Smithfield Guesthouse, Dounby
About the Hotel
The Smithfield Hotel is a family-run establishment located in the village of Dounby, Orkney. Surrounded by historical archaeological sites, it serves as a convenient base for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel features recently refurbished rooms and is known for its warm traditional bar that offers local whiskeys. The Dounby Show, the busiest day of the year, showcases the agricultural heritage of the islands.
Location
Smithfield Hotel is ideally situated just 30 km from Kirkwall and a short drive from popular archaeological sites such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and the Ring of Brodgar. The hotel offers free parking to guests and is easily accessible from both the Northlink Ferries terminal and Kirkwall Airport. Dounby provides essential amenities and is located close to RSPB reserves and other outdoor activities.
Rooms
Smithfield Hotel offers six bedrooms, including five ensuite and one with a private shower room. Each room is recently refurbished to a 3-star standard and includes modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a color TV with Freeview, and tea/coffee making facilities. Rooms are non-smoking and feature hair dryers along with complimentary toiletries. The hotel is designed to provide comfortable accommodation for all types of visitors.
Eat & Drink
The hotel’s restaurant is open daily and focuses on using Orkney’s finest produce to create meals. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Orkney’s landscapes in a comfortable and homely atmosphere. The bar is a traditional space where guests and locals can unwind, sampling high-quality whiskeys and beers from local breweries. Evening events, such as open-air dances, contribute to the vibrant dining experience.
Leisure & Business
Guests at the Smithfield can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with amenities such as a TV lounge, pool table, and dart boards. There is an outdoor seating area where guests can enjoy drinks throughout the day. The hotel provides a quiet space for planning excursions with a selection of local books and information. Safety features are in place, including a smoke detector and first aid kit.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free parking
- No pets allowed
- Luggage storage
Sports & Fitness
- Darts
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Laundry
Dining
- Special diet menus
Room features
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Heating
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
This hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms were spacious and clean with good beds, and surprisingly quiet at night despite being on the main road. However, the room felt a bit empty over breakfast hours one morning. The service was friendly and helpful, but the dining experience was mediocre. The location was ideal for exploring Orkney, with easy access to attractions and amenities nearby.
I had a pleasant stay at the hotel, with clean and spacious rooms that offered tea and coffee making facilities. Although a bit noisy in the morning due to nearby activities, the cozy downstairs lounge with a view of the main street and crossroads was a nice touch.
The hotel is located right on the road between Skara Brae and Kirkwall, making it easy to find and a convenient base for exploring the historic and natural sites of the western side of the island. The rooms, while comfortable, were a bit outdated and the price seemed higher than their value. The service was friendly and helpful, although sometimes the young staff needed additional assistance. The dining experience offered a warm and friendly atmosphere with quality ingredients, while the facilities were satisfactory overall.
My stay at the hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms were very loud due to being above the restaurant and bar of the property, although the staff at the restaurant were fantastic. The rooms themselves felt outdated and overpriced, but the bed was comfortable, and the bathroom was spacious.