Enjoy a 4.6-star stay at Kettletoft Hotel in Orkney with kid-friendly amenities. Close to Sanday Heritage Centre and Kirkwall Airport for easy travel.
Visitors highlight the hotel’s welcoming vibe, hearty meals, and community feel, making it a popular spot for both relaxation and socializing.
GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.
Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.
Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Located in the scenic Orkney Islands, Kettletoft Hotel offers a straightforward and unpretentious setting with views overlooking the water. The property functions as a local hub with a relaxed atmosphere, where guests can enjoy simple meals such as Orkney burgers and renowned fish and chips, often accompanied by locally brewed beer. Its bar area, while described as somewhat tired by patrons, remains welcoming and is a popular spot for activities like darts, pool, and poker.
This hotel is particularly suited to visitors seeking a laid-back and informal stay rather than luxury or modern glitz. Families with children will find it accommodating thanks to kid-friendly service options. The venue also hosts lively community events, including festive parties with generous hospitality, making it ideal for those looking to engage with the local culture and social scene.
Situated close to attractions such as the Sanday Heritage Centre and Quoyness Chambered Cairn, the hotel provides a convenient base for sightseeing and exploring local heritage. Kirkwall Airport is accessible within a two-hour car journey, supporting travel plans to and from the mainland. Nearby lodging options include a range of guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts, offering alternatives for visitors to the area.
Guest reviews emphasize the hotel's friendly service and solid food offerings, though some note the dated appearance of the premises. This balance suggests the Kettletoft Hotel best fits those who prioritize atmosphere and community spirit over modern refinements, especially travelers aiming to unwind and immerse themselves in Sanday's relaxed island lifestyle.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Good lunch! We all had Orkney burgers and found them to be most satisfying.
Friendly and atmospheric place, caters for a lot and really good fresh food served. Also great facilities. Has darts, pool and poker to take part in. Also knows how to throw a great party and help support the local community.
We arrived late on and the cafe had closed but they were still serving food in the bar. Two small kids in tow... it was recommended to us. You arrive and see a fairly tired side door into a bar, I'd not have taken the kids in had we not been told it was good. The bar is a bit tired too, obviously a local institution. The welcome was great and the food fantastic! I can honestly say the chicken nuggets were the best I can remember having anywhere, and I've travelled... The burgers were fantastic too. They do sit in and take away. Nothing was too much bother, my wee one Can be fussy and they just adjusted the menu item to suit. The price was reasonable too, I've noted the rise in prices in mainland orkney, I've been coming since the 90s. This was entirely more of the Orkadian spirit, good food at good prices with a warm welcome. Shame we're not here longer, I'd like to try the fish!
Stopped in to this Excellent little Hotel, and enjoyed the Sunday Carvery, and a pint of the local beer. They were both excellent.
A lovely gem of a place. It is what it is and it makes no excuses. If you want glitz & glam the Kettletoft Hotel will not be your place in fact to be fair if you want glitz & glam Sanday will not be your place. However if you want a wonderful friendly place to chill out and have a game of pool whilst waiting for your takeway fish supper to be cooked this is the place for you. Try the Scapa special beer if you like real ale. Thank you Sanday for a fantastic holiday with zero stress. We were very sad to leave the entire island behind and we are already planning the next visit.
I am not from Orkney but was up to Sanday for New Year with friends. We went to the Kettletoft Hotel for their party and were welcomed with open arms. Great atmosphere! Generous owners - they provided a lovely buffet and free alcohol after midnight. We had a blast! Lovely views over the water. Highly recommend this island hub
Best fish and chips I have had since I was here 9 years ago. Bit the homemade tarter sauce was an improvement this time. Long way to go but I will be back!!!
Absolutely lovely bar overlooking the blue waters. Mark and Julia whip up a great meal, which is supplemented by delicious tap beer. The atmosphere is wonderful, very inviting and comfortable. Would highly recommend a visit if you are in Sanday!
Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in United Kingdom. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
1 reviews Orkney KW17 2BL, UK
1 reviews Sanday Orkney Sanday, Orkney KW17 2BW, United Kingdom
25 reviews Sanday, Orkney, United Kingdom
Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.
Enjoy 4.8star lakeside cottages with hot tubs & kitchens at The Tranquil Otter in Carlisle. Close to Watchtree Nature Reserve and...
Stay at Treehouse Hotel Manchester, a 4.4star LGBTQ+ friendly hotel near top attractions like Manchester Art Gallery. Convenientl...
Stay at All Seasons Guest House in Windermere, featuring countrystyle rooms, free breakfast, free WiFi, and easy access to Winde...
Stay at East Cliff Cottage Hotel in Bournemouth with free WiFi, breakfast, parking, and beach access. Rated 4.4 from 80 reviews, ...
4.4rated Premier Inn Glasgow (Hamilton) offers warm rooms, free WiFi, restaurant, and bar. Close to Hamilton Central train stati...
Stay at Almar Hotel Apartments Blackpool, a kidfriendly townhouse hotel with free WiFi. Just 5 minutes from the beach and close t...
Stay at OYO Little Emily, a 4star guest house in Great Yarmouth. Kidfriendly, no breakfast, near Broads National Park and Great ...
Stay at Harbour Hotel Fowey, a refined 19thcentury hotel offering sophisticated rooms, afternoon tea, and close access to Fowey t...
Stay at Raddicombe Lodge, a 4.8rated guest house in Kingswear, Brixham. Pet and kidfriendly with easy access to Paignton Zoo, Da...
Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.
