Loch Melfort Hotel Room Directory

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View and Download a PDF version of our ROOM DIRECTORY.

Dear Guests,

Over the last fourteen years we have strived to become one of the best family run country hotels in Scotland, and in 2018, VisitScotland awarded us 4-stars, a reflection of our investment in improving the property, the hospitality offered and customer care provided – something we are very proud of.

2020 and 2021 were a very challenging year for all of us and we are so glad that we have been able to reopen and welcome you back here again.

As we are a rural hotel, we do have our own private water supply and at times of heavy rain the water can appear very ‘peaty’ in colour. We have an advanced filtration system which uses both filters and Ultra Violet light which ensures that it is safe to drink. Our water is inspected by the local council at regular intervals. Rest assured that while the colour may occasionally be a little strange, the taste is delicious and we think it makes us all look younger (or is that wishful thinking!). We try to avoid the heavy use of industrial chemicals when cleaning and prefer to use eco-friendly products where possible, as all our water eventually flows into the sea after passing through our waste system and reed bed.

You will notice that where possible we also try to use energy saving lightbulbs or eco-friendly alternatives throughout the Hotel. A 150kW wood pellet boiler has replaced two 30 year old oil boilers improving efficiency and reliability. Locally sourced Scottish wood pellets help improve sustainability, with Loch Melfort benefitting from a carbon saving of over 76 tonnes per year – the equivalent of boiling over 3 million kettles. We are now also using commercial sanitising products in all our rooms. Read more about our commitment to the environment.

We endeavour to source as much food locally as possible, making great use of the fabulous and famous Scottish shellfish. We hold a ‘Taste our Best’ award from Visit Scotland, an accolade only awarded to those who source at least 40% of the food purchases from the local area. Read more about our suppliers.

For your convenience please find detailed below both the facilities and services on offer within our hotel and the vast array of local activities and attractions.

We trust that you have a most enjoyable and memorable stay with us and would very much welcome any comments that would assist us in achieving a perfect stay for everyone. If you would like to put a review on the internet when you leave you can choose from Facebook, Google or TripAdvisor.

Please do feel free to ask to talk to one of us, or one of our team during your stay, we are always happy to meet and talk to our guests!

With kind regards
Calum and Rachel Ross, Proprietors

History of The Hotel and Gardens

The history of the Hotel is interlinked with that of the National Trust for Scotland, Arduaine Garden next door. Arduaine House was built in the late 19th Century and became a hotel in 1967 when the Campbell family sold the house and grounds to Colin and Jane Tindal. The name Arduaine House was retained by the Campbell family and used to name the new house they built in the high ground above the Hotel; hence the renaming of the house to Loch Melfort Hotel. Read more about the History of Loch Melfort Hotel.

Hotel Services and Information

Baby Listening: Please contact Reception for baby monitors.

Churches: Our local churches are in Kilmelford and Ardfern. Please contact Reception for service times or visit netherlornchurches.org.uk

Direct Dial Telephones: Operating instructions:
To make an External Call DIAL 9 then the number required.
To telephone another bedroom add 1 before the number you require.
For example: Room 23, dial 123, Room 5, dial 105

Doctor/Health Centre: The Accident/Emergency Hospital is in Oban. Please dial 9 then 999. Alternatively call NHS 24 on 9 08454 242424. It may however be quicker to drive straight to A&E in Oban. The Lorn Medical Centre, also in Oban, has Doctors available during working hours.

Dogs: We welcome well-behaved dogs in the ground floor of the Sea View Lodge, but regrettably not in the Main House bedrooms. Dogs are allowed in all public areas. Please let us know if you intend to bring them along when you dine. Please feed them in your bathroom or outside. We reserve the right to make an additional charge should additional cleaning of the room be required. Please read our Dog Rules.

You are welcome to exercise dogs throughout the hotel grounds but please be aware of our cows and control your dog appropriately.

