Must-see hotels in Orkney & Shetland

This super-friendly spot by a beach 6 miles north of the Sanday ferry offers a cosy three-room hostel sleeping two or four in beds, and a sweet, grassy…

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,…

There are stunning views at this spectacular, quirky and cosy self-catering option between Pierowall and Noup Head. There are three separate units here,…

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…

Two miles west from the ferry pier, Rousay's only hotel is an attractively low-key place, with renovated rooms offering excellent bathrooms – one suitable…

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…

Now renovated, this year-round hostel occupies the building that was once the island's herring market, among cottages that used to house the men that…

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…

On offer here are decent tent pitches and caravan sites, with or without stunning views over St Magnus Bay's weird and wonderful rock formations. It also…

A reliable country-style hotel, with renovated rooms that feature soft duvets, attractive colour schemes and big towels. Larger sea-view rooms looking out…

This wonderful wooden mansion was built in 1896. The owners are involved in an ongoing renovation – a major project – to return it to former glories, and…

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…

An enthusiastic family has taken over this old Shetland stalwart near Scousburgh and guarantee a warm welcome. The Spiggie has compact, pretty rooms as…

A former activity centre and school now has dorms that vary substantially in spaciousness – go for the two- or four-bedded ones. There’s a big kitchen and…