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St Magnus Bay Hotel Hillswick Exterior photoSt Magnus Bay Hotel Hillswick Exterior photoSt Magnus Bay Hotel Hillswick Exterior photo

ST MAGNUS BAY HOTEL, Hillswick

•
8.5|Great
Check rooms and rates
From$264 /nightOnly on Our Website -10%
Check-in
16Oct
Check-out
17Oct
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

Shetland, Hillswick, ZE2 9RW
-
Near the Ness of Hillswick
Great
8.5
/10
4.8
4.6
/5

Location

Unique Accommodations & History

The hotel was built in Norway for the Glasgow Great Exhibition in 1899 and moved to Hillswick in 1900, making it the only building of its kind in the UK. Guests stay in 26 rooms, including the Loft apartment with a full kitchen and bay views. Rooms feature USB ports in sockets and powerful showers.

Dining

The on-site restaurant serves a fusion of Scottish and Scandinavian cuisines, with locally caught scallops and monkfish. Breakfast includes Scottish, Scandinavian, and European options, plus a Sunday carvery with generous meat selections. The wood-paneled dining room offers views over St Magnus Bay.

Leisure

The hotel sits on the North Mainland of Shetland, 47 km from Tingwall Airport, with direct access to cliff-top walks. The Ness of Hillswick circuit (7 km) starts from the front door, and Eshaness Cliffs and Ronas Voe are within easy reach. On-site activities include hiking, cycling, fishing, and darts.

Wildlife & Nature

Guests can observe Europe's largest population of Sea Otters and Orcas from the bay, and a seal sanctuary is a short stroll away. Rooms with bay views allow wildlife spotting with binoculars. The area also hosts puffins and other seabirds on nearby cliffs.

Amenities

The hotel offers family rooms and kids' meals, with a bar and lounge featuring a cozy stove. Staff provide luggage assistance and local knowledge for day trips. A coffee shop and garden terrace are available for relaxation.

Highlights

History: Norwegian-built hotel from 1899, unique in the UK

Location: Direct access to Ness of Hillswick trail and Eshaness Cliffs

Wildlife: Sea Otters, Orcas, and seal sanctuary nearby

Dining: Scottish-Scandinavian fusion with Sunday carvery

Activities: Hiking, cycling, fishing from the hotel

Must-do experiences

  • Discover the stunning cliffs at Eshaness for breathtaking views.
  • Taste fresh seafood at The Hillswick Hotel's acclaimed restaurant.
  • Visit the Shetland Museum in Lerwick for regional history insights.
  • Walk the scenic paths of the Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary nearby.
  • Join a local whiskey tasting at the Shetland Distillery for a treat.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Deluxe Double or Twin Room
    2 persons
    12 m²
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
  • Deluxe Suite
    2 persons
    20 m²
    2 Single beds or 1 Queen-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Family Room
    2 persons
    12 m²
    2 Single beds or 1 Queen-size bed
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

View our calendar

Check prices and secure your dates today
October 2026 - October 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • No pets allowed
  • Coffee shop

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Darts
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • No parking available.

Services

  • Room service
  • Laundry
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Terrace
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At St Magnus Bay Hotel, dining options celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Scotland while embracing a focus on fresh, local produce. The warm atmosphere of the Dining Room creates the perfect setting for indulging in a selection of British and Scottish flavors that reflect the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
  • Dining Room

    British, Scottish, Seafood
    Ambiance
    A charming space with original wood paneling, providing a cozy yet elegant dining experience.
    Key Offerings
    A varied menu served daily, featuring vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, catering to diverse dietary needs.
    Reservation
    Reservations are not needed.
    Open for dinner from 18:00 to 20:30 daily.

St Magnus Bay Hotel Location

Shetland, Hillswick, ZE2 9RW
Explore Hillswick
Explore Hillswick
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Ness of Hillswick
16 minutes' walk
A rugged coastline known for stunning views and unique geology, ideal for birdwatching and appreciating Shetland's natural beauty.
Kayaking
15 minutes' drive
Kayak rentals available nearby offer thrilling outdoor adventures. Experience Shetland's coast from the water during summer months.
Fishing
5 minutes' drive
Local fishing charters invite guests to catch a variety of fish in serene waters, perfect for both novices and experienced anglers.
St Magnus Bay Hotel Restaurant
5 minutes' walk
An inviting restaurant featuring local seafood and Shetland specialties, noted for its cozy atmosphere and stunning bay views.
Local Pub
10 minutes' walk
A lively pub offering a selection of local beers and occasional live music, providing a friendly atmosphere for all ages.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Hillswick 2 min  ·  100 m
  • Airports
    Tingwall (LWK) 69 min  ·  45.9 km
    Foula (FOA) 100 min  ·  66.3 km
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
26

