The Great Western Hotel
➔
➔
Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Info
Summary of reviewsThe Great Western Hotel in Oban is well-regarded for its prime location, offering stunning waterfront views and a central position that makes it easy to explore the town and access local amenities. Guests appreciate the proximity to shops, restaurants, attractions, transport terminals and event venues such as Corran Hall and the Calmac ferries. The scenic views, especially from the hotel's bar and spacious rooms, significantly enhance the overall experience.
The breakfast offerings at the hotel receive generally positive feedback with many guests appreciating the plentiful and varied options, including gluten-free choices and friendly service. Though some find the breakfast average or lacking certain items, the majority highlight it as a delightful start to their day. Dinner options, while praised for taste, ample portions and reasonable pricing, receive mixed reviews about food quality, service and ambiance, indicating room for improvement.
Rooms, though older and sometimes showing signs of wear, are appreciated for their comfort, spaciousness and stunning sea views. The charm of the historical building adds a nostalgic touch. However, many guests cite cleanliness issues, dated decor and maintenance problems, suggesting the need for a thorough renovation.
Staff at The Great Western Hotel are frequently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Guests commend the reception team and other staff members for creating a welcoming atmosphere and assisting with various needs. Isolated incidents of less enthusiastic service are noted but do not overshadow the positive overall sentiment.
Free WiFi is available but experiences with its reliability vary with some guests finding it adequate and others facing connectivity issues, especially on the upper floors. The parking situation is mixed with limited on-site spaces and a modest daily fee. While some guests secure convenient parking, others resort to nearby public car parks.
The hotel is family-friendly with spacious family rooms and amenities that cater to those traveling with children. Despite occasional inconsistencies, the overall environment is welcoming for families, including those with pets. The comfort of the beds is generally well-received, though some guests report issues with bed firmness and size.
As a three-star hotel, The Great Western Hotel provides a budget-friendly, basic yet satisfactory stay that meets the expectations of many guests. Despite its dated appearance and areas needing upgrades, the hotel compensates with good service, beautiful views and reasonable prices. Business travelers may find the essential amenities, like free WiFi, suitable for their needs, although a more stable connection would enhance their stay.
In summary, The Great Western Hotel offers an enjoyable experience primarily due to its exceptional location, welcoming staff and charming views, while presenting areas for improvement in breakfast variety, dining ambiance, room maintenance and WiFi connectivity.
Categories
The breakfast offerings at the hotel receive generally positive feedback with many guests appreciating the plentiful and varied options, including gluten-free choices and friendly service. Though some find the breakfast average or lacking certain items, the majority highlight it as a delightful start to their day. Dinner options, while praised for taste, ample portions and reasonable pricing, receive mixed reviews about food quality, service and ambiance, indicating room for improvement.
Rooms, though older and sometimes showing signs of wear, are appreciated for their comfort, spaciousness and stunning sea views. The charm of the historical building adds a nostalgic touch. However, many guests cite cleanliness issues, dated decor and maintenance problems, suggesting the need for a thorough renovation.
Staff at The Great Western Hotel are frequently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Guests commend the reception team and other staff members for creating a welcoming atmosphere and assisting with various needs. Isolated incidents of less enthusiastic service are noted but do not overshadow the positive overall sentiment.
Free WiFi is available but experiences with its reliability vary with some guests finding it adequate and others facing connectivity issues, especially on the upper floors. The parking situation is mixed with limited on-site spaces and a modest daily fee. While some guests secure convenient parking, others resort to nearby public car parks.
The hotel is family-friendly with spacious family rooms and amenities that cater to those traveling with children. Despite occasional inconsistencies, the overall environment is welcoming for families, including those with pets. The comfort of the beds is generally well-received, though some guests report issues with bed firmness and size.
As a three-star hotel, The Great Western Hotel provides a budget-friendly, basic yet satisfactory stay that meets the expectations of many guests. Despite its dated appearance and areas needing upgrades, the hotel compensates with good service, beautiful views and reasonable prices. Business travelers may find the essential amenities, like free WiFi, suitable for their needs, although a more stable connection would enhance their stay.
In summary, The Great Western Hotel offers an enjoyable experience primarily due to its exceptional location, welcoming staff and charming views, while presenting areas for improvement in breakfast variety, dining ambiance, room maintenance and WiFi connectivity.
Hotel near Golf Courses
This hotel is located a short 3-minute drive from Glencruitten Golf Club.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel is recommended by many travelers and offers family-friendly services and activities.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This hotel welcomes dogs. Specifics regarding amenities and restrictions for dogs are not available in the provided data.
