9 Great hotels in Argyll & Bute

The Pierhouse Hotel is perfectly situated to experience the healing powers of wild swimming. This October, the hotel is offering guests a weekend-long ‘Samhain’ wild swimming experience from 28 – 29 October. Take a dip in the revitalising waters of Loch Linnhe with Dan “the Merman” Coyle, a qualified open water swim coach and wild swim guide. 

Book a Samhain Wild Swimming Weekend at the Pierhouse Hotel

Escape to this 19th century baronial mansion on a private island surrounded by the glorious scenery of the west Highlands. Unwind in the sleek and modern spa, read a book in front of the roaring fireplace of the grand oak-panelled drawing room, or head to the beach to spot the local wildlife on a guided nature walk. You can even get to grips with beekeeping on a tour of the island’s private apiary.  

Set on the banks of Loch Fyne, Portavadie resort is the place to indulge in freshly caught seafood in its Marine Restaurant and Bar. But its biggest draw is its spectacular outdoor spa. Featuring bubbling hot tubs and an infinity pool with spellbinding views of the rocky shoreline, this state-of-the-art complex is a wellness wonder. Families are equally well catered for with a kid’s pool, football pitch and playpark. 

The family-run hotel with breathtaking views of the Sound of Iona combines period charm with a simple holistic approach to sustainability. Linen and towels are laundered using biodegradable products and dried outdoors, while dishes are prepared from ingredients sourced from neighbouring crofters and fishermen, as well as the hotel’s organic garden.  

Located on Oban’s bustling Victorian promenade, No 17 is a boutique hotel with sumptuously designed interiors inspired by the Art Deco era. Each of the bedrooms boasts its own unique colour palette replete quirky vintage touches. Wake to a delectable breakfast menu featuring homemade crumpets, Stornoway black pudding, and porridge with whisky and honey.  

This centrally situated 19th century townhouse more than lives up to its name, boasting a traditional whisky bar where guests can enjoy an impressive array of malt whiskies alongside Scottish real ales and fine wines. The hotel also regularly hosts whisky tasting sessions and wine evenings throughout the year. 

Keen golfers will find The Machrie impossible to resist. Surrounded by sand dunes, this relaxed hotel resort has a superb golf links course which features in the top 100 of many international golf rankings. Not a golfer? No problem. There’s the 7-mile Laggan Bay to explore either on foot or on one of the hotel’s e-bikes. 

This former drovers’ inn has been welcoming guests as far back as the 18th century and specialises in traditional Scottish hospitality with a twist. In addition to a seafood bar, pub, and café, the hotel’s ground floor also functions as an art gallery, displaying work by acclaimed artists from the Royal Glasgow Institute and Royal Scottish Society of Painters. You’ll find more paintings – including watercolour seascapes by the owner, gracing the walls of the cosy rooms upstairs.  

This grand 19th century hotel at Rothesay harks back to the genteel Victorian age. Sip G&Ts on the hotel terrace with its tiered landscaped garden dotted with palm trees while taking in views across Rothesay and Cowal. The picturesque vistas continue inside the spacious wood-panelled restaurant with its vast windows and high ceilings. For something more intimate, book a table at Patteron’s Grill.

Boasting just five bedrooms, this self-described “hot rod” boutique hotel is a true original. Decorated with Cadillac memorabilia and art – some of the furnishings and décor are made from original vehicle parts, the hotel is a vivid celebration of classic cars and old-school Americana. Enjoy an American breakfast and southern fried cooking in the Rockabilly Diner and have a drink in the Scottish Honky Tonk, a bar with an authentic rock n’ roll soundtrack.