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United Kingdom
Burray Village
The Sands Hotel
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22 photos
The Sands Hotel Burray Village Exterior photoThe Sands Hotel Burray Village Exterior photoThe Sands Hotel Burray Village Nature photo

THE SANDS HOTEL, Burray Village

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— up to 10% cheaper
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Check rooms and rates
From$131 /night
Check-in
02Jun
Check-out
03Jun
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Burray, Burray Village, KW17 2SS
-
Near Sand Of Wright Beach
Perfect
9.3
/10
4.6
4.8
/5

Loved by The Sands Hotel guests

Sea views
Attentive staff
Delicious meals
Spacious rooms
Great location
"You can enjoy a top quality meal in the restaurant, sit outside (Orkney weather permitting) with a quiet drink from the bar, and loose yourself in the mesmerising sea."
Paula from United Kingdom
read full review
"We had a meal there tonight and it was just top notch."
Alistair M from United Kingdom
read full review
"The room was very comfortable and spotlessly clean."
Dee from United Kingdom
read full review

Rooms

The Sands Hotel offers six en-suite bedrooms and two luxury suites, all featuring sea views. Each room is equipped with excellent facilities to support a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy the tranquil sights of the surrounding waters from their accommodations.

Dining

The Watersound Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner using fresh local produce wherever possible. This restaurant's a la carte menu is accompanied by popular bar meals catering to various tastes. Residents, locals, and tourists alike gather daily to enjoy home-cooked food.

Location

The hotel is situated within easy reach of significant local attractions. Guests can explore the Orkney Museum, St Magnus Cathedral, and The Italian Chapel during their stay. The Churchill Barriers and Scapa Flow Visitor Centre are also easily accessible.

Family-Friendly

The Sands Hotel welcomes families, offering activities that cater to both adults and children. Local attractions provide a wealth of entertainment for younger guests and their families. Parents can feel at ease knowing there are numerous options to engage the kids.

Entertainment

Guests can experience a variety of activities nearby that showcase Orkney's rich history. Attractions such as Bishop's Palace & Earl's Palace offer historical engagement. The area is filled with fascinating sites, ensuring entertainment options are abundant.

Highlights

Location: easy reach of local attractions

Rooms: six en-suite bedrooms with sea views

Dining: Watersound Restaurant with local produce

Family-Friendly: activities for both adults and children

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the Neolithic sites at Skara Brae for ancient history.
  • Savor fresh seafood at the Peedie Sea Cafe on the waterfront.
  • Discover local crafts at the Burray Community Market every Saturday.
  • Take a walk to the stunning Brura Island for scenic views.
  • Explore the Orkney Museum for insights into local culture.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
    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
    Heating
    Shower
    room details
    Superior Suite Sea View
    4 persons
    15 m²
    2 Single beds
    Fireplace
    Heating
    room details
Show all rooms

View our calendar

Check prices and secure your dates today
June 2026 - June 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
9.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Allergy-free rooms

Sports & Fitness

  • Billiard tables
  • Darts

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

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
Show more

Dining Onsite

At The Sands Hotel, guests are welcomed to a delightful array of dining experiences that celebrate the local culinary scene. Breakfast and dinner are popular occasions, inviting residents and travelers alike to enjoy delectable meals while soaking in the stunning sea views.

  • Garden Room

    Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free options
    Ambiance
    Family-friendly with beautiful sea views
    Key Offerings
    A popular choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring a variety of healthy and hearty dishes catering to diverse dietary preferences.
    Reservation
    Not needed
    Breakfast and dinner; hours may vary.

  • On-site Bar

    Casual bar offering light refreshments
    Ambiance
    Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration
    Key Offerings
    Selection of beverages and a cozy spot to enjoy drinks while enjoying views of the seascape.
    Reservation
    Not needed
    Hours vary, typically open during meal times.

The Sands Hotel Location

Burray, Burray Village, KW17 2SS
Explore Burray Village
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre
25 minutes' walk
Fossils, artifacts, and heritage displays capture Orkney's history, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
Burray
17 minutes' walk
A beautiful village known for scenic views and local charm, perfect for leisurely strolls or family outings.
The Smiddy Museum
10 minutes' drive
A quaint museum showcasing local history, crafts, and traditional blacksmithing, adding to the cultural tapestry of Orkney.
Tomb of the Eagles
10 minutes' drive
An ancient burial site with informative tours unveils Orkney's prehistoric past, offering a unique historical experience.
Echna Loch Fishing
5 minutes' drive
Fishing opportunities abound at Echna Loch, catering to relaxation seekers and enthusiasts alike. Rentals available.
Cycling along Burray
5 minutes' drive
Thrilling bike rides through scenic routes provide both adventure and gorgeous coastal views, suitable for all skill levels.
The Sands Hotel Restaurant
1 minute' walk
A cozy atmosphere serving local and international dishes, famed for its seafood and vegetarian options. Reservations recommended.
Café Burray
5 minutes' drive
Casual eatery featuring hearty breakfasts and pastries, perfect for families. Known for its friendly service and welcoming vibe.
The Reel Cinema
10 minutes' drive
Local cinema offering a blend of films and live performances, suitable for families, with themed movie nights enhancing the fun.
The Burray Bar
10 minutes' drive
A lively bar known for its local brews and live music, creating a relaxing nightlife spot for adults and families alike.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Burray Village 9 min  ·  700 m
  • Airports
    Kirkwall (KOI) 28 min  ·  18.2 km
    Eday (EOI) 76 min  ·  50.6 km
Want to unlock exclusive early deals?
Access members-only prices today
Check Rates
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.
Breakfast
The hotel The Sands provides visitors with a free full breakfast.
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

