Quirky Places to Stay in Oban & Lorn
Greystones, Oban
A charming Victorian villa perched above Oban, Greystones offers boutique accommodation with a quirky twist. Each room is designed with elegance and comfort in mind, but it’s the views over Oban Bay that make this place stand out. With its close proximity to the town centre and ferry port, Greystones is a fantastic base for your West Coast adventure.
WildLuing
Situated on the idyllic island of Luing, WildLuing offers a glamping experience unlike any other. Surrounded by breathtaking coastal views and wildlife, you can enjoy peace and tranquillity in eco-friendly cabins, complete with wood-burning stoves and cosy interiors. Spend your days exploring the Slate Isles and surrounding areas, and your evenings on your private terrace marvelling at the night sky. WildLuing lets you reconnect with nature whilst being close to all the attractions of Scotland’s spectacular West Coast.
Head to their website to discover upcoming special events, such as wild swimming or foraging retreats.
Barcaldine Castle
What’s quirkier than staying in a castle? Immerse yourself in history at Barcaldine Castle. Whilst enjoying 21st-century comforts. Built in 1609 by “Black” Duncan Campbel, this unique accommodation offers a boutique experience with traditional Scottish interiors, luxurious rooms, and, of course, ghost stories. Nestled near Oban, it’s a perfect spot to explore the Highlands and nearby islands while staying in a truly quirky and historic property.
Barcalide Castle can also be rented as a wedding venue. Head to their website for more information.
Loch Melfort Hotel
A family-run country house hotel, Loch Melfort Hotel is a charming place to stay on the Argyll coastline. With its combination of seaside charm and Highland hospitality, this hotel offers panoramic views of Loch Melfort and the surrounding gardens. The cosy, individually decorated rooms add to the character, making it a unique and inviting place to stay for the whole family, including your four-legged friends. Make sure to visit their Highland Cow Dougal during your stay!
The Pierhouse Hotel
Perched on the shore of Loch Linnhe in Port Appin, The Pierhouse Hotel offers a quirky stay with incredible views over the water and nearby islands. This intimate hotel is known for its warm hospitality and award-winning restaurant, serving only the freshest, locally sourced seafood. The traditional Scottish decor combined with its stunning location makes it a delightful accommodation for couples seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Quirky Places to Stay with a Hot Tub
Oban Holiday Park
A stone’s throw from Oban, Oban Holiday Park offers modern hot tub glamping pods and larger lodges that combine comfort and outdoor adventure. Nestled in a woodland setting, each lodge is well-equipped for a cosy stay, whether that is for two or the whole family. You’ll feel a million miles away from the bustle of modern life, but just three miles down the road is the centre of Oban with its shops, restaurants and many other things to do.
Portavadie Loch Fyne
Portavadie is a strikingly modern and luxurious complex set on the shores of Loch Fyne. Offering a mix of quirky self-catering apartments, eco-friendly cabins, and opulent spa lodges, it’s perfect for travellers seeking a relaxing getaway. The outdoor infinity pool and award-winning spa make this a truly unique destination. The Hideaway, Portavadie's secluded, romantic retreat on the shores of the marina, is the perfect couple’s retreat – an outdoor hot tub and wood-burning stove adding to the romance. Portavadie is a truly memorable place to stay and perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary or just to escape.
Knipoch House Hotel
Knipoch House Hotel is a historic, family-run country house nestled just a few miles south of Oban. Overlooking Loch Feochan, this 18th-century mansion exudes traditional Scottish charm, offering you a tranquil retreat amidst the stunning scenery of the Highlands. The hotel features elegant rooms with an antique charm, many offering loch or garden views, creating a perfect blend of comfort and heritage. With its refined dining options, including a restaurant that serves locally sourced seafood, and its proximity to both Oban’s attractions and the dramatic Scottish coastline, Knipoch House Hotel is an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful and authentic Scottish experience.
Seabank Self Catering
Seabank Self-Catering offers a collection of luxury eco-friendly lodges with spectacular views of Loch Creran. Their Seabank House lodge is particularly breathtaking and an ideal spot for family holidays, weekends away with friends and celebrating special occasions. Enjoy stunning sea views over Loch Creran from the large social spaces, cosy up around the woodburning stove or soak up the surroundings from the private hot tub.
Dundonald Landing
For those who love watersports or simply being by the water, Dundonald Landing offers the perfect retreat. Located near Oban on the shore of Loch Etive, these luxurious waterfront cabins provide stunning loch views and private hot tubs. With a private jetty and slipway, the lodges are ideal for those bringing their trailerable boats, paddleboards and kayak. After a day of exploring Scotland’s West Coast, relax on the sundeck whilst watching the sunset over Loch Etive.
Quirky Places to Stay for Groups & Families
The Hollies Argyll, Cowal
Tucked away in the hills of Argyll, the Hollies is a beautiful Victorian villa that has been meticulously refurbished to combine sumptuous luxury with contemporary flair while celebrating the original architecture with its stained-glass windows and period features. Designed for groups of up to 18 guests, the house is the perfect place to socialise with loved ones, featuring a pool table, large outdoor terrace, games room, outdoor table tennis table and Scotland's largest boulodrome. It’s also an ideal base for exploring the Cowal peninsula, with hiking trails, beautiful beaches and various visitor attractions right on your doorstep.