The National Trust of Scotland allows dogs on leads in Arduaine Garden, so you choose to walk your dog there, if you are a member or pay the relevant entrance fee. Please ensure any gates are always properly closed behind you. There are dog-waste bins located in the trees in front of the Sea View Lodge and at the end of the path going into the National Trust of Scotland Car Park. Please respect other hotel guests and clean up after your dog.

Doors To lock the front doors in the Sea View Lodge and any patio doors, first turn the door handle hard upwards until it goes no further and then lock with the key or the internal lock.

Early Morning Calls: If you require a wake up call please contact Reception. Reception can only provide a morning call after 7:30am.

Early Morning Departures: If you are departing before 8.00am, we would be grateful if you would settle your account the night before and leave your room key in your door on departure. If you require breakfast before 7:30am please order and collect your Continental Breakfast from Reception by 9.30pm the night before.

Gift Vouchers: We have a selection of vouchers available, including experience and monetary vouchers. Browse Gift Vouchers.

Late Checkout: We are sorry but due to current circumstances we require extra time to clean rooms and so we cannot provide this service.

Lost Property: Please check all drawers/wardrobes for personal belongings before you leave. We will be happy to return items left as long as you are happy to pay for the postage but regret that we cannot keep items for longer than 2 weeks. At this point any lost property will be donated to local charities. We will charge an additional handling charge of £2.50 at this time due to the extra time and sanitization required to be able to return your item safely to you.

Midges: Although you are holidaying in one of the most scenic and spectacular parts of Scotland, unfortunately there is a small price to pay during summer months – the dreaded midges!! If you leave your room at night, please ensure that you turn your lights OFF, especially if you have left a window open, to ensure you don’t return to a room full of little black insects! Midge repellent can be purchased in the gift shop.

Music Night: A music night is held every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from March. You are welcome to join us or just listen through the door if you prefer.

Newspapers: We do not have a newspaper delivery in this area so all newspapers have to be purchased after 11am from the local shop in Ardfern or from Oban.

Night Emergencies: In the event of illness please call NHS Direct for assistance. A member of staff can be contacted by dialling 201 between 11pm and 8am if there is an emergency.

Parking: Free parking is available at the front of the Hotel and in front of the Sea View Lodge. We regret that the Hotel cannot accept responsibility for loss from, or damage to, vehicles parked in the grounds.

Electric Car Charger: Our E-charger car point can be found in the car park. For more information visit chargeplacescotland.org

Payment: We accept all major debit and credit cards. If you are departing before 8.00am, we would be grateful if you would settle your account the night before.

Photocopying: Available for a small fee. Please ask Reception.

Play Area: Children under the age of 12 years are welcome to enjoy use of the climbing frame and slide in the play area situated outside The Gift Shop. Parental supervision is required at all times.

Gift Shop: We sell a full range of maps, postcards, children’s activities and gift items in The Gift Shop. A wide selection of plants are available over the summer months.

Reception: Reception is open from 8.00am to 11pm every day and can be called by dialling ‘0’. Assistance is available outside these hours by dialling ‘201’. Our Reception staff will be delighted to help you with any queries regarding local travel arrangements, places of interest to visit, onward reservation and any other information you may require.

Shoe Cleaning: Shoe cleaning materials are available at Reception.

Smoking: In accordance with the law in Scotland smoking is not permitted in the public rooms, bedrooms, balconies and corridors of the Hotel.

Swimming: Wild swimming is very popular locally and if guests wish to swim in the sea (yes it is warm enough most months!) please ask at Reception for extra towels.

Tea Options: If you require a different selection of teas in your room, please call Reception. The following is available; Earl Grey, Scottish Tea, Peppermint, Red Berry, Lemon & Ginger, Green Tea, Camomile, Darjeeling, De-caffeinated. Fresh milk is also available.

Towels: We are aiming to become a greener hotel and protect help the environment. On longer stays, housekeeping will be replacing towels every three days. Please contact reception if you require an earlier towel change.

Television and Radio: We have FreeSat television.
Other guests may be resting or sleeping so keeping the volume down would be appreciated. We regret that reception in this area is not very good at times due to the air pressure by the sea.

Water: Our water is a private supply and comes from a stream on the upper slopes of Beinn Chaorach to the west of the hotel. All our water passes through a filtration and ultra violet system and is perfectly safe to drink – even if it looks a little whisky coloured after heavy rain. We have ample hot water but early risers may find the hot water in the bathroom takes a little longer to come through than expected, so please run your taps for as long as it takes to come through!

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available free of charge in all guest bedrooms and public areas such as lounges and bar.
Network: Loch Melfort Hotel
Password: LochMelfort

Dining:
Breakfast: 7.30am – 9.45am.
Served daily in The Restaurant or as Room Service. If not done so prior to arrival, please book a time with Reception when you check in to guarantee a slot at your preferred time.

Lunch: 12pm-2:45pm
Served daily in The Restaurant and on the decking.

Coffee, Tea: 11am-4:30pm & Refreshments:
Morning coffee, afternoon tea and light refreshments are available in The Restaurant and on the decking.

Dinner: 6pm – 8:45pm
Served daily in The Restaurant.
Our Restaurant is open daily for dinner and room service is also available. If not done so in advance, please make a reservation with reception for room service or to dine at a table. Orders for dinner will be taken at your table. Please note, tables are no longer set up for dining until after you are seated. We do not have a dress code, but many guests do like to dress up a little at dinner time.

Children’s meals, special meals and high chairs are available. Please contact Reception to arrange.

Please also contact Reception regarding any special dietary requirements that have not previously been made aware to us.

Packed Lunches: An order form can be picked up from Reception. Please complete and leave your order with Reception by 9.00pm the night before. It will be freshly prepared for collection the following morning.

Drinks: Tea, Coffee and other soft drinks are available all day. Alcoholic Beverages are served from 11am to 11pm. After 11pm, only residents may purchase drinks from the bar, which will be charged to your room. Our Bar has a fine Malt Whisky Collection as well as an extensive range of interesting gins!

Room Service: Continental breakfast is available between 7:3am-9:45am. You are welcome to leave your continental breakfast order with Reception by
9.30pm the night before.

For dinner please contact Reception on Ext. 0 to place your order for dinner. Please also dial Ext 0 when you have finished, for tray removal.

Ice Bucket: An ice bucket and glasses can be provided to your room at a charge of £2.50.

Things to See and Do

There are many things to see and do within the surrounding area. You may well wish to simply enjoy the gardens and grounds at Loch Melfort Hotel with a good book and a chilled drink without leaving your doorstep! However, should you wish to venture further and sample some of the many other delights within the locality then we have several suggestions below.

Our Team is well versed with the area and further afield so please feel free to approach us for a chat. Alternatively search through our comprehensive Things to See and Do web pages.

A full range of leaflets detailing local activities can be found on the display shelves between the lounges. Reception staff are more than happy to advise you or arrange bookings.

Animals: We have our own Highland Cattle and goats on the land to the front of the Hotel. The animals are fenced in so it is perfectly safe to walk your dogs down to the beach following the footpaths. Sheep sometimes graze near the shore. Please always keep your dogs under control. Read all about Our Animals.

Arduaine Garden: The famous National Trust for Scotland Arduaine Garden adjoins the Hotel property and is well worth a visit. Please note that the Garden is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is separate from the Hotel. Dogs are permitted in the Garden on a short lead. Just a short 2 minute stroll down the path next to the gift shop.
Open 9:30am until 4pm (closed 30th September-March) and free entry for National Trust for Scotland. There is an honesty box for non-members. National Trust Membership Forms are available at reception.

After 4pm, hotel guests have free admission, please come to reception for the key.
Beautiful all year round, the garden is particularly famous for their Rhododendrons. A fabulous 180-degree viewpoint over to Mull is worth the slight climb up through the trees!
There are also many other lovely gardens within easy driving distance. Please ask Reception for details.

Argyll’s Atlantic Islands: Why not take a boat and visit one of the many islands close to the Hotel. Small local boats take daily trips from Croabh Haven, Ardfern or Easdale, or book a ferry (www.calmac.co.uk) and take the car across if you want to go further afield. There are also many small boat trips operating out of Oban Bay.

Isle of Mull: The largest of Argyll’s Islands – capital Tobermory or ‘Balamory’ to young children!

Iona: The cradle of Christianity in Scotland.

Coll: Renowned for its fabulous unspoilt beaches.

Colonsay: A birdwatchers delight.

Islay: Most southerly of the Hebrides.

Jura: The least developed island. Very mountainous.

Oronsay: Practically uninhabited, a haven for wildlife.

Tiree: Beautiful white sandy beaches – perfect for surfing.

Gigha: A small fertile island off Kintyre.

Lismore: A long narrow island with delightful walking.

Seil: Separated from the mainland by the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’

Easdale: Catch a small boat from the harbour on Seil and visit the beautiful small island of Easdale, famous for producing slate, which was also used to build the Abbey on Iona.

Luing: Home to two notable iron-age forts, famous for its slate and lobster!

Scarba: A mountain rising from the sea – practically uninhabited apart from cattle.

Kerrera: Lies just off Oban. A small free ferry goes from the pier nearest to Piazza and Eeusk and there is a nice waterfront restaurant for lunch in summer months.

Staffa: A unique geological wonder made of basalt – lava that has cooled to form hexagonal columns up to 65 foot high.

Ulva: Lies just off the West Coast of Mull, oysters are cultivated here.
Gometra: Ulva’s Siamese twin…

Boats to these islands are boarded from Oban – the Seafood capital of Scotland and is approximately 18 miles away. Oban itself is a thriving town and the name ‘Oban’ derives from the Gaelic for ‘Little Bay’. The views from the bay are quite spectacular.

Beach: The nearest sandy beach is in the bay in front of The Gift Shop, dependent on tide, or at Ganavan Sands just a short drive through the other side of Oban town centre.

Cinema: The Phoenix Cinema, a small local cinema is based on the main street in Oban. Call: 01631 562 905 or visit www.obanphoenix.com

Climbing: Ben Nevis, Glencoe, Cruachan to name but a few of the many hills, Corbets and Munros that are only a short drive away.

Fishing: The hill lochs are packed with wild brown Trout and local rivers offer excellent Salmon fishing. You can fish from the seashore without a permit or perhaps hire a boat for both loch and sea fishing. Pay a small fee at Scammadale Farm and take the boat out on Loch Scammadale, approximately 15 minutes away from here north towards Oban or buy a permit at the village shop in Kilmelford for fishing at Oude Dam. Of course, you can always try your luck off the rocks in front of the Hotel and if you catch anything we’ll be happy to cook it for you!

Golf: There are several courses nearby with an 18 hole course in Oban. Call Glencruitten Golf Club, Oban on: 01631 562 868

Horse Riding: Available nearby at Lunga Riding Stables riding centre or in Kilmelford. Leaflets available at Reception.

Mountain Biking: Available at Nevis Range or the many local forestry tracks

Seafari & Sealife Adventures: Take a comfortable cabin rib and see whales, dolphins, porpoise, seals, otter, eagles, deer and seabirds, or visit the Gulf of Corryvrekan, home to the world’s third largest whirlpool.

Skiing: Available at Glencoe and Nevis Range during winter months.

Soft play: Soft play for toddlers under 5 as well as a large outdoor play area is available at Atlantis Leisure in Oban.

Swimming: Available at the ‘Atlantis Leisure Centre’ in Oban. Call: 01631 566 800 or community leisure pool in Lochgilphead. If you fancy sea swimming please ask for extra towels.

Whisky: Part of the culture of the Highlands, Oban Malt Whisky Distillery is one of the six classic malts. Call: 01631 572 004 to book a tour.

Wildlife: There is abundant wildlife around the Hotel and in the local area. Please look at the leaflets in Reception for details on wildlife, boat trips and walks.

Please ask a member of our Team who will be more than willing to assist you in recommending and planning your days out.

View and Download a PDF version of our ROOM DIRECTORY.