Argyll

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About Argyll

With jagged mountain peaks rising from the mist, and black, fathomless lochs seeping through the landscape, Argyll is one of Scotland's most dramatic and atmospheric looking regions. The rugged Atlantic coastline sweeps up the western side, dotted with pretty fishing villages and bustling harbours, and behind the coast are the lochs and mountains, with their heathery moors and woods. You’ll find our hotel recommendations throughout, but what links them, beside being among the best places to stay in Argyll, are incredible views, and some equally incredible food. Whether a pub-with-rooms, a country house hotel, a cosy B&B or a golf resort, the best places to stay in Argyll certainly know how to delight one's tastebuds!

Oban is one of Argyll’s largest centres, and the ferry hub for journeying to Mull, Jura, Islay, Arran, Iona, Colonsay, Barra, Coll and Tiree etc. It’s a lively spot, and probably a useful base if you’re exploring the region. Inveraray is another possible base for exploring further afield. It's in an inland spot, amongst the lochs and close to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Inveraray Castle is also worth a visit.

If you’re looking to lose yourself in the wilderness, many of the best places to stay in Argyll will certainly oblige. Argyll is the sort of place where you can be right next to the road, but still hundreds of miles from anyone other than your hotel hosts and fellow guests. Magical.

The Best Places to Stay in Argyll

For an Escape

The Colonsay is on Colonsay, one of Scotland's lesser known islands, so this is a really remote pick, great for walkers, or anyone who wants to escape. There are nine rooms in the hotel, all simply decorated with wrought iron beds, and solid wood furniture. Expect log fires in the communal areas, plus comfortable sofas, books and games. Expect to meet local folks in the bar too. Book this one as far ahead as you can — many guests return year after year!
Kilcamb Lodge is a wonderfully remote, stone-built country house on the spectacular shores of Loch Sunart. It’s thought to be one of the oldest stone houses in Scotland. There are just ten guest rooms each of them is simply decorated in pale, soothing shades with a bit of chintz and tartan thrown in. The restaurant (one of the best in Scotland, boasting 3AA Rosettes) is known for its use of local produce, and there are plenty of wonderful local options, from seafood to game. Expect otters on the rocks and the Ardnamurchan peninsula in the background.

For Water Views

The Riva Boutique Hotel is a stylish pick, right on Helensburgh’s seafront. On the ground floor there’s a chic Italian restaurant and bar, and upstairs are the 14 guest rooms and suites. The decor is a contemporary version of mid-century modern, complete with plenty of smooth wooden shapes, geometric patterns, and even record players with carefully curated vinyl collections. Perfect for exploring the West Scottish coastline, or for escaping — with or without your kids and dog.
The Royal An Lochan is positioned on a quiet stretch of one of Scotland’s most picturesque roads — running right alongside the Kyles of Bute. Built during the Victorian era, this is a charming, yet small, hotel, with just 11 rooms snd suites — our favourites are those with sea views — decorated with classic style, and bold colours.
Once the local pier master’s home, the The Pierhouse Hotel now offers its incredible water views to all its guests. Positioned just back from clear waters of Loch Linnhe, and overlooking Lismore and Mull, The Pierhouse has views to envy. Beyond the views is a friendly atmosphere, both in the bustling seafood restaurant — we recommend you book in advance — and around the hotel. There are just 12 rooms, all compact, but comfortable and well designed, with cosy lighting and prints on the walls. A good pick for foodies and outdoor-types.

Best Country House Hotels

Superbly positioned above the pretty village of Luss and Loch Lomond, the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel is a charming small hotel, with an excellent gastropub/restaurant and lovely gardens. The 14 rooms and suites have all been individually decorated, with a lovely range of fuss and features: some have tiled fireplaces and four-poster beds, while some of the cosy attic rooms have stunning views, toile du Jouy wallpaper and touches of tartan. The restaurant is supplied by some seriously delicious local options.
The Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa is superbly located right on the banks of Loch Fyne, and the best of its 68 rooms and suites overlook the water and the mountains beyond. This property dates from the Victorian era, but has been updated with a spa and pool, and an inviting bistro specialising in local cuisine. The decor matches the location well: with just the right balance of tartan and antiques. Perfect for a romantic weekend where you don’t leave the hotel, equally ideal as a base for exploring the local region.

For Walkers

Carradales is a carefully converted Victorian home in a spectacular spot, hidden away on the eastern fringe of the Kintyre Peninsula. Because this is a converted home there are just four guest rooms. All have been individually decorated, and bathrooms with underfloor heating and claw-footed baths added. There’s also a cosy sitting room, where you’ll find a fire blazing just when you feel you need one. Breakfast is a hearty affair, so this is a great pick for walkers, and the restaurant is open for lunches and dinner, if you don’t fancy the stroll into Carradale Harbour.
Spectacularly positioned outside Kilberry, overlooking the Atlantic, Jura and Islay, the Kilberry Inn is an intimate choice, with just five rooms, so it’s a paradise for hideaways who don’t like to cook for themselves. The decor is simple, and the food superb, a daily changing menu that responds to availability of local produce.

