Where To Stay At Loch Awe: The Best Hotels and Lodges
A comprehensive list of places to stay around Loch Awe, from cosy lodges to boutique B&Bs and wilderness lodges.
So, you’re thinking about visiting Loch Awe?
Firstly, a great choice! Between the spectacular scenery, lesser-visited Munros, ancient castles and alluringly tranquil setting, there are plenty of reasons to make Loch Awe your next Scotland road trip destination. But to truly get into the heart of Loch Awe, you absolutely have to stay in one of the unique boltholes hotels dotted around the shore. Sure, there are bigger and fancier hotels in nearby Oban, but nothing quite beats the experience of a traditional inn with a roaring fire and farm-to-fork restaurant. Especially one with a rather epic whisky menu!
With such an amazing range of boutique hotels, off-grid cabins and cosy B&Bs, and options to suit all budgets, the difficult part will be choosing which one. Especially when all are so friendly and relaxed, with welcoming vibes and beautifully comfortable interiors. Due to the remoteness of the area, you’ll also find that most Loch Awe hotels have their own in-house restaurants serving local produce, with the added bonus of squishy chairs by a roaring log fire, so you really don’t have to go far from food to drink to bed.
Some hotels are located on the banks of Loch Awe itself, some a little further afield, and each are high-quality, small and uniquely cosy. Here is a selection of my top-picks for a truly magical Loch Awe experience:
The best laid-back luxe hotel: Kilchrenan Inn
Newly refurbished and a little indulgent, this is a very cool little hotel. Once an 18th century trading post, it’s now a beautifully cosy inn. I love this stay for its roaring fire, welcoming bar, and seriously excellent menu. An incredible combination of traditional charm and modern luxe make for a special treat. The 3 bedrooms are particularly lovely - cosy little hideaways designed with touches of luxury like Hypnos beds, huge bath tubs and Arran Aromatic toiletries.
Price | Double from around £160 per night
Book | For more information and to book click here.
Read | My full preview.
The best small hotel: Brander Lodge
Okay, so I’m a little bit biased because I’ve stayed here before but Brander Lodge is genuinely a great hotel. Located a little north of Loch Awe, book a garden room for views that make you feel part of nature and short walks to the River Awe. Expect to see deer and red squirrels wandering around the hotel’s conservation garden in the morning - dreamy! The hotel is small, cosy, and peaceful with touches of cosy luxury in the rooms and a very comfy bed. Additionally staff are really, really lovely. We also had one of the most delicious meals we’ve ever eaten here (we ate in the lounge but the restaurant has amazing garden views), and the bar is well stocked with over 100 single malts if whisky is your thing.
Price | Double £125 per night / garden room £160
Book | For more information and to book click here.
The best pub with rooms: Ben Cruachan Inn
Situated in Lochawe Village, this small hotel is closest to the hiking trails and on the road to Oban. With simple but perfectly formed rooms, dog-friendly bar and a roaring fire surrounded by squishy sofas, it’s a perfect place for a low-key stay. The whisky selection is the perfect treat after a day’s hiking, and dinner in the hotel’s restaurant is a hearty and delicious experience. It has a lovely patio area for outdoor dining with views over to Loch Awe. We’ve spent the weekend at the Ben Cruachan Inn and would recommend it to anyone looking for a place to eat, drink and relax after a day outdoors.
Price | Double around £149 per night but always check the offers page, especially in spring/autumn months
Book | For more information and to book click here.
The best cabins: Lochaweside Forest Cabins
Looking for scandi-style interiors, wood burning hot tubs and rustic cabins tucked away in the forest? Then look no further than these eco-friendly, secluded and fully-equipped lodges. Close to the village of Dalavich, these forest cabins sleep groups from 4 to 9 people. Loch Awe laps gently along the shoreline, tall trees surround, and red squirrels might visit your private deck. Nights are best spent in the hot-tub, with uninterrupted vistas across Loch Awe. You might never want to leave!
Price | lodge sleeping 4 from around £260 per night / sleeps 8 from around £350
Details | minimum 2 night stay
Book | For more information and to book click here.
Plan your Loch Awe trip
If you’re visiting Loch Awe and plan on spending a few days in the area (which I recommend!) then read my ‘Loch Awe travel guide’ for the best things to do and see in this lesser-known part of Scotland.
And if you love the outdoors, then read my ‘guide to hiking the Loch Awe Munros’ with essential information on the route and lots of other helpful information to help you plan your own hiking adventure.
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