Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island

This is a review of The Deck restaurant within the hotel & spa facility. Could not find an entry for The Deck as a standalone restaurant to review it there. Staying locally with no evening dining in option and so we had to venture out! This was nearby and is located on an island although you would barely notice it on the drive. Very secluded and in fact the hotel seems to be the only thing on the island. The main hotel is an old building that you instantly see when you drive up and park. However this is not where The Deck restaurant is co-located with the spa in a separate building hidden from view from the hotel and the car park. So we wasted some time wandering in and around the main hotel trying to locate The Deck or even someone to ask. Anyway we found it. As we would soon find out we would not be under any time pressure from this delay. The Deck has a sort of Scandi chalet type feel to it. Elevated on the first floor (that's 2nd floor for US visitors) and so offers a nice view over the water. Menu is a selection of small dishes and so, as typical with such menus, you have no idea how much food to order. Menu advises 5-6 for a couple but no two dishes are equal. Probably best to share everything as dishes are served as and when they are ready. As such there is no strict concept of a dish being a starter or a main for serving sequence but clearly some dishes are going to be more substantial than others (and twice the price). But the dishes will still come in whatever order the chef turns them out. Feels like a mistake to me. A bit of common sense menu sequencing would have been welcome. All food options we ordered were tasty but in fine dining portions. At least one of the dishes is Triple Cooked Chips to fill up on. As a couple we spent £80 between us on food alone and could have eaten more. So felt overpriced. £60 would be more reasonable. Restaurant not busy and so was lacking in any 'vibe' . This seemed offset by the music being pumped out at a higher than normal volume and did not really fit with the ambiance of the restaurant. It felt like it was playlist of the chef who is on full display as the kitchen is open to the restaurant. Food was served promptly and so we were in and out in remarkably short time. Probably about 45mins. Not one for a romantic slow dinner. But that gave us time to walk around the island before the sun went down.

We stayed in hilltop lodge 1 for 3 nights. The lodge is so quiet, secluded and private. You can walk down to the hotel but the path is very steep and the grass was wet and slippy and the rocky path was muddy so you need good footwear. There is a golf cart that you can request to get you from your lodge. The lodge is a good size with a well equipped kitchen. It was clean and the bed was comfortable. The bathroom was large and the shower was good. It would have been nice to have extra towels and toilet roll but it is a self catering lodge. There was a hot tub but we didn’t use it as we used the one in the spa. The only disappointing thing was the lack of WiFi and internet connection. It took 20 minutes to send a photo! We couldn’t watch the tv as it kept spinning and not connecting. We got massages in the spa which were great. I’d advise to book them in advance as they are busy. The pool and sauna were nice. We ate in the hotel restaurant one night. The food was good as was the service. It is on the pricey side but you have to expect that for a 5 star hotel. The hotel was very quiet as was the restaurant but they did sit us right next to the only other couple there! It would be better to spread guests out. It lacked a bit of atmosphere as it was so quiet. They did remember it was my birthday and I got a nice plate of treats which was a nice touch. Staff were very nice and helpful. We went for a walk and saw deer, otters at otter bay and the highland cows. It is a beautiful place in a stunning setting. Perfect for exploring the local area such as Oban, Dunollie castle, Arduaine gardens (highly recommend) Dunadd hill fort.

We had an exceptional stay at the Isle. The location provides a beautiful, serene atmosphere with the isle location. From the country house feel, to a complete 5 star experience, the personal way they convey it is very impressive and very much appreciated. The property was impeccably kept and the atmosphere was serene. The Victorian Junior Suite was an amazing spacious and exceptional room. The architectural elements and ceiling details, along with the 4 post bed were a highlight. Throughout the facilities the attention to cleanliness and the seemless manner it was done was remarkable. The Spa and pool area were a real treat and our treatments were exceptional and a nice break as was the amazing boat tour around Lismore and the Isle of Mull. Our tour guide took us on an amazing journey, full of natural wonders. The The Main House Restaurant and The Deck Restaurant provide two exceptional and different dining experiences. Both with exceptional food and service. The Deck Restaurant has a beautiful view. Of course, no matter how amazing the property is, without the staff enhance it, well…. The staff here made the whole experience that much better. From leadership on, the professional, personal and warm manner which they provide such an exceptional experience is impressive. No kindness, nor detail is missed. Anything is possible and nothing is ever a problem. They provide a wonderful

We had a very enjoyable afternnon tea here. We opted to take it in the conservatory. Surroundings were excellent looking out on to a large lawn and trees in the distance.Food was very good and service was very discreet.

Over the last few years, we normally stay at a property in Fort William. Although we didn't stay this time, we did stop off for a brilliant afternoon tea experience. Last year when staying, we learnt of a sister property to our usual hotel called Isle of Eriska. We thought we would try this knowing how good the other properties in the group are, and we are glad we did. We couldn't fault our experience. The room was beautiful, clean and well appointed. The welcome, the service throughout was friendly and attentive but not over the top and intrusive like I have experienced at other high end properties. The meals were lovely as well when we had dinner in each of their dining options and of course the inclusive breakfast. You could tell a lot of thought and time went into each dish and ingredient. The team were also wonderful with my little girl. We are sometimes a bit anxious going to nice places with our now 6 year old, but the team were friendly and polite with her, which put her at ease so in turn, us at ease. We are very thankful for the effort's of the team to make our stay special and memorable, thank you. Rob, the General Manager wished us well at departure and hoped to see us again. For our annual Highlands trip, I am sure we will be back.