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Reviews of Ferry Inn Stromness

3 out of 5
Ferry Inn Stromness
10 John Street, Orkney, Stromness, Scotland

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 70 out of 138 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 52 out of 138 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 138 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 138 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 138 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Angela on 11 Apr 2024
Thank you for the lovely review. Hopefully we will see you again soon. Best wishes, the Ferry Inn team.

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable, friendly and welcoming. We really enjoyed it.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Karen on 19 Mar 2024
Thank you so much for this lovely review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us :)

10/10 Excellent

ALISON

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful 2 night stay in February with lots of snow which was a bonus. Our room was immaculate, a real comfy bed, plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits. The bathroom was brand new with a super powerful shower. The staff were so accommodating and really happy to help with anything we needed, a great shout out for Angela, Moira and the chef. The breakfast had a great choice of hot or cold food. The porridge was to die for and runny poached eggs. The hotel is central fir everything, right across from the ferry terminal too. We will definitely be back. Thank you again for looking after us 👍
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Karen on 16 Feb 2024
Hello AlisonThank you so much for this super review. I will pass on your thanks and appreciation to the staff mentioned. The snow was nice while it lasted but delighted to say that Spring seems to be happening now :)

2/10 Terrible

L

Travelled with group
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Worst customer service I ever experienced when the storm hit and all trains and ferries were cancelled for 2-3 days in December 27&28- Angela refused to waive cancellations fees. We were stranded on the way to the Ferry Inn and I immediately let them know that no trains or ferries were operable. Angela Charged me $340 for two nights that I couldn’t get there due to the storm cancellations. I had to buy an additional 2 nights of hotel where I was stranded. Very inconsiderate and I will not stay there in the future. Angela could have at least reduced the amount since it was an act of God storm that stopped all trains and ferries. I understand she wants $$ but I paid double for those two nights with not so much as an I’m sorry from the Ferry Inn and Angela herself. Not very kind behavior.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Karen on 16 Feb 2024
We are sorry that you feel this way. Our cancellation policy is explained at the time of booking with Expedia.

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cozy and convenient
Everyone working at this hotel has been so kind and helpful. We had some weather-related delays and they helped us figure out what to do. We’ve been very cozy here.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Karen on 15 Oct 2023
Thank you for this lovely review. We are pleased that you managed to find a way to get back to the mainland in time for your flight home :)

10/10 Excellent

Norman

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Once again nice room, staff very helpful and no complaints.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Karen on 7 Oct 2023
Thank you :)

6/10 Okay

John

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Fine but everything was closed
The room was nice and appeared clean (although there were a previous guest's headphones in the drawer). Unfortunately the bar and restaurant were closed during our stay in mid-September. Same across town apparently as we were told 'there's nowhere open to eat in Stromness' and reception weren't able to suggest anywhere out of town (we were told to look at a tourist website to see what's open in Kirkwall). Parking is not actually free unless you want to park 300m down the street.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Joan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to ferry.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Angela on 18 Sept 2023
Thank you. We hope to see you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great for Stromness
Nice hotel with helpful friendly staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Angela on 14 Sept 2023
Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Zachary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A true gem of a place. Absolutely recommended for anyone looking stay in Stromness! Charming older building with all the quirks and foibles that give so much character, but nicely modernized. Very clean and well kept. The staff was wonderfully helpful and friendly. The bar and restaurant are top notch and the perfect place to wind down after a day of exploration. I will absolutely book here again whenever I return to Orkney.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Karen on 8 Sept 2023
Many thanks for this amazing review :)

8/10 Good

Linda

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Angela on 14 Sept 2023
Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location, comfortable and excellent food
Karen was fantastic, as Hotels.com had failed to book the room properly. We were offered a fantastic room which was clean and comfortable, and well located for the ferry, Stromness and the main island of Orkney. Excellent food
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Karen on 7 Aug 2023
Thank you so much for this lovely review. It was nice to meet you and your two super boys. I hope that you all enjoyed your time in Orkney.

8/10 Good

Peter

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient for the ferry. Public parking but adjacent to hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Karen on 15 July 2023
Thank you for this lovely review :)

10/10 Excellent

JULIE

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and convenient to both the ferry and buses around the island. Staff were efficient and kind and the restaurant was excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Angela on 7 July 2023
Thank you for the lovely review Julie. We are happy you enjoyed your stay with us. Hopefully we will see you again soon, Best wishes, the Ferry Inn team.

