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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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#1 of 43 B&Bs in Mainland
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Travellers' Choice
Straigona B&B is ideally situated 5 miles from Kirkwall and close to the airport, enjoying stunning views over Inganess Bay and the island of Shapinsay. All rooms are en-suite and have tea and coffee making facilities, Smart TV with Freeview, free WI-FI, hairdryer, toiletries, bath robes, individually thermostatically controlled radiators, shaver point. We are more than happy to help our guests with information, booking restaurants and plotting good routes to see everything! We even lend you maps as Orkney doesn't like SatNav!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Hiking
Non-smoking hotel
First aid kit
Laundry service
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Special diet menus
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Seating area
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Private bathrooms
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Radio
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
Languages Spoken
English
Location
372Reviews11Q+A62Room tips
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Even before arrival, Julie gave us invaluable help with planning our visit and recommending advanced bookings for some sites. She is so friendly and knowledgeable -- during our stay we learned a lot, saw local attractions we would not have known about otherwise, and with her help, really made the most of our time at Orkney. Our room was clean, pleasant, comfortable, and thoughtfully organized, with storage, seating, and everything we could have needed available for use. The made-to-order breakfasts Mike made and Julie served were delicious -- especially the home-made jam -- and quite varied. Baked goods also were available during the day for snacking. Visiting with the other guests was an added bonus. A wealth of materials were available, and we borrowed maps and notebooks full of ideas and suggestions. With a rental car, Straigona is ideally situated for exploring Orkney, as it is located near the airport, a few miles out of Kirkwall. …
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Julie Rickards, Owner at Straigona B&B
Responded 28 Oct 2023
Thank you for your lovely review, glad you enjoyed your stay here and Orkney in general! BRgds Julie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The location and facilities are beautiful - we didn't mind being outside of town, as we had a car. Julie is a terrific hostess and had solid sightseeing tips. We had great breakfasts, and we enjoyed our conversations with Julie and with other guests. We did not need to ask Julie for anything, but I'm confident that she could have helped us with any needs or problems that arose.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Julie Rickards, Owner at Straigona B&B
Responded 28 Oct 2023
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review, glad you enjoyed your visit. BRgds Julie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Very nice B&B with wonderful hosts. Location was great for the sites and Kirkwall shopping and restaurants. Breakfast was prepared to order by chef Mike with excellent baked goodies and jams by Julie. Good information provided for the sites. Highly recommend.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Julie Rickards, Owner at Straigona B&B
Responded 23 Sept 2023
Thank you! Lovely to meet you both and enjoyed seeing how well you and our other guests got on and exchanged information. BRgds Julie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our hosts had thought of everything to make our stay as relaxing and comfortable as possible. They are friendly and welcoming; organised and attentive; helpful and understand how to help their guests to make the most of their stay.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: If you want to see the Ness of Brodgar dig before it is buried, check the Ness website and book...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Julie Rickards, Owner at Straigona B&B
Responded 23 Sept 2023
Thank you! It was a pleasure to meet you both and glad you enjoyed you visit to Orkney. BRgds Julie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wonderful, peaceful countryside venue, yet 7 minutes drive from Kirkwall and not much more to heart of neolithic Orkney. The best B&B breakfast imaginable. Never had fresh quail's eggs, hog roast sausages, accompanied by a bowl of summer berries, before. Julie is such a font on knowledge when you go island hopping it made for a fantastic eight days.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Julie Rickards, Owner at Straigona B&B
Responded 6 Aug 2023
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it all and particularly pleased you managed to get some island hopping in as that is so worth it! Hope to see you again. BRgds Julie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Another visit to Orkney and another great stay (4th) with Mike and Julie at Straigona. Nothing changes - the comforts of a home from home were just the same as always and Mike and Julie work as hard as ever at making their visitors welcome and very happy to be in Orkney. You will not find anyone, anywhere who do this as well as they do, I guarantee. Their knowledge of the islands and their willingness to share this knowledge makes their B&B a wonderful place from which to explore the Orkney Islands and the vast riches on offer there. We would particularly like to thank Julie for her help and advice, before we went, regarding island hopping. We visited Sanday and Rousay on this visit. Also, particular thanks for checking, on our morning of departure, whether or not Pentland Ferries were running - they weren't as it happens, but Julie's warning at breakfast gave us time to switch our crossing to Northlink from Stromness. Thank you also for the wonderful breakfasts, my oat milk, the bulletin board, the tray bakes, the information packs and not forgetting the basket of toffees in the hall!! You are wonderful hosts ........ thank you both. Pat and Andy …
