Best Luxury Hotels In Argyll and Bute

Book a room with a view, in this all-Scottish destination hotel, where the traditions of the highlands are blended with contemporary style and amenities. Lying on the edge of some of the most fertile waters for world-leading seafood and with a stylish grill onsite, this is a sublime setting to taste the freshest oysters, lobster and langoustines. And you can give your mind, body and soul a full refresh at Loch Fyne’s newly renovated Hebridean-inspired Shore Spa.

There is something extremely romantic and magical about escaping to a private island for a holiday and the 300 acres of stunning land that is the Isle of Eriska certainly does not disappoint. This is the setting and the perfect backdrop for those guests choosing to stay at the Isle of Eriska Hotel and Spa. For over four decades the Buchanan-Smith Family worked hard on developing and nurturing this hotel which has flourished into a luxury destination offering guests peace, tranquillity, outdoor pursuits and much more – all with a touch of luxury. The hotel comprises of 34 bedrooms with 16 bedrooms in the main house, 5 spa suites located in the gardens with private hot tub, 2 garden cottages and 6 hilltop reserves along with a self-catering house option which is a short drive from the main hotel. Fine dining in the Hotel Restaurant or something more casual on The Deck can be enjoyed by residents and non-residents.

Found beside a canal, in a little fishing village where the sea meets Loch Fyne, it follows that this hotel would be the go-to place for seafood. Freshly caught shellfish is served at the relaxed Crinan Seafood Bar (don’t miss the huge local prawns and Colonsay oysters ). Guests can also eat in-house at its L’Assiette Michelin fine dining establishment, The Westward, Lock 16 Restaurant on the top floor and a cafe laden with home-baked goods. The hotel itself is family-run, with a total of 20 bedrooms – each themed on a Scottish artist, and all with ocean views. Any visiting artists have access to an onsite studio and there’s a magical secret garden at the rear.

Dating back to the mid-1800s, this castle overlooks the peaceful Sound of Mull. Its imposing exterior gives way to a cosier interior; glowing fires, wood panelling, country house decor, a complimentary array of whiskies and just five bedrooms. The incumbent owners (Tom and Marjorie Nelson) live in a private wing within the building. But they’re on hand to meet guests’ needs, including the supply of a hearty daily breakfast taken sociably, at a 16th-century trestle table. It’s a great choice for families seeking a more intimate stay, and pet pooches are most welcome to join too.

40 miles from Glasgow (certainly, as the crow flies) is Portavadie Marina, a resort surrounded by rolling West Coast hills and on the banks of Loch Fyne. The hotel itself is a modern and glass-fronted building overlooking the marina full of yachts and boats. The village itself is compact with not much more than a few cottages, but the resort more than makes up for that with its luxury spa and well-being facilities. After a £10 million development, the contemporary spa facility offers a 16-metre pool, fully equipped gym, sauna (with a picture window offering incredible views), Jacuzzi, and a plethora of spa treatments using Ishga products developed in the Outer Hebrides using the pure Scottish seaweed. The star of the show here however is the heated outdoor infinity pool (the biggest in Scotland) which feels like you are swimming in the loch but without the freezing temperatures!

Those couples seeking the classic romantic experience will adore the four-poster beds, lavish traditional furnishings, room service and award-winning three-course tasting menus at Ardanaiseig. Activities here focus on getting closer to nature with 240 acres of private grounds – bikes, wellies and fishing rods are all provided free for guests’ use and archery or clay pigeon shooting can be arranged. The house has a Grade II listing, retaining many original features and earned four stars from the AA Hotel guide.

Dating back to the 18th century, this former coaching inn has taken on a new lease of life as a fine-dining waterfront hotel. Just 11 rooms ensure the boutique feel remains intimate and there are plenty of homely touches, such as bikes, free newspapers, wellies and waterproofs for guests’ use. A croquet lawn at the front provides elegant recreational opportunities, while local excur. The hotel is dog friendly and has self-catering cottages within the grounds, for those preferring a more private retreat. Or if you’re planning a large get-together why not hire out the whole place to yourselves?

For the quintessential turreted fairytale castle experience, book a stay at Barcaldine, on the outskirts of Oban. Beams, wood panels, a great hall, a turnpike staircase, a secret passage and a bottle dungeon below stairs all contribute to the sense of stepping back in time here. The decor is traditionally Highland, with plenty of tartans, tweed, brown leather and claw-footed roll-top tubs. Accommodation is offered on a bed and breakfast basis, with friendly hosts Liz and Ronnie serving a full Scottish and an optional afternoon tea. If you don’t fancy an evening picnic, dinner can be served at the nearby restaurant.

Book a room with a view, in this all-Scottish destination hotel, where the traditions of the highlands are blended with contemporary style and amenities. Situated along the tranquil waters of the Firth of Lorn, the Oban Bay Hotel offers a stunning backdrop for a getaway in the west of Scotland. Just a short walk from Oban’s town centre, it’s perfectly located for those seeking a peaceful retreat, yet close enough to explore the local attractions such as Oban Distillery and scenic ferry trips to the Isles. Enjoy the finest Scottish seafood and beef in The Grill Room and book a one-of-a-kind outdoor spa experience in their Thermal Spa.

This small, popular inn in Argyll offers five en suite bedrooms and five garden suite apartments and is located in Lochawe village presenting stunning views of Loch Awe and Ben Cruachan. It features an award-winning restaurant and a bar with over 100 whiskies, 50 gins, craft beers, and excellent coffee. Enjoy a cosy log fire in the winter or relax on the deck and beer garden overlooking the loch. It is wheelchair-accessible, family and pet-friendly. Perfectly situated for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers easy access to Ben Cruachan, St Conans Kirk, the Hollow Mountain Experience, and Kilchurn Castle. It’s also a prime spot along the A85 route to Oban, making it ideal for exploring Loch Awe by boat and for those travelling by train it’s two minutes from Loch Awe Station on the Glasgow-Oban line.