Merkister Hotel Harray Exterior photoMerkister Hotel Harray Exterior photoMerkister Hotel Harray Exterior photo

MERKISTER HOTEL, Harray

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From$375 /night
Check-in
08Jun
Check-out
09Jun
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Loch Harray, Harray
-
Near the Corrigall Farm Museum
Perfect
9.0
/10
4.8
4.8
/5

4-star lakeside retreat in Harray Loch

Location

Merkister Hotel is positioned on the shores of Harray Loch, offering scenic views of the surroundings. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Kirkwall and Stromness, placing it close to attractions like Skara Brae and RSPB reserves. The lochside location allows for direct access to fishing and boating activities.

Rooms

The hotel offers a range of accommodation options, including Superior Garden Suites with private furnished terraces. Each room contains an en-suite bathroom and amenities like widescreen digital TVs and Orkney Art. Sizes vary from Standard King Rooms to extra-large Superior Rooms accommodating various guest needs.

Dining

Skerries Restaurant serves locally sourced produce, including Aberdeen Angus Beef from nearby farms. Guests can enjoy meals with views of Harray Loch and spectacular sunsets. The menu changes daily, catering to a variety of dining preferences.

Fishing Services

Merkister Hotel is renowned for its fishing opportunities and has been recognized in Trout & Salmon as one of Scotland's finest. The hotel provides a private pier and jetty, with boat rentals available for guests. A resident ghillie offers fishing tuition and organizes comprehensive sport fishing experiences.

Weddings

The hotel accommodates weddings from October to April, hosting ceremonies for up to 50 guests. A full wedding package includes a three-course meal and overnight stay for the bride and groom. The hotel assists in coordinating additional services such as photography and decoration.

Highlights

Location: Situated at Harray Loch for easy boating access

Dining: Award-winning Skerries Restaurant for local cuisine

Fishing: Recognized as one of Scotland's finest fishing locations

Weddings: Full service available for up to 50 guests

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the Ring of Brodgar for ancient stone circle magic.
  • Enjoy fresh Orkney scallops at The Foveran restaurant.
  • Explore the Orkney Museum for local history and culture.
  • Discover the Skara Brae Neolithic village, a UNESCO site.
  • Try the Orkney Brewery ales at the local tasting room.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Single Room
    2 persons
    12 m²
    1 Single bed
    Heating
  • Double or Twin Room Loch View
    2 persons
    16 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
  • Double or Twin Room
    2 persons
    16 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
Show all rooms

View our calendar

Check prices and secure your dates today
June 2026 - June 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed

Sports & Fitness

  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Laundry

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • CD player
Show more

Dining Onsite

Merkister Hotel features a delightful dining experience with its inviting restaurant that showcases local flavors and a cozy ambiance. Guests can enjoy the charm of lakeside dining while indulging in freshly prepared meals, making each dining occasion a warm and authentic experience.
  • Merkister Restaurant

    Local and Traditional
    Ambiance
    Set against the backdrop of the scenic pier, the restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.
    Key Offerings
    Guests can indulge in a selection of local dishes and enjoy the serene ambiance while soaking in the beauty of nature. The restaurant also encourages visitors to share their own fishing experiences, as the hotel allows fishing from its own pier.
    Reservation
    Not needed
    Hours vary.

