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The Sands Hotel

2.5 star property
Families find the perfect balance of relaxation and fun at this welcoming hotel where kids' meals are available and staff help create lasting memories

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Photo gallery for The Sands Hotel

Garden - The Sands Hotel (Burray)
Classic Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (First & Second Floor ) | Room amenity - The Sands Hotel (Burray)
Bar (on property) - The Sands Hotel (Burray)
Classic Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (First & Second Floor ) | Room amenity - The Sands Hotel (Burray)
Room amenity - The Sands Hotel (Burray)
Travelers feel at home at The Sands Hotel with attentive staff and family-friendly amenities. The on-site restaurant serves kids' meals, and public areas offer free WiFi. Guests enjoy practical touches like laundry facilities, a bar, and a billiards table.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Superior Double Room, Ensuite, Sea View (First Floor )

Room amenity

Superior Double Room, Ensuite, Sea View (First Floor )

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Heating
Premium bedding
Detached private bathroom
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
  • Sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Ensuite, Sea View (First Floor )

Room amenity

Standard Double Room, Ensuite, Sea View (First Floor )

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Heating
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Heating
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
  • Sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Traditional Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (Second Floor )

Traditional Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (Second Floor ) | Room amenity

Traditional Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (Second Floor )

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Heating
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • Sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Classic Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (First & Second Floor )

Classic Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (First & Second Floor ) | Room amenity

Classic Suite, Ensuite, Sea View (First & Second Floor )

Highlights

Separate dining area
Fireplace
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Heating
  • Sea view
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Burray is home to The Sands Hotel. Orkney Wine Company and Scapa Distillery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Olav's Wood and Sand of Wright. Visit our Burray Village travel guide
Map
Pier Road, Burray, SCT, KW17 2SS

What's nearby

  • Ring of Brogdar featuring tranquil scenes, a monument and heritage elements
    Ring of Brogdar
    50 min drive - 29.1 miles
  • Skara Brae which includes heritage elements, a house and interior views
    Skara Brae
    60 min drive - 35.5 miles
  • Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre
    4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Orkney Fossil & Vintage Centre
    3 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Stromness Ferry Terminal
    53 min drive - 33.3 miles

Getting around

  • Kirkwall (KOI)
    24 min drive

Restaurants

  • Robertson's
    6 min drive
  • Commodore Chalets
    7 min drive
  • The Creel
    6 min drive
  • Commodore
    7 min drive
  • Barrier View Cafe
    7 min drive

About this property

The Sands Hotel

Property highlights
Take advantage of free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a bar at The Sands Hotel. In addition to a restaurant, guests can connect to free WiFi in public areas.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • Free self parking
  • Wedding services, a billiards/pool table, and smoke-free premises
Extra amenities include:
  • Ice makers, highchairs, and daily housekeeping

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table

Family friendly

  • High chair
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Wedding services

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Food and drink

  • Ice maker

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Property Registration Number OI/PL/86

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

The Sands Hotel Hotel
The Sands Hotel Burray
The Sands Hotel Hotel Burray

Frequently asked questions

Is The Sands Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Sands Hotel?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Sands Hotel?

Check-out is at 10:30 AM.

Where is The Sands Hotel located?

Situated in Burray, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre and Orkney Fossil & Vintage Centre. Orkney Wine Company and Italian Chapel are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Reviews

The Sands Hotel Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Amenities

10

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 54 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 54 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 54 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 54 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 54 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Gered

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the location, friendly staff, great pub, excellent meals. Room was perfect with a beautiful view of the water.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ben D

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pleasant staff-great breakfast-convenient parking
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Serene sea views

Lovely quiet place by the sea with a great restauarant and cosy nautical themed bar. Very friendly staff :) Would love to stay here again next time!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Liked: Amenities
We loved staying at the Sands hotel and wished we could have stayed longer! Facilities, location and food fantastic, Thankyou for making our Orkney trip memorable - You even laid on lovely weather too !!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

William Andrew Haralam and Mary Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pleasant Quiet comfortable nice dining options
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alex

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
An enjoyable stay. Attentive staff. Excellent food.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Brilliant staff and brilliant stay

