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3-star hotel Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 11:00

The Taversoe

Stay at The Taversoe Inn in Gripps, Rousay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking, pet-friendly service, bar & restaurant. Close to Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar.

Gripps, Rousay KW17 2PT, United Kingdom View on map
9.6/10
Exceptional Based on 94 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Pet-friendly Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Charming Inn with Welcoming Hosts and Stunning Views

Guests highlight the warm hospitality, spacious and comfortable rooms, and excellent food offerings. The location provides beautiful coastal scenery and easy access to nearby prehistoric sites, making it a memorable stay for many.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly and attentive service, often mentioning the host Bill and his welcoming manner.
  • Spacious, clean rooms with spectacular sea views and cozy atmosphere.
  • High-quality, freshly cooked meals, especially fish and chips and local dishes.
  • Well-stocked bar with a good selection of local beers, gin, and whisky.
  • Relaxed, homely vibe with pet-friendly and kid-friendly facilities.

Worth knowing

  • Food service can be slow at times due to a small team managing kitchen and bar.
  • The menu is somewhat limited and occasional popular items may be unavailable.
  • Not suitable for those seeking fitness center, airport shuttle, or business services.
  • No pool or fitness amenities on site, but free Wi-Fi and parking are available.
  • Listed as smoke-free and accessible, catering well to families and pet owners.

Best for

  • Visitors seeking authentic Orcadian hospitality in a seaside village setting.
  • Travelers interested in exploring nearby prehistoric sites like Skara Brae and Broch of Gurness.
  • Couples and families wanting comfortable, scenic accommodations with pet-friendly options.
  • Guests appreciating freshly prepared meals paired with local drinks in a relaxed inn environment.
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About this property

Welcome to The Taversoe

Located in Gripps, Rousay, The Taversoe is a well-regarded inn offering comfortable accommodation with notable sea views. Its rooms are described as spacious and clean, often praised for their quiet and relaxed atmosphere. The property also features an onsite restaurant and bar, both highlighted by visitors for freshly prepared meals and a good selection of local beers and spirits. Pet-friendly and kid-friendly policies make it accessible for family stays and travelers with animals.

The inn provides essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi and parking, and is accessible for guests with mobility needs. Although it does not include facilities like a pool, fitness center, or business center, the focus is clearly on hospitality and countryside charm. Guests have noted personal touches from the hosts and a welcoming atmosphere, though some have mentioned occasional slower service and limited menu options during busier times.

Its setting on the island of Rousay is particularly suited for visitors interested in local history and archaeological sites. Attractions like the Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, Broch of Gurness, and the Ring of Brodgar are within close reach, providing enriching experiences for those inclined toward sightseeing and outdoor exploration. The proximity to Kirkwall Airport, approximately a 1 hour 20 minute car journey away, allows for practical access despite the remote location.

The Taversoe appeals to travelers looking for a community-oriented inn with character and a sense of place. It is especially suited for guests who appreciate straightforward accommodation paired with good food and local recommendations, rather than luxury or extensive services. The warm hospitality described in reviews suggests a destination where interaction with hosts and immersion in Orcadian culture are valued aspects of the stay.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Business center
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

RMD
Rev Martin Douglas Apr 17, 2026
10

I love this place! The host, despite his outwardly convivial and enigmatic delivery is a deeply complex and theatrical individual. His appearance is much like a cartoon villain from a Pixar movie with a dash of 1980's High Street sartorial comedy. He'll do his best to ensure you enjoy a taste of Orcadian hospitality whilst maintaining an air of someone with a devil-may-care aloofness and mystery. Ask for a recommendation of beer, gin or whisky but DON'T ask for ice or a slice.

AS
Alison Spencer Mar 19, 2026
10

The community bought this pub to provide a service to locals and visitors, please do not visit without giving them support. Bill the manager, welcomed you with a warm friendly smile. Good selection of beers, and freshly ground coffee. Views from the restaurant, you do not want to leave. Good selection on menu for all tastes. Food is freshly cooked and is excellent, recommend freshly cooked fish and chips. Bill manages bar and cooking, so be patient at moment. Highly recommend a visit , without support can not survive. Pub also got 4 bedrooms to book. 2 mile walk from Ferry if you turn left. Cairn opposite. Thanks so much to everyone in Rousay for our first experience will be back. Fell in love and see why people move here. Scenery, flowers, seals, history , birds wonderful

CP
Christopher Peatey Mar 16, 2026
10

The Taversoe was amazing! We stayed 2 nights in a huge room with the most amazing view. Bill gave excellent service and cooked fantastic food. There was a great range of local beers and it was a really relaxing stay. Bill also had great recommendations for what to see and do. Enjoyed Roddy the dogs company too. Must stay here and must visit Rousay!

JA
John Alexander-Head Feb 23, 2026
10

Wonderful hotel for a rewarding visit to Rousay. Lovely comfortable rooms, high quality food served in an interesting way. Location has outstanding views across the water. Hosts delightful.

BW
Blue Wilson Feb 15, 2026
10

Absolutely fabulous! Bill and Rachel are brilliant hosts and so friendly. The rooms are huge and spotlessly clean. Amazing sea views and we even spotted some seals. The food is great and superb wine selection. Just off the main coast road not far from ferry. Would highly recommend.

NJ
Nicola Jenkinson Jan 07, 2026
10

A great place to stay in this recently re-opened small hotel. Super comfortable en suite room with everything I needed, including a great selection of teas / coffees etc. The evening meal was excellent, with lovely service staff. There was a really good freshly cooked breakfast, made to order with plenty of choice and overlooking stunning views. Looking forward to me next visit.

DH
D Hutchison Jan 05, 2026
10

Really Special Place, Bills a great bloke and his dog Roddy is adorable. Well stocked bar, excellent dinner and breakfast cooked by Bill. Only stayed for one night but wish we booked another night. Great prehistoric sites on the doorstep and fantastic views from inside the Inn and out. Thanks Bill!

C
Chris Dec 27, 2025
8.0

We booked lunch here. Service was a bit slow but the waitress was helpful. The menu choices were quite limited and unfortunately crab was not available. The soup was good. The mini-calzone was not proper pizza bread.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Taversoe

Brinian, Orkney, UK

Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around

  • Rousay Orkney Ferry Terminal 43 min Walk
  • Wyre Orkney Ferry Terminal 1 hr 2 Walk
  • Tingwall Orkney Ferry Terminal 1 hr 23 Walk
  • Kirkwall Airport 1 hr 20 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in United Kingdom. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Ring of Brodgar 2,389 reviews

Ring of Brodgar

B9055, Stromness KW16 3JZ, United Kingdom

4.7 · Historical Landmark
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village 2,364 reviews

Skara Brae Prehistoric Village

Sandwick, Stromness KW16 3LR, United Kingdom

4.7 · Tourist Attraction
Broch of Gurness 753 reviews

Broch of Gurness

Aikerness, Evie, Orkney KW17 2NH, United Kingdom

4.8 · Tourist Attraction
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