Merkister Hotel Location

Loch Harray, Harray
Explore Harray
Explore Loch Harray
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Loch of Bosquoy
15 minutes' walk
A serene loch, ideal for birdwatching and nature walks, offering stunning views and peaceful surroundings.
Click Mill
Click Mill
5-minute drive
A traditional working watermill showcasing Orkney's rich history, with guided tours revealing its fascinating mechanics.
Harray Parish War Memorial
5-minute drive
A poignant tribute to local war heroes, surrounded by picturesque landscapes-a perfect spot for reflection.
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
15-minute drive
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring remarkably preserved Neolithic houses, revealing ancient Orkney life.
Hiking at Ring of Brodgar
15-minute drive
An exhilarating hike around the mystical standing stones in a historic landscape, perfect for history and nature lovers.
Relaxing by Loch of Harray
25-minute walk
A tranquil experience with sceneries perfect for picnics or yoga, promoting relaxation amidst nature.
The Peacock
5-minute drive
A cozy restaurant offering traditional Scottish dishes with a modern twist in a charming atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Harray Inn
5-minute drive
Serving hearty pub fare, this spot is perfect for casual dining. Great selection of local ales and a friendly vibe.
Orkney Folklore & Storytelling Visitor Centre
10-minute drive
Home to local storytelling events, this venue offers a captivating insight into Orkney's rich cultural heritage.
The Reel
10-minute drive
A vibrant bar featuring live music and community events, perfect for enjoying an evening with family or friends.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Harray 35 min  ·  2.9 km
  • Airports
    Kirkwall (KOI) 41 min  ·  27 km
    Eday (EOI) 80 min  ·  52.8 km
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Merkister serves a full breakfast for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
9

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Merkister Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Merkister Hotel is often praised for its comfortable and spacious rooms, many offering great views of the loch; some guests have particularly enjoyed watching the sunset over the water. The on-site restaurant receives positive feedback for its plentiful and delicious food, including excellent breakfasts, though a few guests have found some meals disappointing. The hotel's location is seen as ideal for exploring the sights of Orkney, with convenient access to Neolithic sites, while the dining room provides lovely loch views.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 154 verified reviews
9.0 /10
Perfect
95 %
Recommend
Location
9.7/10
Free WiFi
9.5/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Comfortable bed
Excellent food
Quiet location
Cons
Small bathroom
Damp towel
Guest reviews
based on 154 reviews
9.0/10
based on 212 reviews
9.0/10
Alexander from United Kingdom
Single
double or twin room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 09, 2026
6/10

an okay stay

lochside spot creamy sauce super friendly staff cheap furniture bathroom fitments room cleanliness
i appreciated the lovely lochside spot. the breakfast was amazing with smoked haddock in a creamy sauce. the staff seemed super friendly.
the room furniture looked a bit cheap. the bathroom fitments seemed in need of upgrading. i felt that the room cleanliness could have been better.
0 Helpful
Layla from United Kingdom
Couple
Double or Twin Room Loch View
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 27, 2025
9/10
helpful staff good food perfect location
the staff was really helpful. the food was good. the location suited my needs.
the wi-fi signal was weak in some areas
0 Helpful
Bob from United Kingdom
Single
Single Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: August 28, 2025
6/10

Acceptable Stay, Issues with Cleanliness

living spiders dead spiders
Breakfast was good. I could also store my bike in a covered area.
My room could have been cleaner. I saw dead and living spiders.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Merkister Hotel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Merkister Hotel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
How far is Merkister Hotel from Kirkwall?
The hotel is located 30 km from Kirkwall.
Is free parking available at Merkister Hotel?
Yes, free private parking is available on-site.
What dining options are available at Merkister Hotel?
The hotel features an award-winning restaurant that offers locally sourced Aberdeen Angus Beef and fresh seafood.
Can guests fish at Merkister Hotel?
Yes, guests can fish from the hotel's own pier.
Is free Wi-Fi available at Merkister Hotel?
Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and public areas.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Merkister Hotel?
Rooms feature tea and coffee making facilities, a TV, and an en-suite bathroom.
What nearby attractions can guests visit from Merkister Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Skara Brae (20 km), Maeshowe (24 km), and the Ring of Brodgar (15 km).
What activities can guests participate in while staying at Merkister Hotel?
The hotel staff can organize boat trips and fishing tuition.
How far is Merkister Hotel from Wick Airport?
The hotel is 67 km from Wick Airport.
What languages do the staff at Merkister Hotel speak?
The staff speaks English.

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