Merkister Hotel

Hotels
8.9 (209 reviews)
Loch Harray , Harray , gb

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Non-smoking throughout
Fruits
Free wired internet
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Internet access
Covered parking
Fishing nearby
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Beautiful views
Friendly staff
Excellent food
Cons:
Leaky window
Small rooms

Categories

Cleanliness
8.31
Clean & comfortable, but mentioned a leaky window causing drafts.
Service
9.78
Staff were friendly and helpful throughout the stay.
Location
9.32
Excellent rural location with beautiful views and close to archaeological sites.
Room Quality
8.27
Rooms were comfortable, but some mentioned they were small.
Amenities
8.3
Standard amenities for this hotel tier, but noted missing details like a small fridge.
Value for Money
8.76
Good value considering the quality of food and service.
Food and Beverage
9.31
Dining experiences were highly praised with excellent food.
Overall Experience
9.18
Overall a delightful experience with minor issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 01:39

Property Description

Impressive Views and Family-Run Charm
Nestled on the picturesque shore of Harray Loch, the Merkister Hotel offers breathtaking views and a warm, family-run ambiance that has delighted guests for over three decades.

Award-Winning Dining Experience
Indulge in a culinary journey at our award-winning restaurant, savoring the finest Aberdeen Angus Beef and fresh local seafood sourced from nearby farms and waters. Enjoy the serene backdrop of swans and herons on the loch while relishing a full Scottish breakfast or witnessing scenic sunsets during dinner.

Exciting Activities and Personalized Service
From fishing off our private pier to arranging boat trips and special out-of-season rates, our dedicated staff ensure a memorable stay filled with adventure and relaxation.

Book now to experience the perfect blend of tranquility and luxury at the Merkister Hotel.

Important information:

Please inform 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.

Check-in and check-out hours:

Property Policies

  • Parking

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

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.9
Based on 209 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.31
Service: 9.78
Location: 9.32
Room Quality: 8.27
Amenities: 8.3
Value for Money: 8.76
Food and Beverage: 9.31
Overall Experience: 9.18
N
Niall • couple • gb
10
Spectacular Stay at a Friendly, Lovable Hotel
Pros:

The staff were really friendly and accommodating without being overbearing. Everyone was very kind, they provided us a free upgrade, and, when we couldn't make breakfast on our check-out day, asked us what we would like for a packed lunch, which they provided and then some.
The room was clean and homey with a backdoor leading out to the nearby loch. The views from everywhere were beautiful. The shower had excellent pressure. We were only there two nights and had four showers each just to savour it.
The room was also very well kitted out, including the standard kettle, tea, coffee etc, and also a sewing kit, vanity kit, body cream, and local magazine.
The location was also ideal, being almost centre of the main island.
We also loved playing darts in the games room in the evening. They had a whole setup!

Cons:

The hotel was somewhat difficult to find to begin with, but that's just part of the island charm, and the drinks were a bit pricey. These are really small concerns, though, and largely out of the hotels control. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and would recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Orkney.

2026-02-08 • via Nuitee
A
Amy • couple • us
9
Brief visit to Orkney Mainland enhanced by lovely stay at central location with excellent staff
Pros:

Lovely food, plentiful and delicious. Great views of the Loch from the dining room windows.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
I
Ian • couple • gb
8
Very pleasant and relaxing.
Pros:

Lovely setting. Breakfast very good. Dining room comfortable and with excellent views across the Loch. Staff very friendly and efficient.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
K
Karl • couple • gb
8
Excellent
Pros:

Good room very clean

Cons:

A leaky window causing drafts

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
I
Ian • family_with_children • gb
8
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
P
Philippa • solo_traveller • au
10
A great location with a beautiful view, friendly staff, comfortable beds and the food was excellent.
Pros:

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at this hotel. The staff were friendly and helpful and given it was off season they gave me a room upgrade, which was a lovely surprise. The room was spacious and the bed soooo comfortable. I had a view of the loch and the sunset was beautiful over the water. The on-site restaurant was excellent (I suggest you book, the food is excellent and it gets busy) and breakfast generous. The hotel is central to all the sights on Orkney and also quiet and secluded. I highly recommend this hotel.

2025-11-14 • via Nuitee
G
Graham • family_with_children • gb
10
2025-10-09 • via Nuitee
A
Ann • couple • gb
10
Pros:

Excellent rural location on the banks of Loch Harray.
with accompanying wildlife.
Very helpful, friendly staff.
Clean & comfortable.
Great menu.
Would certainly recommend and return to this hotel.

2025-10-05 • via Nuitee
J
John • solo_traveller • gb
9
If I am in Orkney I will go to the hotel again It is in a great position to heg pall the historic si
Pros:

Very comfortable
The asst manager Debbie could not have been more helpful and all the staff were very good

Cons:

Nothing

2025-10-01 • via Nuitee
W
W • couple • us
9
Nice views. Helpful staff. Good food. Clean and comfortable facilities.
2025-09-28 • via Nuitee
S
Sheila • couple • gb
10
Pros:

The view was fabulous over the loch. We enjoyed the meals and the service was efficient and cheerful. I would definitely recommend it!

2025-09-16 • via Nuitee
M
Michele • couple • gb
9
Beautiful location, close to archaeological sites and right on the loch. Delicious food.
Pros:

The dinner and breakfast were delicious. Great seafood. The view of the loch is lovely, and the staff were all friendly.

2025-09-15 • via Nuitee
C
Canning • couple • gb
10
perfect getaway.
Pros:

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 was stunning

Cons:

nothing

2025-09-08 • via Nuitee
O
OptimusAT • extended_group • at
8
Pros:

Die Lage, das Personal und das Essen

Cons:

Winziges "Badezimmer"

2025-09-08 • via Nuitee
R
Regula • solo_traveller • ch
10
Sehr erholsam und schön.
Pros:

Sehr schöne Lage, schönes Zimmer, nettes Personal, alles tiptop. Auch sehr feines Restaurant.

Cons:

Nichts

2025-09-03 • via Nuitee
D
Day • couple • gb
10
Great base to visit Orkney - central location and very comfortable
Pros:

Amazing views, friendly staff and great fishing! Also good restaurant

Cons:

Very comfortable room but on the small side

2025-09-03 • via Nuitee
C
Crispin • couple • gb
8
2025-08-31 • via Nuitee
I
IAN • couple • gb
8
2025-08-31 • via Nuitee
A
Ariane • couple • ch
8
Très bien, bon restaurant
Cons:

D’avoir chambre et salle de bain separee

2025-08-30 • via Nuitee
P
Petra • couple • de
9
2025-08-30 • via Nuitee