For Romantics

Ardanaiseig is a grand, and slightly Gothic feeling country house hotel, complete with ivy-cladding, spectacular Loch views, a huge collection of wellington boots, and a bluebell meadow. The imposing exterior gives way to a more playful interior, though still opulent and impressive. We love the luxurious lounge with open fireplaces and plenty of gilt, and fantastic views of Loch Awe and its islands. Of the 18 rooms and suites, the finest share these loch views, as well as romantic extras, like four-poster beds and the fanciest antiques. The restaurant is a fantastic opportunity to try some locally foraged ingredients.
Knockderry House is another loch-side charmer, this time a converted Victorian mansion just metres back from the shore of Loch Long. Designed just for this spot, with the largest windows and the towers enjoying the most impressive views, Knockderry is a building with plenty of romance of its own. Inside, guests are offered a range of accommodation, with some rooms charmingly simple, and others very grand. The Master Rooms, with their four-poster beds, are probably the most obviously romantic. The cosy drawing room is too, and the dining room is definitely designed to impress, now a restaurant specialising in locally sourced cuisine.
The Perle Oban Hotel has the sleek design and atmosphere of a city break hotel, but in picturesque Oban. It offers great value for its crisp, understated chic, added extras like Nespresso machines and huge flat-screen TVs. The restaurant, 1882, is a champion of local produce, and the breakfasts are highly recommended. Ideal if you’re passing through via the ferry port, or staying to explore.

Best Pubs with Rooms

The Creggans Inn is a historic inn in an incredible setting, right beside Loch Fyne, overlooking it towards Inveraray and the Kintyre mountains. This is the prefect pick for outdoor pursuits, especially fishing, walking and sailing. The accommodation comprises 14 bedrooms and one suite, all decorated in pastel shades, with printed wallpapers and open fireplaces. Plus there's a buzzing bar and bistro.
The Kilchrenan Inn is a totally charming, and surprisingly stylish inn, with an excellent restaurant and three very chic rooms. The decor makes the most of the building's original stone walls and floors, and wooden beams, which they’ve accented with industrial-chic lighting and a splash of tartan. The food is great, the pub has a very warm and welcoming atmosphere, and it’s perfect for walkers, and/or romantics.

For Golfers

The Ugadale Hotel is a classic Scottish golf hotel with fantastic views over the course and the Atlantic — all the way to Jura and the Isle of Islay on a clear day. There are 22 rooms and suites, most with incredible views, classic furnishings, and just the right amount of tartan. There’s a large restaurant, a traditional bar, a pub and a spa. Our Gurus recommend you book a whisky tasting session.

For Great Value

Brambles of Inverary is a fantastic base for exploring Inveraray and the local region. Located on the shores of Loch Fyne, the views are fantastic, and you’re surrounded by great walking routes and lookout points. Inside are four bedrooms with lots of light and charm, expect original fireplaces, huge sash windows, and an unfussy blend of antiques with more contemporary furnishings. Downstairs there’s an excellent modern bistro with a friendly bar.
The Manor House, Argyll is a charming choice, overlooking Oban Bay, and the pretty town beyond. The Manor is historic, and stone built — not too grand, but certainly elegant — with lovely grounds. The 11 bedrooms are cosy and traditional, with pretty wallpapers in toile du Jouy or botanical patterns, and matching tartan details. The restaurant has a daily changing menu that showcases the region’s bounty, and the communal spaces are many and varied.

Best B&Bs

An Corr is a two room B&B in a stunning spot at the narrow edge of Loch Long, close to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, just metres from the water, with wonderful views of the hills behind too. The rooms are decorated to make the most of the building’s original exposed stone walls — a Scottish take on Scandi chic. Breakfasts are generous, there are Nespresso machines in the room, and the host is delightful.
The Corries B&B is beautifully positioned, in a remote spot, right on the shores of Loch Lomond. Rooms are simply decorated in a palette of greys, with dashes of seasonal colour, and the bathrooms feel contemporary. Perfect for small groups or families, and for walkers and explorers.
Ceo Mara Croft B&B is a newly, but traditionally built farmhouse, in a quiet, and very scenic spot just outside of Taynuilt. There are just two B&B rooms in the house — both with spectacular views overlooking Loch Etive and Ben Cruachan. Both rooms are cosy and farmhouse-y, and there’s a cosy sitting room too, also with incredible views.

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Travel Information

If you’re visiting Argyll from somewhere in the UK why not consider arriving by rail. The journey towards Argyll is considered one of the country’s most beautiful. If you’re heading for Inveraray or Oban you can travel via Manchester, Liverpool and/or Glasgow — depending on where you’re starting out. If you’re travelling via London it will take you seven or eight hours. If you’re arriving by plane, the airports to head for are Glasgow Airport, which is about an hour away from Inveraray by car or taxi, or about an hour and a half by bus, or Edinburgh International Airport, which is about two hours away by car or taxi, or about three and a half hours away by bus.
If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
The busiest time of year to visit Argyll and Bute is summer. But the region’s maritime climate is known for summer that are warm, rather than hot, with cool, rather than cold winters, so there’s certainly an argument to say that you can visit this region any time of year. What visitors to Argyll need to be savvy about is the rain. It’s not that there’s a lot of it, just that it can come about quite suddenly, so pack accordingly.

Still not sure where to stay?

Refine your search by place, and consider just the best places to stay in Inveraray, Oban, Mull or Glencoe
Refine your search to the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, and seek out just the best pubs with rooms in Argyll
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The best hotels in Argyll

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Woodlands

Glencoe (Argyll)

A collection of luxury lodges — all with private hot tubs — just outside Ballachulish. Interiors are smart and modern but it's the finer details that resonate: Egyptian cotton sheets, wet rooms, super-comfy mattresses and breakfast delivered to your door. A romantic highland hideaway.

Active Holiday - Glencoe is the ideal destination for outdoorsy types: hike, bike, play golf, try a segway tour and much more!
Groups - The Lodges are ideal for small group getaways — and the team are happy to organise special events
Romantic Break - With their secluded setting, lovely views and private outdoor hot tubs, romance is guaranteed
Private Hot Tub - All of the lodges come with a private outdoor hot tub

from AU$388 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees