Skip to Main Content.
List your propertySupportTrips
Member discount illustration
Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in
Sign in
Learn about Expedia Rewards
Feedback

St Ola Hotel

3.0 star property
Guesthouse in Kirkwall with bars/lounges and restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for St Ola Hotel

Front of property
Terrace/patio
Desk, iron/ironing board, free cots/infant beds, free WiFi
Exterior
Restaurant
St Ola Hotel, by the ocean, offers a peaceful retreat with practical amenities. Enjoy in-room WiFi, complimentary coffee or tea in the lobby, on-site laundry, full breakfast options, and unwind at either of the two bars.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Standard Single Room (Room 2)

Desk, iron/ironing board, free cots/infant beds, free WiFi

Standard Single Room (Room 2)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Coffee/tea maker
IPod dock
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room (Room 6)

Superior Double Room (Room 6)

Superior Double Room (Room 6)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Coffee/tea maker
IPod dock
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room

Superior Double Room

Superior Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Coffee/tea maker
IPod dock
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Twin Room (Room 1)

Desk, iron/ironing board, free cots/infant beds, free WiFi

Standard Twin Room (Room 1)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Coffee/tea maker
IPod dock
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

Desk, iron/ironing board, free cots/infant beds, free WiFi

Standard Twin Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Coffee/tea maker
IPod dock
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Single Room

Standard Single Room

Standard Single Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Coffee/tea maker
IPod dock
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the area

Map
Harbour Street, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1LE

What's nearby

  • Orkney Museum - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • St. Magnus Cathedral - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Earl's Palace - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Bishop's Palace - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Highland Park Distillery - 3 min drive - 2.5 km

Getting around

  • Kirkwall (KOI) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

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

About this property

St Ola Hotel

Guest house by the ocean
Take advantage of laundry facilities, 2 bars and a restaurant at St Ola Hotel. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
  • Full breakfast (surcharge), luggage storage and coffee/tea in reception
  • Smoke-free property
Room features
All guest rooms at St Ola Hotel feature perks, such as air conditioning, as well as amenities, such as free WiFi and room service.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • Free infant beds, coffee/tea makers and daily housekeeping

Similar properties

Front of property

The Stromness Hotel

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
7.0 out of 10, Good, 83 reviews
The Stromness Hotel

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking within 10 metres

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast available for a fee 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM on weekdays and 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM on weekends; GBP 9.95 per person
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room cot
  • Laundry facilities

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.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free cot

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV
  • IPod dock

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Room service

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: midnight

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:30 AM - midnight
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 10 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.
Free cots are available on request at the property

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: from approximately GBP 9.95 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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

National rating

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

Property is also known as

St Ola Hotel Kirkwall
St Ola Hotel
St Ola Kirkwall
St Ola
St. Ola Hotel Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
St Ola Hotel Kirkwall
St Ola Hotel Guesthouse
St Ola Hotel Guesthouse Kirkwall

Frequently asked questions

Is St Ola Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at St Ola Hotel?

There is free parking nearby.

What time is check-in at St Ola Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: midnight.

What time is check-out at St Ola Hotel?

Checkout is at 10 AM.

Where is St Ola Hotel located?

Situated by the ocean, this guesthouse is within a 5-minute walk of Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral. Orkney Museum and Earl's Palace are also within 10 minutes.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

St Ola Hotel Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 19 out of 72 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 31 out of 72 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 72 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 72 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 72 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Room was ok, but beds had very hard mattresses. Noise from extracts and chillers from kitchen kept us awake. Whole hotel could do with a re vamp
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location

Very close to ferry’s and bars and restaurants
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Staff was very helpful and friendly. Facilities a bit long in the tooth
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, especially in the restaurant which also had great meals. Room was a bit jaded, with view of a wall and low doorway into a tiny bathroom. Parking was a pain with time limits outside and the free space round the back not inspiring confidence about the security of our bikes.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

4/10 Poor

David

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I usually pay a lot less for a lot more
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Good for a one night stay

Quick overnight stay after a late ferry from the Shetlands. Clean, breakfast was really good. Hotel dated but had everything you required
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

6/10 Okay

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Tired room

Hotel is nice but the room was in major need of an update.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location but very dated noisy hotel

Stayed at the hotel Friday Saturday Sunday room allocated(no 1) was over the bar area and overlooking bins and smoking shelter. Friday/Saturday bar open until after one in the morning and was very noisy. I would say the room is not suitable to be used at weekends. The room itself is very dated and dull with badly stained carpet. On the plus side staff were friendly and polite.Sadly won’t be staying here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