10/10 Excellent

Ed

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place, very convenient by the ferry.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Karen on 20 June 2023
Thank you so much for this lovely review. It is good to hear that you enjoyed your recent stay with us :)

8/10 Good

christopher

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Angela on 20 June 2023
Thank you. Hopefully we will see you again soon.

8/10 Good

Richard

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
A nice pub with rooms. The restaurant is good, the staff pleasant. Our room was a bit cramped and the stairs narrow. There is no guest room.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Karen on 14 June 2023
Thank you for reviewing your recent stay with us.

10/10 Excellent

Cindi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Karen on 9 June 2023
Thank you so much for this lovely review :)

8/10 Good

Malcolm R

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good location, with a nice restaurant
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from Angela on 7 June 2023
Thank you for the lovely review Malcolm. Hopefully we will see you again soon.

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A charming, clean and well located property to enjoy Stromness and the region. The staff were very welcoming and helpful throughout my stay. The food and drinks variety and quality was pleasing.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from Angela on 27 May 2023
Thank you for the lovely review Elizabeth, we are so glad you enjoyed your stay with us.Hopefully we will see you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very much enjoyed my stay. Great food and lovely staff. Made to feel at home. Will be back one day.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Response from Karen on 20 May 2023
Thank you so much for this super review. We also hope that you will make it back one day :)

8/10 Good

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Close to ferry.
This hotel is a bit unique in that the rooms have been updated but the building is historic so,no elevator and very steep, narrow steps. It is worth the walk up, our room was large wirh a king bed, nice linens and a pretty good ensuite. The kitchen was closed the night we were there so we drive to the nearby town to a restaurant. After a good night's sleep we made our way to the charming restaurant and a lovely breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Response from Karen on 13 May 2023
Thank you for this nice review :)

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great waterfront inn. Updated bathroom, it was a little noisy however not at odd hours of the night. Very close to the ferry terminal. Friendly staff!
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Response from Karen on 10 May 2023
Thank you for reviewing your stay with us :)

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Rarely do I stay in a place where I leave truly feeling like family. Karen and Gareth are two of the loveliest people you will ever meet. We walked in and instantly felt at home. After a few days we never wanted to leave. Great drinks, great food, great vibes!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Angela on 5 May 2023
Thank you Laura for the lovely review. We are so happy you enjoyed your stay with us and it's so good to hear that you felt at home. We hope to see you again soon.

8/10 Good

Dianne

Travelled with partner
Everyone was exceedingly friendly and accommodating. The food was very good and they were eager to give special consideration for your food limitations. When they say cozy, they mean tiny. Having said that, they managed to make it comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Angela on 27 Apr 2023
Thank you for the lovely review and we hope to see you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Inn is centrally located in Stromness and an easy jump off point to explore the island.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Angela on 24 Apr 2023
Thank you for the lovely review and we hope to see you again soon.

8/10 Good

Saul

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Karen on 19 Apr 2023
Thank you :)

10/10 Excellent

Brad

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Orkney April 2023
I wish we had known about this inn before! Convenient location to the Ferry terminal, very warm and friendly pub, clean abs comfortable room and great bed!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Karen on 5 Apr 2023
Thank you. I am pleased that you managed to find us and that you enjoyed your stay :)

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very clean accommodations, and a wonderful restaurant/pub on the ground floor. It is the hub of the community in Stromness.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Response from Karen on 31 Jan 2023
Thank you :)

6/10 Okay

Holly

Liked: Staff & service
Convenient to ferry. Hotel has bar and restaurant on site.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lesley

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My daughter and I had a tremendous experience at the Ferry Inn (8/5 - 8/7/22). The staff were really friendly, our rooms very comfortable and clean. We chose the Ferry Inn because it is so close to the Northlink Ferry and the neolithic standing stones and Skarra Brae. They're about the only place to eat in Stromness, so book for dinner not to be disappointed. Bar staff and breakfast staff were great too. Try the Scapa, Single Malt if you can.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from Owner on 15 Aug 2022
Thank you so much for this lovely review :)

6/10 Okay

Jane

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maxwell

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff could not have been more helpful in dealing with last minute special requirements
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from Owner on 4 Aug 2022
Delighted that we were able to help :)

10/10 Excellent

michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent and comfortable stay
Comfortable and quite spacious, very clean room. Staff were helpful, efficient and friendly. Food of a high standard.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from Owner on 12 June 2022
Thank you so much for this excellent review:)

8/10 Good

Amy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel with the most friendly staff. The Restaurant had delicious food.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
Response from Owner on 12 June 2022
Thank you for this lovely review :)

8/10 Good

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021
Response from Owner on 7 Oct 2021
Thank you for reviewing us :)