3-Star Hotel
The Great Western Hotel is centrally located and offers convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access. Guests can enjoy meals at the restaurant and drinks at the bar.
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Guest Reviews
Situated in the heart of Oban, The Great Western Hotel is in a prime location offering stunning waterfront views. Guests frequently praise the hotel's proximity to the town center, making it a short walk to local shops, restaurants and attractions. The location is especially convenient for those attending events at Corran Hall or departing on the Calmac ferries. The hotel overlooks the bay, providing guests with beautiful sea views, particularly from the spacious rooms and the hotel's bar. Its central position is ideal for exploring the area, offering easy access to the town's amenities and transport terminals, including the railway and bus stations. Despite some minor comments, the overarching sentiment is that The Great Western Hotel's location and scenic views contribute significantly to an enjoyable stay in Oban.
At 'The Great Western Hotel', the breakfast experience received mixed reviews from guests with sentiments ranging from excellent to disappointing. On the positive side, many guests praised the breakfast for being plentiful, tasty and offering a good variety. The selection was often described as varied and satisfying with hot food options, cereals, croissants and fresh fruit. Several people also appreciated the gluten-free options available and the friendly, helpful staff. Specific mentions highlighted the breakfast as "excellent," "delicious," and "the best ever."
However, not all feedback was favorable. Some guests found the breakfast to be average or below expectations, citing issues like limited choice, poor quality and lack of certain items such as black pudding, haggis or continental options like ham and cheese. Others mentioned that the food could be bland or lukewarm and criticized the presentation and replenishment at the buffet. Instances of coach parties overloading the breakfast facilities and resulting delays were also noted.
Overall, while many guests enjoyed their breakfast experience at 'The Great Western Hotel' and found it more than satisfactory, there were noticeable concerns about variety, quality and service efficiency that suggested room for improvement.
Dining at The Great Western Hotel has garnered mixed feedback from guests with a significant emphasis on both positive and critical points. Many visitors appreciated the quality and taste of the food, highlighting that dinners and breakfasts were particularly enjoyable, often described as delicious, filling and well-priced. Ample portions and nice meals, especially the bar meals, were common praises.
On the other hand, the dining experience wasn't without its downsides. Some guests noted that the food quality did not always meet their expectations with occasional complaints of it being just average or even disappointing. Specific criticisms included meals being served cold, a limited menu and poor customer service. There were also remarks about the dining room's ambiance, described as drab and poorly lit, affecting the overall dining experience.
Evening meals were particularly polarizing with some guests finding them to be very good while others cited them as inedible or not up to restaurant standards. A common thread was the limited availability of vegan options and restrictive dinner times, which some found inconvenient.
Overall, the hotel's dining offerings seem to provide satisfactory experiences for many, especially those not seeking extensive menu options or gourmet experiences. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in terms of menu variety, service efficiency and dining environment.
The rooms at The Great Western Hotel offer a mix of experiences, but they generally lean towards the older and more worn side. Many guests appreciated the comfortable and warm beds with some rooms being spacious and offering stunning sea views. The charm of the old building with its classic architecture, adds a nostalgic touch to the stay and some rooms have been recently refurbished to a respectable standard.
However, there are significant areas for improvement. Numerous reviews highlighted issues such as dated decor, poor maintenance and cleanliness problems with frequent mentions of dirty carpets, moldy bathrooms and broken fixtures. The single glazing on the windows often leads to draughts and noise and some rooms experience significant temperature fluctuations.
Despite these drawbacks, the room sizes are often praised, as are the efforts of the housekeeping staff in maintaining tidiness where possible. Views overlooking the bay and the port are frequently described as a redeeming feature, making up for many of the hotel’s shortcomings. The hotel appears to need a thorough renovation to bring its interior up to modern standards, but its location and historical significance continue to attract visitors.
The Great Western Hotel seems to have garnered mixed reviews when it comes to the comfort of its beds. The majority of the feedback highlights that the beds are generally comfortable with many guests describing them as comfy and very comfortable. Cleanliness is also frequently mentioned with clean linens and daily made-up beds being noted positively. However, some guests did find the beds to be subpar with complaints of them being too soft, hard or even sagging. A few reviews pointed out issues with bed size with mentions of tiny or small beds and the occasional uncomfortable mattress. Despite some negative feedback, it appears that many guests still found the beds provided a good night’s rest.
