3 Best Hotels in Stromness and the Neolithic Sites, Orkney and Shetland Islands

White-painted stone walls, country antiques, and the rippling sound of a stream running beneath the windows make for an evocative stay at this former mill dating from 1861. The old machinery can still be seen, and attractive gardens surround the house, which is tastefully decorated throughout with lots of wood, whitewashed stone walls, and geometric rugs. Evening meals are available on request. Located 3½ miles east of Stromness, it's a good base for visiting the town plus the nearby archaeological sites of Maewshowe and Brodgar.

This traditional inn with rooms and a restaurant is handy for the ferry and other transport links for Orkney's sights. Guest rooms are light and spotless, and some have harbor views. The popular restaurant serves a healthy choice of local seafood, beef, and lamb dishes. Expect a fiddle or three in the pub, which often serves as an impromptu music venue and appeals to beer lovers with 10 local cask brews.

Popular with anglers, this family-run hotel overlooks the gentle lap of Loch Harray—its experienced ghillies (guides) know the choicest spots and provide instruction for novices. Left your rod at home? You can rent all the equipment you need, including boats. The comfortable, if old-fashioned, rooms encourage a good night's sleep after a hard day on the water. Skerries, the hotel's restaurant, serves superior Scottish cuisine that includes local seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef reared within a 10-mile radius. The hotel is 10 miles northeast of Stromness.