SYHA - ratings, reviews and travel tips!

Kirkwall

5 stars

Markus Maßeling - Germany

October 2011

4.5 stars

rain - Australia

October 2011

perhaps an increased level of comfort and advertising same could attract other guests

4 stars

CE - Scotland

October 2011

This is an old hostel and in places it shows. It is a rambling collection of, I believe, old army huts and everything seems to be along several long corridors, all at opposite ends of the building. That said, the staff are lovely and very friendly and it is a clean, safe place to stay.

4.5 stars

Charlotte - Germany

October 2011

5 stars

Renata S - Czech Republic

October 2011

5 stars

Exquisite Scotland - Scotland

October 2011

An excellent hostel run by people who really care. Everything works! This is how a hostel should be run. After making a booking you are sent an e mail by the manager telling you exactly how to get there from wherever you land on the island.The overall standard of service is brilliant, and it is a very spacious hostel. Highly recommended.

5 stars

Hannibal - Belgium

October 2011

Well equipped and well organized guest kitchen.

4.5 stars

Thomas - Germany

September 2011

5 stars

lionman - England

September 2011

4.5 stars

Peter - Scotland

September 2011

We enjoyed a further visit this year, during the Orkney International Science Festival. The hostel is comfortable and convenient for central Kirkwall and bus and inter-island ferry transport.

5 stars

Hedonist - Scotland

September 2011

4.5 stars

NR - England

September 2011

3.5 stars

Abhi - India

September 2011

4.5 stars

Danny - Canada

September 2011

2 stars

blesto - France

September 2011

3.5 stars

Mel - England

September 2011

4 stars

Mr Cook - England

September 2011

4 stars

Linda - Scotland

September 2011

Good kitchen facilities.

4 stars

David - Spain

September 2011

5 stars

Fernando Vidal - Spain

September 2011

4.5 stars

fyreexe - Germany

August 2011

2 stars

Eric - France

August 2011

4.5 stars

Filskit - Scotland

August 2011

From the Museum in Kirkwall, you can walk back to the hostel by coming out of the main door, turning right and continuing in a dead straight line. Just keep going. Local people scratched their heads over different directions to the SYHA and Old Scapa road, but it couldn't be simpler.

4.5 stars

HUBERT - Austria

August 2011

4.5 stars

Leif - Germany

August 2011

A very friendly and hospitable atmosphere. Very clean facilities too. Recommendable.

5 stars

anon - Australia

August 2011

4.5 stars

briandot - Scotland

August 2011

5 stars

Lesley - England

August 2011

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Kirkwall YH (which ended up being 4 nights 19th/20th/26th & 27th July) and the staff were very friendly and helpful with nothing too much trouble. We hired bikes to cycle round Orkney and we were able to leave our rucksacks at Kirkwall until we returned the following week, packing our gear in the cycle panniers. I managed to drop my map case and compass outside the hostel and the staff not only recovered them but rang the hostel where we were staying to let us know. Thank you to the staff for helping to make our stay so enjoyable.

4 stars

Romain Sanchez - France

August 2011

a nice place to rest, talk to people and share orkney experiences

3.5 stars

why - Scotland

July 2011

5 stars

JohnE - Scotland

July 2011

Very good cafes & restaurants in Kirkwall - excellent Orkney beers, imaginative use of ingredients in salads & good use of local produce - however do not believe everything on Orkney Ferries website as I was relying on a Sunday sailing excursion which did not exist! Staff even were fooled by their website!

4 stars

DaveB - England

July 2011

4.5 stars

Paisley - Scotland

July 2011

3.5 stars

bsh - Denmark

July 2011

3.5 stars

q - Scotland

July 2011

4 stars

JJ - Australia

July 2011

4 stars

Edward - England

July 2011

3.5 stars

Matt - Australia

July 2011

3.5 stars

Codger - Scotland

July 2011

3 stars

coinneach - Scotland

July 2011

Make sure you leave enough time to get out to other islands, Rousay or Hoy for example

4 stars

Highland Rover - England

July 2011

nice small friendly hostel

4 stars

lankylonglegs - Scotland

July 2011

4 stars

jane - England

June 2011

5 stars

Hillary - South Africa

June 2011

Dont be put off by the outside appearance, once inside the new carpets are beautiful, the facilities are excellent, very clean, Kitchen, Dining area and Lounge are well equipped and very comfortable, relatively close to Town and Tesco's, as a backpacker one gets used to walking !, beautiful view of the fields in front.

