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The Shore

3.0 star property
3-star hotel perfect for exploring Kirkwall

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Photo gallery for The Shore

Restaurant
Single Room | Premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Property entrance
Dock
Suite | Premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
Shore Street, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1LG
  • Place, Earl's Palace
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Orkney Museum
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, St. Magnus Cathedral
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Kirkwall (KOI)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Suite

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

Suite

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Comfort Single Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Kirkwall

Heart of Kirkwall.Within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, you'll find Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral. Orkney Museum and Earl's Palace are also within half a mile (1 km).

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 - 1.8 miles

Getting around

  • Kirkwall (KOI) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Skipper's - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Trenabies Cafe Bistro - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Helgi's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Ayre Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Storehouse - ‬4 min walk

About this property

The Shore

3-star hotel perfect for exploring Kirkwall
The Shore offers its guests an elevator. Public spaces have free WiFi. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge.

This 3-star Kirkwall hotel is smoke free.

  • 17 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
The Shore offers 17 accommodations with complimentary bottled water and hair dryers. Beds feature premium bedding. LCD televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

Exterior
The Ayre Hotel
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 226 reviews
$87 nightly
The price is $105
Jan 16 - Jan 17
Total with taxes and fees
The Ayre Hotel

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with digital channels

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

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

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Property 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 continental breakfast: approximately GBP 17.5 per person

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, 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
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, debit cards, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

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

How close is The Shore to the airport?

The Shore is 3.6 mi (6-min drive) away from the Kirkwall (KOI) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Shore?

As of Jan 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Shore on Jan 10, 2026 start from $128.98, excluding 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.

Does The Shore have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Shore.

How close is The Shore to the beach?

This hotel is 1.9 mi (7-min drive) from Scapa Beach and 6.7 mi (22-min drive) from Mill Sand. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Shore offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at The Shore, but continental breakfast is offered for a fee of GBP 17.5 per person. It's available every day from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a casino at The Shore?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at The Shore?

Check-in start time: 2:30 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The Shore?

Free parking is not available at this hotel.

Does The Shore have a pool?

The Shore does not have a pool.

Does The Shore have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The Shore to downtown Kirkwall?

The Shore is 0.2 mi away from Kirkwall.

The Shore Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 78 out of 173 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 57 out of 173 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 22 out of 173 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 173 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 173 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Imh Office

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

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

Abigail

Traveled with group
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

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

6/10 Okay

Mona

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Wonderful staff - Run diwn hotel

The biggest problem is the noise. No sound proofing and you can hear ever step, every door slam, doors and windows that rattle pounding all night with the slightest breeze. The hotel is run down and in Serio’s need of upgrades. First room, blinds had big gaps, street lights shown right into the room. It was dirty, and the fitted sheet was too small for the bed and rolled up at each corner.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Wonsick

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Wonsick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Imelda

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

10/10 Excellent

Tracy D

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
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

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

Nice

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

10/10 Excellent

Austen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Christopher

Business traveler
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

10/10 Excellent

Nicola

Traveled with family
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Audrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

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

8/10 Good

Liz

Traveled with partner
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

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

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Rose, Brooklyn

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