Reviews from guests who stayed at this hotel, shared by our hotel supplier. Score based on the latest 72 reviews.
Sandra
United Kingdom · Couple · October 2026
“Would definitely NOT recommend!”
+Lovely log burner in living room. Surrounding area & beaches were amazing. Sands Hotel I would definitely recommend. Dog friendly in bar. Had lunch there & highly recommend the Cullen Skink! Went back for dinner on the Friday night & didn’t realise there was a quiz night. Great wee night!
−Although the bed & bathroom were clean, everything else was tired & grubby. Whole house needs some TLC. Lack of crockery; outside bin hadn’t been emptied from previous occupants; also mess left in freezer from previous occupants; cushions on couch were dirty & smelly; threadbare carpets; ironing board??; outside seating area was dirty & covered in leaves & cigarette butts; frying pans were yuk & have binned better!! Such a shame because it could be a lovely house :(
Tony
United Kingdom · Couple · October 2026
“Enjoyable stay in Orkney”
+We stayed at this property for three nights and it's really close to the ferry port so makes it ideal especially if you’re on the early ferry. It's a good sized house and the heating is remarkably efficient esp' given the size of the house. The kitchen is a good size and was well equipped and had everything we needed. The living room area is a large and was comfortable enough, although we were out much of the time - so only spent evenings there. There's a pub next door and a bar/coffeehouse called Robertson’s just a five minute walk away -and we would strongly recommend Robertson’s to eat or drink in. The bedrooms were a good size and were comfortable. There's a good sized garden with some outdoor seating but we didn't use that area. Almost everywhere it Orkney seemed quite easy to get to and we really enjoyed our stay there - a visit to Skara Brae and Maeshowe Cairn were highlights of our trip (book in advance and check online to avoid the cruise ships that visit Orkney) and Kirkwall was also nice to wander around. Communications with the owner and key collection were routine and clear, there was parking provision at the rear of the property but on street parking outside was fine
−There wasn’t really anything we didn’t like. If were heading to Orkney again we would be happy to stay at this property again.
Amanda
United Kingdom · Family · October 2026
“Relaxing stay in a lovely cosy house.”
+Very homely and clean.
Julia
United Kingdom · Group of friends · October 2026
“Very comfortable dog friendly home from home”
+Location Close to ferry , shops and restaurant
John
United Kingdom · Family · September 2026
“Everything you could Hope for”
+Location was fantastic - centre of the small town - shops and restaurants in 5 mins walk, and the bay is almost across the road
−Nothing to add
Catherine
United Kingdom · Family · September 2026
“A comfortable, spacious house a couple of minutes from the Gill's Bay ferry”
+We stayed here for four nights and absolutely loved it. The house is in the heart of St Margaret's Hope, a small town adjacent to the ferry port serving the Gill's Bay - Orkney route. Thus it is perfectly located if - like us - you're catching the last ferry in/first ferry out (literally a 3 minute drive). This spacious accommodation was previously a family house, and has retained that solid, cosy feel. The kitchen is large and well equipped with a new range cooker (featuring oven, grill and hob) as well as a large fridge/freezer. If you don't feel like cooking, you can eat at the Murray Arms Hotel next door or visit Robertson's excellent Coffeehoose and Bar a couple of minutes stroll up the street. The three bedrooms are large with extremely comfortable beds. The living/dining area is large and comfortable with an open fire. The house has a laundry with a washing machine and a drying rack (but no tumble dryer). There's also a generously sized entrance hall where you can store your coats, dog leads, shoes and umbrellas - essential for Orkney's changeable weather. Our dog appreciated the opportunity to stretch her legs in the enclosed back garden. Parking is on the street outside. T
−We loved everything about this house. Other people have noted that the bathroom layout is a touch eccentric (with sections of raised floor which presumably conceal the plumbing). The host has installed lights in the raised sections to mitigate the risk of tripping.
Pam
United Kingdom · Family · September 2026
+Beautiful house, great location. We had a dog so the enclosed garden was brilliant. Owner really helpful with questions prior to arrival.
MABEL
United Kingdom · Group of friends · August 2026
“A comfortable clean property in an ideal location for the ferry terminal and exploring”
+It was very roomy.
−Low shower pressure. The lighting in the lounge was not bright enough
krumina
United Kingdom · Solo · July 2026
+Loved that the property was close to our ferry. Wonderful pub next to the property where we had the best seafood platter ever... husband isn't big fan of the seafood, but he liked thos one.
Brenda
United Kingdom · Group of friends · June 2026
“Comfortable clean a and central”
+Spacious and clean with comfy beds
−The bathroom was odd. The bath shower and toilet were up on a platform and when you came of //out of you did not have a lot of room to step onto