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The Shore

3.0 star property
Hotel in Kirkwall with a bar

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Shore

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed | Premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Restaurant
Single Room | Premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Dock
Property entrance
Located in a shopping district, The Shore provides a contemporary retreat with practical amenities. Travelers can enjoy a drink at the bar and connect using in-room WiFi. The property offers luggage storage, making exploration more convenient.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed | Premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Premier Double Room

Premier Double Room | Premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Premier Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Single Room

Single Room | Premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Single Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite | Premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Family Suite

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

Standard Twin Room | Premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Twin Room

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double or Twin Room, Accessible

Double or Twin Room, Accessible | Premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Double or Twin Room, Accessible

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Suite

Suite | Premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Suite

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Comfort Single Room

Highlights

Heating
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
Digital channels
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Map
Shore Street, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1LG

What's nearby

  • Earl's Palace - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Orkney Museum - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • St. Magnus Cathedral - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Bishop's Palace - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Highland Park Distillery - 3 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

  • Kirkwall (KOI) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ayre Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Skipper's - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Storehouse - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Auld Motor Hoose - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Trenabies Cafe Bistro - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Shore

Hotel in a shopping district
The Shore provides a bar and more. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • Continental breakfast (surcharge), luggage storage, and an elevator
  • Smoke-free premises
Room features
All guestrooms at The Shore have perks such as premium bedding, as well as amenities like free WiFi and free bottled water.
More amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • LCD TVs with digital channels
  • Electric kettles, heating, and daily housekeeping

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9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 264 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: GBP 17.50 per person
  • A bar/lounge

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices in meeting rooms
  • Elevator (36 inch wide door)
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (36 inches high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:30 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately GBP 17.5 per person

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, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit

National rating

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

Property is also known as

Shore Hotel Kirkwall
Shore Kirkwall
The Shore Hotel
The Shore Kirkwall
The Shore Hotel Kirkwall

Frequently asked questions

Is The Shore pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Shore?

There is free parking nearby.

What time is check-in at The Shore?

Check-in start time: 2:30 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at The Shore?

Check-out is at 10:30 AM.

Where is The Shore located?

Located in the heart of Kirkwall, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Orkney Wireless Museum, St. Magnus Cathedral, and Orkney Museum. Earl's Palace and Bishop's Palace are also within 10 minutes.

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Reviews

The Shore Reviews

8.2

Very Good

8.8

Cleanliness

9.4

Location

8.8

Staff & service

7.4

Eco-friendliness

8.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 77 out of 172 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 57 out of 172 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 22 out of 172 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 172 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 172 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
nice area very efficient checkin/checkout
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicola

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet, nice room, hot shower. Excellent tea and coffee facilities, big tv, free wifi, very comfy beds. Staff were very friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice sized room, friendly and helpful staff at the reception desk.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Appreciated nearness to northern islands ferries Reasonable value for money
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

8/10 Good

edward

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very close to the cruise dock
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

MARK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
wonderful, friendly lady on reception. Part now of Kirkwall Hotel which is very smart, and great food. Room in the Shore was very spacious. Staff helpful in general and perfect location.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Glenda

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The reception lady was exceptional and went out of her way to provide great information and took the time to answer all our questions. Really exceptional highly recommend
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Arrived off the last boat, but disappointed that there was n option for dinner after a long drive. Should be options for guests to eat
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Separate buildings

We hadn't understood that the Shore is a subsidiary of The Kirkwall Hotel. The Shore only has bedrooms, breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant 100m along the street. Not an issue in good weather but Orkney can be very windy!! Running through dtiving rain before and after breakfast or dinner is a different matter. Our room was very small. The hotel had emailed a few weeks before our trip offering an upgrade but when I replied asking for details said there were none available.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Abigail

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The whole stay was wonderful, but we were particularly grateful that you let us use the room easily so my travel companion could sleep after her Nightshift. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Will

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and Comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Carin

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotell med bra läge, men ingen större komfort
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Imelda

Liked: Amenities
What are wonderful and friendly. Rooms were small but clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy D

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We were in The Shore room 14, not part of main property which was still great except for the staining from water damage on the ceiling directly over the head of the bed.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness
Would stay again
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

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

Kirkwall stop over.

We got in just on darkness after a 7pm departure from Scrabster. The room was clean and compact but had everything we needed. The mattress on the bed was a little springy but all in all, comfortable. I'd stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robbie

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

Not one complaint

Lovely hotel, immaculate, modern and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Frank

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

Nice

Goid location, good food, nice
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Øyvind

Fint hotell

Helt greit hotell, god frokost og beliggenhet
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Christopher

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

Very happy with my stay with a niggle.

Got an upgrade from a single bed at the shore to a double within the larger Kirkwall hotel and the room was beautiful. For what I paid It was fantastic value for money. I would have given five stars but for one niggle. Room 215 could do with sound proofing as I heard two people speaking until the early hours either in my neighbouring room, or between levels. I had to use my earphones to get sleep to tune them out. I wonder what like it would be if either room was watching a film if I can hear whole conversations. I didn't report this to management as the voices were not roudy or anything just people minding their own business but regrettable I can detect conversations between walls. Again the room was stunning, the value amazing it's not a complaint as such.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Morven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location, very clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Shirley

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely shower, looks like it has recently been upgraded. Room not very warm on arrival.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Liz

Room good tight stairs
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Kathy

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Incredibly small, old, creaky room; I thought I was going to fall through the floor. Window and view was out to moldy roof. Loud toilet; loud hallway. No ventilation. Only saving graces were kind staff who were helpful and went above and beyond to haul my luggage to my room late at night and to store luggage the next day. The hotel had a great, walkable location which was very important to me.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Rose

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Hallways smelled terrible, window was stuck and I had to call front office to have someone open it, bedstand lamp flickered, I had to physically move the bed away from the wall as the bed frame was directly against the outlet and I could get to outlet to charge devices otherwise, the fire alarm went off shortly after 8:00 am on my first day off when I had hoped to sleep in - and I was told that ‘steam from someone’s shower will sometimes set off the fire alarm’ - I asked if an inspection would be made and was waved off, and on last morning when toilet was flushed it noisily ran and ran for over 10 mins, until I lifted the tank lid and jiggered the ball and placed a water bottle in the tank to float it until it could fill with water. Lovely staff, clean ‘to the eye’, but very poor condition of property.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

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