Simple and unpretentious. Travelled as a group of 8 ages 15 thru 51. Rooms were clean and comfortable without any fuss, and the bar downstairs had a great atmosphere with friendly locals and good overall vibe. 2 min walk from bus station and ferry over to Hoy. Staff were welcoming throughout. Breakfast was proper full Scottish (or kippers/porridge options) plus cereals/pastries/fruit etc. Solid choice if you want honest, no-nonsense hospitality.

We were staying at the sister hotel (Ferry Inn) following day after visiting Hoy and were able to leave bags in a room, but would have been good if they'd offered to transport them for us. (Ultimately that DID happen, but through the mgmt team at the Ferry).

Room was a good size and comfortable enough, and the breakfast was good.

For what it is the room rate was excessive, but there are few alternatives in Stromness. There was no such thing as “reception”, even though emails from the hotel suggested the contrary. The hotel did not open the doors until check-in time, and the owner was not service minded enough to allow access to leave our bags until then. Once checked in you didn’t see anyone from the hotel, only the bar staff who seemed to have no idea about the rooms and accomodation.

A good location for travelling around the mainland or getting to the various ferry terminals. The double room was spacious and comfortable with a modern shower that was ideal after a day touring. A good menu at breakfast both hot and cold that set you up perfectly for the day. The ladies serving in the morning were warm and friendly and provided an excellent service.

The restaurant is now closed so you had to either go to the sister hotel/restaurant for a meal but still had to book. Often this was full and it put more restrictions when travelling about for the day and having to look further afield to eat.

Clean rooms, building in good condition, great location for getting to and from Stromness on public transit, and poking around town on foot or with a bike. Tasty breakfast, with limited serving hours (starts at 7:30, last orders by 8:45). Hotel was able to store luggage for us on our departure day which was a big plus. Staff might tell you what they think in a no nonsense kind of way, but they always offered us genuine help when we asked for it. Note that there is currently no restaurant in the evening here. We found it a good idea to make restaurant reservations around town ahead of time: check out Adam's Place and the restaurant at the Ferry Inn.

Outside of hotel bit disappointing but inside was much better. Enjoyed our dinner at their restaurant down the street. Lovely sleep, good shower, lovely breakfast. Loved the pictures on the breakfast room walls and the staff were informative. There is no on-street parking outside the hotel due to the narrow streets of Stromness but the parking is only a few minutes walk away. We had a great walk in the evening and in the morning went uphill to the viewpoint behind the hotel. Fabulous view over several islands in the sun- stunning! Orkney is just amazing

No idea if theres regs about fronts of buildings in Stromness but its just needing a bit of a lift- flowers? plants? paint? Inside theres quite a few stairs if you are in need of help with that

This was a great hotel that provided an excellent starting off point for our all day adventures on Orkney. It is right by the Ferry for easy access. The room was clean, there was an extra alcove for a second bed for our daughter, and the breakfast was great. The room was over a bar which was a little noisy on Saturday night but not excessive and honestly we were so tired it wasn’t a problem.

More surfaces to put things on would have been nice. The window ledge was there but we also kept the window open so it didn’t work great for putting things on.

Breakfast was freshly cooked, waitress was cheery and obviously enjoyed her job. Gave her a tip, as normally everyone forgets the breakfast staff.

Parking was a problem, mainly because the location up a narrow street, but managed to eventually get parked outside. No food in the evening, but a short walk to the sister pub( The Ferry), where we had booked in the restaurant, but were placed in the bar as we had booked later then others but were not told this before . It turned out we were served quicker in the bar, but still dissatisfied.

Beautiful spacious room, with spacious modern bathroom and cosy bed. Lovely breakfasts, excellent cosy private bar. Parking close by/out front if you time it right. Staff - amazing! Chef so lovely and lady on breakfast duty also - helped set up so we could watch the All Blacks v England rugby match early in the morning. Chef also showed some interesting local events being the Orca visiting the harbour. Made us feel very welcome. Breakfasts were great - lots of choice

The Ryal Hotel is in a good location, not very far from the ferry terminal and an easy walk from the long term parking. The staff are quite friendly. The breakfast chef is good for a chat with some very interesting stories about Stromness and the islands themselves. The wait and bar staff are also good value. One evening with only the Chinese take out available we were allowed to eat in the restaurant and were provided with plates and cutlery. When we had finished, our table was cleared. The implements and containers were removed without any fuss or trouble.

The only drawback was the hotel restaurant was closed but post covid staffing this is understandable but please refer to the comment above, so more of a slight inconvenience that a criticism.

You must try the porridge - it is the best complimented by a rhubarb coulis and double cream. the cooked breakfast is also excellent. The rooms were newly decorated and furnished and the beds very comfortable.

An outside terrace or beer garden would have been nice as there are no sitting rooms in the hotel