Emma What to expect when staying at The Lamlash Bay Hotel
The Lamlash Bay Hotel is a shore-front, family-run and dog-friendly hotel located in the village of Lamlash, the largest settlement on the Isle of Arran.
Getting to Lamlash Bay Hotel
Lamlash is 3 miles south of Brodick, and is under a 10-minute drive or bus journey from the ferry terminal, the main gateway to the island, connecting it to central Scotland.
Driving to Lamlash Bay Hotel takes around 7-8 minutes. Simply turn onto the A841 where it is a continuous road to Lamlash. There is free on street parking available nearby and a car park with electric vehicle charging points next to Ship House on the seafront.
If you are a foot passenger on the ferry, then local buses leave from outside the ferry terminal at Brodick. The 323A goes to Whiting Bay and the 323 further on to Blackwaterfoot (South of island route). You can take either of these buses to the Glen Isle stop in Lamlash (just before the Lamlash Bay Hotel). Click here for up to date timetable information.
Lamlash Bay Hotel was also a winner on Channel 4’s Four in a bed series in 2022.
The bedrooms
All rooms are en-suite with free WiFi is available throughout the hotel, and separate from the public WiFi provided in the bar and restaurant.
We checked into room 6 on the side of the building, which has a four poster bed with couch, coffee table and pouffe, and sea views towards the Holy Isle.
After a relaxing cuppa with the view of Holy Isle, it was soon time for dinner. The restaurant is downstairs and separate from the bar area. Non-guests can also still come in to have drinks in the bar or have a meal in the restaurant.
Lamlash Bay Hotel – dinner at the restaurant
Wednesday night specials menu
Standard Lamlash Bay Hotel restaurant menu
What to chose? The crayfish cocktail salad caught my eye. Was it being on an island that I felt the need for fish? Who knows? What I do know is that this was a healthy portion for a starter. Lots of fresh salad and creamy Marie Rose sauce coated the crayfish. The sauce had a nice kick to it, just enough to liven up the mayo.
Also feeling fishy, Mark picked the Cullen Skink. We were supposed to be eating light as the next night we were booked in for a special seven-course dinner. Mark didn’t get that memo! The Cullen Skink was creamy with lots of smoked fish and ample bread to dip into the soup. It was massive, filling portion.
For my main, I went for fish again, this time haddock and chips with minted peas and tartare sauce. Special shout out for the gorgeous crispy batter, minted peas and tartare sauce. Superb.
While the chicken Kiev calzone on special intrigued Mark, so of course he ordered it. Blistered pizza dough enveloped chicken, garlic butter and mozzarella cheese straddled the plate. So much for easing light! This was a huge portion, and very garlicky, so Mark was a happy man.
We didn’t have room in our dessert bellies, so both of us admitted defeat and retired to bed after dropping off our breakfast order with reception (each night you fill in a new form so that your breakfast is ready for you with no faff required in the morning).
It was a dull, autumn day, however the mist had cleared from the Holy Isle giving us a view whilst eating breakfast. We had cereal, yoghurt, fruit juice and fresh fruit to start.
Mark had creamy porridge made with local rhubarb and ginger jam. You can also have your porridge made with water or vegan milk.
Bacon, sausage and poached eggs for me. Plump and juicy sausages, which are also ideal on a roll (that was day 2 breakfast).
Overall verdict
A relaxing and peaceful break in Arran. Lamlash is so easy to reach from Glasgow but feels like a million miles away.
The Lamlash Bay Hotel is located right on the waterside so if you get a sea view room you will be able to look over to the Holy Isle. Don’t despair if you don’t book a sea view, there are views from the bar, restaurant and outside seating area as well. The food in the restaurant was great quality and the portions were large. Checking in and out was fuss-free, and staff were brilliant throughout.
Our room had everything we needed – a fridge would have been a bonus but not a necessity, local Arran Aromatics toiletries were provided, which we love, and a big comfy bed and couch allowed us to enjoy the view. The only issue, is that the WiFi signal in our room wasn’t the strongest, and the only phone network that picks up a reliable signal in Lamlash is EE. You can also pay for EE WiFi in the village should you need it.
We would happily return for a relaxing break, the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, so we enjoyed some drinks in the cosy bar as well, which stocks a selection of local whisky and gin and has a stove fire at the fireplace.
What to do near Lamlash Bay Hotel
In Lamlash itself there are shops such as Island Porcelain and Chameleon Clothes shop, plus bars at The Glenisle Hotel, Drift Inn and Pierhead Tavern. Made in Arran and The Old Pier Cafe (closed in winter) are nearby for sustenance.
Coast Discovery Centre is a family friendly centre where you can learn about the marine life surrounding Arran. Activities such as shore scambles, scuba taster sessions and nature trips around Arran have taken place previously (closed in winter). Lamlash Golf Club, The Arran Yacht Club, Arran Coastal Rowing Club and Arran Kayak Club are neaby and there is a bowling green and tennis courts.
For walkers there are walks such as to Dyemill and Clauchlands Point. Click here for some walks around Lamlash.
Video of Lamlash Bay Hotel
@glasgowfoodblog A couple of days away at Lamlash Bay Hotel on the Isle of Arran. Proper chillout time with walks, good food and peace. #arran #lamlash #lamlashbay #scotland #discoverscotland #vacation #shortbreak #discover #explore #fyp #hiddengem ♬ Relaxing and calming acoustic music for everyday life(1543235) – namonight
Where
Lamlash Bay Hotel, Shore Road, Lamlash, Isle of Arran, KA27 8LU
Website: lamlashbayhotel.co.uk
We received a complimentary DBB stay but Frankie can vouch for our honesty.
