Arrival/Check-In: We arrived at 9:30 a.m. after disembarking from the Hebridean Princess in nearby Oban, expecting to leave our luggage and explore the island until the official check-in time. Instead, staff welcomed us into an elegant parlor, offering coffee and tea while the general manager completed our paperwork. She spoke warmly about the island and the hotel as we finished our drinks, then walked us through the property and led us to our suite, where our luggage was already on racks and everything was ready.
Guest Quarters: Our spa suite opened from a private, wall-enclosed patio with a hot tub and a spacious sun porch. The living area was generous, flooded with natural light from a wall of windows and a skylight above two large sofas positioned in front of a fireplace. A round glass table with chairs sat near the windows alongside a well-lit writing desk. A bowl of fresh fruit and two bookcases stocked with contemporary fiction, classics, nature guides and books about Scotland added a homely touch. The décor was smart and contemporary, rendered in soft, creamy tones.
The bedroom featured a king-sized bed with roomy nightstands and tall reading lights. A walk-in closet provided ample storage, a full-sized ironing board and a pants press. The oversized bathroom offered a wide vanity with custom herbal amenities and useful extras between two sinks. The shower was in a separate glass-enclosed stall, distinct from the deep soaking tub.
Services/Amenities: Although our suite sat beside the flower gardens near the spa and indoor pool, the manor house remains the island’s focal point, with several comfortable living rooms, a clubby library-bar, formal dining rooms and a bright sun porch. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea served on tiered trays either inside the solarium or at terrace tables. Each evening began with aperitifs in the sun porch or library as we chose from the menu, then we were escorted to the elegant dining room. Service was impeccable, and the cuisine stood out: every course of the four-course dinners was plated with artistic care, highlighting locally sourced ingredients and precise technique. The cheese trolley was particularly memorable.
The estate sits on 300 private acres with perfectly kept lawns edged by trees. Eriska’s golf course runs along one side of the island, while a network of walking trails crosses the remainder of the grounds — trails we explored extensively during our three-day stay. We also played croquet and spent a day kayaking in Loch Linnhe, enjoying the island’s waters and vistas.
The Experience: Crossing the bridge to the island felt like arriving at a relaxed house party. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming; staff deliver flawless service with genuine warmth that quickly makes guests feel at home despite the grand setting. The house’s décor respects its era without feeling heavy or cliché — there are no overbearing tartan walls or hunting trophies, just a tasteful, comfortable style. On future business trips to Glasgow or Edinburgh, we’ll be sure to unwind here for a few days.
GT Checklist
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- State-of-the-art fitness center
Isle of Eriska Hotel
Benderloch by Oban
Argyll, Scotland PA37 1SD
United Kingdom
tel 44 1631 720 371
eriska-hotel.co.uk