4 stars

jeremy - Australia

June 2011

3 stars

acer - England

June 2011

5 stars

Tensaskia - England

June 2011

Basic hostel, well situated about 10 mins walk from centre of Kirkwall. Room was comfortable and warm. Staff ever so friendly and helpful.

4 stars

jmb - Belgium

June 2011

4 stars

Oldgal. - Scotland

June 2011

If you are on foot, the hostel is about a 15 minute walk from the town, just a little bit long if you are dragging a suitcase, but taxis are very reasonably priced. Otherwise a pleasant walk to get supplies etc.

4.5 stars

FeeHendo - Scotland

June 2011

Nice hostel overall. We shared the hostel with a small but noisy school group who took over the lounge area, most people seemed put off by them being there so disappeared elsewhere, so we missed out on the hostelling experience a little!

4.5 stars

ballowall - England

June 2011

4.5 stars

blank - England

June 2011

5 stars

KP - Wales

June 2011

Ok for a one night stop,

4.5 stars

Malcolm - England

May 2011

4 stars

Alastair - Scotland

May 2011

4 stars

Erik Rahn - Denmark

May 2011

4.5 stars

KR - Scotland

May 2011

From the outside, this hostel really doesn't look like much. However, the facilities are reasonable, the staff have done a lot to make the main dining/living aread nice, the rooms are fine and there's plenty of shared space. The drying room wasn't the best, as it was being used to dry out some varnished wood, which we managed to get on our shoes and, thanks to some preivous guests, the shared kitchen is locked from 11pm until 7am. To be honest, though, at least you know someone won't burn it down whilst you sleep. However, the best thing about this hostel is the staff. They're friendly, efficient and willing to go out of their way to make your stay the best it can be. They're full of local knowledge and what they don't know, they're willing to find out for you. Definitely recommend going to Hoy (hire a bike and head over on the passenger ferry if you've time - well worth it) & all the local Standing Stones & Tombs.

2.5 stars

emi - England

May 2011

5 stars

oscar - United States of America

November 2010

4.5 stars

Jimbo - Scotland

October 2010

5 stars

sjr - England

October 2010

5 stars

David - Scotland

October 2010

5 stars

Joan - Scotland

September 2010

If you would like free coffee and biscuits go to visit the Ortak visitor centre on the road to the ferry terminus.

4 stars

Lady traveller - England

September 2010

I spent two nights at Kirkwall, I paid for a single private room. Th room was spacious (no sink) and warm if you wanted to put the radiator on. There were plenty of showers, toilets and a washroom. The hostel was very clean. Th dining area is large and theer was another sitting room. Don't be put off by the xterior of th building, I guess it's an old Barracks, it's very comfortable inside!! I would stay again. Oh, if you are on foot it's bit of a hike from the town.

4.5 stars

Peter - Scotland

September 2010

A comfortable hostel, with a good kitchen. Convenient for Kirkwall and access to the Northern Islands.

3.5 stars

kahlo - Scotland

September 2010

4 stars

lorna - Scotland

September 2010

Hostel is pretty basic but friendly, within walking distance from town. I travelled via Jon o groats by bus connections were good. If you don't have transport the travel centre in Kirkwall are very helpful.

4 stars

alex - England

September 2010

3.5 stars

Splodger - England

September 2010

5 stars

David N - Australia

September 2010

The staff were incredibly friendly, some of the nicest around. It is very clean with great facilities and a place I would definitely go to again. The atmosphere is very friendly.

3.5 stars

bébère - France

August 2010

4 stars

Sheyl - South Africa

August 2010

Ideally located for exploring the surrounding area. Easy to find, and neat and clean.

1.5 stars

Amy - Scotland

August 2010

Grim! Needs cheering up. On site of a building site (building has stopped so half completed flats) Curfew & locked out all day until 17.00. Will not use it again. On plus side not too far from choice of supermarkets Lidl, Co-op & Tesco. Highly recommend Orkney.

