Royal Oak Guesthouse

The Royal Oak Guesthouse is a large, friendly guesthouse on Holm Road, on the southern edge of Kirkwall, easy to spot with its white walls and red-clad gable. It's an unfussy, comfortable place to stay with private parking and breakfast laid on — a practical base right by the main town.

Rooms & comfort

The bedrooms are tasteful and recently smartened up. One has a soft sage-green panelled headboard wall, solid oak bedside furniture and crisp white bedding with a throw and fresh towels; a glass bell wall light gives a warm glow at night. There's a thoughtful dressing-table corner too — oak desk with a mirror, a tea tray, an Orkney print on the wall and a wall-mounted air-conditioning unit for comfort year-round. A small guest kitchenette with a sink, microwave, fridge and kettle means you can make a hot drink or a light bite whenever you fancy.

The location

Holm Road puts you on the south side of Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney — a short hop from St Magnus Cathedral, the harbour, the shops and the restaurants, and well placed for the road south to the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel. The airport and ferry terminals are both close by.

Good to know

Breakfast is included and there's a residents-only car park on site, so parking is never a worry. Wifi runs throughout, and a washer is available, with family-friendly rooms making it suitable for a range of guests.

Perfect for

Sleeping 2, it's well suited to couples and solo travellers who want a comfortable, well-located Kirkwall base with breakfast, parking and the town's sights on the doorstep.