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Kirkwall Youth Hostel

2.0 star property
Travelers find peaceful respite both indoors and out at this tranquil spot, where comfortable spaces invite relaxation after exploring the quiet surroundings

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Beach nearby - Kirkwall Youth Hostel (Kirkwall)
Exterior - Kirkwall Youth Hostel (Kirkwall)
Bed sheets - Kirkwall Youth Hostel (Kirkwall)
Shared fridge, oven, stovetop, cookware/dishes/utensils - Kirkwall Youth Hostel (Kirkwall)
Dining - Kirkwall Youth Hostel (Kirkwall)
Kirkwall Youth Hostel offers a genuinely peaceful retreat with its quiet garden that guests can access throughout their stay. The rooms come with free WiFi for staying connected, while practical laundry facilities make longer visits more comfortable.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Men only, Shared Bathroom

Bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Men only, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only, Shared Bathroom

Bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Women only, Shared Bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Single Room, Shared Bathroom

Single Room, Shared Bathroom | Bed sheets

Single Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom | Bed sheets

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Quadruple Room, Shared Bathroom

Bed sheets

Standard Quadruple Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | Bed sheets

Standard Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | Bed sheets

Standard Double Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Triple Room

Bed sheets

Standard Triple Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Kirkwall, Kirkwall Youth Hostel is near the beach. Scapa Distillery and Orkney Wine Company are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Scapa Beach and Mill Sand. The Pickaquoy Centre and Stromness Museum are also worth visiting. Visit our Kirkwall travel guide
View more Hostels in Kirkwall
Map
Old Scapa Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1BB

What's nearby

  • Bishop\'s Palace showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle
    Bishop's Palace
    9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • St. Magnus Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a cemetery and a church or cathedral
    St. Magnus Cathedral
    11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Earl\'s Palace which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and building ruins
    Earl's Palace
    11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Orkney Museum
    11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Highland Park Distillery
    2 min drive - 1.1 miles

Getting around

  • Kirkwall (KOI)
    6 min drive

Restaurants

  • Harbour Fry
    16 min walk
  • Auld Motor Hoose
    14 min walk
  • Helgi's
    17 min walk
  • The Storehouse
    16 min walk
  • The Bothy Bar
    15 min walk

About this property

Kirkwall Youth Hostel

Property highlights
You can look forward to a garden, laundry facilities, and a restaurant at Kirkwall Youth Hostel. Free WiFi in public areas and a snack bar/deli are available to all guests.
Additional perks include:
  • Self-serve breakfast (surcharge), luggage storage, and smoke-free premises
  • Secured bicycle storage and a TV in the lobby
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Showers and toilet paper
  • Communal kitchens, ovens, and stovetops

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Exterior
The Ayre Hotel
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  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 231 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limited onsite parking

Food and drink

  • Daily self-serve breakfast available 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: GBP 6.50 for adults and GBP 6.50 for children
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared refrigerator

Outdoors

  • Garden

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 (single-level property)
  • Vibrating pillow alarm
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 2 floors
  • Communal living room
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shower
  • Toilet paper

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Oven
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Stovetop

More

  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 5 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 16

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Monday - Sunday (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) and Monday - Sunday (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between July 21 and March 31.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of GBP 7.50 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for self-serve breakfast: approximately GBP 6.50 for adults and GBP 6.50 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 7.50 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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 debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.

Property is also known as

Kirkwall Youth
Kirkwall Youth Hostel Orkney Islands
Kirkwall Youth Hostel Kirkwall
Kirkwall Youth Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Kirkwall Youth Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Kirkwall

Frequently asked questions

Is Kirkwall Youth Hostel pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of GBP 7.50 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking?

Limited spots are available.

What time is check-in at Kirkwall Youth Hostel?

Check-in start time: 5 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Kirkwall Youth Hostel?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Where is Kirkwall Youth Hostel located?

Situated near the beach, this hostel is within a 15-minute walk of Bishop's Palace, Earl's Palace, and Orkney Museum. St. Magnus Cathedral and The Pickaquoy Centre are also within 15 minutes.