Andrew

Liked: Staff & service

St Olas Kirkwall

Centrally located, with reasonable food. A bit dated, and very expensive, but it was booked in height of season when everyone was staycationing during Covid
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mark

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

A great place to stay

The St. Ola Hotel is very convenient with easy access to the harbor and shops in Kirkwall. The staff were friendly and helpful, offering input on the best places to see on the island.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

8/10 Good

Cato

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

Hyggelig på Kirkwall

Bodde en natt i forbindelse med jobb. Hadde Superior dobbelt rom. Helt OK. Vannkoker med Kaffe og Te på rommet, påfyll av Kaffe, sukker, melk tilgjengelig i gang, veldig bra. Liker en fordrive tiden med å se TV, var det kun mindre skjerm, så glem å se TV fra sengen. Veldig hyggelig personale. Bor gjerne der igjen om jeg skulle behøve overnatting i Kirkwall. Merk, Resepsjon er nattestengt så du får nøkkel til ytterdør sammen med romnøkkel.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Basic but comfortable

Not bad for the price, good location on the harbour front, friendly helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Drew

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

Nice hotel

Nice hotel room looking over the harbour. Very comfortable & staff lovely
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved this hotel. All the workers were excellent and worked so hard for us. We appreciated all the efforts and the Orkney Islands as one of the most special places to go in the world. St Ola was perfect for us in its unique characteristics and wonderful staff.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The beds were the most uncomfortable I have ever slept in, room was dark and dreary, really in need of some tlc
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Alan

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

Welcoming hotel

Didn’t get there till gone 11pm off the ferry on a windy February night. Welcoming staff, nice bar area and a warm clean room. Hotel overlooking the harbour. Would definitely recommend
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Frank

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

A great place to stay and visit!!

Nostalgia trip. Dad based on the ships at Scapa Flow. The Hotel, things to see, public transport, people in general, had a ruddy good tie and will most definitely be returning to the Orkneys and using the same hotel. There’s so much to do and see. Highly recommend St OlaHotel!!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2018

6/10 Okay

Lesley

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
People (staff?)talking loudly in doorway, blocking entry - not great. Long wait for someone to come to checkin counter - not great. Friendly and helpful staff eventually - good. Thin walls to rooms meaning noise until well after midnight - not great. Restaurant service and food OK.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

まずまず使い勝手の良いホテル

場所は最高！中心地で港に面してます。 お部屋も設備はまずまず。 周辺にお店はありますが、ホテルの一階にレストランとバーもあるので、悪天候の時などは楽。
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018

8/10 Good

jerry, jerslev , danmark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel lige ved havnen..Nemt at komme til midt byen og seværdigheder...
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Great hotel and good value

This hotel has an amazingly helpful and responsive staff. The room was also very clean and tidy. Access to many local tourist sites was excellent and the site also was a great coordinating point for meeting others arriving on my tour.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort
If you want to stay awake half the night with noise from bar and street... come here!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Prime location but pricey for what it is

This hotel is ideally placed for the centre of Kirkwall. Everything is in walking distance in terms of cafes, restaurants, pubs and local shops. You'll need to have a car or a tour booked to see some of the historic sites on the mainland or other islands of course. Only complaints were the shower didn't have too much pressure and the bed was quite hard. One of our nights was a Friday and there were a lot of folk out in the street quite merry after the pub kicking out time at 1am so we were woken up, it quickly gets quiet though. Just remember it is a 3 star location so the amenities match this, as opposed to the price of the room which we felt was excessive for what it was. Orkney was inclredible though, so we were happy with our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018

8/10 Good

Brian v

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Historic hotel on the waterfront, nice facade but precious little historical character remains inside. My room had everything I needed but was nothing special. No problems with noise, though it was early in the week. Hard-working and versatile friendly staff. I ate dinner twice in the restaurant, really enjoyed the food, and as a vegetarian it was nice to have a few choices; breakfast was fairly average though. Parking out front was in keen demand and it could be difficult to find a (legal) spot at times.
Stayed 1 night in May 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Popular Location

Previous reviews seem accurate. Excellent central location right on the dock, right on a popular strip of eateries and other hotels (with restaurants). This hotel's restaurant was good, too. Yes, it was a bit on the loud side late on a Saturday (other colleagues had same issue at different hotel the same night). Very quiet though on the following Sunday. Consider the day of the week you book. Staff seemed gracious. Very busy on Saturday night. Clean. Would stay again after comparing prices with competitors.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018