A picturesque seaside town on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, and working fishing port, Oban is also known as the Gateway to the Hebrides and is the main ferry hub for onward journeys to Mull, Coll, Tiree and Iona and more. So it's a busy place year round, with a wide range of visitors, some just passing through, and others staying a while to explore the surrounding beautiful countryside. This means that there's an equally wide range of accommodation on offer here from cheap and cheerful bunkhouses to luxury properties on the seafront. Our pick of the best places to stay in Oban offers something for everyone from smart guesthouses to owner managed traditional properties.

The town is a bustling place, full of some amazing seafood restaurants and old-fashioned oakwood bars. Many of the buildings were built in the 19th-century, and the streets are raised terraces formed from cliffs made in the last Ice Age. Overlooking the town is a vast Romanesque tower, built in the early 20th-century by a local dignitary keen to leave their mark on the town. But rising high above Oban is one of her greatest attractions, Dunstaffnage Castle, built in the 13th-century. Reaching it makes for a lovely walk, particularly in the evening, and you get some gorgeous views. It is also close to the Falls of Lora, a stunning formation of natural beauty. Oban also boasts one of Scotland's oldest whiskey distilleries, founded in 1794; don't miss out on a tour and a tasting!

Many of our picks of the best places to stay in Oban are small family-run affairs housing just a few rooms so in order to ensure a spot, we recommend you plan your trip well in advance.

The best places to stay in Oban

For a Romantic escape

• Greystones: intimate and romantic, this hotel is ideal for couples. A big baronial house turned B&B, offering 5 spacious minimalist rooms overlooking the sea. Utterly gorgeous views.
• The Manor House: a listed property offering 11 pretty and traditional rooms set in a beautiful location with stunning views over Oban Bay. It also boasts a great restaurant which showcases the best of the local produce, with an emphasis on the amazing seafood, in its daily changing menus.

For a seafront location

• Perle Oban Hotel can undoubtedly claim to have one of the best locations in town. It's right on the seafront, and is just a stone's throw from both the railway station and ferry terminal. There are 60 chic rooms and suites littered with luxury amenities and it has a gourmet restaurant serving local seafood. Ideal for exploring the town, or as a stopover if you're on an early ferry.

For an apartment or cottage

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of cottages and apartments in the nearby area for those looking for something self-catered.

Travel information

• The nearest airport is Glasgow and the Scotrail runs directly to Oban.
• If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.
• For full visibility and maximum sunshine, the best time to travel is during the summer months when the temperature averages at around 15 degrees.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Argyll
• or the best places to stay in Scotland
• or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Oban