Merkister Hotel | Hotel in Harray

| 8.9 (211 Reviews) | 5 Bathrooms 9 Guests

Hotel in Dounby, Harray

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. Guests benefit from free private parking on site. With free Wi-Fi, the rooms feature a TV and tea and coffee making facilities.The rooms also benefit from an private bathroom. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant offers Aberdeen Angus Beef that is sourced from farms within a 10-mile radius, as well as fresh local seafood from hand-dived scallops, to fresh-landed halibut. Swans and herons can be spotted on the loch as guests enjoy their full Scottish breakfast, and scenic sunsets during dinner. Guests can fish on the hotel’s own pier. Staff can organize boat trips and tuition with special out-of-season rates from October to April.

Merkister Hotel is located in Harray.

This 9 Bedrooms Hotel is suitable for tourists and travelers. It has several amenities that would guarantee your comfort. These amenities include: Security/Safety, Sports/Activities, Fireplace/Heating, and several others. This is a 3 star rated property and has over 211 reviews with the average score of 8.9 . Coming to Harray and needing a place to stay? Be it for work or for leisure, consider staying at this Hotel for your next visit, you will surely love it.

You can check the reviews and description of this 9 Bedrooms Hotel if you want to learn more about this StayAndPlay.com place in Harray. These details are authentic, as they are provided by our partner, booking.com.

This Merkister Hotel in Harray is well equipped and has all facilities that have been listed below. Please note that these details were shared to us by booking.com for the listed “Merkister Hotel”. We solely rely on their shared details and are regarded as “accurate”. If you have any concerns about the information or accuracy describing this Hotel, please let us know.

Unique Amenities

Parking
Security/Safety
Sports/Activities
Fireplace/Heating
Restaurant
Bar
Guest Services
Child Friendly
Internet
Laundry

Policies

Check-in The minimum age for check-in is 18

Cancellation policy Free cancellation

Pet Policy Pets are not allowed

Other Policy 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.

Loch Harray, Harray, KW17 2LF, United Kingdom

What Our Guests say 500 + Reviews

May 6, 2026 07:00:00 AM

Reviewer Type: Solo Traveller

Travel Purpose: leisure

Sandi, United Kingdom

May 6, 2026 07:00:00 AM

Reviewer Type: Couple

Travel Purpose: leisure

Positive: The staff were exceptional - always friendly and cheery, with nothing too much trouble. Our suite was lovely, with a private terrace overlooking the loch, and the food was really delicious- full of flavour, with an excellent choice offered.

Negative: Nothing.

Summary: Lovely friendly hotel with great food and staff, in beautiful surroundings.

Kevin, United Kingdom

May 4, 2026 07:00:00 AM

Reviewer Type: Couple

Travel Purpose: leisure

Positive: Lovely food and staff

Kathleen, United Kingdom

Apr 26, 2026 07:00:00 AM

Reviewer Type: Family With Children

Travel Purpose: leisure

Patricia, USA

Apr 26, 2026 07:00:00 AM

Reviewer Type: Couple

Travel Purpose: leisure

Positive: Lovely location. We were given a light and sunny room with great views over the loch. All of the Breakfast choices have to be ordered the night before which is a slight oddity. However, the food was good and the service was prompt, so I guess this works. We enjoyed our stay and would recommend it as a great base for touring around Orkney. If it had a little updating/upgrading it could be exceptional but the basics for a comfortable stay are there.

Negative: See previous comments. Overall it was fine.

Summary: A good base for touring Orkney

Alwin, United Kingdom

Sep 3, 2025 07:00:00 AM

Reviewer Type: Couple

Travel Purpose: leisure

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

Negative: Very comfortable room but on the small side

Summary: Great base to visit Orkney - central location and very comfortable

Day, United Kingdom

Aug 31, 2025 07:00:00 AM

Reviewer Type: Couple

Travel Purpose: leisure

Crispin, United Kingdom

Aug 31, 2025 07:00:00 AM

Reviewer Type: Couple

Travel Purpose: leisure

IAN, United Kingdom

Aug 23, 2024 07:00:00 AM

Reviewer Type: Couple

Travel Purpose: leisure

Positive: Fantastic location on the Loch. Good facilities. A lovely dining room with a view of the loch, separate bar and a residents lounge all comfortable. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. The garden room was large and had patio doors with a view of fields and the Loch. The food was very good with lots of choice and a specials menu which changed during our 3 nights.

Negative: The garden room - one of 2 in an annex - whilst spacious felt a little soulless. Having to book breakfast times in advance. Room was pricey.

Summary: Great location friendly staff and good food but pricey.

Peter, United Kingdom

Aug 21, 2024 07:00:00 AM

Reviewer Type: Couple

Travel Purpose: leisure

Positive: Breakfast and evening meals were lovely Views from the bar and dining room are superb

Negative: The room and shower room was on the small side

Summary: Staff were very helpful and Debie was a real star

Orbel, United Kingdom

FAQ's

Is this Merkister Hotel pet-friendly for guests?

No, pets are not allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.

What time is check-in & check-out at Merkister Hotel?

Check-in time for Merkister Hotel starts counting from 3:00 PM and check-out is until 10:00 AM. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.

Does the Merkister Hotel have a swimming pool?

No, this Merkister Hotel does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.

How much does it cost per night to stay in Merkister Hotel?

Best-rates for the Merkister Hotel starts from $260 per night with includes Security/Safety, Sports/Activities, Fireplace/Heating, Restaurant, Bar, Child Friendly, Laundry, Parking, Guest Services, Internet StayAndPlay offers fully equipped golf villas, golf hotels, golf resorts, luxury golf cabins, and exclusive golf retreats, making it easier than ever to find your perfect golf escape — ideal for families, peaceful getaways, or pet-friendly retreats with the whole crew.

Is Merkister Hotel a family-friendly place to stay?

Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this hotel 3 stars or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the hotel has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.

Is the Merkister Hotel wheelchair accessible or offer services for disabled guests?

Based on the information received from our partner, the Merkister Hotel has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.

What is the minimum night stay policy for the Merkister Hotel?

Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Merkister Hotel indicates 1 day stay policy at this hotel. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.

What cancellation policy is in place for Merkister Hotel?

Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, details for the cancellation policy for the Merkister Hotel are as follows: Free cancellation Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.

Check Hotel Availability

Nightly rates from:

US $260