All the shower taps had the buttons missing. Everything looks cheap and nasty.

Good

A nice hotel right in...

Liked: Very central location and near the ferry terminal
Disliked: The price was ridiculously expensive. We stayed during the island games and they increased their prices. The rooms are not worth that money.

Superb