The best accommodations ÎLES ORCADES ET SHETLAND

The word Kveldsro (pronounced Kel-dro) is Old Norse for "evening peace". This hotel of the Brudolff Hotels Group offers top-class services and a view of the harbour. The rooms are luxuriously furnished and comfortable, all with en suite bathrooms. To relax after a day of hiking or exploring, you can choose between the bar, serving simple and affordable dishes and a long malts and beers menu, and the chic restaurant, where cuisine is a must.

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This picturesque hostel overlooks Kirkwall harbour and is just a short walk from the town centre and the beautiful cathedral. The hostel is friendly and well appointed, even offering budget single rooms and two refurbished fishermen's cottages. Most of the rooms have a view of the harbour or at least the water. Each resident benefits from three kitchens, three bathrooms and the common room. Parking is free on the street, and motorcycles or bicycles can be parked in a courtyard.

Bellavista Guest House, 1.8 kilometres from the town, takes its name from its proximity to the sea, a stone's throw from Kirkwall Bay. The seven rooms are double and single and all have en-suite bathrooms. The guest lounge even includes a small kitchen area with fridge, microwave and kettle. The value for money is very good for a simple but effective offer. Rooms can be booked with different breakfast options, from the most gourmet to the lightest, and even without breakfast.

On the heights of Kirkwall, Kerrawa is located in the St Ola district, 1.5 km from the centre, but very close to the Highland Park distillery. It is a warm and cosy place with four contemporary rooms, all with showers and toilets. Breakfast is full and generous and is prepared using local produce. Guests are friendly and available to advise you on sightseeing, walking routes or good restaurants.

6 km east of Kirkwall, next to the airport, Straigona is a bed & breakfast full of well-being and tranquility. Julie and Mike take hospitality to heart. Their three rooms are modern and well equipped. Two are doubles, one is a twin and a triple can be requested. Each has its own bathroom and the breakfast is a treat. It is possible to dine here (starter, main course and dessert menu at £15/person).

The Kirkwall hostel is less than a kilometre from the city centre in a quiet street on the way to Scapa. Housed in a former World War II base, it still looks like a barracks from the outside, but the interior is well appointed, with a mix of dormitories and private rooms with 58 beds. The kitchen, dining room and living room form a block on their own and are very practical and friendly for settling down and meeting people. Free parking is available.

If you were staying at a farm in Orkney, and more specifically at this address based on a dairy farm producing cheese. It is located very close to Stromness, at the exit of the village. Authenticity, calm and comfort are there. The three double rooms are all equipped with a bathroom, adjoining or on the landing. The breakfast is copious and delicious. The owners are welcoming.

For an original, inexpensive and all over the archipelago type of accommodation, you can turn to the Camping Böd Network. A böd is an old traditional fisherman's house. They can be found all over Shetland. Nine of them have been summarily refurbished to accommodate travellers from March to the end of October, and can accommodate from 4 to 16 people. The facilities are basic and you have to bring your own sleeping bag, but the authentic experience is guaranteed. Please note that some have no electricity or shower

Situated in the countryside outside Lerwick, this peaceful address offers three large double rooms, one of which can be made into a triple. There's plenty of space and storage, as well as a lot of little extras. All have en-suite bathrooms. The establishment has practical facilities such as a drying room for wet clothes, a large car park, a lounge area with books and games... The welcome is warm and helpful, and the breakfast is generous. It is possible to request take-away meals for lunch.

With its central location in Lerwick, Fort Charlotte Guest House is an excellent base for exploring Shetland, with beautifully appointed and tastefully decorated rooms in this centrally located guest house. There are two singles, one double and one twin . Each has its own bathroom and amenities (TV, courtesy tray...). The breakfast is delicious and the hosts bend over backwards to make you feel at home.

The Islesburgh House Hostel is located in one of the beautiful Victorian streets set back from the harbour. The staff is very friendly and the interiors have largely retained their original grandeur. Comfort is assured, with clean bathrooms and all the necessary practical facilities. There are huge common rooms: kitchen, living room, billiard room and dining room, where it is very pleasant to settle down. The value for money is particularly good, especially for private rooms, single, double and family rooms.

The northernmost hostel in the UK offers dormitories with 11 or 6 beds. This white house also has a certain charm. Above all, it is very convenient for a cheap stay. The common areas are ideal for socialising, dining, eating breakfast and preparing meals, with a fully equipped kitchen, lounge and dining room. The site is also camping, with the possibility of pitching a tent.

This youth hostel welcomes you in the spirit of a "university residence". Located in a former building dedicated to army sergeants, it has large, bright single or double rooms. The place is warm and comfortable, with a bar offering pub food. The bathrooms are shared, as are the kitchens. The Shackleton Lodge is for groups. It is also possible to rent independent lodges (Nordabrake Houses) on a weekly basis on the same site.

This small campsite offers superb views of the surrounding area thanks to its position overlooking Levenwick Bay and has room for 12 tents and 6 caravans or motorhomes. It's very simple, with only the basic facilities. There are toilets and showers available, as well as an enclosed kitchen area and a picnic area amidst wild flowers and recently planted trees. The location is ideal and the peace and quiet is assured. It is sometimes possible to come out of season, but it is necessary to call and book in advance.

Located in the quiet town of Bigton, Hayhoull B&B is just five minutes from the beautiful beach of St. Ninian's Sands and a rugged coastline with panoramic views. The four rooms are singles and doubles and two share a bathroom, while the others have their own private and adjoining facilities. The house is quite modern, comfortable and the welcome is warm. The location is perfect for walking, bird watching, fishing and visiting historical sites... why not cycling?

The Sumburgh Hotel is housed in an old laird's house erected in 1867. It is an ideal starting point for excursions on the island and is only 5 minutes from the airport. Rooms are available in single, double, twin and family rooms, each with en suite bathroom, free wi-fi, and classic amenities (courtesy tray, TV, hairdryer). The establishment is also a very good restaurant of British cuisine (the West Roe), and has its lounge bar, where snacks and pub dishes are also served.