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Don't miss an opportunity to stay at Straigona.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Julie Rickards, Owner at Straigona B&B
Responded 31 Jul 2023
Thank you, you really are too kind. We just love having you stay. Maybe next year?! We'll have made the decision in a couple of months... BRgds Julie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a fabulous stay with Julie and Mike at Straigona B&B. The room was clean and well appointed, breakfast was delicious and varied, treats were homemade and always offered in the breakfast room, the location was very convenient to Kirkwall and for touring. Julie was a wealth of information about the island and had a full library of books and maps that we could borrow while we were touring. We most appreciated that the breakfast room was available to us for eating take away meals which we prefer after a long day of touristing. I can't say enough except to thank Julie for helping us regroup after our morning ferry was cancelled. Her hospitality was the best!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Julie Rickards, Owner at Straigona B&B
Responded 25 Jul 2023
You are very welcome, it was lovely to meet you both. Brgds julie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How wonderful to have found good, clean, comfortable accommodation and an owner who is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the area. Julie was able to tell us about places worth visiting - she had been to them all. In advance of our stay, she was in contact with us, giving advice which proved invaluable ie to book in advance for certain popular sites, ferries and flights. Information was readily available on places to visit - guide books, maps and leaflets. Straigona is very conveniently situated near the airport (we walked the distance in 10 minutes to catch the morning flight to Papa Westray) and just a few minutes drive into Kirkwall; many of the sites were easily accessible by car from the Guest House. We were made very comfortable during our week's stay - it felt like home from home with tea and cakes always available. Breakfasts were very good with a selection of cereals, fresh fruit salad and a freshly cooked option with an interesting variety of sausages - the joys of fresh eggs for breakfast, from their own hens and ducks. That Straigona is often fully booked says it all.…
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Julie Rickards, Owner at Straigona B&B
Responded 15 Jul 2023
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review. We are always pleased when we have achieved our aim of making our guests stay in Orkney as special as it can be and glad you found all the information and tips helpful. BRgds Julie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Breakfast and snacks were great. Shortbread cookies are awesome. Julie provided a lot of sightseeing information that was very helpful. My only wish would have been to have a place to sit/gather together besides the kitchen.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: You are away from town so car is needed.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
The rooms and beds were so comfortable. Julie and Mike prepared us wonderful breakfasts with fresh eggs, a variety of sausages, fruit, and bakery croissants, and Julie always had fresh baked sweeties on hand. They were very helpful with suggesting what we could do and the best times, and places to eat. (Make advance reservations to eat at Merkister Hotel; it's a treat.) Bring your hiking boots and explore beautiful Orkney!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Julie Rickards, Owner at Straigona B&B
Responded 15 Jul 2023
It was great to meet you all and glad you enjoyed your stay with uus. Brgds Julie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandOrkney IslandsMainlandTankerness
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
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Frequently Asked Questions about Straigona B&B
Which popular attractions are close to Straigona B&B?
Nearby attractions include Saint Magnus Cathedral (3.3 miles), The Italian Chapel (4.2 miles), and The Orkney Museum (3.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Straigona B&B?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Straigona B&B?
Top room amenities include a flat screen TV, blackout curtains, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Straigona B&B?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, complimentary tea, and free instant coffee during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Straigona B&B?
Conveniently located restaurants include Sheila Fleet - The Kirk Gallery & Café, The Foveran Restaurant, and The Storehouse Restaurant With Rooms.
Are there any historical sites close to Straigona B&B?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Saint Magnus Cathedral (3.3 miles), The Earl's Palace (3.3 miles), and Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace (3.3 miles).
Does Straigona B&B have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.