A group of seven academics, we stayed here for six nights and felt it was home from home. Giffie in particular (but also Robert, though he was hampered by his crutches) couldn't do enough for us. Breakfast was re-timed for our early starts, delicious bacon and egg on the more relaxing days, and a wonderful ambience in the bar where... More

very enjoyable stop over in kirkwall made all the better with the fantastic service offered by gifford at the west end hotel... i was made to feel extremely welcome on arrival which supported with excellent facilities and i slept soundly in a very comfortable bed... i did not eat in the dining room on the evening although it appeared to... More

My husband João & I would recommend this hotel to anyone, Giffie the proprietor was fantastic, so welcoming it was like we knew him forever, our trip back to Aberdeen was late at night but he was so accommodating & allowed us to stay later, very kind of you Giffie, thank you! the hotel is situated perfectly for the centre... More

Always enjoy staying at this Hotel where we recive a good welcome from Giffie and Robert, handy for town centre and shops plus not too far to walk to Masonic Club. Good bar with full range of drinks to choose from, will be back.

This quaint hotel has a cozy feel and the proprietor couldn't be more welcoming. Our room was nicely and freshly decorated with antiques, as was the entire building. The onsite bar is intimate and we enjoyed warming ourselves in front of the fireplace after sight-seeing on a cold day in Orkney. The dining area adjoining the bar is also lovely,... More

We stayed for 2 nights while on the island for work. The friendliest hotel I've ever stayed in! Yummy food and lovely hosts, enjoyed sitting in the cosy bar. Balfour the dog made it even better. I'll definitely visit Orkney again and stay in the West End.

After visiting Kirkwall, I didn't want to leave! The West End is situated perfectly for a leisurely walk into town for shopping and ice cream, as well as visiting historical sites like St. Magnus Cathedral. Robert and Giffie were excellent hosts, and surprised us with a champagne welcome to our suite. We enjoyed our stay very much.

We stayed in Kirkwall for one night only - Boxing Day - on our way to the northern isles, and though the hotel wasn't fully open to the public (the bar and restaurant were closed) we were able to book a room for the night. We learned that we would be the only guests, and we suspected that it would... More

My wife and I stayed here for 5 days in November, 2012. The staff and owners (Robert and Giffie) were wonderful. They could not have been more helpful. It's very nicely furnished. The location was very good and in the heart of Kirkwall. The small bar is a great place to have a pint and meet new people. The restaurant... More