Well we are just back from another great stay at The Ayre Hotel. the hotel is in a great location right on the waterfront in Kirkwall with ample parking, although the town centre, Cathedral etc. are well within walking distance. Once again we were greeted with a big friendly smile and check in was as efficient as ever. We normally stay in the new wing which overlooks the harbour. The room (55 I think it was)) was spotless, spacious, nicely furnished and everything we look for in a comfortable room, with free wi-fi a bonus. The bathroom likewise was spotless, with good quality Scottish complimentary's and a fabulous power shower. I read in an earlier review that someone thought the rooms facing the harbour might be noisy at night (they hadn't stayed in one) but I would like to add that we have stayed in the new wing 6 or 7 times and there has never been any noise at all. The new wing also has a disabled room as well as a lift.
The food is excellent with a huge range of choice, from pub favourites such as Steak and Ale Pie and Chicken and Mushroom Pie (the fillings for both are absolutely fabulous and 100% homemade) as well Fajita's, sweet and sour, curries etc. There is also an emphasis on local food with a great selection of local seafood featuring on the menu including scallops, crab, monkfish, Westray Parton toes, Orkney smoked salmon, haddock etc. The steaks also deserve a special menu, the beef is local and cooked to perfection in fact although I didn't try it I am sure I could have cut the steak with a butter knife it was so tender. The Orkney Real Ale aslo goes down a treat.
Breakfast offers a good selection including scrambled egg (which I like to crumble Grimbister cheese over to make it just perfect) and Orkney smoked salmon to set you up for the day.
So thanks again to Lyall, Wendy and the team for another great stay.....we will definitely be back.
P.S. Whilst exploring Orkney as well as the more well known sights be sure to check out Yesnaby, Marwick Head, Mull Head in Deerness and the Brochs of Birsay and Gurness.

We stayed one night on Orkney and chose the Ayre Hotel based on it's central location and the reviews on here. We were travelling round the North and only contacted the hotel the day before to enquire about availability. We got a very prompt reply by email and an offer of a reduced rate so we booked.
We had a standard double which was well-presented and perfect for one night. We enjoyed a good breakfast and reception staff were friendly and helpful. The hotel had free wi-fi which was useful. The location was good for exploring Kirkwall and there was free parking.
Only slight niggle was we could hear guests in an adjacent room who had a very early checkout but overall a good experience and we would be happy to stay here again.

I had a lovely experience of the Orkneys being based in this hotel. My room was large and comfortable, the food was good (although heavy, but I think that's the local style)--and the restaurant and bar had the feeling of a friendly local neighborhood place--and the staff couldn't have been more helpful and friendly. Well-situated, right on the harbor. Would stay there again.

Large comfortable room in the new wing with a view of the waterfront. My special dietary needs of meals that are both vegetarian and gluten free were no problem at this hotel (a big ask at many other hotels on my recent 5 week tour !) Happy to recommend this hotel