3 Best Hotels in Orkney and Shetland Islands, Scotland

Dating from the 16th century, Busta House—built by the well-heeled but ill-fated Gifford family—is one of the few grand houses of Shetland. All the rooms are different (ask about size, location, and possible noise when you book) and are prettily furnished, many with antique headboards. The Long Room is a delightful place to sample a selection of malt whiskies beside a peat fire. The restaurant serves light lunches and dinners, and the bar has a less expensive menu. This is a good place to get away from it all.

This large, functional hotel by the harbor offers ample accommodation choices—including a wing of nine spacious, self-catering apartments—plus a good bar--restaurant. Public rooms are spotless but lack character, while the modern guest rooms combine light wood, creams, and purple-accented soft furnishings. Ask for a room with a good sea view on an upper floor to avoid a room around the back.

Tucked away behind the town's main thoroughfare is this unfussy small hotel with comfortable, if rather expensive, rooms. The satisfactory restaurant serves unpretentious dishes using locally sourced produce.