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 private 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 organize boat trips and tuition with special out-of-season rates from October to April.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.4)

Free parking available at the hotel


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 full bed
or
2 twin beds
1 king bed
or
2 twin beds
1 king bed
or
2 twin beds
1 twin bed
Budget Double Room
1 full bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.4
Facilities
8.3
Cleanliness
8.8
Comfort
8.8
Value for money
7.7
Location
9.4
Free Wifi
9.6
High score for Harray

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Bruce
    the United States the United States
    I appreciated the extras … like a staff member suggesting they prepare a box lunch for us b/c we were leaving early to catch the 6 am ferry. The lunch was generous and sustained us until dinner!
  • David
    the United States the United States
    While the price was a little high for what we received, the location, staff, and facilities met the need at the time.
  • Linda
    the United States the United States
    Wonderful staff, food, location for our purposes. The staff could not have been more friendly or accommodating to every request. Breakfasts and dinners were very good—especially dinner—and plentiful at both meals.
  • Laura
    the United States the United States
    The location was beautiful, so peaceful. The staff were wonderful, attentive, and courteous.
  • Cheryl
    the United States the United States
    Nice historic hotel with beautiful views and pleasant staff.
  • Heather
    the United States the United States
    Beautiful spot on the loch and delightfully quiet facility. Fantastic breakfast and dinner. Staff all super friendly. Highly recommend and hope to stay again!
  • Lucinda
    Canada Canada
    Beautiful location located right beside Loch Harray. Very quiet at night.
  • Mishell
    the United States the United States
    Breakfast was so tasty. I would recommend the scrambled eggs and toast any time. I can't even eat the bread once I came back home. It doesn't taste as good. I would recommend making a reservation for dinner also. The food was fresh and well...
  • Karen
    the United States the United States
    Everything was exceptional: the room, the setting, the food, but most of all the staff! Debbie checked us in and checked up on us several times through our stay. She was a delight!
  • Kathryn
    the United States the United States
    We were warmly welcomed immediately upon arrival, checked in and personally shown to our rooms. The hosts explained meal arrangements to us and made us feel comfortable right away. The rooms were exceptionally clean -- almost certainly the...

Hotel area info

Restaurants
1 Restaurant On Site

Amenities of Merkister Hotel
Great facilities! Review score, 8.3

Most popular amenities

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Free Wifi
  • Free parking
  • Bar

Activities

  • Fishing

Food & Drink

  • Fruit
  • Special diet meals (on request)
  • Bar
  • Restaurant

Internet
Wifi is available in the rooms and is free of charge.

Parking
Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

    Services

    • Laundry

    General

    • Smoke-free property
    • Heating
    • Non-smoking rooms

    Languages Spoken

    • English

    House rules
    Merkister Hotel takes special requests – add in the next step!

    Check-in
    From 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
    You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
    Check-out
    From 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
    Cancellation/ prepayment
    Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
    Children & Beds

    Child policies

    Children of all ages are welcome.

    To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

    Crib and extra bed policies

    Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

    No age restriction
    There's no age requirement for check-in
    Pets
    Pets are not allowed.
    Accepted payment methods
    VisaMastercardJCBMaestroCash

    The fine print
    Must-know information for guests at this property

    Please inform Merkister Hotel of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

    FAQs about Merkister Hotel

    • Check-in at Merkister Hotel is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM.

    • Merkister Hotel is 1.4 miles from the center of Harray. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

    • Room options at Merkister Hotel include:

      • Twin
      • Twin/Double
      • Single
      • Double
    • Merkister Hotel offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

      • Fishing
    • Merkister Hotel has 1 restaurant:

      • Restaurant
    • The prices at Merkister Hotel may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.