The staff were brilliant and truly went out their way to make my stay very enjoyable. I would return here and recommend others to stay here also. The food was excellent and a very good selection to choose from.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelsey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

So lovely

Everything at this hotel was just lovely- staff, ocean views, food. The room was simple but nicely updated and maintained. This hotel was a highlight of our trip. The restaurant is also delicious and we loved breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is exceptionally clean! The restaurant staff were friendly, outgoing and accommodating to a food allergy. This hotel is convenient for morning ferry departures from St. Margaret's Hope.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ludovic

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good base from where to explore part of Orkney

Our brief stay at the Sands Hotel was just what we were looking for in that part of Orkney. We wanted to see Skapa Flow, the Italian Chapel, and we discovered a fascinating private museum with fossil collection. The staff were helpful and welcoming and the room comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely quiet historic hotel

Lovely quiet hotel being an old Herring Warehouse. Rooms were comfortable and had a nice view of the boat ramp. We stayed 2 nights and meals were nice both nights. We needed washing done and were able to pay 15 pounds for a small bag to be done for us, which saved having to go to Laundromat in Kirkwall.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They are lovely people and it is a nice enough hotel. It’s in an out of the way location which was fine for us as we had a car. The food was ok. The room was light, clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A hidden gem

For someone who stays in hotels a lot The Sands was a wonderful experience. All the tiny things that you’d wish for in other hotels are just done perfectly here! I can’t recommend this hotel highly enough. The restaurant is great, breakfast is cooked to order so absolutely no food waste and the evening meals are delicious.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent hotel in Burray

Stayed at the Sands with my wife for one night. All the staff in the hotel we came into contact were very friendly and helpful. Our room was tastefully decorated and very comfortable.We enjoyed a beautiful evening meal in the restaurant and the cooked breakfast provided in the morning was one of the best I have had in any hotel.Our only complaint is we could only stay one night.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Roger

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Sands Hotel is a lovely small hotel in a tranquil island within the Orkneys. There is absolutely no noise in any of the rooms, they are equipped with WiFi and everything you need. The restaurant serves excellent-quality food with locally sourced ingredients. The staff are first rate, every single one of them. They helped us out with everything we needed. Very prompt and professional service. Best Hotel in the Orkneys, bar none!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Dont overlook this Hotel

A lovely hotel over looking Burray Harbour. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, rooms are very clean and comfortable, food is honest well cooked fair. The homemade Mac n Cheese was a delight. If youre leaving before breakfast theyll make up a lunch sandwich for you. Salmon and Scrambled egg and full cooked breakfast both superb. Lots of Tea and Toast too. The bar stocks well kept beer and a few Whiskys. You pass the Highland Park Distillery on the way to Burray. If you are looking for a quiet hotel with genuinely friendly people who provide superb service, book The Sands.
View from bedroom window.
View from bedroom window at sunset.
Hearty and tasty breakfast.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Well worth a stay

This is a really nice hotel with great staff and great food. You receive a warm welcome and the whole stay was relaxing and enjoyable.
Wonderful view if small harbour
View from room of open sea
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tor Kristian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A splendid hotel, I want to come back!

Spent two nights, very nice place, extremely friendly and helpful staff. If I come back to the Orkneys, I’ll stay here and for more than two nights!
The hotel pub
Around the hotel
Skara Brea
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jack

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed two nights and loved everything about this accommodation.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Slaveiko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely property and very friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wilma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Would highly recommend the Sands, very friendly homely atmosphere couldn’t do enough to help and the food well presented and very tasty
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Friendly welcoming hotel

Very comfortable, relaxed hotel with helpful staff and good hearty food. Great location for the ferry from Gills Bay, and all the major places of interest.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mr Stephen Bruce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic place to stay on Orkney

Fantastic hotel - great location, warm & friendly service, beautiful rooms tastefully decorated & great attention to detail, excellent food & ambience. Highly recommended
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff is excellent. Fantastic location. Clean, quiet, I have no complaints
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Malcolm

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Close to Ferry

Clean Hotel with friendly staff near to Portland ferries.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022