Spec me a hotel on Orkney

[Quartz]

My mother wants to go to Orkney for a few days, probably late September. So we need a hotel. 4 star or 5 star in case of bad weather, able to accept arrivals after midnight (the ferry gets in at 23:00), and with good views (she's an artist). She is of limited mobility, and uses a walking frame for all but the shortest walks. Parking. A decent restaurant on-site or very nearby, just in case it's belting down.

Any suggestions?

 

[Quartz]

My mother has heard about the cruise ships flooding Orkney with tourists and doesn't want to go in October or later, so we'll be going next year.

 

[Quartz]

How did you get on visiting Orkney? I hope your mother enjoyed her stay?

The visit will be next year.

 

[Quartz]

Ah, sorry, I never saw that!

We were put off by the worsening weather and the cruise ship situation. We may still be. My mother is not going to like competing against the 2000 passengers from the Aidasol on 16th May let alone the 4000 from the Regal Princess on the 28th April and 10th May. And I have to consider my trip to America.

https://pmis.orkney.gov.uk/WebApi/api/Public/GetCruiseShipList?Year=2024

As a local I can give you some information. Have she booked anything yet?

No, nothing is booked. We have yet to tie down the dates, but are looking at late April or the start of May. Basically we want to visit in term-time, when there are fewer people, and when the weather is improving, but before the midges get too active.

 

[Quartz]

The issue with cruise line passengers is access to sites. She's 88 and isn't physically able to spend long times waiting for things like the Italian Chapel, for example.

 

[Quartz]

She's been to the Italian Chapel once already and really wants to revisit.