Check-in
Check-out
Guests
1 Adult, 0 Children
Explore Orkney
Things to Do in Orkney
Discover ancient sites, coastal walks, wildlife, local food, and the best experiences across the Orkney Islands. Stay at The Stromness Hotel, a welcoming harbour-side base just a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal.
Your Orkney Travel Hub
Set in the historic heart of Stromness, The Stromness Hotel is well placed for visitors looking for comfortable Orkney accommodation and easy access to the islands' most memorable attractions.
Use this guide as your Orkney travel hub. Explore history and heritage articles, nature and wildlife inspiration, Stromness travel tips, food and drink ideas, cruise and ferry advice, and practical guides to help you plan your stay.
Why Stay at The Stromness Hotel?
Choosing where to stay in Orkney can shape your whole trip. Stromness is one of the best places to begin, especially if you want harbour views, ferry access, local character, and a calm base for exploring the islands. If you're researching Orkney accommodation, Stromness offers an ideal mix of convenience, history, and easy access to many of the islands' top attractions.
The Stromness Hotel is a historic harbour-side hotel in Stromness, Scotland, offering comfortable Orkney accommodation, food and drink, and easy access to Orkney's west mainland attractions. We are also a pet-friendly hotel, making it easy to bring your four-legged companion along, and we welcome group bookings for tours, events, family gatherings, and other group stays.
Stay close to the harbour, walk from the ferry terminal, enjoy breakfast before a day out, return for dinner at Scapa Flow Restaurant, or stop for coffee and cakes at The Flattie in a Teacup.
Things to Do in Orkney
From ancient archaeological sites and scenic coastal walks to museums, island tours, and family-friendly adventures, there are countless things to do in Orkney. Whether you're planning a weekend break or a longer island holiday, these guides will help you discover the best attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences across the islands.
Orkney History & Heritage
Orkney is one of the most historically significant destinations in Scotland, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Viking heritage, wartime landmarks, and centuries of island culture. Explore Neolithic villages, stone circles, cathedrals, museums, and fascinating stories that have shaped Orkney through the ages. Visitors looking for hotels near Skara Brae can enjoy easy access to one of Orkney's most famous prehistoric sites.
Orkney Nature & Wildlife
Discover Orkney's spectacular landscapes, dramatic sea cliffs, wildlife habitats, and iconic natural landmarks. From puffin colonies and seal sightings to coastal walks and breathtaking viewpoints, these guides showcase the best of Orkney's natural beauty.
Stromness Guide
Stromness is one of Orkney's most characterful towns, known for its winding streets, maritime heritage, local attractions, and stunning waterfront setting. Browse our Stromness guides to discover what to see, where to walk, and how to make the most of your stay at an Orkney ferry hotel.
Food & Drink in Orkney
Orkney is renowned for its fresh seafood, artisan producers, traditional baking, and locally crafted drinks. Explore guides featuring the island's food culture, dining experiences, and culinary highlights. At The Stromness Hotel, guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner at Scapa Flow Restaurant, plus coffee, tea, cakes, and light bites at The Flattie in a Teacup.
Scapa Flow Restaurant
Scapa Flow Restaurant serves breakfast and evening dining inside The Stromness Hotel. It is a convenient option before a day of exploring Orkney or after returning from a coastal walk, ferry trip, museum visit, or day tour.
| Opening Hours | |
| Weekday Breakfast | 07:30–09:30 |
| Weekend Breakfast | 08:00–10:00 |
| Evening Dining | 17:30–20:30 daily |
The Flattie in a Teacup
The Flattie in a Teacup is our warm harbour-side coffee shop, ideal for coffee, tea, cakes, cookies, and light bites during your visit to Stromness.
| Opening Hours | |
| Monday–Friday | 10:00–16:00 |
| Weekends | Closed |
Travel Planning for Orkney
Planning a trip to Orkney? Find practical travel advice, itinerary ideas, family holiday inspiration, and essential visitor information to help you organise the perfect island getaway. Good planning makes an Orkney trip smoother. Weather can change quickly, ferry times matter, and some attractions need advance booking or tide checks.
What to Pack for Orkney
Spring (Apr–May)
Cool but brightening. Longer days, fresh greenery, wildflowers, and returning seabirds. Pack warm layers and waterproofs.
Summer (Jul–Aug)
Mildest season. Best for picnics, coastal walks, wildlife watching, and outdoor attractions. Light jacket still useful.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Quieter and often beautiful in September. Cooler, wetter and windier as season progresses. Layer up.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Shortest days and strongest winds. Warm waterproof clothing essential. Dramatic skies and quieter island atmosphere.
Budgeting for Your Orkney Holiday
Orkney offers many free or low-cost experiences, including coastal walks, harbour views, beaches, scenic drives, and some outdoor heritage sites. Paid attractions such as Skara Brae, museums, and guided experiences may need tickets, so it is worth planning your budget before arrival.
Cruise & Ferry Guide to Orkney
Travelling to Orkney by ferry or cruise ship is part of the adventure. If you're looking for an Orkney ferry hotel, learn about ferry routes, cruise visits, arrival points, and useful travel information to help you reach and explore the islands with ease.
