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The Ayre Hotel

3.0 star property
Hotel in Kirkwall with a restaurant and a bar

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Ayre Hotel

Exterior
One Bedroom Apartment | Living room | TV
Bar (on property)
Lobby
Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
The Ayre Hotel, near local hotspots, offers a practical retreat with laundry services, a welcoming bar, and an on-site restaurant. Travelers enjoy in-room WiFi, lobby coffee/tea with TV, and luggage storage. Guests consistently praise the helpful staff.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Parking available
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
TV
19 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Daily housekeeping
  • 19 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Panoramic Double or Twin Room, Sea View

Panoramic Double or Twin Room, Sea View | View from room

Panoramic Double or Twin Room, Sea View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
TV
10 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Daily housekeeping
  • 10 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Double or Twin Room

Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Standard Double or Twin Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
TV
13 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Daily housekeeping
  • 13 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Panoramic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Sea View

Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Panoramic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Sea View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
TV
10 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Daily housekeeping
  • 10 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Budget Double Room

Budget Double Room | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Budget Double Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
TV
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for One Bedroom Apartment

One Bedroom Apartment | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

One Bedroom Apartment

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Family Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
TV
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living area | TV

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
2 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Map
Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX

What's nearby

  • Orkney Museum - 6 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • St. Magnus Cathedral - 6 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Earl's Palace - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Bishop's Palace - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Highland Park Distillery - 3 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

  • Kirkwall (KOI) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

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

About this property

The Ayre Hotel

Property highlights
At The Ayre Hotel, you can look forward to laundry facilities, a bar, and a restaurant. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • Free self parking
  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge), coffee/tea in the lobby, and an elevator
  • A TV in the lobby, luggage storage, and smoke-free premises
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All 51 rooms have amenities such as free WiFi, sound-insulated walls, and room service.
Other amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with tubs or showers
  • Electric kettles, heating, and daily housekeeping

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9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 263 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 self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: GBP 15 for adults and GBP 15 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • 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.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Room service

More

  • Heating
  • Phone
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of GBP 25.00 per pet, per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately GBP 15 for adults and GBP 15 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 25.00 per pet, per stay
  • 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; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available

We should mention

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

National rating

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

Property is also known as

Ayre Hotel Kirkwall
Ayre Kirkwall
Ayre Hotel
The Ayre Hotel Hotel
The Ayre Hotel Kirkwall
The Ayre Hotel Hotel Kirkwall

Frequently asked questions

Is The Ayre Hotel pet-friendly?

Yes, dogs are allowed at this property. There's a fee of GBP 25.00 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking at The Ayre Hotel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Ayre Hotel?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at The Ayre Hotel?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Ayre Hotel located?

Situated in 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 Ayre Hotel Reviews

8.6

Excellent

9.2

Cleanliness

8.0

Amenities

8.8

Staff & service

8.4

Eco-friendliness

8.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 108 out of 214 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 72 out of 214 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 214 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 214 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 214 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Liked the staff and the quietness
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff friendly and efficient.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Roger

Lovely staff. We commented on the lack of scallops on the menu as we had enjoyed them on our previous visit so they put them on for us. Lovely sea/ harbour views from our room.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Handy for town centre
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leilani

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The was a very comfortable and cozy hotel. I had a great time here. I found it impeccably clean, and the cleaning staff was very friendly and helpful. It's walking distance from the downtown shopping area, but still pretty quiet. There is a lovely lounge and bar area that is very comfortable and welcoming. The shower worked very well too. I would love to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Dinner was good but not special. Otherwise our stay was lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was nice and central.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Cindy

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dirty all around and not enough staff
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

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

Great location

This hotel is convenient for seeing the sights of Kirkwall. Rooms are charming and comfortable. Breakfast has a good variety of choices.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Perfectly agreeable for our one-night stop-over.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pauline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Outside looks a little tired from front but inside very nice. Lovely welcome. Staff made sure I was ok as I have mobility issues. Lift easy to use and spacious. definitely recommend the jug
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Only stayed one night, but it was dreamy!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Ayre is conveniently located and we we very pleased with the accommodations. The staff was friendly and helpful. It is a great place to stay when arriving on the late night ferry.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caj

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Excellent apartment accommodation
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Clifford

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay only spoiled by our dinner on the final night. While our chips were lovely and hot, the pie was stone cold. And the 250 ml glass of wine came as a 175 ml glass. Only little things but enough to take the shine off our stayh
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was very accommodating to our visit to Orkney.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarankumar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really pleasant atmosphere and people at hotel. Really the best stay experience that I ever had. Really good team of professionals catering up to your needs. Would definitely recommend them to friends and family for a stay when in Orkney.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed in the apartments which were simply perfect. Ample parking; excellent location which means you can walk to everywhere in Kirkwall and drive anywhere on main island. The apartments had a huge amount of space and a nearby Lidl and Tesco meant that it was easy to self cater with the facilities provided. A lovely bath and comfortable bed.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location on the harbor was great, although a little noisy at night with traffic.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

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

Perfect stay

Great welcome, lovely clean room overlooking the harbour, beautiful food at dinner and breakfast and helpful and friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent Hotel well positioned in Kirkwall.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient for the late night ferry arrival. Budget double room clean and comfortable but over-priced. Dinner in the restaurant was excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Very accommodating!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Iain

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

Great place to stay

Good location super clean helpful staff
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, walkable to the town centre and restaurants. Mattress was like sleeping on a box spring. Pillows were terrible. Good breakfast. Nice bar/lounge area.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

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