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 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 9.6 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
Guest reviews
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Guests who stayed here loved
- Roger
United States“Exceptional location, less than half an hour from everywhere in Orkney. The room we stayed in had a great view of the Loch. The hotel is very well-maintained, and the on-site restaurant is excellent, utilizing local ingredients, including fresh...” - Caroline
Canada“The highlights were the staff and the food. Both were outstanding.” - Theresa United States“Everything! Beautiful, spacious, and very comfortable suite with idyllic views. The restaurant was superb. We’ve never had such attentive dinner service. Food was amazing.”
- Homayoun United States“The location was amazing and the food was very good. The staff were really friendly and helpful.”
- Jessica United States“Great food, but portions are too large, a bit of a waste of food. Location is fantastic for access to sites and views.”
- Bruce 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 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 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 United States“The location was beautiful, so peaceful. The staff were wonderful, attentive, and courteous.”
- Cheryl United States“Nice historic hotel with beautiful views and pleasant staff.”
Hotel area info
Restaurants
House rules
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.
The fine print
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.