3 stars

thetravelilngwilberries - England

August 2010

4 stars

Accursius - France

August 2010

4.5 stars

Sarah - England

August 2010

To be honest, we weren't here long, arrived late on the 11pm ferry. But a warm and friendly welcome awaited. Rooms very spartan hence the score for comfort / atmosphere. Bike storage not fantastic either. But defintately served its purpose for a warm bed for the night.

4 stars

gilles - France

August 2010

4 stars

Wendy - Ireland (Republic)

August 2010

3.5 stars

colin - Scotland

August 2010

First impressions are not good when you first see this building. But it is better on the inside. No microwave in the kitchen. Doubtfull if I will use again.

2 stars

SpaceTraveller - Spain

August 2010

1 stars

Sara-Jane - England

August 2010

I was very disappointed with this hostel. I am aware it was 2 star but have stayed in other 2 star hostels and have found the services acceptable. £50.00 it cost me for a small damp and dank room-for myself and 2 children. There was no kitchen open as we had to leave by 7am and showers that were communal and cold. The facilities for families are appalling due to lack of privacy, space and comfort, and although 2 star £50.00 is a lot to pay for a bed. Premier Inn and Travelodges provide a much better service and they are half the price on promotions.

3 stars

Tom - Switzerland

August 2010

5 stars

Fabio Sassi - Italy

August 2010

Kirkwall Youth Hostel is always a great base on Mainland. The Staff is really friendly and very efficient!

5 stars

Habibi - Canada

August 2010

2.5 stars

Frank - Spain

August 2010

5 stars

May - Scotland

August 2010

I have never travelled on holiday on my own before but did hostelling when I was young and when my family were growing up. As I found myself on my own I decided to try hostelling again. I decided to stay in a small hostel (Kirkwall). It was a great experience everyone was so helpful and friendly. Do not hesitate to go hostelling if you are on your own.

4.5 stars

panecek - Czech Republic

July 2010

5 stars

katstaruk - Scotland

July 2010

2.5 stars

Arty Fart. - Scotland

July 2010

It a well-kept secret - the hostel staff probably don't even know - but a walk in the opposite direction to Kirkwall will bring you to the lovely unspoilt beach of Scapa (yes, as in Scapa Floe) and grassy headland on either side; walk towards the left of the beach and you will find a recent pedestrian trail back to town.

3.5 stars

Hank - Finland

July 2010

3.5 stars

Mrs Finlay - Scotland

July 2010

Reasonably basis but clean and pleasant hostel. ( it does what is says on the tin!) it is located within kirkwall and within a 10 min walk to kirkwall centre as well as the harbour however there is nothing of interest or inspiring at the hostel itself which i did find disappointing.

4 stars

DuncanMac - Scotland

July 2010

3.5 stars

Gigi - England

July 2010

3.5 stars

Stuart - Scotland

July 2010

4 stars

Austria - Austria

July 2010

2.5 stars

ponte walker - England

July 2010

The hostel is a long way out of town so be prepared.Recomend Bobs Taxis who also do left luggage for a smal donation to charity

2.5 stars

elmsyrup - England

July 2010

A very basic hostel right at the absolute edge of Kirkwall. No plug sockets in rooms so charging phones and cameras is a problem- we had to sit in the dining room charging our stuff, which obviously took hours. Stark and undecorated, like ex army barracks, so I imagine it would feel very cold in winter. The beds were sturdy and clean though.

3.5 stars

Kathleen Resmer - Germany

July 2010

5 stars

Deirdre Burch - Canada

July 2010

I found the tour of the island's main places of interest helpful to base where one wanted to go next. It cost 7.50 pounds and well worth it.The bus drivers comments reflected local culture as well.

4 stars

Brian - England

June 2010

2.5 stars

blank - England

June 2010

2 stars

Traveller - England

June 2010

3.5 stars

Bikers - England

June 2010

4.5 stars

Dougle - England

June 2010

This is a sound hostel with friendly ,efficient staff. The hostel is very clean and there is ample parking.