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Reviews

Kirkwall Youth Hostel Reviews

7.8

Good

8.2

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

8.6

Staff & service

7.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 42 reviews

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Meg

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Arrived in the middle of the night. Luckily we were able to get in and rouse the night staff, who appeared immediately. Very comfortable room
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and comfortable, well organised. Free WiFi available in communal areas only.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Beth

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Several of the staff were very helpful, like Ross and Joseph. I initially had a dorm room, but there wasn't enough space for me to layout equipment I needed each day. Was very happy to switch to a private room. Great set up for kitchen use.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Arthur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
We arrived late from the Shetland Ferry. Instructions to get in were clear. We had a private room but no towels, they were complimentary but had to be provided for by staff and upon arrival there was no staff… so we could not shower in the evening. All was clean and working well. Room was clean and effective - but could be made more friendly by just putting up some pictures or Orkney fotos.. that would really make a difference. Staff was very accomodating and nice, breakfast room was pleasant. We had an okay stay but all in all found it quite high priced for the basic facilities we got.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
If you are visiting Kirkwall do not hesitate to stay in this wonderful hostel
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Exactly what we needed - a place to kip for the night that was warm, clean and dry.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Maren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My stay was great. The place was clean but a bit small. You can wash your laundry there for a small price and even use the dryer. The bathroom was clean. The showers were new but a bit narrow.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Simon

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

Decent hostel with private rooms

Youth hostel with (some) rooms converted to double rooms. Rooms slightly basic, but comfortable. The place is somewhat aged but appears well kept. Spacious communal kitchen and dining room.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I liked my private room. I stayed 3 nights and really appreciated the simplicity of the facility. Everything you need is there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Andy

👍
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

JOSE VICENTE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Too expensive breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

john

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

It does what it says on the tin!

Clean warm with good facilities. Only downer was hot water was a pain to access. Cold showers unless you waited and waited and waited!! However cheap and comfortable place to stay not too far from town
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2018
Verified

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A sad state of affairs

Run down- would benefit from a complete revamp. There are few amenities ( ie toilets) for size. Cost is extremely high for quality of accommodation on offer. A shame that this syha hostel has lost it way and is now more expensive and not as good as local competitors. No one about to let in some poor folk who came in on late boat despite arrangements having been made. Overall, extortionate and poor quality- reccomend either lowering the price or providing a much better service. W
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

YaoQiang

Liked: Staff & service
Wi-Fi so bad the price one £80 room. You can’t get Wi-Fi in room no chair in room
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Mrs P

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
The private room was ok but I did not like the gender neutral toilets and washrooms. If they had been single units affording some privacy, that would have been fine - but they weren’t. Also there was an unpleasant smell of cooking in the corridor. The room smelled ok. The doors of the other rooms banged as they were closing - so quite noisy late at night while trying to sleep.The warden was helpful and pleasant.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Caroline

Auberge de jeunesse vieillotte Pratique pour visiter l’île.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nära centrum och prisvärt
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Anja

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Kirkwall Youth Hostel

Unterkunft für Ausflüge auf der Insel fußläufig sind die Destillerien Highland Park und Scapa (ca 20min Fußweg) zu erreichen. Auch der Weg in die Innenstadt ist nach kurzen Fußmarsch gut zu erreichen.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

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

Will stay here again

First time in a youth hostel as an adult (and since the 80s) was a surprisingly pleasant experience. A private twin room for myself and my 12 yo daughter was great, shared facilities not too much of an issue even though the place was busy. Could do with more fridge space for guests, but ambient storage is plentiful, and the kitchen area and supplies ample for everyone. Location is great: within easy walking distance of the bus station for the able-bodied even with a heavy suitcase in tow, 10 minutes walk from 3 supermarkets and multiple takeaway food outlets (all independant, no chains), and within 10 minutes to the town centre and major attractions. Staff were available during advertised hours; friendly and efficient whenever encountered
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly place and in a great location. On town service bus route on the hour until 6.00pm but everywhere was within walking distance.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were excellent and accommodating. Great value for the money if you just need a clean bed. Didn't like large communal area. Too many people using foul language. Dishes and utensils not clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Maureen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Convenient location. Kitchen had all of the amenities necessary, but fridge space was limited and fridges were not clean. Private room was basic, but had everything needed. Only concern was not having staff available earlier in the day for checkin, and when I sent the hostel an email earlierthrough the booking program, I did not receive an answer.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sally

Amazing and welcoming!

Amazing!!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Diese Unterkunft entspricht einer gängigen Jugendherberge
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Paul

Don’t go there!

No hotels available for my date, so only a hostel available. This is not a hotel. Poor standard of accommodation, shared bathrooms, no tv etc in room. Uncomfortable single bed. If you’re a student on s budget this could be for you. Not for someone on business.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2018