Hotel in Scotland
3-Star Hotel
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
High-end valueWell priced for this area
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About this hotel
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.
Amenities at Merkister Hotel
Free WiFi/internet
Free Parking
Non-smoking
Heating
Bar
Balcony/Terrace
WiFi/Internet
Garden
Laundry services
Family friendly
Cleaning products
Map of Scotland
Available Rooms
Ratings and reviews
100% verified reviews9 / 10Outstanding·Sep 2026
Really delicious breakfasts and dinners in very generous portions, great packed lunches, excellent bar, good room, terrific service from staff including a real magic-act by Debbie in finding me a hard-to-get special computer charging cord. Debbie and colleagues were a source of a lot of information and good advice. The parking lot was spacious. The property was very quiet being way out in the Orkney Islands countryside. Great views. Our room was comfortable.
A lift would have been nice, but staff energetically carried our luggage for us up and down the stairs, so we didn't need one very badly. I didn't understand why there was no rod in the clothes closet, and so storing clothes was haphazard.
8 / 10Excellent·Aug 2026
Friendly staff and excellent food. Very welcoming atmosphere.
Rooms felt a little small and location less convenient.
9 / 10Outstanding·Aug 2026
Lovely view on the lock
6 / 10Average·May 2026
Breakfast. I'd been to the Merkister before, and find that the hotel was disappointing this time. The room was small and basic, with no where to work with laptop and some documents. The breakfast was much better, a reminder of what I had appreciated in the past.
Dinner in the bar. We had to dine in the bar, which was not a very pleasing experience. Why little paper napkins with the evening meal?
$$$$
Top rated by guests
8.9Excellent
(229 Ratings)
"The property is ideally situated for wildlife, fishing and tranquility. The staff were friendly and helpful. The food was excellent."
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