"Fantastic dark-sky area, so great for star gazing if it's a clear night - and we were lucky to see the aurora several nights of our trip."
Ben from United Kingdom
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"Very nice, comfortable and clean independent apartment in a private house."
Baud from Belgium
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"The apartment was very nice and was done to a high standard."
Kevin from United Kingdom
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"A very well equipped flat."
Lloyd from United Kingdom
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"Great location, near to coast & sites of interest, Room was great & amenities & host was very helpful"
Sarah B from United Kingdom
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Top-rated guest house (9.4 rating) with self-contained kitchens and soundproof garden apartments in Twatt, Orkney
Amenities
Runa Guest House provides soundproof units with private bathrooms and separate living areas in each apartment. The garden offers outdoor relaxation space, and free private parking is available on the property. Board games and puzzles are supplied for indoor entertainment, while heating and non-smoking rooms are standard across all units.
Rooms
Each apartment includes a flat-screen TV with streaming services and a sofa bed in the living area. The king studio with sofa bed and the one-bedroom apartment both feature large, comfortable beds and walk-in showers. Attic windows in the studio provide north-facing views for stargazing and aurora watching on clear nights.
Kitchen
Fully equipped kitchens in every apartment include a dishwasher, microwave, oven, and washing machine. Guests find a welcome supply of milk, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate in the fridge upon arrival. The self-catering setup allows for convenient meal preparation, with crockery, glassware, and utensils provided.
Points of Interest
The guest house sits within 15 km of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe, and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Hiking is available in the surrounding natural landscape, and the remote rural setting offers dark-sky conditions. The property is 32 km from Kirkwall Airport and a short drive to the Brough of Birsay and Yesnaby Cliffs.
Sustainability & Host Expertise
The house runs on its own wind turbine, providing all energy needs for the guest wing, making it fully eco-friendly. The host, Robert, is an official guide at Maeshowe and offers expert local knowledge on Neolithic sites. He provides responsive support for booking assistance and advice on wildlife, renewable energy, and nearby attractions.
Highlights
Rating: 9.4 guest satisfaction score from verified reviews
Kitchens: Self-contained with dishwasher, microwave, oven, washing machine
Location: 15 km from Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe
Sustainability: 100% powered by on-site wind turbine
Host: Official Maeshowe guide available for site advice
Activities: Dark-sky aurora viewing and hiking from the garden
Must-do experiences
Visit Maeshowe, a stunning prehistoric burial chamber.
Try local Orkney cheese at the Orkney Cheese Company in St. Margaret's Hope.
Explore the fascinating Scapa Flow Museum for maritime history.
Take a scenic walk at Birsay Bay and spot the puffins.
Sample fresh seafood at the Italian Bistro in Kirkwall's harbor.
Select your preferred room
Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
King Studio Sofa Bed
2 persons
45 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
One-Bedroom Apartment
2 persons
60 m²
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Heating
Shower
room details
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: Perfect
9.6/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
No pets allowed
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Children
Board games
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Sitting area
Dining table
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Washing machine
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Dryer
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Runa Guest House Location
Loons Road Twatt, Twatt (Orkney), KW17 2NA,
Explore Twatt (Orkney)
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
H.M.S. "Tern"
5 minutes' walk
Historical naval ship, highlighting Orkney's maritime heritage. Ideal for history enthusiasts.
Kirbuster Farm Museum
10-minute drive
A traditional Orkney farmstead showcasing rural life. Features guided tours and free admission on certain days.
Marwick Head RSPB Nature Reserve
25 minutes' walk
Stunning coastal scenery with diverse wildlife. Perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
15-minute drive
Well-preserved Neolithic settlement, offering insights into ancient life. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Biking around Orkney
10-minute drive
Scenic biking routes available through local rental shops. Great for outdoor enthusiasts.
Wellness at Orkney Spa
10-minute drive
Relaxing spa services with holistic treatments. Reservations recommended for a serene escape.
The Birsay Bay Tearoom
10-minute drive
Cozy cafe offering local specialties and stunning sea views. Known for its homemade cakes.
Hollie's Kitchen
10-minute drive
Modern bistro serving British and European cuisine. Vegetarian options available, reservations encouraged.
The Reel Cinema
10-minute drive
Local cinema featuring a mix of blockbusters and independent films. Family-friendly matinee shows offered.
The Orkney Brewery
10-minute drive
Tour of local brewery with tasting sessions. Popular spot for craft beer enthusiasts.
Getting around the city
City Centre
Twatt (Orkney) 2 min · 100 m
Airports
Kirkwall (KOI) 50 min · 33.2 km
Eday (EOI) 89 min · 59.1 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 18:00-23:59
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Guest ratings and detailed reviews
Feedback about Runa Guest House from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
9.7/10
Comfort
9.6/10
Facilities
9.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.3/10
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.8/10
Value for money
9.5/10
Guest reviews
based on 94 reviews
9.4/10
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.
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