About this property
Located on the shore of Harray Loch and family-run for over 30 years, the Merkister Hotel is a 15-minute drive from the main towns of Kirkwall and Stromness. It features impressive views over the famous loch and its surroundings. Guests benefit from free private parking on site. With free Wi-Fi, the rooms feature a TV and tea and coffee making facilities.The rooms also benefit from an en suite bathroom. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant offers Aberdeen Angus Beef that is sourced from farms within a 10-mile radius, as well as fresh local seafood from hand-dived scallops, to fresh-landed halibut. Swans and herons can be spotted on the loch as guests enjoy their full Scottish breakfast, and scenic sunsets during dinner. Guests can fish on the hotel’s own pier. Staff can organise boat trips and tuition with special out-of-season rates from October to April.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.6 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
Most popular facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Bar
Guest reviews
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Guests who stayed here loved
- Joanna
United Kingdom“Loved the location and hospitality. The staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome and looked after.” - Suzanne
Australia“Very calm, quiet place to stay between sightseeing trips. Lovely lake but didn't fish.. Good size room.” - Leroy United Kingdom“Great location and staff were really nice, room was a bit dated but still cosy”
- Gail United Kingdom“Breakfast was lovely. Nice location. Staff excellent.”
- Christian
Denmark“Wonderful and helpful staff. Lovely restaurant with something for everyone. It is not a new hotel, and that is exactly why this is a great place to stay. It has soul and the surroundings are great if you want to unplug (or fish =))” - Efsa
Turkey“Wonderful oldy worldy hotel with very comfortable room and bathroom, full of lovely art. The view over Loch Harray was serene. The staff were so friendly and helpful.” - Marjorie United Kingdom“The breakfast was great and served by a particularly terrific staff. The water was really hot. The position of the hotel is sensational.”
Ian United Kingdom“Breakfast was excellent, the room was perfect and the hotel's location is very attractive and is ideal for exploring Orkney (we didn't venture off the main island). Very friendly and caring staff.”- Susan United Kingdom“Comfortable and very friendly. A beautiful location with an excellent dining room”
Stella United Kingdom“Comfortable & mostly traditional hotel with very good unpretentious food. Staff were friendly & helpful and service was good. Food portions were very generous, with lots of well-cooked vegetables. Staff were careful and accommodating of my fish &...”
Hotel surroundings
Restaurants
House rules
Child policies
Children of any age are welcome.
To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.
Cot and extra bed policies
Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.
The fine print
Please inform Merkister Hotel in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.