The Great Western Hotel presents a mixed bag when it comes to cleanliness. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the clean and tidy rooms, featuring fresh bedding and spotless bathrooms. Some found the hotel clean and dog-friendly and appreciated the efforts of the hardworking staff in maintaining the communal areas despite ongoing renovations. There were mentions of spotlessly clean rooms and bathrooms which stood out particularly well among some reviews.
However, numerous reviews raised serious concerns about the overall cleanliness. Common issues cited include dirty carpets, dusty areas and mould in the bathrooms. Many guests reported unclean rooms at check-in with visible dirt, dust and neglected maintenance. The dated condition of the hotel seemed to exacerbate these issues with threadbare carpets, crumbling plaster and an overall sense of neglect contributing to the lack of cleanliness. Communal areas also received criticism for being unclean and smelling unpleasant.
In general, while some guests found their rooms clean and comfortable, many others felt that the hotel's cleanliness standards were not up to par, suggesting a need for significant refurbishment and more consistent cleaning practices.
The Great Western Hotel has received a plethora of positive feedback regarding its staff, highlighting the vital role they play in guest satisfaction. The general consensus is that the staff are friendly, helpful and accommodating. Many guests have noted the exceptional politeness and attentiveness of the reception team with special mentions suggesting that certain members, like Amy and Rian, excel at creating a welcoming atmosphere and efficiently handling guest needs.
Despite some isolated incidents of unenthusiastic or rude behavior, the majority find the staff to be a key asset to the hotel. Guests frequently praise the team for going the extra mile, whether it’s assisting with room changes or offering helpful insights about the locale. The housekeeping staff also receive commendations for their efforts in maintaining cleanliness, despite some feedback pointing to improvements needed in that area.
Reviewers appreciate the professional demeanor of the dining and bar staff with descriptions ranging from pleasant to superb. The manager’s proactive approach and the cordiality of the night duty staff further bolster the hotel’s reputation. In summary, while there are occasional lapses, the staff’s friendliness, efficiency and dedication significantly enhance the overall guest experience at The Great Western Hotel.
The Great Western Hotel offers free WiFi, which many guests found beneficial, especially when the connection was good. Some reviews highlighted that the WiFi worked well and was reliable in certain areas of the hotel. However, there were multiple inconsistencies with the WiFi service. Many guests experienced poor or non-existent WiFi signals in their rooms with frequent disconnections and drops throughout the hotel. These intermittent issues often left guests unable to connect to the internet, significantly affecting those staying on the top floor. While the hotel's free WiFi was appreciated, the overall experience of the internet connection varied significantly among the guests.
When staying at The Great Western Hotel, guests frequently mention the parking situation as a mixed experience. The hotel does offer on-site parking, but it's often on a first-come, first-served basis and is typically quite limited, leading many guests to seek alternative arrangements. This can be a bit confusing and challenging, especially during peak times when parking spaces fill up quickly.
There is an additional charge of £6 per night for on-site parking, which some guests found reasonable while others considered it an unwelcome surprise. Despite the extra fee, the convenience of having parking directly outside the hotel is commonly appreciated by those who manage to secure a spot. However, those unable to find on-site parking often resort to nearby public car parks, which are sometimes free but can also be subject to charges.
For those who don't mind a short walk, city parking and council car parks located close to the hotel provide viable alternatives. It's worth noting that the hotel's parking allocation and availability can change, so prospective guests might find it helpful to plan ahead or inquire directly with the hotel about current parking options.
In summary, while there are some challenges with parking at The Great Western Hotel, those who manage to navigate the system find it a convenient perk. For others, the nearby public car parks serve as a satisfactory backup.
The Great Western Hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere for families visiting the lovely seafront town of Oban. Guests appreciate the family-friendly environment and staff who are particularly good with children, making it an ideal destination for those traveling with kids. The hotel provides family rooms that are generally spacious with some featuring separate sleeping areas and large bathrooms, perfect for families looking for comfort and convenience.
However, there are some inconsistencies regarding room availability and size. While some families found their rooms spacious and well-equipped, others noted that certain family rooms were smaller than expected and additional beds or cots were not always provided when requested.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall consensus is positive. The hotel is praised for its friendly staff and good value with guests noting the pet-friendly policy that makes it easy for families to bring along their four-legged friends. The location is another highlight, offering stunning views of the sea, islands and marina and being within walking distance to the main town.
Though not all reviews were fully satisfied with the amenities provided for children, the hotel remains a favorable choice for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful touches such as room changes to accommodate pets. The Great Western Hotel is certainly a family-friendly option worth considering for a comfortable stay in Oban.
