Merkister Hotel

Great breakfast and evening meal

What a place! Great efficient staff, nothing was too much trouble & I can cause trouble - flooded the bathroom. I booked the Merkister at very short notice with fairly modest expectations, and it completely exceeded them. The hotel is beautifully situated overlooking Loch Harray, with a wonderfully peaceful setting and easy access to Orkney’s extraordinary archaeological sites. The building is slightly old-fashioned, but immaculately clean, smart and full of character. Service was warm, personal and genuinely boutique — nothing was too much trouble. My room even had a bath with an extraordinary view across the loch. Breakfast was quite exceptional, possibly the best butter I have ever tasted, and dinner was surprisingly good too. A particular mention to the lovely lady who looked after us so attentively - she probably was the manager. I would happily return to Orkney simply to stay at the Merkister again.

- 1 only. Microwave side of veg. So minimal & always tricky - maybe a smear of that butter!

Location and the food

Was as expected

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?