Mount Stuart, Isle of Bute
Stay in one of Scotland's most extraordinary stately homes at Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute. This gothic mansion offers a unique blend of history, art, and luxury. Its quirky and opulent interiors are adorned with intricate details, stained glass windows, and awe-inspiring architecture. You can enjoy private tours of the house, gardens, and the stunning surrounding coastline.
Mount Stuart is also available as a truly unique wedding venue. Discover more information on their website.
Ederline Estate, Kilmartin Glen
Ederline Estate offers quirky self-catering cottages set within a working Scottish estate. With over 13,000 acres of private land, lochs, and forests to explore, it’s an idyllic retreat for those seeking outdoor adventure. The cottages are lovingly restored and feature traditional Scottish decor, creating a homely and unique stay in a breathtaking setting.
Mansefield House, Loch Lomond
Situated on the shores of Loch Long, Mansefield House and Mansefield Studio provide you with uninterrupted views of the loch and the Arrochar Alps. The main house offers large, cosy rooms filled with character, while the studio is a self-catering option with artistic decor and views of the Highlands. This property is ideal for those who want to explore the rugged beauty of Scotland’s West Coast.
Quirky Places to Stay for a Romantic Getaway
The George Hotel, Inverary
Imagine spending a romantic weekend in a cosy suite with century-old stone walls, a candle-lit spa bath, an open fireplace, a couples rainfall shower and a super king bed...if that doesn't sound romantic, we don't know what does! The George Hotel in Inverary offers a fantastic blend of indulgence and Scottish charm, all whilst the best of Argyll is right outside your doorstep.
Loch Riddon Bothy, Cowal
Loch Riddon Bothy is a quaint hideaway offering simple but quirky accommodation. Nestled on the shores of Loch Riddon, this bothy is perfect for adventurers seeking a romantic, off-the-beaten-path experience. The remote location offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting, star gazing and outdoor activities, all while enjoying the rustic charm of this traditional Scottish bothy. Equipped with a wood-burning stove, sundeck and outdoor BBQ, this bothy combines rural charm with modern luxuries, making it a fantastic place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Woodside Lodge, Loch Goil
This luxurious yet quirky property on the shores of Loch Goil offers a treehouse-style lodge surrounded by stunning scenery. Woodside Lodge is ideal for couples seeking a romantic, unique escape, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the loch and mountains. The lodge is beautifully designed, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
The main house is also available as a wedding venue. Head to their website to discover more information.
Torrisdale Castle Estate, Kintyre
Torrisdale Castle Estate, located on the Kintyre Peninsula, offers an array of accommodation options, from luxurious apartments within the castle to eco-friendly glamping pods with breathtaking sea views and access to a private beach. The estate is also home to the award-winning Beinn An Tuirc gin distillery. For a truly unique and fun experience, why not spend an afternoon at their gin school? Over the course of three hours, you will blend your very own bespoke gin and take home two 20cl bottles along with other goodies.
Stable Cottage, Loch Fyne
For a cosy cottage escape, head to Stable Cottage near Loch Fyne. This beautiful 3-bed, 300 year old converted Stables with luxury touches is located in an historic and quiet settlement by Loch Fyne. Surrounded by lush landscapes, this cottage is the perfect base for walkers, nature lovers, and those looking for a peaceful Scottish getaway.
Quirky Places to Stay in the Inner Hebrides
The Machrie
Located on the Isle of Islay, The Machrie offers a blend of luxury and quirkiness with its modern design and historic links to the island's famed golf course. Overlooking the rugged dunes of the Scottish coastline, this hotel offers world-class golf, stunning sea views, and top-notch dining. For those looking for a quirky but luxurious stay on Islay, The Machrie is the ideal choice.
Head to their website to discover seasonal offers and upcoming events.
The Majestic Line
For a truly unique West Coast experience, consider staying aboard a luxury mini-cruise with The Majestic Line. Enjoy a unique adventure aboard one of their five small cruise ships, which could also be classed as a floating boutique hotel. Each ship has been designed to access remote and sheltered anchorages that larger boats find inaccessible. Sailing from April to October, you can choose from a selection of short- or longer cruises, providing you with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and explore the hidden corners of the Inner Hebrides. Enjoy gourmet Scottish cuisine, stunning landscapes, and the tranquillity of life at sea in this one-of-a-kind accommodation.
While these quirky places to stay on Scotland’s West Coast offer unique and memorable experiences, Argyll & the Isles is brimming with even more to explore. Beyond your accommodation, the region is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural history, and outdoor adventure. From the captivating wildlife to the enchanting islands like Iona and Mull, and iconic attractions such as Kilmartin Glen and Inverarary Jail, every visitor will find something to love. Whether it’s hiking the rugged coastline, exploring ancient ruins, or immersing yourself in local traditions and festivals, Argyll offers countless reasons to keep coming back.
