This was my first visit to Orkney and so one was not quite sure what to expect; island hospitality and hotels can be somewhat different (for good or bad) to what one experiences during city breaks / visits to other parts of the UK and Europe. The West End Hotel is all that is excellent about privately owned small hotels... More

The Orkey Islands are beautiful, and, from our perspective, Kirkwall is by far the most attractive town on the island. The West End Hotel is a warm and welcoming place to stay. First, a word on the building. This is an historic building originally built by a retired sea captain in the 1820s that later went on to become Orkney's... More

We spent a long weekend in Orkney as first time visitors, the West End Hotel is a superb base. Excellent location, excellent food, rooms spotless and full of character and the hotel itself has a great history. Giffie & Robert are exceptional hosts, they made us feel welcome & special! They are a credit to the hospitality industry.

We stayed at The West End Hotel for the Okrney Show . This was our first visit to Okrney and it was lovely ! The hotel owners Gifford and Robert were amazing hosts and made us feel very welcome and at home. The hotel was clean and well taken care of . The food was 5* quality . The steak... More

Hotel publicity speaks of offering simple comforts, but owners Gifford Leslie and Robert Dawson run a hotel with great charm and their constant presence assures a high level of service well beyond simple comforts. The furnishings are Victorian and the hotel, converted from an old building, has corridors that run seemingly at random. This is not your standard hotel with... More

We stayed in Kirkwell in The West End Hotel as part of our honeymoon. One week married when we "found" this gem while looking for accomodation. Very warm welcome, lovely room and the best steak we had in Scotland ever and we have been all over Scotland. We really enjoyed our stay and we said that it was worth the... More

Innkeepers strike the perfect balance between pamper and polish. We felt well cared for here.

On a quiet street in Kirkwall is the Inn I might like to live out my days in the Orkneys. Run by 2 charming innkeepers who aim to accommodate thier quests with great well appointed lodging, food & hospitality. It is because of Gifford & Robert that we decided to go back in 2012 for the Festival in June and... More

Ideally located close to the centre of Kirkwall...the ferries and the buses. Nice , clean room and comfortable bed. The decor is individual but somehow fitting. Robert and Gifford were unfailingly pleasant and did their best to make sure I had a good time. Breakfasts were really nice with a good choice of menu. Nice little bar and a very... More