Project Description

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The Airds Hotel & Restaurant

Country Scotland
Area Port Appin, Argyll – West Coast
Property The Airds Hotel & Restaurant
Segment Tastemakers, Love nesters
Style Scotland’s finest boutique luxury hotel in a glorious lochside location
Member of Relais & Châteaux

Polished hospitality, sublime cuisine and an idyllic setting on the west coast of Scotland

THE STORY

On the banks of Loch Linnhe, pretty little Port Appin is a corner of heaven on Scotland’s glorious West Coast, with gorgeous views, an unhurried pace of life and a gem of a small hotel: Airds. The setting is a romantic dream, looking across the water at the Morvern’s mountains from a sheltered spot on the lee side of a headland. From here it’s only a stroll to the pier, for a boat trip to the magical island of Lismore. In winter the mountains sparkle in the frosty morning. Spring sets the gardens ablaze with flowering shrubs, and long summer days are an invitation to explore the great outdoors. Autumn is for gourmets to enjoy the fruits of the plentiful Scottish larder. After a sumptuous dinner, settle down beside the fire with a good book and a glass. Airds awaits.

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WINNER

  • Scottish Luxury Hotel of the Year 2020 (Good Hotel Guide)

  • Most Romantic Hotel in Scotland 2020 (Scottish Hotel Awards)

  • Romantic Hotel of the Year (Johansen’s Guide)

  • Luxury Hotel of the year 2016 (Luxury Travel Guide)

  • Hotel Quality Award of the Year for all round consistency (Hotel Review Scotland)

  • Regularly voted Luxury Hotel of the year Scotland, Small Luxury Hotel in Scotland, Most Romantic Hotel Scotland

  • Eat Scotland Gold Award

  • 3 AA rosettes retained consistently since 1996

  • Good Food Guide entry retained consistently since 1976

  • Regularly voted Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year and Restaurant Manager of the Year (Scottish Hotel Awards)

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DISCOVER The Airds Hotel & Restaurant

airds-hotel-restaurant-niche-destinations-scotland-my-perfect-day

  • Wake-up call: a pot of tea delivered to my room, with home-baked pastries and my favourite newspaper

  • A short pre-breakfast stroll around Port Appin’s headland past Clach Thoull – the rock with a hole

  • Linger over every tasty bite of Airds’ full Scottish breakfast

  • Collect my pre-ordered bicycle, whizz down to Port Appin and catch the ferry for the Island of Lismore

  • Explore the island on two wheels – discover its wealth of heritage and wildlife

  • Return to Airds for a slap-up cream tea

  • Take a long soak in a hot bath using the hotel’s Bulgari toiletries

  • Enjoy an aperitif on the terrace watching the sun setting behind the Isle of Mull

  • Dine on a delicious seasonal tasting menu, appreciate impeccably paired wines

  • Take a nightcap outside. Marvel at a breathtaking display of Aurora Borealis…

airds-hotel-restaurant-niche-destinations-scotland-accomodation

This delightful 18th century ferry inn turned luxury boutique hotel has 11 beautiful rooms including 3 suites: individually styled, classic décor and an intimate, romantic vibe. Equipped with TV, DVD/Hi-Fi and Wi-Fi, a complimentary carafe of whisky mac (local tipple) and wind-proof jackets.

Two charming 2-bedroom self-catering cottages are fully-equipped to luxury standards. Spacious and comfortable, each with a private garden and off-street parking for 2 cars.

All bedrooms and cottages have Bulgari toiletries and high-end amenities. Travel cots/high-chairs and a selection of DVD, CDs, cards and board games available on request. Cottage guests enjoy priority for reservations in Airds restaurant; breakfast baskets and picnics can be pre-ordered.

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Argyll is renowned as Scotland’s larder where delicious seafood, succulent meats and organic dairy produce is on tap. Making the most of local suppliers, Airds produces consistently exceptional cuisine, winning regular awards. The kitchen brigade’s style creates an interesting twist on traditional Scottish dishes, presented with artistic flair and a light touch. Ambience in the dining room is elegant and romantic with crisp, white linen, stylish candlelit table settings, and a spacious layout. The award-winning Scottish breakfast, served to the table, offers plenty of choice and local classics such as oatmeal porridge, Rothesay kippers and haggis. For dinner, Airds’ seasonal tasting menu is a showcase for local produce and the kitchen brigade’s artistry. Airds Sunday lunch is an institution with a loyal local following.

The cellar has a well-balanced selection of wine and whiskies. Airds’ sommelier hosts two wine tasting dinners per month, and offers a perfect wine pairing for the seasonal tasting menu.

Afternoon tea is served in the conservatory, lounges and, in fine weather, the garden. Choose between a traditional cream tea or a full afternoon tea and a glass of Champagne.

airds-hotel-restaurant-niche-destinations-scotland-insider-tip

Upgrade to the seasonal tasting menu for dinner: a thrilling mélange of delicious local flavours.

airds-hotel-restaurant-niche-destinations-scotland-best-for

  • Gourmets: exquisite cuisine – seafood fresh from the loch

  • Nature lovers: an invitation to get out and explore Scotland in all its glory

  • Romantics: spectacular sunsets, spoiling comfort, scenery to sigh for – a place to pop the question

  • Peace and tranquillity: no traffic noise to disturb your sleep here!

  • Dog lovers: your best friend is welcome to share your enjoyment of this luxurious country house hotel and its beautiful surroundings

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  • The comfortable and stylish interiors

  • Hiking in and around Port Appin

  • Castle Stalker, set on a tidal islet on Loch Laich – visits by prior appointment only

  • Land Rover tours on the Isle of Lismore

  • The wildlife: otters, red deer, pine martens, seals, Highland cattle, birds and, a boat ride away, whales, seals and puffins

  • Gin School: make your own gin and take home a bottle of your own creation

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FACILITIES
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WHAT TO DO – ACTIVITIES
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Insider Tip
  • Honour Airds’ seasonal tasting menu with the sommelier’s impeccable wine pairings
  • Pre-book Airds’ exclusive private tour of Castle Stalker: tea with the laird is a memory to cherish (April-September; access by small boat; subject to tides)

  • Time autumn or winter trips with a waning crescent moon for the best chance of flaming sunsets and the northern lights

  • Make time to discover the heritage, wildlife and culture of Lismore island in the middle of Loch Linnhe; ask Airds to arrange a Land Rover tour with Explore Lismore

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Find The Airds Hotel & Restaurant

Located in Port Appin near Oban, on the West Coast of Scotland. 162km to Glasgow airport, 207km to Edinburgh airport. 23km to Connel Ferry railway station – 3 hours from Glasgow Queen Street Station.

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