Taylor's Rest

Self-catering. Useful welcome pack which included milk. Lots of cleaning materials. Easy access to town. It was nice to have use of a hot tub though we didn't use it.

Booking.com had provided us with the wrong telephone number and key code so we couldn't get in. Fortunately the host texted to ask when we were arriving a few minutes later.

The property inside is immaculate. It’s extremely modern, and even though we stayed during the hottest week in Orkney since records began, I got the impression that this would be a cosy place to stay during the winter time. Kitchen was modern with induction cooker and dishwasher. House appears to be heated by air source heat pump. Despite being modern, it also had a personal touch. This was no sterile “waiting room” environment. This felt like a place you could call home. We were greeted with various goodies including all the basics that we went shopping for beforehand anyway. Shower soaps are divine. I looked up “highland soap company” online and I now know where to get them. Main bedroom mattress was supremely comfortable. Parking was very easy with no tight squeezes.

Instructions for key collection were unclear, especially under torchlight when we arrived late. Keysafe was not next to door as it is with many other holiday lets , but elsewhere. A photo, rather than a description would have been more suitable for describing where the keysafe was. Normally there’s a welcome guide in other holiday lettings with instructions for wifi, cooker, bin collection days, recycling etc…. There was nothing here, except a wifi code on the back of the utility cupboard door. Despite having a fresh air ventilation system, the air inside was very stuffy (especially in bedrooms with a closed door). I had to sleep with bedroom door open to the main hallway. I think this is characteristic of many modern properties where draught proofing is so good that the air doesn’t move at all. Joinery for the doors needs adjustment. Many doors were very hard to move because they scraped the carpet. Bathroom door couldn’t close properly without a good shove, and bathroom lock wouldn’t engage properly. Bathroom shower curtain was inadequate, and I was left with a lake outside the shower cubicle after each session. A floor squeegee would be a good idea. It is a wheelchair accessible bathroom, so I completely understand why a shower door isn’t suitable, but the existing curtain design doesn’t do the job. Outside, there’s a water pump (presumably for a well). It was constantly operating and quite loud (as loud as an idling car engine), and I was dissuaded from leaving the bedroom window open to get some fresh air because of it. Overall you certainly get what you pay for, but I have visited holiday properties elsewhere in Scotland for a lot less money with equally modern fixtures. That of course is a value judgement for each person to make. Times have changed quickly of course with added costs for short term letting permits etc…. I’d love to visit this place again, but I think I’ll be investing more time hunting down a better deal.

Very close to the city of Kirkwall while feeling amazingly remote(with all the comforts of city living) This is an amazing house in a great location. The hot tub was great after scuba diving at Scapa Flow. The owners were communicative and left us all sorts of welcome goodies. Beds are comfortable, Wi-Fi was good, shower is AMAZING, and the whole place smelled so fresh and clean. We travel a lot and this was one of the best stays we have ever had. If the house is open for booking, just book it, you will not regret it!

I just want to be clear that we loved this stay. There is no clothes dryer but there is a clothesline and the wind is enough to get things dry quickly. This isn’t really a negative but I had been curious if there was a dryer but kinda glad there wasn’t as our clothes smell amazing after being out in the sun and wind.

Spacious, very comfortable and clean, loved the hot tub

Well equipped kitchen except for lack of cutlery and glasses

It was a self catering cottage so we provided our own food. There was a substantial welcome pack on our arrival which was appreciated. Very well positioned to visit local hotspots such as Italian Chapel, Skara Brae, Ness of Brodgar. Also very close to Kirkwall Airport where we took the plane to a neighbouring island where I used to live.

Since it was a new build property there were a few snagging problems with the property chiefly with regard to the locks on the outside doors and bathroom door. All I can say is do not lock the bathroom door - you might be there for some time before being rescued! Double bedroom very spacious but single rooms quite compact. Hot tub facilities were available but not easily accessible with people of limited mobility. Could have benefited from handrails to assist folk in and out of the hot tub.

Modern, spacy and comfortable cottage, very calm location. Fantastic welcome food package. Heated whirpool an added value! Perfect base for exploring Orkney Mainland :-)

Location in the open spaces surrounding the chalet was perfect. It was an escape place from the overcrowded country we come from

Would have appreciated if the washing machine also had a dryer function

Just wow! Decorated and furnished to an exceptional standard with all the mod cons! The hot tub is next level - huge and jets everywhere that can be adjusted for comfort Beds were comfy and all had blankets too There were games and books in the house for all ages Wi-Fi was good and even had the teenagers’ approval! The welcome pack was fabulous

Nothing! It was amazing :)

Good location to tour the island. Modern and very comfortable. Spacious for small group. Generally well equipped . Rural setting with beach a short drive. Very good welcome pack with all essentials for arrival

No arrangements for recycling,