Oban hotels

A 5-star bed and breakfast on the banks of Oban Bay, a stay at Dungallan Country House is a real treat. Originally built in 1870 as a summer residence for the Duke of Argyll, the Country House is one of the top luxury hotels in Oban.

The adults-only property is one of the best hotels in Oban for room selection. There are four individually designed suites, which come with roll-top baths, alongside a range of classic double rooms.

Breakfast is served in the dining room and is cooked to order – choose from the Scottish breakfast, smoked haddock Florentine and Rabbie Burns breakfast stack. After a day of exploring the local area, the bar and library is a fantastic place to wind down. There are over 180 different whiskies to choose from, including old and rare bottles. A selection of alternative spirits, Champagne and beers are also available.

Another hotel overlooking Oban Bay is No17 The Promenade, a luxury seaside property and one of the top fancy hotels in Oban. The philosophy behind this place is simple: create an outstanding experience. I’m happy to report they satisfy their own criteria.

There are just seven unique bedrooms at No17, each focusing on quality, comfort and design. Whether you go for the Opulent Sea View King, Intimate King or Fabulously Scottish King, you’ll be blown away by the attention to detail.

No17 is also one of the best hotels in Oban for food. Porcini, the traditional in-house Italian restaurant, is a wonderful spot. Enjoy lunch and dinner with classic dishes including carbonara, antipasti, and carne al forno. After dinner, settle down for drinks in the Salon, Seaview Lounge, No17 Bar or outside, on the No17 Terrance, where they serve a wonderful Negroni.

This family-owned accommodation is hands down one of the best hotels in Oban. Stay in one of 24 guestrooms, which range from the compact double and twin to double and family rooms. Each is furnished and decorated to the highest standard, creating a wonderful home-from-home atmosphere.

Enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast each morning alongside a light buffet option. Dinner is currently unavailable at The Scot, but their sister restaurants are open for business as usual. I recommend the fresh seafood at Ee-Usk or Italian at Piazza.

The lounge, however, is open and ready to serve. Enjoy coffee in the morning and early afternoon before switching to something a little stronger in the evening, with a wide range of whiskies, spirits, wines, and beers on offer.

One of the top boutique hotels in Oban, No.26 By The Sea offers nine unique guestrooms. Choose the Wee Cosy Room with Sea View, Gorgeous Room with Balcony, or Intimate Room with Woodland View to start your experience.

Alternatively, the hotel also offers a pair of self-catered options for independent groups. One of the best hotels in Oban for those travelling with dogs, the charming Woodland Cottage is the perfect place to stay with pets (though it’s worth noting the Beach House isn’t pet-friendly).

A cooked-to-order breakfast is available for all guests, with options including avocado smash, eggs Florentine and a full Scottish breakfast. The brioche French toast is a personal favourite. Dinner isn’t available at the property, but check out the nearby Markie Dans for a range of pub classics.

One of the best hotels in Oban for whisky lovers, The Whisky Vaults Hotel is a fantastic destination for a truly Scottish break. Stay in one of the 10 unique rooms, renovated in 2019 and furnished to a high standard.

The cosy, traditional whisky bar cements the property as one of the truly unique hotels in Oban. Choose from a range of Scottish real ales, handpicked wines and – of course – a wide range of malt whiskies. If you’re interested in learning more about the tipples, regular whisky-tasting and wine evenings are hosted.

Breakfast isn’t offered at the hotel, but its central location is perfect for picking up a bite on the go. Julie’s Coffee House is a great place for a late breakfast – I’d recommend a strong coffee and a bagel with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs.

The Perle Oban Hotel and Spa is one of the best hotels in Oban for a super relaxing stay. The idyllic property boasts 59 unique rooms, each featuring rainfall showers, Nespresso coffee makers and Bose Bluetooth speakers. Rooms start from single or twin options and move up the ladder to junior and full suites.

The in-house Mara Spa is the highlight of the hotel. It offers massages, signature body experiences, facials and dedicated treatments for men and mums-to-be. I’d recommend booking the afternoon tea experience for a full day of luxury.

The Oban Brasserie, found on-site, is the place to go for food and drink.

Enjoy French-style cooking with the finest, locally sourced Scottish ingredients. The loin of Highland venison is my recommended main, but be sure to save space for the sticky rum and banana pudding.

Located to the north of the town, Oban Bay Hotel is one of the best hotels in Oban for affordable luxury. Choose from an array of great rooms and suites, ranging from the Classic Double/Twin to the premium Bay View Junior Suite.

The Oban Bay Hotel is one of the few hotels in town that boasts spa facilities. Guests can book face and body treatments alongside the thermal experience, which includes a Roman acrylic steam room, oak barrel sauna and outdoor hot tub.

Food is taken care of by the Grill Room, an award-winning in-house restaurant open from breakfast to dinner. Treats include locally caught lobster, a 1kg tomahawk steak and – my personal favourite – the fish of the day, offered at market price.

Located in the heart of town, The Ranald is one of the best hotels in Oban for a central stay. Choose between Compact, Standard, Grand and Grand Plus rooms, as well as a collection of self-catering apartments. All feature handsome interior design and quality finishes.

A buffet-style breakfast is available each morning. Guests are left to the town for evening meals, but being so centrally located, there’s a long list of fantastic eateries within walking distance. I recommend a visit to the modern Scottish restaurant Coast. Their seasonal menu is excellent – the wood pigeon to start followed by the haunch of venison would be my top choices.

Family-run for more than 40 years, Glenburnie House is one of the top rated hotels in Oban – and for good reason. There are 17 individually designed rooms in the former Victorian residence all with a homely, welcoming feel.

The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds. The castle ruins and cafe are well worth a visit and offer some of the finest views over Oban Bay.

Lunch and dinner menus aren’t offered at the property, but the hotel is just a short walk from the town centre. If you’re looking for something a little less traditional, try Mandarin Thai Cuisine. The phad kaprao moo is always a winner.

Located to the south of the town, The Manor House is one of the best hotels in Oban for a quiet Scottish escape. Established in 1780, the elegant Georgian hotel is not only a pleasure to behold, but also to spend time in.

There are 11 meticulously decorated rooms to choose from, each of which will make you feel like the lord or lady of the manor. This is the place to come for a luxury experience, a feeling that continues down into the restaurant.

It’s a delight to spend time in both the dining room and the bar. The philosophy surrounding the Manor House’s restaurant is to bring the best produce from the sea, shore and mountains to the table. The garlic-roasted guinea fowl supreme is one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten.