Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island

Disappointing afternoon tea. I’ve visited many times to enjoy a spa day and afternoon tea and whilst everything else was as expected the afternoon tea has taken a decline. There is a sandwich less and the scones are tiny! It’s very poor compared to quality, standard and prices at many other establishments.

Main restaurant is no longer Michellen star. Barely edible - not nearly worth anything close to $400 for a dinner and drinks for 2. Deck restaurant better than main house restaurant but very basic. Everyone is very nice but not well run. Inconsistent communication and half hazard check in. Wi-fi seems slower than dial uo at 2 Mbps download and not even 1 Mbps upload. When you spend over $1000 à night you expect everything to be way above standard, not below. The Hilltop Reserve rooms do have an amazing views and comfortable rooms. Don't let the 5 star fool you. Not worth it. Better to go to The Flodigarry Hotel on Isle of Skye.

The hotel, located on its own island is around 20 minutes drive out of Oban. Due to its fairly remote location a car is essential to enjoy the surrounding area although some organised tours seem to pass through. Rooms are traditionally Scottish but well maintained with, in our suite, a modern bathroom and, due to the location offer a quiet night’s sleep. Dining is either in the traditional main dining room (a touch dark but with a conservatory extension attached) with a three course à la carte menu or two minutes stroll away in the Deck restaurant which is above a very attractive pool and spa. The Deck offers a choice from around a dozen “small plates” and recommends 5 or 6 plates per couple. Apart from the excellent food you get a wonderful view over Loch Linnhe and its surrounding mountains. Service throughout is good with the exception of breakfast where, inexplicably, the service is slow and not very reliable. That minor gripe aside, most visitors will have an enjoyable experience at a first class hotel.

We spent two nights at the Isle of Eriska Hotel to celebrate my 50th birthday and our 20th anniversary. It was just wonderful! The hotel is beautifully decorated and our room was immaculately presented. The food at the main restaurant was exquisite and we enjoyed a lovely evening meal at The Deck. It was so special to explore the island and to find quiet spots to relax and enjoy stunning views. The spa facilities were an added bonus. The staff could not have been more friendly and helpful. I read a review which described the experience of staying at this hotel as "utter bliss" and I couldn't agree more.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Eriska and I hesitate to say how good it is in case there isn’t room for me next time I want to go! From the moment you arrive there is a sense that nothing is too much trouble. Luggage appears and disappears by magic, there is a concern to provide anything you might require. The hotel is an island with wonderful wild areas to explore at leisure, there is a spa with a superb indoor pool and there are plenty of outdoor facilities for warmer weather. The grounds are teeming with birds and wildlife and if the weather is damp or cold you can sit in the conservatory with a drink and watch it all. The public rooms are very spacious and comfortable, though a little warm when we were there. The guest rooms are beautifully equipped and really cosy. Meals are superb. Breakfast was a true feast with wonderful ingredients well cooked. Dinner in the main restaurant has a short menu but the food is very good. Perhaps my only complaint would be that they could do with changing the menu daily when it is so short. In all, this is definitely the best hotel I’ve been to in the Uk and we will definitely return next year. Thank you to all the staff.