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United Kingdom
Harray
Merkister Hotel
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Merkister Hotel Harray Exterior photoMerkister Hotel Harray Exterior photoMerkister Hotel Harray Exterior photo

Merkister Hotel - 3-Star Hotel in Harray, England

Book on our site
up to 10% cheaper
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Check rooms and rates
From$375 /night
Check-in
30May
Check-out
31May
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Loch Harray, Harray, true
-
Near Loch of Bosquoy
Great
8.9
/10
4.8
4.8
/5

Loved by Merkister Hotel guests

Delicious meals
Attentive staff
Cute atmosphere
Cooked breakfast
Local produce
"I can honestly say this was the best food I have ever had in years!"
stromfirth from United Kingdom
read full review
"This must be one of the most peaceful places to stay in the UK."
Caroline Q from United Kingdom
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"Must be the best hotel on Orkney."
Lamdin from United Kingdom
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"Location is stunning."
Helen from United Kingdom
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"This is a warm and friendly, traditional hotel offering a dining room, a pub, sitting room/library, and a stunning view of the loch."
doccindo from Canada
read full review

Dining

The award-winning restaurant offers Aberdeen Angus Beef sourced from farms within a 10-mile radius, alongside fresh local seafood including hand-dived scallops and fresh-landed halibut. Full Scottish breakfast is served with views of swans and herons on the loch. Evening meals include scenic sunsets over the water.

Fishing

The hotel has its own pier for fishing directly on Harray Loch. Staff can organize boat trips and tuition with special out-of-season rates from October to April. A resident ghillie is available to assist fishing enthusiasts.

Location & Attractions

The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Kirkwall and Stromness. Nearby attractions include Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and the Brough of Birsay. A daily event bulletin is provided to engage guests with local culture.

Rooms & Amenities

Rooms offer impressive views of Harray Loch and come with en-suite bathrooms. Free private parking is available onsite. The hotel is pet-friendly and welcomes guests with relaxing gardens and outdoor seating.

Awards & Recognition

The hotel has been recognized as Scotland's Finest and Britain's Best. It is family-run for over 30 years. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts are the primary audience.

Highlights

Location: On the shore of Harray Loch, 15 min from Kirkwall and Stromness

Dining: Award-winning restaurant with locally sourced Aberdeen Angus Beef and seafood

Fishing: Private pier, boat trips, and tuition with out-of-season rates

Rooms: Loch view rooms with en-suite bathrooms

Amenities: Free private parking, pet-friendly, relaxing gardens

Awards: Scotland's Finest and Britain's Best

“Stepping into the grounds, one immediately senses a profound tranquility, mirrored in the peaceful garden and the sweeping loch views best enjoyed from the dining room. The kitchen, especially, stands out, consistently preparing exceptional dishes from local ingredients, with a breakfast smoked haddock that is a revelation. Service is notably warm and attentive, anticipating needs and enhancing the sense of calm that pervades this Orkney haven.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Hotels3s

Select your room type

Merkister Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
    Single Room
    2 persons
    12 m²
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    room details
    Double or Twin Room Loch View
    2 persons
    16 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    room details
    Double or Twin Room
    2 persons
    16 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    room details
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
May 2026 - May 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Merkister Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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

At Merkister Hotel, indulge in a culinary experience set against the serene backdrop of the loch. Featuring a welcoming restaurant, this enchanting dining venue invites travelers to savor local flavors in a cozy atmosphere, complemented by unique opportunities such as fishing from the hotel's own pier.

  • Restaurant at Merkister Hotel

    Traditional Scottish fare
    Ambiance
    Cozy indoor setting with charming decor, evoking a warm and friendly atmosphere.
    Key Offerings
    Experience the essence of Scottish cuisine with locally sourced ingredients and renowned dishes, perfect for relishing after a day of exploration.
    Reservation
    No
    Hours vary.

