See all properties
Save

The Ayre Hotel

3.0 star property
Hotel in Kirkwall with restaurant and bar/lounge

Photo gallery for The Ayre Hotel

Exterior
Lobby
Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
Bar (on property)
One Bedroom Apartment | Living room

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
The current price is NZ$170
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov

Explore the area

View map
Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX
  • Place, Orkney Museum
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, St. Magnus Cathedral
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Earl's Palace
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Kirkwall (KOI)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

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
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Pet friendly
  • 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
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
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

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Budget Double Room

Budget Double Room

Budget Double Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(9 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for One Bedroom Apartment

One Bedroom Apartment

One Bedroom Apartment

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living area

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
Fridge
TV
2 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Microwave
Electric kettle
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

About the area

Kirkwall

The Ayre Hotel places you steps from Orkney Wireless Museum and within a 10-minute stroll of St. Magnus Cathedral. Highlights at this hotel include a restaurant, free self-parking and a bar/lounge. .This pet-friendly hotel offers free WiFi in public areas, luggage storage and a television in a common area. Additionally, you'll find coffee/tea in a common area and laundry facilities. Each morning buffet breakfast is served between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM. .Sights within a 10-minute walk of this 3-property class Kirkwall hotel include Orkney Museum and Earl's Palace.

What's nearby

  • Orkney Wireless Museum - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Orkney Museum - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • St. Magnus Cathedral - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Earl's Palace - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Bishop's Palace - 9 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

  • Kirkwall (KOI) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Skipper's - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Ayre Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Storehouse - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Helgi's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Auld Motor Hoose - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Ayre Hotel

Hotel in Kirkwall with restaurant and bar/lounge
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. The Ayre Hotel also features coffee/tea in common area, laundry facilities, and a television in common area. Free self parking is available.

This 3-star Kirkwall hotel is smoke free.

  • 51 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Television in lobby
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Ayre Hotel offers 51 accommodations with coffee/tea makers. This Kirkwall hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include baths or showers. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

2 bars/lounges
Albert Hotel
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 264 reviews
The price is NZ$265
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov
Albert Hotel

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • 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.
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Smoke-free property

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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

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

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: GBP 25.00 per pet, per stay
  • Only dogs are allowed
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately GBP 15 for adults and from GBP 15 for children
  • Pet fee: GBP 25.00 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Cash is not accepted. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in 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

What is the cancellation policy at The Ayre Hotel?

The Ayre Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Ayre Hotel?

As of 15 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Ayre Hotel on 23 Nov 2025 start from NZ$170.24, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at The Ayre Hotel?

Yep, The Ayre Hotel has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to The Ayre Hotel?

The closest beach to The Ayre Hotel is Scapa Beach (2.6 km).

Does The Ayre Hotel serve breakfast?

Sure does, buffet brekkie is served daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Ayre Hotel?

No, The Ayre Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Ayre Hotel?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Ayre Hotel?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

The Ayre Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 110 out of 218 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 74 out of 218 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 218 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 218 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 218 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

BAREND

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Brent

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Problems from the start to finish. Arrived an hour before listed checkin time realizing that we may need to wait. No one at registration. Asked wait staff in hotel restaurant about checkin. She said rooms were not ready. We asked about checking our luggage to which she responded that we could just leave the luggage in the lobby. We decided to have lunch in the hotel restaurants we could be there at the start of checkin . We were given a room shortly thereafter. When entered the room, it was clear that a mistake had been made because it was a handicap room. Drain in center of bathroom for shower, handrails everywhere, and sink at wheel chair height. Returned to registration to inform them if the error. The person at registration claimed that it was not a handicap room and they were full so no other room was available. Since we checked in within minutes of the checkin time it was hard to believe this was true. The room we were assigned was on the first floor with a sidewalk running alongside and entrance to the building next to our room. We heard people coming and going and doors slamming all night. The next morning, I got down on my knees so I could use the mirror to shave (only 6 ft tall). When my wife went to use the hair dryer it did not work. Figures. I cannot recommend this hotel given our experience.
Bathroom shower
Toilet and sink. You had to squeeze your legs under sink to sit on toilet and kneel on knees to shave face.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

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

Great place to stay

A great place to stay. Convenient for harbour and town centre. Delicious food. Friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Heather

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

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

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

Lovely stay on the Harbourfront

Very central hotel overlooking the harbour a close walk to the main street and all the sights in town. The restaurant & bar area were great and rooms were quite comfortable. Staff were very friendly :) The only downside was the unusually hot summer weather made the rooms quite hot and stuffy.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 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

Jeremy

Travelled with partner
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

6/10 Okay

Deirdre

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

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Travelled with partner
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

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

Dane

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Travelled with partner
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

Caj

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

8/10 Good

Steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

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

8/10 Good

Mark

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Alison

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Expensive but good location

Room was nice with clean bedding and overall hotel was very nice . Doors were noisy as no soft closers . Dining at dinner was very slow and inconsistent and took an hour for us to get our dinner served and it was lukewarm on service . Maybe kitchen is understaffed as dining staff seemed to be plentiful but not particularly organised. We had to ask twice for one of the party’s ice cream dessert and the rest of our group were finished theirs before it arrived. When we arrived receptionist seemed initially to not find our booking! No view for the extortionate price . Maybe we would have got a better view if we had been staying longer
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with family
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

Karen

Travelled with family
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

Donald

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

Well placed to enjoy Kirkwall!

The Ayr Hotel is well placed in Kirkwall, close to the main ferry terminal, the bus station, and the main shopping street. We stayed in a detached block across the street with 12 apartments. Ours had a comfortable bedroom, good bathroom and a large sitting room with comfortable sofas. The kitchenette had a fridge, a hob and a microwave. . The restaurant was in the main building. Food was always quickly served and delicious.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Very accommodating!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joan, Victoria

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We chose this hotel because it was convenient for us when arriving from Shetland on the Northlink ferry that arrives at 11:30 pm. The shuttle service from the ferry terminal stops right in front of the hotel. The room was spacious with a well-appointed bathroom and a full breakfast was available in the morning.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Adam

Stayed 1 night in May 2025