Mr Foodie AA Rosette dining with beautiful sea views in Oban
The seaside town of Oban, often known as ‘The Gateway to the Isles’, is somewhere we had visited many times before, but had never actually stayed overnight, until now. Given the touristic nature of the town – on the coast, with seafood restaurants, a whisky distillery, and McCaig’s Tower providing Oban with its characteristic vista, it is popular with tourists all year round, and because it links up six different island communities to the mainland there is always a steady stream of people passing through, and as a result, plenty of hotels to choose from.
For our first overnight in Oban, we dined and slept at the aptly named Oban Bay Hotel, which is owned by Crerar Hotels, and this is the third of their hotels we’ve been to, having also stayed at the Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, around a decade ago, and Golf View Hotel & Spa, just a couple of Christmasses past. It’s located on the Corran Esplanade, just north of the centre, but within walking distance to all the main sites in town.
Why stay at the Oban Bay Hotel?
The sea views are the obvious draw, looking out over Oban Bay, towards the Isle of Kerrera, where you can also wave to the many passing Caledonian MacBrayne ferries. Premium rooms have such views, but even if your room doesn’t, the bar still does, but if you don’t want alcohol then you can also enjoy afternoon tea while looking out onto the water. They also have picnic tables outside if the weather’s good.
Above left is the mainland, while on the right is the the Isle of Kerrera.
Another feature is the spa treatments if you’re fully wanting to de-stress and make it more of a relaxation getaway. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to make use of this though.
You can watch the Oban – Mull (Craignure) ferry as it sails past. The mountains you see in the distance are also on Mull. The ferry takes around an hour.
Reception is located past the bar, so once we obtained out keys we made our way upstairs to our first floor room overlooking the bay.
Our bedroom
As it was winter, and the clocks had gone back, it was dark when we checked in (the photos prior to now were taken the following morning), and the room itself was also quite dark, being lit by non-intrusive lamp lighting, which is definitely a plus for us but some people may prefer stronger, brighter lighting. We had a dual aspect suite with all views looking onto the tranquil water, and a telescope on a tripod was even provided.
In addition, our room comprised of a comfy four poster bed, couch and chair, coffee table, TV wardrobe, dresser with mirror, vintage telephone and radio, some magazines to read, and a personalised A4 sheet with restaurant, spa, and weather info. There was free WiFi too, of course. But onto the important bit for us foodies…
On the hospitality tray we had Wee Tea Company tea, a teapot, a Nespresso with various pods, Tunnock’s teacakes, caramel logs, and Nairn’s sour cream & chive oat snacks. There was also an ice bucket, drinking glasses and a fridge stocked with fresh milk; still water; bottles of Coca Cola and Diet Coke; a can of Sprite; bottle of Peroni; and a miniature bottle of Prosecco.
The bathroom
Our en-suite had a deep bath which dispensed a plentiful supply of hot water, and a separate shower with rain drop shower head. Highland Soap Company toiletries were provided (they also have a shop on George Street, should you want to take some home with you). Also included was a shower cap, shaving, dental, vanity, and sewing kits. In the day time the window bathed the room in white light.
Dinner
The Grill Room restaurant has held an AA rosette for a number of years now. It’s quite large and was quiet when we got there, it got a bit busier but not by much though I can imagine it being packed in the height of summer.
The restaurant decor was a mix of calming (sea) blue and contrasting (sandy) brown colours.
Menus
Food Menu
Wine Menu
What we ate and drank
Starters
First up, lobster claw macaroni cheese – the classic mac & cheese pimped with meaty chunks of lobster. The macaroni was a pleasantly gooey consistency and didn’t scrimp on the cheese.
West coast chowder – a colourful, thick and creamy seafood chowder that was full of crayfish, prawns and mussels, with potatoes and herbs. Served with chewy rustic bread, and butter.
Main courses
Isle of Harris langoustines – big, meaty langos served with a side salad and wild garlic mayo. Perfect for lovers of shellfish.
Paired with a glass of Font Mars Picpoul de Pinet that had tropical pineapple and lychee aromas, and a crisp taste.
As it was a ‘Grill Room’ restaurant it would have been rude not to have a steak and so a 28-day aged sirloin was ordered. Cooked medium-rare with a good amount of charring resulting in caramelisation and Maillard flavours. Served here with chunky chips, crisps and cauliflower cheese.
We paired this with a glass of Atamisque Serbal Malbec, featuring aromas of blackcurrant yogurt, and a dry, tannic plum and blackcurrant taste, which complimented the steak.
We had no room for pudding so returned to our room, stuffed.
The following morning
After a good night’s sleep, we made our way downstairs for breakfast.
Breakfast
The continental selection included juices, cereals, yogurt, berries, charcuterie, cheese, smoked salmon, pastries and toast; while the hot food options were aplenty and featured: Eggs (Benedict, Royale, or Florentine); Full Scottish fry up; Halloumi with spinach, sage, onion and herb sausage, grilled tomato, mushroom, potato scone, and egg; Haricot bean cassoulet made with spinach, grilled tomato, mushroom, potato scone; Chorizo with smoked bacon, toasted brioche, poached egg, and spiced avocado salsa; Venison slider with toasted brioche, poached egg, and spiced avocado salsa; Oysters with lemon and Tabasco; Smoked salmon in scrambled egg; Smoked haddock and poached eggs; Smashed avocado with poached eggs, toasted sourdough, and chilli flakes; or French toast with smoked bacon, maple syrup and vanilla ice cream!
As cassoulet seemed a bit different for a breakfast option we ordered that and the haddock. The cassoulet was the vegan breakfast comprising a potato scone, mushroom, veggie sausage, tomato, spinach with a ramekin of beans in a herby tomato sauce rather than a full on cassoulet.
The haddock was a full-sized flaky piece of fish with lemon wedge and two perfectly-cooked poached eggs.
Overall Verdict
Oban Bay met all our requirements, as we needed somewhere relaxing to stay before an early ferry and bus journey the following morning. Our premium room was equipped with everything we needed. The furnishings were comfortable and the bed was cosy so we slept soundly and awoke refreshed to continue our travels. The hospitality tray was a highlight and its always great to see Scottish brands represented, and fresh milk provided.
The restaurant was really good with plenty of seafood options and stuck to filling rather than fine dining portions so deserving of its AA Rosette.
Staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay.
Early check in/out is available for £10 extra per hour, which really should be offered by more hotels.
We would happily stay here again so, if you love the sea and unobstructed sea views from your bedroom window then consider the Oban Bay Hotel, especially if you also have a late or early ferry connection; want a change of scenery from home; or are looking for a spa break in coastal surroundings.
Note that onsite parking is very limited, with spaces reserved for electric cars and disabled spaces. Valet parking is available for £25 per night. We travelled by train and it’s a direct 15-minute walk to/from Oban train station sticking to the road along the bay so it’s flat terrain and an easy walk. The buses to/from Glasgow and Edinburgh stop outside the station, and the ferry terminal is just behind it.
Pet-friendly?
The hotel is dog-friendly, for an extra £25 per night dogs can stay in your bedrooms and are allowed in most of the premises with the exception of the Grill Room Restaurant.
Accessibility
There is a lift but steps to get there so the hotel is not ideal for anyone with limited mobility.
Where
Oban Bay Hotel, Corran Esplanade, Oban PA34 5AE
Book a table/stay
We received a complimentary one night DBB stay but our views are honest and genuine.
