"Loved the views, quality of decor, comfortable bed, cleanliness."
Ruth from Vietnam
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"View from the room overlooking Burray Harbour and the Boatyard."
Kevin from United Kingdom
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"Dinner was awesome. Dinner quality and taste was superb."
Swapsaho from United Kingdom
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"We had the Chicken Curry and the Scampi - both excellent."
Dunc' M' from United Kingdom
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The Sands Hotel, Orkney - 3-Star Harbourfront Hotel on Scapa Flow with Local Seafood Dining
Dining
The Watersound Restaurant at The Sands Hotel, Orkney serves an à la carte menu with a nautical theme and an emphasis on seafood. Fresh local produce is used daily across all dining options. A complimentary breakfast with a wide selection of options is offered.
Rooms & Suites
All rooms at The Sands Hotel have an en suite bathroom and views of the beach and Burray Harbour. The two luxury suites add a small kitchen and a living area. Family rooms and allergy-free rooms are also available.
Location & Attractions
The Sands Hotel, Orkney sits on the shore of Scapa Flow in Burray village, overlooking Burray Harbour and Watersound Bay. Pentland Ferries terminal at St Margaret's Hope is 4 miles away, and Kirkwall Airport is within a 20-minute drive. Orkney Museum, St Magnus Cathedral, and Scapa Flow Visitor Centre are reachable from the hotel, with a general store and newspaper shop a short walk away.
Leisure & Entertainment
The hotel bar has billiards and darts. The pet-friendly bar area allows dogs for lunches and dinners. Wine and champagne are available at the bar.
Family & Practical Amenities
The hotel has family rooms, allergy-free rooms, and non-smoking rooms. Kids' meals are available. Daily housekeeping, laundry services, free parking, and accessible parking are available on site.
Highlights
Dining: Watersound Restaurant with seafood focus and fresh local produce
Rooms: Two luxury suites with small kitchen and living area
Location: Shore of Scapa Flow, 4 miles from Pentland Ferries terminal
Activities: Billiards and darts in the hotel bar
Family: Family rooms and kids' meals
Pets: Pet-friendly bar area for lunches and dinners
“My stay was marked by the genuine warmth of the staff, who managed everything with impressive efficiency, and the rooms, comfortably appointed and kept to a high standard of cleanliness, truly made an impression. The setting, with its beautiful views across the water, complemented the delicious meals served, making for a thoroughly satisfying experience that I'd happily repeat.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukhighlands
Select your room type
The Sands Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
15 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
room details
Deluxe Triple Room Sea View
2 persons
15 m²
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Sea view
Heating
Shower
room details
Superior Suite Sea View
4 persons
15 m²
2 Single beds
Sea view
Fireplace
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Facilities
The Sands Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.1/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
No pets allowed
Allergy-free rooms
Sports & Fitness
Billiard tables
Darts
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Housekeeping
Laundry
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Children
Cots
Children's menu
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Media
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
At The Sands Hotel, a delightful array of dining options awaits, blending family-friendly atmospheres with the breathtaking backdrop of sea views. Indulge in varied meals that cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free preferences, ensuring every guest can partake in scrumptious culinary offerings throughout the day.
Restaurant
Casual dining with a focus on vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Ambiance
Bright and inviting space featuring beautiful sea views, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners
Key Offerings
A la carte dinners and a free breakfast with options to suit various dietary needs; also includes a well-stocked bar for refreshing beverages.
Reservation
Not needed
Breakfast and dinner; specific hours vary.
The Sands Hotel Location
Burray, Burray Village, KW17 2SS,
Map view
City landmarks
Museum
Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre
2.06 km
Island
Burray
1.36 km
Landmark
Echna Loch
1.45 km
Landmark
The Smiddy Museum
3.38 km
Church
The Italian Chapel
5.19 km
Island
Glimps Holm
3.46 km
Landmark
Gospel Hall
3.25 km
Landmark
St Margaret's Church
3.3 km
Landmark
Tomb of the Eagles
3.41 km
Landmark
W. Hourston Blacksmith's Museum
3.49 km
Landmark
South Ronaldsay War Memorial
3.5 km
Island
Hunda
3.81 km
Landmark
The Wart
4.5 km
Landmark
Lamb Holm
4.8 km
Gallery
Hoxa Tapestry Gallery
5.46 km
Landmark
W Hourston Blacksmiths Museum
5.66 km
Nearby
Museum
Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre
0 m
Restaurants
The Sands Hotel
40 m
Sands Motel Pier Road John & Evelyn Gunn
Explore Burray Village
Explore Burray and Beyond
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Burray
17 minutes' walk
Burray offers scenic coastal views and rich history, perfect for a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
Echna Loch
18 minutes walking
Echna Loch is a peaceful natural retreat, ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquil Orkney landscape.
The Italian Chapel
15-minute drive
The Italian Chapel showcases exquisite hand-painted interiors, a unique testament to wartime history and craftsmanship.
The Smiddy Museum
10-minute drive
The Smiddy Museum highlights local heritage with fascinating exhibits on traditional crafts and island life.
Cycling along the coast
5-minute drive
Cycling routes near Burray offer stunning coastal vistas, bike rentals available locally for outdoor enthusiasts.
Relaxation at local beaches
5-minute drive
Burray's beaches provide serene spots for sunbathing and picnicking, offering a perfect escape for relaxation.
The Sands Hotel
1 minute' walk
The Sands Hotel offers a cozy atmosphere with local seafood specialties and a selection of craft beers.
The Burray Tea Room
5-minute drive
The Burray Tea Room serves homemade pastries and traditional teas, emphasizing local ingredients in a charming setting.
The Orkney Theatre
15-minute drive
The Orkney Theatre showcases a variety of performances including plays and live music, catering to diverse audiences.
Local pubs
5-minute drive
Local pubs offer lively atmospheres with traditional music nights, a perfect spot to unwind and experience community spirit.
Getting around
City Centre
Burray Village 9 min · 700 m
Airports
Kirkwall (KOI) 28 min · 18.2 km
Eday (EOI) 76 min · 50.6 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-22:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
10
Former name
Sands Motel
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Sands Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
9.5/10
Comfort
9.6/10
Facilities
9.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.0/10
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.6/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Pros
Excellent food
Friendly staff
Harbour view
Spacious rooms
Good value
Cons
Small rooms
Overpriced
Limited breakfast tea
Soggy bread
Guest reviews
based on 240 reviews
9.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.