Must see hotels in Orkney & Shetland

Just a short walk from the centre of Stromness, but with a lonely, king-of-the-castle position overlooking the town and bay, this exceptional place offers…

Stylishly refurbished in plum and grey, this central but peaceful hotel is Kirkwall’s finest address. Comfortable contemporary rooms in a variety of…

Sheltering under Fort Charlotte's walls, this friendly place offers summery en suite rooms, including great singles. Views down the pedestrian street are…

This spotless hostel has very spacious dorms with lockers, family rooms, a garden, an elegant lounge and a wee conservatory dining area with great bay…

The Shetland Amenity Trust manages three lighthouse cottages, all commanding dramatic views of rugged coastline: one near the airport at Sumburgh …

Some of Shetland's B&Bs are aimed more at oil workers than visitors, but this is quite the reverse: a relaxing, welcoming spot in a fine house behind a…

For a farmstay with solitude, old-fashioned hospitality and one of the best breakfasts (with fresh eggs) around, try this place, 1.5 miles from Orphir,…

On a working dairy farm on the edge of Stromness, this place has lovely views over green fields, town and harbour. Rooms are elegant and maintain the…

With a handy location just off the pedestrian street, this upbeat spot has four cute rooms decked out in IKEA furniture with Shetland fabrics and…

Book ahead to get a bed in this cracking hostel on the western edge of Kirkwall. It’s a guesthouse conversion, so there’s a very smart kitchen and lounge,…

Runs Shetland's network of böds – simple rustic cottages or huts with peat fires, which might mean bringing a sleeping bag, coins for the meter, or even a…

This old RAF base (though the radar station it served reopened in 2018) is not the most atmospheric lodging, though the tired barracks-style rooms offer…

On a hill a little removed from Lerwick's centre, this is a fine option with some water views. Rooms – some in the house next door – are spacious, light…

South of Kirkwall's centre, this sizeable yet intimate hotel is run with a professional touch. Rooms are individually decorated, and feature handsome…

Nestling into a corner at the end of the Kirkwall waterfront, this marvellously located hostel set in former fisherfolk's cottages has a cute, tiny…

Brightly decorated rooms – some bigger than others – are complemented by wooden chalets arrayed around the lawn here. Rooms feel a little overpriced so it…

Perched on the hill above Longhope, the small atmospheric Stromabank Hotel has very acceptable, refurbished en suite rooms, as well as tasty home-cooked…

With a wide variety of rooms divided between the pub itself and former guesthouses opposite, the Ferry is a useful accommodation option in Stromness,…

Lerwick's best hotel overlooks the harbour and has a quiet but central setting. It’s a dignified small set-up that will appeal to older visitors or…

A budget gem in the heart of Lerwick B&B-land, this place has a wise and welcoming host, and comfortable, clean, good-value rooms with fridge and…