"Food was excellent - local produce, simple but delicious and reasonably priced."
Diane from United Kingdom
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"Breakfast was so tasty. I would recommend the scrambled eggs and toast any time."
Mishell from United States
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"The food was just as excellent as we remembered and the seafood dishes from the specials menu were particularly remarkable."
MFC17 from United Kingdom
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"This must be one of the most peaceful places to stay in the UK."
Caroline Q from United Kingdom
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"The views across the loch are stunning and the air of solitude is breathtaking."
Gordon C from United Kingdom
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Britain's Best award-winning lochside hotel on the shore of Harray Loch
Location & Setting
The Merkister Hotel sits on the shore of Harray Loch, a 15-minute drive from Kirkwall and Stromness. Nearby attractions include Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and Brough of Birsay. From the hotel, views of the loch include swans and herons, visible from the gardens and dining room.
Dining
The hotel's award-winning restaurant serves Aberdeen Angus Beef sourced from farms within 10 miles of the hotel. Fresh local seafood includes hand-dived scallops and fresh-landed halibut. The dining room overlooks the loch, with swans and herons visible during breakfast and dinner.
Fishing & Activities
The hotel provides fishing from its own pier on Harray Loch. Staff organize boat trips and fishing tuition. Special out-of-season rates apply from October to April.
Rooms & Amenities
The hotel offers nine rooms, including family rooms and suites, each with an en-suite bathroom. Free private parking is available onsite, and the property features a lounge bar and relaxing gardens with loch views. Pets are welcome in designated rooms at the hotel.
Highlights
Location: Shore of Harray Loch, 15 minutes from Kirkwall and Stromness
Dining: Award-winning restaurant with Aberdeen Angus Beef and local seafood
Fishing: Own pier, boat trips, and fishing tuition from resident staff
Rooms: Nine rooms including family rooms and suites with en-suite bathrooms
“This property's commanding position overlooking the loch offers a genuinely breathtaking panorama, a view that extends beautifully to the dining experience itself. I found the evening meals particularly noteworthy, with daily changing specials showcasing local ingredients, and the staff consistently proved warm and helpful, even offering a pleasant upgrade during a quieter season. Its strategic location also makes it an excellent base for exploring Orkney's rich historical sites, all within easy reach.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukhighlands
Select your room type
Merkister Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Single Room
2 persons
12 m²
1 Single bed
Heating
room details
Double or Twin Room Loch View
2 persons
16 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
room details
Double or Twin Room
2 persons
16 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
room details
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Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Facilities
Merkister Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
No pets allowed
Sports & Fitness
Fishing
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Laundry
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
CD player
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Dining Onsite
Merkister Hotel presents dining options that cater to the heart and palate, featuring a restaurant that celebrates local flavors and a cozy atmosphere. With its own pier for fishing, guests can indulge in fresh catches while enjoying the genuine warmth of the surroundings.
Merkister Restaurant
Local Scottish fare
Ambiance
Set in a charming dining room that offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and nearby waters, creating a welcoming and relaxed environment.
Key Offerings
The menu highlights seasonal produce and fresh catches, including a selection of dishes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Scotland.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner.
Open for breakfast and dinner; hours vary.
Merkister Hotel Location
Loch Harray, Harray,
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Loch of Bosquoy
1.1 km
Museum
Corrigall Farm Museum
2.64 km
Landmark
Ring of Brodgar
5.76 km
Landmark
Click Mill
1.73 km
Landmark
Harray Parish War Memorial
1.96 km
Landmark
Harray Parish Church
2 km
Landmark
Loch of Harray
2.32 km
Landmark
The Knowes of Trotty
2.48 km
Landmark
Maeshowe
6.64 km
Landmark
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
6.65 km
Landmark
Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement
4.74 km
Landmark
Dounby Click Mill
4.64 km
Landmark
Experience Orkney Tours
4.56 km
Landmark
Knowes of Trotty
4.73 km
Landmark
Ring of Bookan
4.83 km
Landmark
Skae Frue, mound 300m SW of Buckan
4.95 km
Landmark
Skaill House
6.38 km
Landmark
Orkney Folklore & Storytelling Visitor Centre
4.89 km
Landmark
Standing Stones of Stenness
6.66 km
Landmark
Ness of Brodgar
6.26 km
Museum
Kirbuster Farm Museum
6.49 km
Landmark
Yellowbird Gallery
6.68 km
Nearby
Loch of Bosquoy
1.1 km
Explore Harray
Explore Loch Harray Area
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Loch of Bosquoy
15 minutes' walk
A picturesque loch ideal for birdwatching, fishing, and enjoying serene walks along the water's edge.
Click Mill
5-minute drive
An ancient watermill offering insights into Orkney's industrial history, complete with demonstrations and stunning surroundings.
Corrigall Farm Museum
10-minute drive
A living history museum showcasing traditional farming equipment and practices typical of Orkney.
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
15-minute drive
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring some of the best-preserved prehistoric homes in Europe.
Hiking Around Loch Harray
25 minutes' walk
Numerous trails offer scenic views, suitable for all fitness levels, and are great for family outings.
Orkney Folklore & Storytelling Visitor Centre
10-minute drive
Engaging storytelling sessions and workshops that delve into Orkney's rich myths and legends.
Harray Inn
5-minute drive
A cozy pub offering local ales and hearty dishes, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
The Brough Cafe
10-minute drive
A charming café featuring local produce and freshly baked goods, known for its friendly service.
Orkney Theatre
10 minutes' drive
An intimate venue showcasing local performances and events, appealing to both families and couples.
Live Music Night at Harray Inn
5-minute drive
Regular live music events featuring local bands, creating a lively atmosphere for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Harray 35 min · 2.9 km
Airports
Kirkwall (KOI) 41 min · 27 km
Eday (EOI) 80 min · 52.8 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
9
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Merkister Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
9.5/10
Comfort
9.4/10
Facilities
9.0/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.0/10
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.7/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Loch views
Excellent breakfast
Quiet location
Cons
Outdated rooms
Inconsistent food quality
Guest reviews
based on 221 reviews
9.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.