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3-star hotel Check-in 14:00 ·

The Inn

Discover The Inn, a cozy 4.6-rated guesthouse near Kirkwall. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, delicious breakfast, kid-friendly stays, and warm hospitality in a historic seaside setting with easy access to the Italian Chapel and Bay of Ayre.

s, Holm, Kirkwall, St Mary KW17 2RT, United Kingdom View on map
9.2/10
Exceptional Based on 55 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Kid-friendly Airport shuttle Smoke-free
What recent guests emphasize

Welcoming service and cosy sea views

Recent visitors highlight the friendly, attentive hosts and the guesthouse’s charming waterfront setting. The combination of a comfortable, well-equipped room and hearty breakfast receives frequent commendation, making this a favored base for exploring nearby Orkney attractions.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly and helpful hosts who warmly welcome guests
  • Clean, comfortable rooms with good amenities and hot water
  • Hearty and well-served breakfast with both continental and cooked options
  • Peaceful, quiet setting with attractive sea views
  • Pet-friendly atmosphere appreciated by dog owners

Worth knowing

  • Guesthouse dates back to the 1830s, so some creaky floors and older features are present
  • No onsite restaurant or swimming pool available
  • Laundry service offered for a fee, which can be convenient for longer stays
  • Breakfast served in a separate dining room rather than in-room
  • Free Wi-Fi available throughout the property

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a cosy, traditional guesthouse with modern amenities
  • Travelers wanting a quiet, seaside location with scenic bay views
  • Guests who appreciate personalized, friendly hospitality
  • Tourists aiming to explore nearby landmarks like the Italian Chapel and St Magnus Cathedral
  • Families or pet owners looking for a kid- and dog-friendly stay
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About this property

Welcome to The Inn

The Inn, nestled in the serene parish of Holm near Kirkwall, stands as a charming family-run bed and breakfast offering a warm, authentic Orkney experience. With a commendable 4.6 rating, this seaside guesthouse combines historic character—dating back to the 1830s—with modern comfort, creating an inviting retreat for visitors keen to explore the surrounding landmarks such as the Italian Chapel and Churchill Barriers.

Guests consistently praise the welcoming hospitality of owner Shona and her husband, whose genuine warmth transforms any late arrival into a heartfelt welcome. The clean, comfortable rooms are thoughtfully equipped to meet essential needs, fostering restful stays in a peaceful setting. The Inn’s cozy ambiance is enriched by its affectionate resident dog, which adds a homely touch to every visit.

Breakfast at The Inn is a highlight, offering a delightful choice between cooked and continental options served fresh in a spotless dining area. The attention to detail and quality of the meals reflect the proprietor’s commitment to guest satisfaction. Practical amenities such as free Wi-Fi, airport shuttle service, and kid-friendly facilities further enhance the convenience of the stay, while the smoke-free environment ensures a clean, healthy atmosphere.

Despite the building’s age, which brings a quaint creakiness, it offers ample hot water and helpful services like laundry at a modest fee, catering well to travelers’ needs. The expansive sea views across the Bay of Ayre add a spectacular natural backdrop that complements the Inn’s tranquil vibe.

The Inn excels not only as a place to rest but as a memorable experience steeped in Orkney’s scenic beauty and genuine local charm. For those seeking a peaceful, heartfelt stay close to iconic sites, it leaves an enduring impression—a true home away from home, where simple comforts and sincere hospitality meet seamlessly.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Kid-friendly
Airport shuttle
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Restaurant
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JT
John Thompstone Dec 11, 2025
10

Me and my friend stayed here for 4 nights and we arrived late but was welcomed by the owner and her husband with a great attitude the owner Shona showed us to our room and sorted out a time suitable for breakfast the room was very clean and had everything we needed. In the morning we went downstairs for breakfast and was sat in a very clean dining room the breakfast was great and served on hot plates. Overall our stay was excellent and I couldn’t be happier with the service and friendly people We met. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone who wants a great Orkney experience.

MM
Melanie Menlove Nov 25, 2025
8.0

Enjoyed spending 3 nights here while exploring the islands. Shona was a good host and I loved meeting her cute dog Tazz. The house is older so it is a bit creaky, but lots of hot water and Shona had a nice little continental or cooked breakfast to choose from each morning. She also had laundry services available for$10 a load which was very helpful.

KZ
Kaiying Zhou Nov 19, 2025
10

A lovely family-run B&B in a quiet spot near the Italian Chapel and Churchill Barriers. The bed was very comfortable, breakfast was delicious, and the owner was wonderfully friendly. Our dog was made very welcome too – and their sweet, affectionate dog made the stay even warmer.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Inn

Holm, Orkney, UK

With expansive sea views across the Bay of Ayre to the Italian Chapel, this cosy seaside guesthouse in the parish of Holm dates to the 1830s. It's 6.8 miles south of Kirkwall.

  • Graeme Park 2 min Walk
  • Ferryhouse Road End 3 min Walk
  • Station Square 7 min Walk
  • Kirkwall Airport 10 min Car · 27 min Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in United Kingdom. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

St Magnus Cathedral 2,101 reviews

St Magnus Cathedral

Broad St, Kirkwall KW15 1DH, United Kingdom

4.7 · Cathedral
Italian Chapel | Orkney 2,353 reviews

Italian Chapel | Orkney

Lamb Holm, Orkney KW17 2SF, United Kingdom

4.6 · Church
Scapa Flow 88 reviews

Scapa Flow

United Kingdom

4.4 · Water
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