10/10 Excellent

Angus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely break in Stromness
Room in a great position, was very clean and tidy. The one small comment was that a view of the street or harbour would have been nice and we would ask for one on our next visit. The food in the restaurant was first class and the table service was excellent.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021
Response from Owner on 7 Oct 2021
Many thanks for giving us this lovely review:)

10/10 Excellent

Grahame

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Super manager, great location and excellent food.
The manager is a super chap. He is highly motivated and enjoys his job. All his staff worked hard and seemed to enjoy their jobs. Cleanliness was excellent. Unfortunately, my 'private' toilet/shower were not in the room but down the corridor. Although there was a clear 'Private' notice on the door it was sometimes used by others. It would have been better if there was a lock on it. Great location. The Ferry Inn is next to the ferry terminal and port, which is where everyone meets to socialise. Great food. The menu is imaginative, with excellent options for seafood lovers and vegetarians. However, at the moment it's the only place in town to eat. Booking for evening meals is essential, even for residents, with no guarantee a table will be available. There is far more demand than supply. A real pity for the Ferry Inn, since it could use the extra income and a pity for customers, who miss enjoying the excellent food. If there isn't a table, the other alternatives are to go to the local Co-op for some 'food to go' or drive 15 miles to Kirkwall. Even in Kirkwall tables are in very short supply!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021
Response from Owner on 7 Oct 2021
Thank you for reviewing us :)

10/10 Excellent

Sebastian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021
Response from Owner on 7 Oct 2021
Thank you for reviewing usn :)

8/10 Good

Mark

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Old fashioned pub. Not great food
Old fashioned pub style hotel with fairly small rooms. Unfortunately food was not great quality. We had breakfast each day and one evening meal, and all were pretty tasteless and uninspiring
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Response from Owner on 7 Oct 2021
Thank you for reviewing us. It is very unusual to hear your comments on the food. This is usually very well received :)

8/10 Good

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

philippa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location right next to ferry. There is public parking next door which is free from 5pm to 9am, but actually there is one hour free parking, so in effect it is free from 4pm to 9am or 5pm to 10am. Staff were nice and room was clean and comfortable. Breakfast was amazing (particularly the haggis).
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Response from Owner on 24 Aug 2021
Hi Phillipa Thank you for this lovely review. It is good to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. The haggis from Flett's butcher that is just across the street from the Ferry Inn :)

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Brilliant!
First time back at the Ferry after 30 years. Still a delightful, friendly, comfortable and enjoyable place to stay. Food excellent, breakfast excellent, staff and beer also excellent. Best shower of our trip and very comfortable bed. I cannot fault the Ferry Inn and hope some day to return, before 30 years pass again!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021
Response from Owner on 23 Aug 2021
Hello John Thank you for your brilliant review. Don't leave it so long to visit again :) Best wishes Ferry Inn

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Located just by the harbour, very nice and welcoming hotel, clean and comfortable, friendly and excellent breakfast, very good option with children.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021
Response from Owner on 16 Aug 2021
Thank you for this super review :)

4/10 Poor

Una

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not for us ended up in a room in annexe o ground floor with window directly on to the street . Had to have the blind it curtains closed constantly.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from Owner on 25 July 2021
I am sorry that you didn't enjoy your stay.

10/10 Excellent

Kate

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly and welcoming.
Nice, clean and spacious room, but it's a long way up the steep stairs to the top of the Inn where our room was! Food and local ales were very good. Staff were very welcoming and helpful. Would certainly use this Inn again in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Response from Owner on 18 July 2021
Many thanks for giving us this lovely review :)

10/10 Excellent

Ernest

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely accommodation
We stayed at the Harbourside House rooms were lovely beds so comfortable!! Lovely breakfast only downside was there were no bars just the hotel which didn’t open until 4
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021
Response from Owner on 16 July 2021
Thank you for this super review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us.

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Foodie heaven
I was a little disappointed when we were walked from the Ferry Inn to the Harbourside View which was a grey bland building but the room was good once inside. The booking did say we would be in the harbourside but it wasn’t clear what that meant. Parking was free from 5pm until 9 am and just across the road. We stayed for dinner in the Ferry Inn which was FABULOUS! Best food yet! I had smoked haddock and it was divine. Service was great, plenty of staff who were all young, attentive and polite. There was a little noise during the night which disturbed our sleep - but it was Friday night! Breakfast was great . Overall a lovely experience despite my initial reservations.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021
Response from Owner on 11 July 2021
Many thanks for this splendid review. It is great to hear that you enjoyed staying and eating with us :)