For Ferry Passengers
The Stromness Hotel is around a five-minute walk from the Stromness ferry terminal, making it a convenient choice for guests arriving by ferry or leaving early the next morning. Check in easily and begin exploring without a long transfer.
For Cruise Visitors
Cruise guests visiting Stromness can use the hotel as a comfortable food, coffee, and local information stop during their time ashore. Explore the harbour, town, and nearby attractions with ease.
For Group Travel
Travelling with a group, tour, walking party, or special-interest visit? Our team can help with accommodation and dining options for groups of all sizes.
Find Us Near Stromness Ferry Terminal
The Stromness Hotel, Victoria Street, Stromness, Orkney KW16 3AA
Accommodation in Orkney
The Stromness Hotel offers a range of hotel rooms in Stromness for solo travellers, couples, families, and small groups. Families looking for family rooms in Orkney can choose practical shared accommodation close to the harbour, ferry links, food and drink, and local attractions. For larger families or groups, a quadruple room in Orkney can make it easier to stay together while exploring the islands from a central Stromness base.
Here are the room types that we offer:
Single Room
Our single rooms are perfect for solo explorers or business stays. They are cosy and comfortable, and offer all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay.
Double Room
Our double rooms are ideal for couples or friends who want to share a room. They are spacious and stylish, and offer stunning views of the sea or the harbour.
Triple Room
Our triple rooms are great for families or small groups who want to stay together. They are roomy and have extra space for your luggage or belongings.
Quad Room
Our quad rooms are perfect for larger families or groups who want to stay together. They are comfortable and spacious, and offer privacy and comfort.
Hotel Amenities
Guests can enjoy practical facilities designed to make their stay easier.
In-Room Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, towels, toiletries, desk, heating, storage, and electric kettle
Accessibility
Step-free access and accessible bathroom options available on request
On-Site Facilities
Restaurant, non-smoking rooms, nearby public parking, and street parking
Guest Services
Private check-in/check-out, concierge support, and invoices on request
Pet-Friendly
Pet-friendly rooms may be available, subject to hotel policy. Contact us to enquire.
What Our Guests Say
Don't just take our word for it. See what guests have said on Booking.com.
I had a fantastic stay at The Stromness Hotel. The hospitality was outstanding, and the staff were warm and welcoming, especially Scott and Wendy, who were always ready to help with local tips and recommendations. They truly made me feel at home. The room was spotless and comfortable, with beautiful views of the harbor. Breakfast was excellent, and the location is ideal, just a short walk from the ferry terminal.
Stromness itself felt like a beautifully preserved jar of history and the Stromness Hotel was a perfectly fitting piece within it. We arrived quite late, but the staff went above and beyond to ensure a smooth check-in for us. The rooms, though simple, were cozy and well-appointed.
What a fantastic find! The atmosphere of the place is just amazing… Just opposite the ferry terminal and a short walk to the bus terminal too. Yummy rib eye steak with lovely pepper sauce and tasty fried mushrooms.
The staff were really kind and helpful. Great views. Museum is very good, harbour and nearby streets picturesque, lovely walk to stunning viewpoints. Good pub food, fairly priced.
Plan and Book Your Orkney Stay
The Stromness Hotel is a welcoming place to stay in the heart of Stromness, offering comfortable Orkney accommodation just moments from the harbour and ferry terminal. Whether you're visiting Orkney for a short break, a walking holiday, or an island adventure, the hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the best things to do in Orkney include visiting Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe, the Standing Stones of Stenness, Brough of Birsay, Stromness Museum, Scapa Flow Museum, the Italian Chapel, and the Old Man of Hoy. You can also enjoy coastal walks, wildlife watching, beaches, scenic drives, and local food in Stromness.
Yes. Stromness is one of the best options when deciding where to stay in Orkney because it offers a scenic harbour-side setting, ferry access, local shops, museums, coastal walks, and convenient routes to many west mainland attractions. It is especially useful for visitors arriving by ferry or looking for a quieter base outside Kirkwall.
Yes. The Stromness Hotel is around a five-minute walk from the Stromness ferry terminal, making it a convenient choice for ferry passengers, short stays, and guests with early departures. If you are looking for a practical Stromness ferry hotel, the hotel offers an easy harbour-side base close to accommodation, breakfast, dining, and local travel routes.
Nearby attractions include Stromness Museum, Stromness harbour, local shops, coastal walks, Ness Battery, Skara Brae, Skaill House, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and Brough of Birsay.
Yes. The hotel offers practical accommodation options for families and groups, including room types suitable for shared stays. Stromness is also a good base for family-friendly attractions, beaches, museums, and outdoor heritage sites.
Yes. Guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner at Scapa Flow Restaurant and coffee, tea, cakes, and light bites at The Flattie in a Teacup.
Yes. Stromness is compact and easy to explore on foot. The hotel is close to the ferry terminal, harbour, shops, museum, and local walking routes. For attractions further away, you may need local transport, taxis, guided tours, or a hire car.
Stromness is a practical base for visiting Skara Brae and the west mainland. The Stromness Hotel is one of the convenient hotels near Skara Brae, suitable for guests who want to stay close to the harbour, ferry terminal, restaurants, and local services while exploring the area.