3 stars

johnb - Spain

June 2010

4 stars

cassie - England

June 2010

2 stars

101 - Australia

June 2010

4 stars

Caradoc - England

June 2010

Perfectly functional if unattractive building... fine for an overnight stop.

5 stars

Andrew - Scotland

June 2010

4.5 stars

Arno Rehrmann - Germany

June 2010

5 stars

Paula - Finland

June 2010

The hostel is rather basic, but at a lovely location (next to cows and horses) and has a very friendly hostel dog! I recommend the stay.

1.5 stars

Beruska - Spain

June 2010

didn´t feel like a youth hostel, but a church camp. Having the opening hours and not being able to stay outside after midnight and not being able to come back during the day from 10am-5pm is a little inconvenient. It´s not the hostal that I would recomend.

5 stars

K Pember - Wales

June 2010

Good central location, clean,friendly helpful staff, would stay her again.

1 stars

Michael Reist - Switzerland

June 2010

Its a bad hostel in the middle of nowhere. The Shower was cold (nippy) and the rules wehre stupid. You have to leave the house in the morning (no staying during the day) had to be back before midnight (weekned as well!!!!!) . I didn`t had much fun in this Hostel and when I go back to Orkney in summer I will stay definitively not in this house.

4 stars

Peter - Luxembourg

May 2010

The Kirkwall youth hostel is in a very peaceful location (my room looked out on to fields) yet is only 10 or 15 minutes' walk from the town centre.

4 stars

MikeyP - England

May 2010

If you are cycling on Orkney make allowance for the wind, a 40 miles at home takes a few hours, there most of the day. As the islands are windsweeped and 30mph+ winds are the norm.

2 stars

shadowfax - Scotland

May 2010

4 stars

Shaggy - Scotland

May 2010

4 stars

Gordon - England

May 2010

4.5 stars

Iain - Scotland

October 2009

I've stayed a fair number of times now, it's not the Ritz! But I like it

4.5 stars

TOH - Singapore

October 2009

4.5 stars

Happy Moose - England

October 2009

Nice central location in Kirkwall and a friendly atmosphere. Check out the archaeology whilst you are there, and buy the group pass for all sites (there are lots). I think you need some sort of transport whilst you are there unless you are a hardened user of buses or a very fit walker.

4 stars

allen - Scotland

September 2009

2 stars

hambo - Australia

September 2009

I think the days of out by 10am back at 5pm have long gone please keep up with other Hostels

3.5 stars

laidecrofter - Scotland

September 2009

The building is a linked series of older huts so not easy to maintain and clean and it shows. Very friendly and helpful staff able to cope efficiently with a large influx of people late at night from the Lerwick ferry. Biggest problem is not being open during the day.

2 stars

Andy - England

September 2009

1 stars

Visitors - Scotland

September 2009

4 stars

Ian - Scotland

September 2009

An adequate Hostel with freindly helpful staff and good clean facilities, maybe the showers could do with upgrading

4 stars

drew - Scotland

September 2009

3.5 stars

christiaan de haes - England

September 2009

3 stars

Sam Robertson - Scotland

September 2009

3.5 stars

Jason - England

September 2009

The rooms are small (only just enough room for the two bunks). The decor really needs a revamp. But it is perfectly OK as a youth hostel.

5 stars

Leni - Germany

September 2009

4 stars

Peter - Scotland

August 2009

Great public library in Kirkwall with friendly staff.

4 stars

Linda G - England

August 2009

4.5 stars

Fabio Sassi - Italy

August 2009

2.5 stars

Sheepies - England

August 2009

3 stars

madabouthostels - England

August 2009

A good base for exploring Orkney- easy to get to inter-island ferries.

2.5 stars

orkney cyclist - Scotland

August 2009

4 stars

pgc - Scotland

August 2009

3 stars

Florenci - Spain

August 2009

4 stars

worldtraveller - Norway

August 2009

Nice hostel if you are not a night owl. Clean, with a big kitchen and dining area and not too far from the city centre.

