Executive Summary
The Hotel Merkat gives a generally positive first impression, appearing clean and well-maintained both inside and out. It functions primarily as a local pub with a good selection of drinks and features for entertainment, including sports on TV and fruit machines.
While it possesses letting rooms, these are currently occupied by long-term local residents rather than being available for typical hotel bookings.
Key Findings
Exterior Condition & Appeal
The Hotel Merkat makes a good first impression from the outside, enhanced by flowers. While the paintwork at the bottom shows a little wear and could use a touch-up, it's generally "not too bad," maintaining a respectable appearance.
Interior Condition & Amenities
It caters to sports fans with "a few TVs" showing sports. The bar offers plenty of drink options, including Strongbow Original, which was noted as being unavailable at two other nearby establishments.
Accommodation & Clientele
The Hotel Merkat does have letting rooms. However, these are not available for standard bookings; instead, they are rented out to "people locally" for longer-term stays. This indicates a focus on community accommodation rather than transient hotel guests.
Overall Impression
The Hotel Merkat is a well-kept and welcoming local establishment that offers a solid pub experience. Its clean interior, varied bar options, and sports entertainment make it a pleasant spot for locals.
While its "hotel" designation might be misleading for those seeking short-term stays, it serves a clear purpose within the community by providing longer-term local accommodation.