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about St Magnus Bay Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the St Magnus Bay Hotel as a comfortable and well-located base for exploring the area, especially for walks. The food receives high marks, from the buffet-style breakfast to the excellent evening meals, and the hotel is considered good value for the Shetland Islands. While some have mentioned basic toiletries, the availability of USB ports on the sockets and generally good WiFi are appreciated, especially in rooms offering lovely views. Some guests point out it's about 10-15 minutes from Brae, however there is a shop in the village itself.
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Review score
Based on 3 verified reviews
8.4 /10
Great
100 %
Recommend
Staff
9.5/10
Location
9.3/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Facilities
8.5/10
Pros
Spectacular scenery
Friendly staff
Tasty breakfast
Comfortable rooms
Delicious meals
Cons
High prices
No lift
Difficult area
Guest reviews
based on 3 reviews
8.4/10
based on 158 reviews
8.5/10
Aiden from Ireland
Deluxe Double or Twin Room Sea View
7 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: January 11, 2026
9/10

really good food and friendly service

generous portions friendly staff sea view room
The food quality was very good (i especially enjoyed the generous portions). the staff were very friendly and helpful. Esme took great care of us. i could watch for otters in the bay from room 16 with binoculars.
0 Helpful
Dominic from United Kingdom
Single
deluxe double or twin room sea view
4 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: September 26, 2025
7/10

decent stay

excellent breakfast friendly staff good base basic toiletries limited facilities poor cleanliness
i stayed in the beautiful double or twin room sea view. the hotel food was excellent, especially the breakfasts (they were cooked perfectly!). all the staff were friendly and cute. the hotel was a good base to explore the area.
the toiletries were very basic. i think the cleanliness could have been better. also the tea and coffee facilities were limited.
0 Helpful
jessica from united kingdom
Single
deluxe double or twin room sea view
4 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: September 06, 2025
9.3/10

amazing staff and fine views!

friendly staff perfect base delicious fish
the staff were all very friendly! they always took time to answer my questions and. the hotel was a perfect base for exploring the area. it was great returning to such a cute place after a day. the food was excellent too!!! i found a good varied selection, including a vegetarian choice. the local fish was delicious. the room had a lovely view.
the toiletries were quite basic, and i found tea and coffee facilities to be limited.
Location
9/10
the hotel has easy parking. it offers great views. the building's position provides a quiet environment. it is an unusual building with an amazing design.
Rooms
9/10
the rooms are lovely! the hotel provides usual amenities such as a tv plus tea and coffee. my room was big. i could watch for otters in the bay with binoculars from room 16.
Service
10/10
the staff were accommodating. the staff looked after us so well. esme took great care of us, and nothing was too much bother.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About St Magnus Bay Hotel
What time is check-in and check-out at St Magnus Bay Hotel?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What is the distance from St Magnus Bay Hotel to Tingwall Airport?
The hotel is located 50 km from Tingwall Airport, which is approximately a 43-minute drive.
What dining options are available at St Magnus Bay Hotel?
The hotel features a restaurant serving British, Scottish, and seafood cuisine, as well as a snack bar and coffee shop.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan meal options at St Magnus Bay Hotel?
Vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan options can be requested at the hotel.
What activities can I participate in at St Magnus Bay Hotel?
Guests can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, darts, and cycling.
What room amenities are available at St Magnus Bay Hotel?
Rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, a multi-channel television, and some have coffee makers.
What nearby attractions can I visit from St Magnus Bay Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Mussaa Broch, Eshaness Cliffs, and the Tangwick Haa Museum.
Is there parking available at St Magnus Bay Hotel?
Yes, parking is available on-site at the hotel.
Is St Magnus Bay Hotel smoke-free?
Yes, the hotel is entirely smoke-free.
What are the breakfast options at St Magnus Bay Hotel?
Breakfast choices include a buffet, continental, or Full English/Irish options, featuring a varied selection of cooked items.

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