Name: Orca Country Inn
Address: Orca Country Inn Hoswick, Sandwick, ZE2 9HL, United Kingdom, Sandwick, Sandwick, Sandwick, ZE2 9HL, United Kingdom
Rating: 8

Smoke-free property

Heating

General

Non-smoking rooms

Hairdryer

Rooms

Laundry

Luggage storage

Services and amenities

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet access

Internet

Barbecue grill(s)

Hiking

Fishing

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Parking

Parking nearby

Fax and copy machine

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Darts

Cycling

Sports

Location

At the hotel

Room amenities

Sumburgh Airport

Tingwall Airport

Scatsta Airport

Orca Country Inn

Sandwick

Although essentially a 6 room guest house because of Covid restrictions we had the whole place to ourselves including use of a well-stocked kitchen . 
The place is very homely and is not a modern designer location but it is warm and very comfy. 
The location is great with lots of nearby walks and things to visit. We chose it because it is only a relatively short drive from Sumburgh airport and was an ideal place to start our first trip to Shetland. There is a small but well-stocked convenience store close by where you can buy plenty of things for a self-catering stay.
It's listing on AIRBNB is a bit confusing as the address is shown as Sandwick whereas it is actually in Hoswick. Follow the sign to the hotel and you will soon be there! 
John the owner is always nearby if needed and is full of useful local information!

Whole place to ourselves!

I have given this place 5* not because it is a swanky top of the range hotel (it isn't) but because it is very good at what it is - a self catering guesthouse - and excellent value for that.

I travelled alone and was on quite a late flight in and as explained in an email to me, a key and note was left on the table. As others have pointed out a range of tea, coffee, milk, cereals, eggs, breads and spreads, and other sundries are provided. I knew what was on offer having read up on the place, had had a main meal at lunchtime and so was able to knock up a satisfactory simple supper from what was on offer, plus breakfast the next day so didn't have to think about shopping until I had settled in.

I found John and Nadia very friendly and helpful. Queries were answered promptly and help was given when needed. It is a simple self-catering hotel and it served my needs very well indeed. I liked the flexibility and being able to come and go as you please plus with all the cook ware and range of spices etc on offer was able to cook what I wanted for myself. What I particularly liked was the honesty bar and that John had kept the prices to a modest level.

I found it all very clean when I was there and there was a nice family group taking up the other rooms. Even when they came in very late from a hamefarin, there was minimal disturbance. It is in a quiet and pretty location. The decor may not be the smartest, but it is all very clean and comfortable. 

Laid back and relaxed

Great stay at the Orca Country Inn, very cosy rooms which are very quiet, perfect for a good night of sleep. The place is well located and John the owner is very welcoming and helpful. Highly recommend.

Fantastic stay 

The hotel has a grand view of the bay and a great place to stay if you want a bit of peace and quiet John the owner is very helpful with any advice that you might need and the facilities at the hotel are second to none the hotel provides the basic breakfast items eggs, milk, bread, cereals, fruit and there are plenty of herbs and spices for cooking your evening meals. The hotel has WiFi and tea and coffee facilities in every room. The rooms are all very well heated and this hotel has the best showers and en siute facilities I've ever came across this hotel I would give it a 10 out of 10 and a bargain stay for the price. I will definitely be coming back and would like to say thank you to the Orca team for their support and help and a big thank you to John the owner. Naz.

Most excellent stay at orca countryo Inn

All you need to do is some homework in order not to be disappointed.....(This is directed at the negative reviews that preceded mine.....).
The Orca Country Inn is not a B&B and does not advertise breakfasts.
On the other hand, the Orca provides full kitchen facilities and even eggs, milk, cereals, bread and spreads. If you look carefully, there is flour as well and more stuff.....You can bake your own bread and/or cakes...!!!
The rooms are not big, but the two rooms we had were en-suite and were comfortable.
Orca is ideally located for exploring the Southern part of the Shetland Mainland. Everything that is located between Scalloway and Sumburgh Head is easily accessible from the inn.
John, the proprietor, was friendly and knowledgeable as to where to go and what to do.
Orca was just what we needed. Thanks John!!

Nice Friendly Inn!! Good Base for Exploring South Shetland!!

I think that those who have given a very negative review of the Inn don't fully understand the self-catering concept - it means that you do everything yourself!  
The basics are there already for breakfast, and you help yourself - milk, bread, cereal, fruit; if you want a "full Scottish/full English" breakfast, then you bring the ingredients and cook it yourself.  Similarly, for other meals, there is a very well-equipped kitchen for cooking your own food.  Fridge, freezer and washing machine are all available for use.  You are expected to wash and dry the dishes which you use.
My single bedroom with en suite shower room was of a good size, very clean, and nicely decorated.
If you want your room and en suite facilities cleaned, you do that yourself - a vacuum cleaner and cleaning materials are available in the corridor.
As for noise, that can be expected in any establishment which isn't your own home - earplugs come in very handy when travelling!
John, the owner, is on hand when required and is very helpful.
A major advantage of the Inn is that you can come and go as you please - you are given your room key and also a key for the front door; so you can suit yourself when you are in or out.

Excellent Self-Catering Stay

The room was small and basic but functional. The bed wasn't the most comfortable and the walls seemed paper thin, we could hear the snoring and loud television of the occupant next door almost the entire time we were in the room.

Barely saw a member of staff and never saw the bar open.

Don't think we quite realised how much of a youth hostel it was going to be facility-wise. Won't be back.

Orca Country Inn

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