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

MERKISTER HOTEL, Harray

•
9.1|Perfect
Check rooms and rates
From$193 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
31Oct
Check-out
01Nov
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

Loch Harray, Harray
-
Near the Corrigall Farm Museum
Perfect
9.1
/10
4.8
4.8
/5

Scotland's Finest and Britain's Best lochside hotel on the shores of Harray Loch

Lochside Setting

Set directly on the shore of Harray Loch, the Merkister Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Kirkwall and Stromness. The hotel has private grounds with gardens and outdoor seating that offer direct views of the loch. Swans and herons can be spotted on the loch from the dining room during breakfast and at sunset.

Dining & Local Sourcing

The hotel's award-winning restaurant serves Aberdeen Angus Beef from farms within a ten-mile radius. The menu offers fresh local seafood including hand-dived scallops and fresh-landed halibut. Guests enjoy a full Scottish breakfast and scenic dinner with views of the loch.

Fishing Services

Guests can fish directly from the hotel's own pier on Harray Loch. The staff can organise boat trips and fly-fishing tuition for all skill levels. Special out-of-season fishing rates are available from October to April.

Rooms & Amenities

The hotel offers a variety of room types including double or twin rooms and a Luxury Suite, many overlooking the loch. All rooms include free Wi-Fi, an en-suite bathroom, and tea and coffee making facilities. Free private parking is available on site for all guests.

Pet-Friendly & Local Culture

The Merkister Hotel is pet-friendly, accommodating guests with pets. A daily event bulletin is provided to inform guests of local happenings and cultural events. The hotel is family-run and has operated for over thirty years, engaging guests with local culture.

Highlights

Location: On the shore of Harray Loch, 15 minutes from Kirkwall

Rooms: Luxury Suite and double rooms available

Dining: Award-winning restaurant with local beef and seafood

Fishing: Fishing pier, boat trips, and tuition on site

Pet-Friendly: Pets welcome on property

Services: Free parking and daily event bulletin

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 / 2 Single beds
    Heating
  • Double or Twin Room
    2 persons
    16 m²
    1 Double bed / 2 Single beds
    Heating
Show all rooms

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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed

Sports & Fitness

  • Fishing

Services

  • Laundry

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

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

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • CD player
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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
Map view
Nearby
Loch of Bosquoy
1.1 km
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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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms 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.
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Review score
Based on 3 verified reviews
7.0 /10
Very good
100%
Recommend
Staff
9.7/10
Location
9.6/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Facilities
9.0/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Comfortable bed
Excellent food
Quiet location
Cons
Small bathroom
Damp towel
Guest reviews
based on 3 reviews
7.0/10
based on 223 reviews
9.1/10
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 2026
|
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 2026
|
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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