Oban Bay Hotel

Book a room with a view, in this all-Scottish Argyll and Bute boutique 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 the Thermal Spa. The Luxury Editor recently visited – read on for the full review.

A Century of Highland Spirit

The Oban Bay Hotel is part of the Crerar Hotels Group, which specialises in bringing Spiorad na h-Alba (the spirit of Scotland) to its visitors and has been offering exceptional service since 1902. Crerar Hotel guests can experience the wild and inspiring landscapes, an abundance of wildlife, outdoor adventures and local produce across its 12 properties stretching from Loch Fyne and Mull, across to Glencoe, Nairn and down to Ballater to name but a few of their hotel locations.

Seaside Serenity

Oban is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Isles” due to its busy ferry port serving the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The town has long been a centre for seafood, with its harbour front restaurants serving some of the freshest catches from local waters. The town is also home to the historic Oban Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest, producing renowned single malts as well as being a gateway to exploring nearby castles, lochs, and scenic landscapes.

The hotel is located on Oban’s Corran Esplanade, a quieter part of the town and just a short ten-minute walk to the centre. Getting to the hotel from Glasgow takes around two hours by road and around three hours from Edinburgh. Oban train station is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Given its historic location parking onside is limited, however, there is plenty of free parking nearby and the hotel also offers a paid valet service.

Highland Hideaways – Coastal-Inspired Rooms and Suites

Guest quarters reflect the surrounding highland landscape and coastal setting, with 79 contemporary bedrooms and suites decorated with shoreline hues and warm woods. Ranging from cosy singles, twins and doubles, though to bay view doubles (where you can wake up to the gentle sound of the waves and savour breathtaking sunsets). All rooms share the same considered attention to detail, from refreshing rain showers, gorgeous Highland Soap Company amenities, Tunnock’s Teacakes and tea and coffee-making facilities as standard.

Suite Perfection – A Night in Oban Bay’s Signature Lismore Suite

For extra floor space and additional luxuries, signature feature suites come with four-poster beds, include a complimentary mini-bar, telescope to view the surrounding isles, fluffy robes and slippers and a selection of cafetière coffee, teas, Nespresso machine and mineral water. Marble-tiled bathrooms include a free-standing bath and a separate walk-in rain shower.

During our stay we were hosted in the Lismore Suite on the first floor, on the right-hand side of the building, which offers uninterrupted views to the front and the side of the building, and the suite offers lots of space and a beautiful marble bathroom.

Bedroom

Amenities

Bathroom

View

Atlantic Bar, Sun Room & Sea Deck

The ideal spot to enjoy a lazy afternoon or pre or post-dinner drink The Atlantic Bar and Lounge has an extensive selection of both Scotch malt whiskies and Scottish gins to discover. Classic bar meals also feature with locally sourced and seasonal food on the menu. While the Sun Lounge stretches the length of the hotel front to serve up spectacular bay views and The Sea Deck offers space to enjoy al fresco dining or simply to watch boats sail past with a drink of choice in hand. 

The Grill Room

The Grill Room is the hotel’s main restaurant offering a true taste of Scotland, with a menu that showcases local ingredients from around Scotland. At the heart of the kitchen lies their Spanish Josper charcoal-fired grill which reaches temperatures exceeding 500ºC, delivering exceptional texture and flavour across their grill menu.

Dishes include grilled lobster and local fish, complemented by Scottish beef which is traditionally matured for at least 28 days. The restaurant has access to some of the finest seafood, such as oysters, lobster, langoustines, and sea bass, straight from the fishing boats in Oban and they prioritise working with local farms, suppliers, and artisan producers to showcase the best seasonal and regional ingredients the area has to offer.

Starters

To start we had Mussels and Steak Tartare.

Mains

Followed by the Beer Battered Haddock and Lamb Cutlets.

Dessert

To finish we opted for a cheese selection to share.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in The Grill Room (but a little tip, and keep it quiet we don’t want everyone to know is to take it in the front sun lounge, where you can enjoy those beautiful Oban views over breakfast). Served à la carte there is no need for constant back and forth to a buffet. We highly recommend the oysters and we liked their twist on the full Scottish breakfast allowing you to swap ‘main items’ for Halloumi, Cassoulet, Chiorizo and Venison, and if you are like me and can never have too much cheese the Scottish cheese selection is a great choice.

Thermal Experience on the Sea Deck

I’m lucky enough to have experienced a lot of spas in my lifetime but this certainly has to be one of the cutest and most unique. The hotel’s thermal spa offers a range of spa treatments personally tailored and based around ishga seaweed-based products (we love this Scottish Hebrides brand we have featured their body oil in our shopping guide). But for a completely unique indulgence book the thermal experience package which offers 90 minutes of exclusive access to the outdoor hot tub, Swedish oak barrelled sauna, and Roman acrylic steam room.

Furry Companions Receive VIP Treatment Too

The team really pull the red carpet out for pets at the Oban Bay Hotel, dogs and cats are welcomed with open arms, and they even have a doggy wall of fame, perhaps it will have two cats on it now (you can read more about our luxury cat adventures here).

Our beautiful suite was furnished with cat toys and treats galore, the team had even put up two window beds so the cats could enjoy the vistas of the Firth of Lorn and watch passing pedestrians below.

Scottish Bliss

Oban Bay Hotel’s prime location on the town’s waterfront, coupled with its spa and amenities, makes it a standout choice for those seeking a relaxing escape. Its proximity to the Scottish Highlands and islands offers opportunities for scenic adventures, while the calm of the bay provides the perfect atmosphere for quiet, intimate moments. This is a standout hotel in the area and is included in our guide to the best hotels in Argyll and Bute.