Merkister Hotel

–Excellent location - show map
+42 photos
Scored 8.8
Rated fabulous

Free WiFi

9.9

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 9.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular facilities

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

Property highlights

Perfect for a 3-night stay!

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.6)

  • Free parking available at the hotel

 ! 

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Availability

Prices converted to USD
We have no availability on our site for this property between Mon 3 Nov 2025 and Thu 6 Nov 2025

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Limited supply in Harray for your dates: 1 three-star hotel like this is already unavailable on our site

Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free WiFi

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Guests who stayed here loved

John
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Very comfortable The asst manager Debbie could not have been more helpful and all the staff were very good”
Sheila
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“The view was fabulous over the loch. We enjoyed the meals and the service was efficient and cheerful. I would definitely recommend it!”
Canning
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“ordering breakfast the night before really worked out well for us. the cooked breakfast was really good. we dined in each night of our stay. the staff were really friendly and offered to change things to suit my eating peculiarities. the location...”
Day
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Amazing views, friendly staff and great fishing! Also good restaurant”
Christian
Denmark 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 =))”
Jill
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Location was amazing, the view from our room overlooked a beautiful loch where we could take an evening stroll. The staff were lovely and the meals special. Very sad to leave.”
Anne
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Staff are super friendly. I was upgraded to the Suite 1 on arrival (no extra charge) and it was delightful. I found I could park my pushbike just outside my door in the spacious and secure vestibule. The large en-suite room, with TV and other...”
Janet
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Good choice of breakfast and nicely presented. Food, including the evening meal, was very good overall. I had a room with a lovely outlook across the loch. Good, quiet, country location. I liked the way the public rooms were...”
Agnes
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Fabulous location. Excellent staff, very attentive. Beautiful clean room. Food was excellent and being Scottish I loved that they offered “tatties” rather than potatoes. Parking is good and there is a beautiful Loch in the doorstep. I would...”
Claire
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Loved staying with you ! Debbie on your staff is an absolute gem!”

Hotel surroundings

Restaurants

1 restaurant on site

House rules

Merkister Hotel takes special requests - add in the next step!
Check-in
From 15:00 to 21:00
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
Check-out
From 07:00 to 10:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.
Children and beds

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.

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

The fine print

Need-to-know information for guests at this property

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.