The Kelvin Hotel

Location: Convenient location near train stations, ferries, bus stations, and within walking distance to town centers and harbors. Many reviews mention being close to these transportation hubs and attractions.(based on 3 reviews)

I’m not sure how much Oban has to offer because we were there so fleetingly. I suspect it’s typical of its sort and reminded me of a number of other coastal towns throughout the land; a mixture of interesting history, serendipitous geography and tourist tat. Known as ‘Gateway to the Isles’ its visiting population is by definition transitory and so it does its best to grab your attention and pounds whilst you contemplate onward travel. Once off the train or ferry, opportunity abounds to buy your own little piece of faux Scots culture as one is assailed by the sheer volume of touristica being peddled. What with buskers mournfully warbling Flower of Scotland and entrepreneurial youngsters practising their pipe-playing, hoping for a few coins in addition to the inevitable photo opp, the visitor is assiduously courted for their economic patronage. All of this activity is played out against the ubiquitous soundtrack of squawking Gulls who pray on the uninitiated eating chips and seafood from numerous food outlets who naively assume their recent purchase to be their own. For our sixteen hour experience of Oban I chose the Kelvin Hotel and I’m jolly glad I did. Perhaps not the most aesthetically appealing approach belies the warmth to come. Arrival and check-in was orchestrated by note with a minimum of fuss. We dropped our bags before tackling the ascent to McCaig’s Tower (an incomplete and egotistical folly - don’t call it that - built by the eponymous chap to remind the following generations of his existence). The hotel is a few minutes from the station and town centre and thus conveniently close. It was scrupulously clean and Shenagh (? - apologies if I misheard) our host was both attentive and helpful. The beds were comfortable, any external noise from the ferry terminal opposite indiscernible and the bar provided a perfect retreat to end the day. I came to Oban not for the destination, but for the journey - a three-hour adventure by train threading through breathtaking Scottish scenery and an array of glassy lochs. So, the Kelvin Hotel provided a convenient, cost-effective and friendly base from which to explore Oban’s potential and I would happily recommend it to those looking for the aforementioned qualities.