The Airds Hotel and Restaurant

Arrived on a wet afternoon looking forward to this “luxury” boutique hotel which looked fabulous on the website. There is no conservatory at the front anymore. Just a broken wall remaining and some weedy planters. The front door was locked with a notice telling us to phone to get in. Not a good start. Still we looked forward to the roaring log fires and maybe some afternoon tea we’d seen being served on the website. Forget it. Not a fire was lit during our stay and we’ve experienced more atmosphere in a Travelodge. The front door is locked all day until 4pm seemingly with guests being given a key code to gain access. Shades of Youth Hostelling! The dining room obviously isn’t used anymore but a small room at the front and the bar (which we never saw anyone in) closes at 8pm! We had hoped to enjoy some local seafood for our dinner - it is the west coast after all. Langoustines, mussels, maybe even lobster. Nope. The oysters we were told weren’t on and much of the menu seems to have an Asian feel to it. We decided against eating in the hotel and went down the road to the recommended Pierhouse restaurant. Highly recommend. The next morning brought sunshine and we decided to wander round the gardens opposite the hotel. On the website there were tables and umbrellas out for dining - obviously taken in summer conditions so we didn’t expect to see them. What we didn’t expect to see was the contents of the hotel’s septic tank running down the lawn and the smell….This for us was the final straw. This hotel is being run down by its current owners and is relying on its past reputation. The good points (if there are any): our room was very nice but we suspect this is due to the work and investment of the previous owners. Parts of it were getting shabby and will need work soon. The Manager, Katie, couldn’t have been nicer or worked harder. The owners obviously have nothing to do with the running of the hotel. She seemed to be doing everything quite literally bar cooking. NB: There is no one on site at night but there is a phone number in case of emergency. Such a shame as several people told us that the Airds Hotel used to be one of the best hotels on the west coast. Sadly this is no longer the case and we and our friends will not be returning.

We had an overnight at Airds hotel and was made to feel very welcome by Jai from arrival to check out - food 5*!

We only stayed for a couple of nights but would have happily stayed for longer. The room was very comfortable and had a view over the loch, the food was delicious and the menu choice was good. The staff were very helpful and looked after us. The location is nice and peaceful, some easy walks and lots of fresh sea air.

Well one can only call it a shame, sorry to put it this way. Once an iconic place to enjoy has declined completely. No maintenance, no atmosphere any more. The former lovely dining room is a non atmospheric room with a still pretty amazing view. The food was ok but there was a very interesting interpretation of a venison shank plus even a better explanation for the making of it. Unfortunately no hot water in the shower with a broken shower (the staff knew it was broken, but did not tell beforehand). There was a bit of confusion too, first day of service at the restaurant. In the end amazing location that passed it’s summit not worth the price.

Lovely little hotel with professional and attentive staff. Very comfortable stay - relaxed in great facilities. The location is very hard to beat - beautiful views!