Merkister Hotel Location

Loch Harray, Harray, true
Explore Harray
Explore Loch Harray
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Loch of Bosquoy
15 minutes' walk
Loch of Bosquoy is a picturesque spot, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying tranquility in nature.
Corrigall Farm Museum
10-minute drive
Corrigall Farm Museum showcases Orkney's farming history with exhibits and guided tours that captivate visitors.
Ring of Brodgar
15-minute drive
Ring of Brodgar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features impressive standing stones and beautiful landscapes.
Click Mill
5-minute drive
Click Mill offers a glimpse into traditional milling techniques and is surrounded by scenic countryside.
Discover the local attractions near Merkister Hotel
Check out the fascinating landmarks near Merkister Hotel that showcase the rich history and natural beauty of the region.
Ideal for understanding traditional Scottish farming practices: Corrigall Farm Museum
Perfect for bird watching and peaceful walks: Loch of Harray
Well suited for history enthusiasts exploring Victorian architecture: Skaill House
Great for immersive archaeological experiences: Ness of Brodgar
Best for discovering ancient Neolithic settlements: Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
Suited for those interested in prehistoric monuments: Standing Stones of Stenness
Works well for nature lovers seeking scenic views: The Knowes of Trotty
Ideal for peaceful lakeside relaxation: Loch of Bosquoy
Birdwatching at Loch of Harray
25 minutes' walk
Loch of Harray is great for birdwatching, attracting various species across the seasons, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Cycling to Ring of Brodgar
15-minute drive
Challenging bike trails surround the historic Ring of Brodgar, providing adventure and stunning views for thrill-seekers.
Orkney Folklore & Storytelling
10-minute drive
Family-friendly storytelling events reveal local legends, often held at community venues; perfect for all ages.
Harray Inn
5-minute drive
Harray Inn features hearty local dishes in a cozy atmosphere, known for its fresh seafood and friendly service.
The Foveran
15-minute drive
The Foveran offers fine dining with picturesque views, specializing in locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus.
The Kirkwall Hotel
20-minute drive
The Kirkwall Hotel is casual yet elegant, serving classic British cuisine; reservations recommended for peak times.
Orkney Theatre
20-minute drive
Orkney Theatre provides various performances, from drama to comedy; check their calendar for upcoming events.
The Reel
20-minute drive
The Reel is a vibrant bar featuring live music, with local bands performing regularly and a lively atmosphere for all.
Getting around
  • 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
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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Merkister Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 154 verified reviews
9.0 /10
Perfect
95 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.3/10
Comfort
9.4/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free WiFi
9.5/10
Location
9.7/10
Staff
9.5/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Serene loch views
Friendly staff
Cons
Outdated bathrooms
Small rooms
Guest reviews
based on 211 reviews
8.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Show more reviews
FAQs
About Merkister Hotel
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Merkister Hotel?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
How far is Merkister Hotel from Kirkwall Airport?
Merkister Hotel is approximately 29 km from Kirkwall Airport.
What are the parking facilities available at Merkister Hotel?
Free private parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.
What type of dining options does Merkister Hotel offer?
The hotel features an award-winning restaurant specializing in locally sourced dishes, including Aberdeen Angus Beef and fresh seafood.
Are there activities available at Merkister Hotel?
Guests can fish from the hotel's own pier and staff can organize boat trips and tuition for fishing.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Merkister Hotel?
Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and an en-suite bathroom.
How far is Merkister Hotel from the Ring of Brodgar?
Merkister Hotel is located approximately 15 km from Ring of Brodgar.
What sights can guests enjoy near Merkister Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Maeshowe (approximately 7 km) and Skara Brae (approximately 12 km).
Is there a smoking policy at Merkister Hotel?
Merkister Hotel is a non-smoking property.
What languages are spoken by the staff at Merkister Hotel?
The staff primarily speaks English.

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Check-in
30May
Check-out
31May
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
  • Overview
  • Rooms
  • Price calendar
  • Facilities
  • Location
  • Reviews