Ardanaiseig Hotel

This was a special occasion for three days with family and friends. We have stayed before I this lovely old hotel on the shore of Loch Awe. On this occasion we were faced with a total power outage as a result of Storm Eowym for three days. The staff looked after us do well despite the challenges they faced improvising with cold buffets, barabaque dinners , log fires all creating a memorable, warm and friendly atmosphere.

I loved the faded glamour of this lovely hotel. The location by the Loch is beautiful and it is very tranquil. The staff are friendly and helpful and the food was excellent. It is a great get away from it all hotel. I would love to re visit sometime. The hotel cat Katz is a nice addition to the welcoming feel. Thank you for making us feel so comfortable.

No chintz here If you like your hotels to be soulless chintz palaces with marble lined receptions and Crystal candelabras, this is the wrong place for you, head to Dubai or a Hilton anywhere in the world. This hotel is a remote grey stone country house at the end of a three mile single track driveway. It needs a massive spend to bring this to four star 21st century luxury. There are few staff, the same young man tends the reception, bar and waits table. There are wellies in the hallway to facilitate guests exploration of the overgrown walled garden, the trail through the arboretum, the walk to the tennis court, graveyard or down to the lochside or the jetty. The public rooms are sumptuous with settees and armchairs. Statues dominate the centre of the lounge. The widows of the dining room, bar and lounge look down over unkempt lawn to the loch beyond. The walls are decorated with oil paintings, they need a second look. Some are straight forward still life pictures of flowers but the portraits have been overpainted with the heads of pop stars. The large one in the dining room has Mick Jagger, Ringo Star, Rod Stewart and Brian Ferry attending a business meeting. Also appearing in the hall are theory Bee Gees and Michael Jackson. The bedroom we were in,Awe, was comfortable and warm. The central heating didn’t work but heat came from an oil filled electric radiator. The TV was about 18 inches, there were two remote controls, neither of which wanted to cooperate in showing TV programs. There was a router in the room but no wifi. My only real complaint was the lack of a shower. It didn’t matter this is a retreat into an isolated, wild part of the country and from the interuption of modern communications and entertainment. The menu is small and traditionally formed. The food is well cooked and efficiently served. The dining room has great views though the lighting is to say the least subdued. The noise of conversation is regularly interrupted by the sound of the dumb waiter delivering meals. The wine list is again small but perfectly formed. The bar has a selection of local bottled ales, malt whiskies and boutique gins. I loved the place though it would have been nicer without the incessant rain. A perfect retreat for a weekend break from the 21st century.

Just enjoyed two very relaxing comfortable nights in this quirky, low key hotel.the most well equipped it is not, but we so enjoyed the very special atmosphere here. Arriving after the driving up the three mile drive is very special, the loch side setting with views of the snow topped Ben Lui set the scene. The public rooms are comfortable and relaxed despite the antiques and faded grandeur. We particularly enjoyed the art work and recognised Mick and Bianca jagger, David Bowie , Ringo and George Harrison amongst the nymphs and Victorian gentlemen, great fun! The staff were very friendly and helpful, we felt looked after despite being left pretty much to our own devices. Best haggis I have ever tasted but they really need to upgrade the very underwhelming sosauge served for breakfast. My only gripe, I would have loved an open fire in the public areas, It was cosy but as it was October, this would have been a cosy sight. We thoroughly enjoyed borrowing the wellies in reception and wandering about the grounds, despite the rain Hotel cat was also a bonus! Complete silence at night so we slept really well Hope to be back one day

Beautiful hotel hidden away off the main road. A long single lane road so take your time driving in and out. We two couples stayed here for one night 031024, during a Scottish trip for our anniversary. Greeted by Maxine who was most helpful and friendly. We were shown to our room. The hotel is very old, built 1834 and decorated to the style of the building. Do look into its history its most interesting. If you love quirkiness and a peaceful night then this is up your street. Theres no lift but we only had one flight of stairs so all good. Our room was lovely but the bathroom could do with being updated. Lovely small bar and helpful barman (sorry his name escapes me) but helpful with cocktail requests. Resident black cat (Kit) who moved himself in also seemed very comfortable. Restaurant lovely and food was fabulous. Wished I’d had room for dessert ! There is a pub down the road (you’ll pass on the way in) but please check as Not open 7 days a week. Thanks again to the lovely Maxine and Mr Barman for making our stay just so. Great setting for a murder mystery night!! We had a lovely stay. The Fosters

We stayed at the BoatShed which was in a sorry state of repair. Furniture was dilapidated and the decor was dated wasn’t even a picture on any of the walls. Hotel food was good but did not make up for this disappointing experience. Staff did their best and were pleasant enough.