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The Sands Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Sands Hotel offers a clean and modern experience, with the spacious Scapa room, featuring a living room/kitchen area and beds on an upper level, often proving ideal for families. Guests appreciate the good food in the restaurant and some have highlighted the excellent view from the restaurant window; others have noted the peaceful location close to the St Margaret's Hope ferry terminal. While some guests have found certain rooms, like the Fara, to be on the smaller side, the hotel is generally regarded as a welcoming base for exploring the Orkney Islands.
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Review score
Based on 153 verified reviews
9.3 /10
Perfect
98 %
Recommend
Comfort
9.7/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.6/10
Value for money
9.0/10
Pros
Modern rooms
Comfortable beds
Sea views
Friendly staff
Good breakfast
Cons
Industrial surroundings
Limited lounge
Late dinner
Guest reviews
based on 153 reviews
9.3/10
based on 264 reviews
9.3/10
Dominic from Dominican Republic
Couple
Standard Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 25, 2026
7/10

a decent stay

helpful staff harbour view excellent food small room small bed oversized chairs
the staff were VERY good, especially at check-in AND in the restaurant. the food was also excellent. i liked the view from my room overlooking the harbour and the boatyard!
The room i stayed in WAS very small AND the bed was also small. there were two oversized chairs in the room, and there wasn't much space. the chair upholstery was also a different color than the rest of the decor. It wasn't a good fit.
0 Helpful
Naomi from Israel
Single
Standard Double Room
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 13, 2025
7/10

Adequate Stay Near the Harbour

good selection tea selection comfortable bed bath shower high price breakfast cappuccino extra charge overpriced hotel
The room had a nice selection of tea and coffee. The bed offered comfort. I found the bathroom with its bath and shower useful.
The price felt a bit much for what I got. I thought it a bit grasping to charge extra for a breakfast cappuccino. This is a good hotel but I think it is overpriced.
0 Helpful
Mia from Sweden
Family with children
standard double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 10, 2025
6/10
small room oversized chairs
the room had a good selection of tea and coffee, acceptable for a quick caffeine fix.
the room was small. two oversized chairs were crammed inside, taking up most of the space. the chairs' upholstery was a different color than the rest of the decor, really odd and mismatched. it made moving around the room a challenge, especially after a long day of travel.
0 Helpful
Andrew from United Kingdom
Family with children
double room private bathroom
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: September 08, 2025
7/10
friendly staff breakfast pack free parking small room large chairs mismatched decor
The staff was friendly and helpful. the breakfast pack they made for us was a thoughtful touch, especially since we had an early departure. parking was free right behind the building. This was very convenient.
the room felt small. there were two overly large chairs in the room that didn't fit well. the decor on the chairs didn't match the room's style.
0 Helpful
Victoria from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: August 05, 2025
9.3/10

lovely stay

friendly staff good food
i really liked the friendly staff and very good food. breakfasts included many choices and items arrived promptly. everything came with a smile.
the price-quality ratio was not great. the room felt a bit small for a longer stay.
Rooms
9/10
the room had nice, clean features. the bed felt comfortable and i liked the quality of decor. a good view was also a plus.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel included a bar, it felt cozy. the food seemed delicious and they cooked it perfectly. breakfast met all expectations.
Location
9/10
the location provided a quiet atmosphere. this hotel is near the water which looked good. it takes twenty minutes to drive to the city from there.
Service
10/10
the staff seemed friendly and helpful. they went out of their way and chatted with the guests. i thought they were really good.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Show more reviews
FAQs
About The Sands Hotel
What is the distance from The Sands Hotel, Orkney to Kirkwall Airport?
The hotel is approximately 20 km from Kirkwall Airport, which can be reached in about 20 minutes by car.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is at 10:30.
Is parking available at The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
Free public parking is available on-site for guests.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
Rooms feature an en suite bathroom, sea views, tea and coffee making facilities, and a hairdryer.
What dining options are available at The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
The on-site Watersound Restaurant serves an à la carte menu with an emphasis on local seafood and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Are there any recreational activities available at The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
Guests can enjoy playing billiards and darts in the hotel's common areas.
What are the nearby attractions to The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
Nearby attractions include Orkney Museum (20 km), St Magnus Cathedral (20 km), and Scapa Flow Visitor Centre (approximately 4 km).
Is The Sands Hotel, Orkney suitable for families?
The hotel is family-friendly and offers a children's menu and cots for guests with young children.
How far is The Sands Hotel, Orkney from the Pentland Ferries terminal?
The hotel is located 6.4 km from the Pentland Ferries terminal at St Margaret's Hope.
What language services are available at The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
The staff at the hotel speaks English.
Does The Sands Hotel, Orkney provide Wi-Fi access?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Can guests enjoy any special features in the bar area at The Sands Hotel, Orkney?
The bar area is dog-friendly and offers meals during lunch and dinner.

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Check-in
02Jun
Check-out
03Jun
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
  • Overview
  • Rooms
  • Price calendar
  • Hotel facilities and services
  • Location
  • Reviews