The Great Western Hotel offers a generally satisfactory experience for those seeking a budget-friendly stay in a three-star establishment. The hotel is described as affordable with basic amenities, fitting the expectations for a budget family or traveler. Despite its dated appearance with frequent mentions of tired and outdated decor, guests note that the services provided are exceptional for its three-star rating. The overall stay is enjoyable, particularly for short visits and it’s good value for the price.
However, some aspects of the hotel reflect its age with reports of crumbling decor, signs of dampness and a need for upgrades and repairs in the rooms. Although the hotel isn’t in a pristine state of repair, it compensates with friendly service and pleasant views, which enhance the overall experience.
In summary, The Great Western Hotel, while not luxurious, provides a commendable stay for the price range and star category, known to meet and in some cases exceed guest expectations for a three-star hotel.
The Great Western Hotel emerges as a solid choice for business travelers, providing essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi throughout the premises, including in dormitories. For those needing to stay connected, the hotel ensures a generally fast and reliable internet connection, which is critical for conducting business activities smoothly.
The hotel features a conference center, seminar rooms and a dedicated meeting room, making it suitable for hosting conferences and business seminars. Laptops are available for guests' use, adding to the convenience for any urgent work requirements. Although desk space in rooms is somewhat limited, the overall environment is business-friendly.
Some technical issues have been noted, such as an ineffective radiator thermostat and occasional non-functional taps, but these do not detract significantly from the hotel's suitability for business purposes. The hotel offers good Wi-Fi and breakfast, providing a friendly experience tailored particularly for business needs.
The hotel’s accessibility may be slightly challenging as some navigation systems have difficulty locating it, but once arrived, the strong business amenities and pleasant experience make it an ideal stay for any business traveler.
The Great Western Hotel is highly praised for its dog-friendly environment, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both pets and their owners. Guests frequently highlight the hotel’s exceptional accommodations for dogs, including dog-friendly rooms and facilities that cater to the needs of canine companions. It's evident that pets are not just permitted, but genuinely welcomed throughout the hotel, contributing to the decision of many guests to stay there.
The staff receive commendations for their warm and friendly approach to dogs, often offering special considerations such as changing rooms to better suit elderly pets. The hotel’s proximity to a dog-friendly beach adds to its appeal, making it ideal for those traveling with their furry friends. Positive feedback mentions the cleanliness of areas accessible to pets and the quality of service provided, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Overall, the combination of accommodating facilities, attentive staff and a genuinely pet-friendly policy makes The Great Western Hotel a favorable choice for pet owners.
Location Show Map
Location
Breakfast
However, not all feedback was favorable. Some guests found the breakfast to be average or below expectations, citing issues like limited choice, poor quality and lack of certain items such as black pudding, haggis or continental options like ham and cheese. Others mentioned that the food could be bland or lukewarm and criticized the presentation and replenishment at the buffet. Instances of coach parties overloading the breakfast facilities and resulting delays were also noted.
Overall, while many guests enjoyed their breakfast experience at 'The Great Western Hotel' and found it more than satisfactory, there were noticeable concerns about variety, quality and service efficiency that suggested room for improvement.
Dinner
On the other hand, the dining experience wasn't without its downsides. Some guests noted that the food quality did not always meet their expectations with occasional complaints of it being just average or even disappointing. Specific criticisms included meals being served cold, a limited menu and poor customer service. There were also remarks about the dining room's ambiance, described as drab and poorly lit, affecting the overall dining experience.
Evening meals were particularly polarizing with some guests finding them to be very good while others cited them as inedible or not up to restaurant standards. A common thread was the limited availability of vegan options and restrictive dinner times, which some found inconvenient.
Overall, the hotel's dining offerings seem to provide satisfactory experiences for many, especially those not seeking extensive menu options or gourmet experiences. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in terms of menu variety, service efficiency and dining environment.
Rooms
However, there are significant areas for improvement. Numerous reviews highlighted issues such as dated decor, poor maintenance and cleanliness problems with frequent mentions of dirty carpets, moldy bathrooms and broken fixtures. The single glazing on the windows often leads to draughts and noise and some rooms experience significant temperature fluctuations.
Despite these drawbacks, the room sizes are often praised, as are the efforts of the housekeeping staff in maintaining tidiness where possible. Views overlooking the bay and the port are frequently described as a redeeming feature, making up for many of the hotel’s shortcomings. The hotel appears to need a thorough renovation to bring its interior up to modern standards, but its location and historical significance continue to attract visitors.
