When visiting Burray, The Sands Hotel is a great choice to consider. You can relax with a drink at the bar/lounge, and the restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.
Languages
English
At a glance
Hotel size
8 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10:30 AM
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning 7:30 AM–9:00 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Traveling with children
Children's menu
What to do
Pool table
Services
Laundry facilities
Wedding services
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Room amenities
Be entertained
Television
More
Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Property Registration Number OI/PL/86
Also known as
The Sands Hotel Hotel
The Sands Hotel Burray
The Sands Hotel Hotel Burray
Frequently asked questions
Are pets allowed at The Sands Hotel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at The Sands Hotel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Sands Hotel?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:30 AM.
Are there restaurants at or near The Sands Hotel?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant.
What's the area around The Sands Hotel like?
The Sands Hotel is located a short 5-minute walk from Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre.
The Sands Hotel Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Staff & service
9.6/10
Amenities
9.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.4/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 9, 2024
James
James, 1-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
8/10 Very Good
Aug 13, 2024
They are lovely people and it is a nice enough hotel. It’s in an out of the way location which was fine for us as we had a car. The food was ok. The room was light, clean and comfortable.
Anne
Anne, 3-night romance trip
Verified Wotif guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 8, 2024
Margret
Margret, 2-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 29, 2024
The Sands Hotel is a lovely small hotel in a tranquil island within the Orkneys. There is absolutely no noise in any of the rooms, they are equipped with WiFi and everything you need.
The restaurant serves excellent-quality food with locally sourced ingredients. The staff are first rate, every single one of them. They helped us out with everything we needed. Very prompt and professional service. Best Hotel in the Orkneys, bar none!
Roger
Roger, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 8, 2024
An enjoyable stay. Attentive staff. Excellent food.
Alex
Alex, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very Good
Jul 8, 2024
Lovely quiet historic hotel
Lovely quiet hotel being an old Herring Warehouse. Rooms were comfortable and had a nice view of the boat ramp. We stayed 2 nights and meals were nice both nights. We needed washing done and were able to pay 15 pounds for a small bag to be done for us, which saved having to go to Laundromat in Kirkwall.
Verified traveler
2-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 23, 2024
Good base from where to explore part of Orkney
Our brief stay at the Sands Hotel was just what we were looking for in that part of Orkney. We wanted to see Skapa Flow, the Italian Chapel, and we discovered a fascinating private museum with fossil collection.
The staff were helpful and welcoming and the room comfortable.
Ludovic
Ludovic, 3-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 11, 2024
Loved it. Need a car to explore but that’s obvious
Elise
Elise, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 23, 2024
This property is exceptionally clean! The restaurant staff were friendly, outgoing and accommodating to a food allergy. This hotel is convenient for morning ferry departures from St. Margaret's Hope.
Lisa
Lisa, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 9, 2024
Darren
Darren, 2-night business trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 26, 2024
Pleasant Quiet comfortable nice dining options
William Andrew Haralam and Mary Ann
William Andrew Haralam and Mary Ann, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 11, 2024
So lovely
Everything at this hotel was just lovely- staff, ocean views, food. The room was simple but nicely updated and maintained. This hotel was a highlight of our trip. The restaurant is also delicious and we loved breakfast.
Kelsey
Kelsey, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 1, 2024
Brilliant staff and brilliant stay
The staff were brilliant and truly went out their way to make my stay very enjoyable. I would return here and recommend others to stay here also. The food was excellent and a very good selection to choose from.
Martin
Martin, 3-night business trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 14, 2023
Kevin
Kevin, 1-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 26, 2023
Excellent hotel in Burray
Stayed at the Sands with my wife for one night. All the staff in the hotel we came into contact were very friendly and helpful. Our room was tastefully decorated and very comfortable.We enjoyed a beautiful evening meal in the restaurant and the cooked breakfast provided in the morning was one of the best I have had in any hotel.Our only complaint is we could only stay one night.
John
John, 1-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 26, 2023
Dont overlook this Hotel
A lovely hotel over looking Burray Harbour. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, rooms are very clean and comfortable, food is honest well cooked fair. The homemade Mac n Cheese was a delight. If youre leaving before breakfast theyll make up a lunch sandwich for you. Salmon and Scrambled egg and full cooked breakfast both superb. Lots of Tea and Toast too. The bar stocks well kept beer and a few Whiskys. You pass the Highland Park Distillery on the way to Burray. If you are looking for a quiet hotel with genuinely friendly people who provide superb service, book The Sands.
Verified traveler
3-night business trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 18, 2023
A hidden gem
For someone who stays in hotels a lot The Sands was a wonderful experience. All the tiny things that you’d wish for in other hotels are just done perfectly here! I can’t recommend this hotel highly enough. The restaurant is great, breakfast is cooked to order so absolutely no food waste and the evening meals are delicious.
Simon
Simon, 1-night business trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 5, 2023
Michael
Michael, 1-night business trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 18, 2023
christopher
christopher, 1-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 4, 2023
A gem in Orkney's crown
This was an excellent hotel in a lovely location overlooking Watersound. We booked an apartment and were delighted with the spaciousness and facilities. It was spotless and looked like it had been recently refurbished.
The staff couldn't have been more friendly and the food at breakfast and dinner was super, with a good choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
We would highly recommend this hotel and will definitely stay there again.
Verified traveler
7-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 14, 2023
Davis
Davis, 1-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 2, 2023
A beautifully restored building with rooms tastefully decorated and having views over the water. A warm welcome and great food served. Only sorry that I was there for one night.
Robert
Robert, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 19, 2023
Friendly welcoming hotel
Very comfortable, relaxed hotel with helpful staff and good hearty food. Great location for the ferry from Gills Bay, and all the major places of interest.
Neil
Neil, 4-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 16, 2022
Sam
Sam, 1-night trip
Verified Hoteles.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 31, 2022
The staff is excellent. Fantastic location. Clean, quiet, I have no complaints