4 stars

Iain - Scotland

August 2009

I have never stayed at a hostel before and had just intended to stay the 1 night, but found the facilities and the way the Hostel works suits me (you can make your own food, dry your clothes and so on) I ended becoming a member and stayed for rest of week, and intend returning soon

2 stars

Orkney holidayers - England

August 2009

4 stars

Fabio Sassi - Italy

August 2009

3.5 stars

pc - England

August 2009

4.5 stars

weezie711 - United States of America

August 2009

Don't let the exterior fool you--this is a nice hostel. Beds were very comfortable. Only negative was there was inadequate space in the shower area to put dry clothes.

2.5 stars

tandem rider - United States of America

August 2009

2 stars

Byday - England

August 2009

This hostel has had bad reviews but despite a few problems with tin openers not working, no soap in the soap dispenser in the female toilets etc and the general tatty and run down nature of the place we had a great time! I really can't understand all the whingeing about the hostel being closed in the day and there being nothing to do because the hostel is the least attractive part of mainland orkney, and despite having no transport of our own and little money I still felt after 3 days we hadn'r had enough of the place. Free things to do include the orkney museum (fantastic) St Magnus cathedral, the st magnus centre, the shops- long sessions of browsing seem to be fine with the owners, the library, walking to the beach, round the harbour, going on local buses (not free but inexpensive) etc. For those with more money there are sightseeing bus trips and ferries to other islands. The hostel in the evenings was friendly with a big sitting room and dining area.

3.5 stars

x - England

August 2009

3.5 stars

A - Hong Kong

August 2009

3 stars

Michal - Czech Republic

August 2009

5 stars

ferradura - Scotland

August 2009

3 stars

davide - Scotland

August 2009

3 stars

queeny - Scotland

July 2009

3 stars

gege - Scotland

July 2009

4 stars

bananas - Scotland

July 2009

3 stars

Crash - England

July 2009

4 stars

mina - Peoples Republic of China

July 2009

3.5 stars

j - Scotland

July 2009

Good value for money

3 stars

lorna - Scotland

July 2009

4.5 stars

jb - England

July 2009

4.5 stars

Trevor - England

June 2009

3 stars

sadhu - Malaysia

June 2009

this is the worst hostel i ever stayed, i never stayed in a hostel which will completely closed in the day time, 10am-5pm, mean you have to go out, you cant even stay in the room or their reading room, anyway, any space IN the hostel except a small waiting room at the entrance. they never highlight this closure on the website. this hostel is far from city centre, and there arent all guests who hire a car, and wanted to "explore" the WHOLE kirkwall as they wish, some people just want to rest in the hostel for doing nothing. no internet no wireless no breakfast, room is small, you see, this hostel does provide NOTHING, if just lack of one or two, it is acceptable, but in fact it has NOTHING!! end up i checked-out earlier, i cant stand, i wasnt plan to stay one or two days but five days, it rained quite frequently when i was there, i got no place to stay for free except library.

4 stars

Northhorse - Scotland

June 2009

Note this hostel closes all day. So if you forget your jacket, wallet or swimming trunks - be prepared to do without! And tHE kitchen is locked after 10.45 so take a flask!

5 stars

no comments - Scotland

June 2009

2 stars

EBG - Scotland

June 2009

The Kirkwall hostel was adequate and relatively cheap, but beware of the following: *The website and confirmation email said the reception desk is open until midnight, but upon arriving we found that they close at 23:45. This could be tight if coming from the 23:00 ferry from Shetland. When we called the phone number given for the hostel (1856 872243) to let the hostel reception know we had just arrived on the ferry and expected to get there before midnight, we found no answer, just a generic recorded message from IH. *No electrical outlets in the room. Come with your phone already charged, especially if you will use it as an alarm clock. *It is not possible to return to the hostel after midnight. You get no key or combination for the outer door.

5 stars

Rick - England

June 2009

Its a good base, the facilities are excellent. I've stayed there three times and its central.

4 stars

3monthsUK - Germany

May 2009

in kirkwall itself is not much to do and not much to see. theres a curfew, u have to leave the hostel from 10 till 5pm

4.5 stars

Tomek - Scotland

May 2009

1.5 stars

Mickey - Scotland

April 2009

4.5 stars

gem - Scotland

November 2008

SYHA - ratings, reviews and travel tips!