Beds
Cleanliness
However, numerous reviews raised serious concerns about the overall cleanliness. Common issues cited include dirty carpets, dusty areas and mould in the bathrooms. Many guests reported unclean rooms at check-in with visible dirt, dust and neglected maintenance. The dated condition of the hotel seemed to exacerbate these issues with threadbare carpets, crumbling plaster and an overall sense of neglect contributing to the lack of cleanliness. Communal areas also received criticism for being unclean and smelling unpleasant.
In general, while some guests found their rooms clean and comfortable, many others felt that the hotel's cleanliness standards were not up to par, suggesting a need for significant refurbishment and more consistent cleaning practices.
Staff
Despite some isolated incidents of unenthusiastic or rude behavior, the majority find the staff to be a key asset to the hotel. Guests frequently praise the team for going the extra mile, whether it’s assisting with room changes or offering helpful insights about the locale. The housekeeping staff also receive commendations for their efforts in maintaining cleanliness, despite some feedback pointing to improvements needed in that area.
Reviewers appreciate the professional demeanor of the dining and bar staff with descriptions ranging from pleasant to superb. The manager’s proactive approach and the cordiality of the night duty staff further bolster the hotel’s reputation. In summary, while there are occasional lapses, the staff’s friendliness, efficiency and dedication significantly enhance the overall guest experience at The Great Western Hotel.
Wi-Fi
Parking
There is an additional charge of £6 per night for on-site parking, which some guests found reasonable while others considered it an unwelcome surprise. Despite the extra fee, the convenience of having parking directly outside the hotel is commonly appreciated by those who manage to secure a spot. However, those unable to find on-site parking often resort to nearby public car parks, which are sometimes free but can also be subject to charges.
For those who don't mind a short walk, city parking and council car parks located close to the hotel provide viable alternatives. It's worth noting that the hotel's parking allocation and availability can change, so prospective guests might find it helpful to plan ahead or inquire directly with the hotel about current parking options.
In summary, while there are some challenges with parking at The Great Western Hotel, those who manage to navigate the system find it a convenient perk. For others, the nearby public car parks serve as a satisfactory backup.
Family
However, there are some inconsistencies regarding room availability and size. While some families found their rooms spacious and well-equipped, others noted that certain family rooms were smaller than expected and additional beds or cots were not always provided when requested.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall consensus is positive. The hotel is praised for its friendly staff and good value with guests noting the pet-friendly policy that makes it easy for families to bring along their four-legged friends. The location is another highlight, offering stunning views of the sea, islands and marina and being within walking distance to the main town.
Though not all reviews were fully satisfied with the amenities provided for children, the hotel remains a favorable choice for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful touches such as room changes to accommodate pets. The Great Western Hotel is certainly a family-friendly option worth considering for a comfortable stay in Oban.
3 Star
However, some aspects of the hotel reflect its age with reports of crumbling decor, signs of dampness and a need for upgrades and repairs in the rooms. Although the hotel isn’t in a pristine state of repair, it compensates with friendly service and pleasant views, which enhance the overall experience.
In summary, The Great Western Hotel, while not luxurious, provides a commendable stay for the price range and star category, known to meet and in some cases exceed guest expectations for a three-star hotel.
Business
The hotel features a conference center, seminar rooms and a dedicated meeting room, making it suitable for hosting conferences and business seminars. Laptops are available for guests' use, adding to the convenience for any urgent work requirements. Although desk space in rooms is somewhat limited, the overall environment is business-friendly.
Some technical issues have been noted, such as an ineffective radiator thermostat and occasional non-functional taps, but these do not detract significantly from the hotel's suitability for business purposes. The hotel offers good Wi-Fi and breakfast, providing a friendly experience tailored particularly for business needs.
The hotel’s accessibility may be slightly challenging as some navigation systems have difficulty locating it, but once arrived, the strong business amenities and pleasant experience make it an ideal stay for any business traveler.
Dog Friendly
The staff receive commendations for their warm and friendly approach to dogs, often offering special considerations such as changing rooms to better suit elderly pets. The hotel’s proximity to a dog-friendly beach adds to its appeal, making it ideal for those traveling with their furry friends. Positive feedback mentions the cleanliness of areas accessible to pets and the quality of service provided, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Overall, the combination of accommodating facilities, attentive staff and a genuinely pet-friendly policy makes The Great Western Hotel a favorable choice for pet owners.
No, The Great Western Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Great Western Hotel.
Yes, The Great Western Hotel welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Great Western Hotel.
No, The Great Western Hotel doesn't have a gym.
Location Show Map
More Options
