Merkister Hotel, Orkney Islands

Situated on the shores of Harray Loch, the Merkister hotel stands in its own grounds in the most wonderful location, commanding impressive views of this famous loch and its surroundings. We are in the perfect location for your visit, 15 minute drive from the main towns of Kirkwall and Stromness, and nestled in the middle of Skara Brae, Maeshowe, Brough of Birsay, several RSPB reserves and much, much more…

The hotel also has a busy lounge bar, for those who enjoy a more informal place to eat. The lounge bar is a great place to enjoy a drink at any time of the day, especially the evenings, when the bar is busy with locals and guests alike exchanging stories of the day.

We have an award-winning restaurant, where during breakfast you can watch the Swans, Herons and if lucky our pair of Hen Harriers, and during dinner maybe catch one of our “have to see to be believed” sunsets. Please visit the Skerries Restaurant area of the site, where you can read more and view our menus.

The Merkister has a special ambiance, and your hosts, the MacDonald family and staff aim to ensure that your time with us, no matter how long or short will remain a pleasant reminder of your visit to Orkney for many years to come.

The Hotel has sixteen bedrooms, fifteen en-suites and one with a private bathroom. We have three new Superior Terraced Garden rooms that were completed in June 2006. These rooms are extra large rooms that can be made into Emperor Doubles or Twins, they have a Wet Room with Italian Ceramics en-suite, ivory leather lounge furniture, wide screen digital TV, DVD/CD player etc.

We have Standard and Superior rooms within the main building and all the all our Superior rooms have loch views and are larger than Standard rooms. All our rooms have colour TV, direct-dial telephone, Tea/Coffee making facilities and a host of other extras.