BEAUTIFUL scenery and idyllic islands are all part of Argyll and Bute’s charm, and with its rugged vistas and unique cultures, the Good Hotel Guide have shared 10 of their recommended hotels in Argyll and Bute.
The Manor House, Oban
As the Oban ferries drift past and dramatic views greet you when you surface in the morning, The Manor House on Oban bay is a beautiful Georgian stone mansion with as much intrigue inside as out. Hearty Scottish breakfasts and well appointed rooms in country house style greet you at this country house hotel, not to mention fruit, cookies and coffee in each room.
Ardanaiseig, Kilchrenan
A natural scene of pure theatre awaits at Ardanaiseig, a beautifully situated manor house on the shores of Loch Awe. Extremely characterful, thanks to a plethora of antiques acquired by the owner, there is a sense of humour in it all that adds to the sheer romance, and in addition to that the food is simply excellent – we can’t recommend the scallops highly enough.
The Airds Hotel, Port Appin
On Loch Linnhe, with the Morvern mountains beyond, Relais & Châteaux’s The Airds Hotel is a former ferry inn that takes hospitality to another level. Spectacular views and a breathtaking drive lead you to this place of culinary excellence and impeccable style, but if you can tear yourself away for a couple of hours, the surrounding environment offers you the chance to walk around Clack Thoull, Loch Laich and Castle Coeffin.
Tiroran Country House Hotel, Isle of Mull
With waterfalls, a tumbling barn and a private beach all part of the experience, Tiroran Country House Hotel offers a relaxed country chic approach to getaways with a breathtaking backdrop. An intimate hotel where owners are supremely friendly, the food is both local and excellent, while wildlife walks are a chance to see the awe-inspiring white-tailed Mull eagles.
The Colonsay, Colonsay
A short wander up a single track road from the ferry on the Isle of Colonsay and you will find a modest hotel – you have reached your destination. The Colonsay is an unpretentious and informal inn with a buzzy bar populated with locally brewed island beer and malt whiskies. The occasional music evening will add extra fuel to the log fires, and in the sea facing views tempt you out into the surrounding area reminiscent of a scenes from the Famous Five and ripe for adventures on foot.
colonsay.org.uk/Amenities/The-Hotel
Argyll Hotel, Iona
On a spectacular island off the Isle of Mull, Argyll Hotel is a small village hotel overlooking the Sound of Iona. Everything here feels as though it’s another world, on built on high values and carefully crafted beauty. It is a small, remote island that’s only 3.5 miles by 1.5 miles, but as it’s sympathetically developed it retains its natural wonder as you explore red, green, white and pink sand beaches, and hike and cycle through its history.
Greystones, Oban
A modern B&B in a baronial mansion, Greystones is all about modern interiors accented by beautiful original features such as stained glass windows, moulded ceilings and a wonderful wooden staircase. Food is a major feature here as well and at breakfast we couldn’t help but love the kedgeree as well as the porridge with the obligatory splash of whiskey.
Crinan Hotel, Crinan
Artist Frances Macdonald and her husband, Nick Ryan, have run their laid-back hotel with friendly informality for nearly half a century. The large, white-painted building is in a spectacular position overlooking the sea and a canal lock, filled with wonderful art – they even hold contemporary art exhibitions in its top-floor gallery.
The Pierhouse, Port Appin
With entrancing, ever-changing imagery, The Pierhouse is a pretty little hotel beside Loch Linnhe and as the name suggests is a 19th-century piermaster’s house has spectacular views to the Isle of Lismore and chef Laura Milne provides excellent seafood, including loch-sourced mussels and langoustines.
Loch Gorm House, Isle of Islay
With stunning vistas across Loch Indaal to the island of Jura, Fiona Doyle’s gorgeous stone-built house on the northern shore of Islay is a magical place to stay, filled with magnificent flower arrangements and overlooking a peaceful garden and spectacular sea views
From a selection of hotels in Scotland
goodhotelguide.com/hotels-in-scotland/
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe