"The Orkney fudge cheesecake was the best (seriously, the BEST) we have ever tasted!"
Glavinators from New Zealand
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"View from the room overlooking Burray Harbour and the Boatyard."
Kevin from United Kingdom
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"Lovely modern rooms, very clean, very comfortable beds."
Paul from United Kingdom
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"Great suites for family, good personalized breakfasts and very, very good restaurant for dinner."
Terry Inskip from Finland
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"Dinner was awesome."
Swapsaho from United Kingdom
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Rooms & Suites
The Sands Hotel offers en-suite rooms with views of Burray Harbour and the beach. Two luxury suites provide a small kitchen and living area. These suites are suitable for families wanting self-catering space.
Dining
The Watersound Restaurant offers an à la carte menu with an emphasis on seafood. Fresh local produce is used whenever possible in all dining options. A complimentary breakfast with a wide selection is included in the stay.
Entertainment & Activities
The hotel has billiards and darts available in the bar area. A cozy bar setting also serves informal meals. The conservatory overlooks the working harbour and Watersound Bay.
Location
The Sands Hotel is on Burray, 4 miles from the Pentland Ferries terminal at St Margaret's Hope. Kirkwall Airport is a 20-minute drive away. Nearby cultural sites include the Orkney Museum, St Magnus Cathedral, and Scapa Flow Visitor Centre.
Family & Pet Policies
The hotel allows dogs in the bar area for lunches and dinners. Family suites with kitchenettes offer self-catering options for longer stays. Free ample parking is available behind the hotel.
Highlights
Location: Overlooking Burray Harbour, 4 miles from Pentland Ferries terminal
Rooms: Two luxury suites with kitchen and living area
Dining: Watersound Restaurant emphasizes local seafood
Entertainment: Billiards and darts available
Family: Pet-friendly bar area for dogs
“This hotel captivates with its stunning views and peaceful Burray Village location. The rooms are comfortably appointed and remarkably clean, providing a welcoming haven after a day exploring. Excellent food, from a well-chosen breakfast to delicious evening meals, is matched by the genuinely friendly and efficient service, making for a truly recommendable stay.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at 4shotels
Select your room type
The Sands Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
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
Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Sands Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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
The Sands Hotel offers a delightful dining experience featuring a family-friendly restaurant and a welcoming bar, all complemented by breathtaking sea views. Guests can indulge in a variety of meal options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, making every meal a celebration of flavor and comfort.
Restaurant
Casual family-friendly dining
Ambiance
Bright and inviting, with panoramic sea views creating a serene backdrop for every meal.
Key Offerings
Savor a la carte dinners and a complimentary breakfast, with dedicated options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
Reservation
Not needed
Open for breakfast and dinner; extensive lunch offerings available in the Garden Room.
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 and local history exhibits highlight Orkney's past. Guided tours available on select days.
Burray
17 minutes' walk
A quaint village with beautiful coastal views, perfect for leisurely strolls and local relaxation.
The Italian Chapel
15 minutes' drive
Unique chapel built by Italian prisoners of war. Stunning artwork and architecture attract visitors year-round.
Discover the local attractions near The Sands Hotel
Seek out notable sites near Sands Hotel Orkney that reflect the rich culture and history of the area.
Ideal for exploring local history and traditional crafts: The Smiddy Museum
Great for discovering the art of blacksmithing and local craftsmanship: W Hourston Blacksmiths Museum
Perfect for immersing in the region's natural history and ancient artifacts: Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre
Well suited for appreciating intricate textile art and local exhibitions: Hoxa Tapestry Gallery
Suited for experiencing unique architecture and historical significance: The Italian Chapel
Water Sports at Hunda Beach
10 minutes' drive
Engaging water sports like kayaking await at Hunda Beach, known for its scenic beauty and equipment rentals.
Walking Trails at Echna Loch
18 minutes' walk
Serene walking trails around Echna Loch allow peaceful nature walks, ideal for relaxation and soaking in the scenery.
The Sands Hotel Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Offering local seafood and traditional dishes, this relaxed spot emphasizes farm-to-table freshness.
The Burray Inn
5 minutes' drive
Casual dining with hearty pub fare and local ales, perfect for families and a laid-back evening out.
Burray Village Hall
5 minutes' drive
Hosts community events and shows, including live music and seasonal fairs for family-friendly entertainment.
The Hoxa Tapestry Gallery
15 minutes' drive
Gallery showcasing local tapestries and textiles with occasional workshops and exhibits, suited for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Burray Village 9 min · 700 m
Airports
Kirkwall (KOI) 28 min · 18.2 km
Eday (EOI) 76 min · 50.6 km
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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
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Sands Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 153 verified reviews
9.3 /10
Perfect
98 %
Recommend
Breakfast
9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Comfort
9.7/10
Facilities
9.4/10
Free WiFi
9.4/10
Location
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.6/10
Staff
9.6/10
Value for money
9.0/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Tasty breakfast
Clean rooms
Cons
Small room
Overpriced hotel
Small teapot
Guest reviews
based on 266 reviews
9.3/10
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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FAQs
About The Sands Hotel
What is the distance from The Sands Hotel to Kirkwall Airport?
The hotel is located 20 km from Kirkwall Airport.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Sands Hotel?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
What dining options are available at The Sands Hotel?
Dining options include the Watersound Restaurant, which offers an à la carte menu focused on seafood.
Is parking available at The Sands Hotel?
Free public parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.
What room amenities are provided in The Sands Hotel?
Rooms include an en suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, and views of the beach.
What activities can guests participate in at The Sands Hotel?
Guests can enjoy billiards and darts on-site.
Are there any notable attractions near The Sands Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Orkney Museum (5 km), St Magnus Cathedral (5 km), and Scapa Flow Visitor Centre (3 km).
What is the focus of the cuisine served at The Sands Hotel's Watersound Restaurant?
The restaurant emphasizes local seafood and uses fresh local produce whenever possible.
Are there any cultural experiences available through The Sands Hotel?
The hotel provides easy access to local cultural experiences and tours.
What are the features of the luxury suites at The Sands Hotel?
Luxury suites have a small kitchen, living area, and sea views.