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Summary of reviewsThe Ranald Hotel in Oban stands out for its exceptional location, modern amenities and warm hospitality, making it a popular choice for travelers. Ideally situated in the heart of Oban, guests appreciate its proximity to the train station, ferry terminal and town attractions, providing an excellent base for exploring local sights. Despite being centrally located, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat, perfectly balancing convenience with tranquility.
Guests consistently commend the hotel's breakfast experience, highlighting its quality, variety and delicious offerings, including hot options and unique dishes like Scottish breakfast and French toast. The attentive and friendly staff contribute significantly to the positive dining experience. While there are minor suggestions for expanding the breakfast variety, it remains a standout feature for many visitors.
Rooms at The Ranald Hotel receive accolades for their modern decor, cleanliness and comfort. Many guests found the accommodations spacious and well-equipped, featuring firm beds and cozy amenities. However, room sizes vary with some smaller, compact rooms noted especially on higher floors, which lack elevator access. Nonetheless, the overall impression is one of satisfaction with the clean, comfortable and well-maintained rooms.
Cleanliness is a hallmark of the hotel with numerous guests praising the spotless rooms and common areas. The crisp, clean bed linens and well-maintained facilities further enhance the guest experience. Occasional minor lapses aside, the hotel's high standards of cleanliness are widely recognized.
The staff's hospitality is frequently highlighted as a major positive with reviews noting their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. The reception staff, in particular, receive praise for their warm welcomes and readiness to assist, significantly enhancing the overall guest experience.
The hotel provides mixed experiences with WiFi connectivity with some guests enjoying fast and reliable service and others encountering intermittent issues. Families will find the hotel accommodating with spacious and well-equipped family rooms and additional amenities like a kid-friendly playground adding to the appeal.
While the beds receive mixed reviews with some guests finding them very comfortable and others noting issues with firmness or height, the overall sleeping experience is largely positive. The hotel's accessibility, however, presents challenges for those with disabilities, notably due to the lack of an elevator and steep stairs.
In summary, The Ranald Hotel impresses with its outstanding location, modern and clean accommodations, excellent breakfast and welcoming staff, making it a favored option for travelers looking to experience the charm of Oban. Show more
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Categories
Boutique-style Hotel
Located in the heart of Oban, this hotel offers a modern and stylish experience. The personalized service and convenient location make it a great boutique choice for exploring the town.
Hotel near Golf Courses
This hotel is situated 1.3 km from Glencruitten Golf Club, providing close access to the course.
Accessible Hotel
The hotel has one ground floor disabled access super king size guest room that can be a double or twin room. It is close to local amenities and attractions.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Small Hotel
Hotel with Tennis Courts
Room Types
Small Double RoomA king-size bed, free Wi-Fi and an en suite shower room are featured in this room.
Double RoomA king-size bed, free Wi-Fi and an en suite shower room are featured in this room.
Grand Double or Twin RoomA super king-size bed, free Wi-Fi and an en suite shower room are featured in this room.
Requests for the room to be made up as a twin must be received 48 hours prior to arrival.
Luxury Double or Twin RoomA lounge area, 43-inch flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi are provided in these rooms.
Requests for the room to be made up as a twin must be received 48 hours prior to arrival.
Grand Double or Twin room (With Wheelchair Access) The twin/double room provides a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The twin/double room features a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, an electric kettle, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, as well as an inner courtyard view. The unit has 1 futon.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of Oban, The Ranald Hotel boasts an ideal location that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in all that the town has to offer. Conveniently situated just a few minutes' walk from both the train station and the ferry terminal, the hotel serves as a perfect base for travelers. The central, yet quiet, location makes it easy to explore the town's main attractions, shops, restaurants and scenic harbor with minimal effort.
Set on a side street, The Ranald Hotel offers a serene retreat in close proximity to Oban's bustling activities, ensuring a restful environment. Visitors appreciate the easy access to public transport, including the nearby railway station and find the various nearby parking options advantageous for those traveling by car.
The hotel’s prime location places it within walking distance of everything, including supermarkets, local eateries and cultural sites. Guests repeatedly highlight the convenience of being situated so centrally while still enjoying the peace and quiet of a less trafficked street. This combination makes The Ranald an excellent choice for those looking to experience Oban from a comfortable and accessible vantage point.
In addition to its perfect placement, guests frequently commend the hotel's modern accommodations and cleanliness with cozy rooms providing a comfortable stay. The warm hospitality of the staff and the excellent breakfast further contribute to a satisfying and enjoyable experience.
Whether passing through for a brief visit or planning a longer stay to soak in the local sights, The Ranald Hotel impresses with its outstanding location, making it a preferred spot for travelers keen on exploring the charm of central Oban.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at The Ranald Hotel generally receives high praise from guests for its quality, variety and service. Visitors often commend the food for being delicious, freshly prepared and innovative. A wide range of choices is available, including both hot options and continental items like cereals, yogurt, toast, eggs and bacon, each met with positive reviews for its taste and freshness. Many guests appreciate the focus on cleanliness and the attentive, friendly staff who contribute to an efficient dining experience.
Notably, the hotel's Scottish breakfast and unique delicacies like French toast and pancakes received special mentions for their exceptional quality. There is a consensus among many guests that breakfast not only met but exceeded expectations, making it a highlight of their stay. Additionally, options catering to various dietary preferences such as vegan and gluten-free are appreciated.
However, some guests felt the breakfast offerings could be more expansive, indicating a few limitations in variety. Several reviews pointed out that certain items like croissants were less fresh and occasional lapses in setup timing were noted. During peak pandemic times, the continental-only and in-room breakfast services led to some dissatisfaction among guests expecting a full cooked breakfast.
Despite minor critiques, the overall impression is that The Ranald Hotel provides a satisfying breakfast experience with an emphasis on quality, attentiveness and a pleasant atmosphere, making it a worthwhile addition to the stay.
Rooms
The Ranald Hotel's rooms have garnered a mix of feedback with a considerable emphasis on their cleanliness, modern decor and comfort. Rooms are frequently praised for being spacious, spotless and well-maintained, offering cozy ambiance and modern amenities. Many visitors appreciated the large and luxurious rooms with features such as firm, supportive beds, well-equipped bathrooms and comfortable furnishings. The hotel also provides practical amenities like ample hanging space and good TV services.
While the decor and cleanliness score high points, the room sizes appear to vary significantly. Several reviews mention spacious accommodations, but there's a notable number of comments highlighting small, compact rooms, particularly those on higher floors which may feel cramped and might lack elevators for easier access. Some guests experienced issues with room temperature, finding their rooms too warm or too stuffy with the occasional need for extra fans.
Views from the rooms were another point of contention. Some rooms face unappealing sights like stone walls or cliff faces, which detracted from the overall experience for some guests.
Overall, The Ranald Hotel offers modern and clean rooms with varied sizes and views, focusing on comfort and convenience. However, visitors should be aware of potential room size limitations and temperature control issues.
Beds
The beds at The Ranald Hotel receive a wide range of opinions from its guests. Many visitors praised the beds as very comfortable, cozy and clean. Words such as "super comfy" and "firm supportive beds" frequently appear and some guests enthused about the spaciousness of the rooms and the comfort of king-size beds. Reviews often highlighted how clean and well-maintained the sleeping arrangements were. However, several guests found the mattresses to be too firm or thin, outlining issues with discomfort. While certain beds were described as very supportive and solid, others were noted to be hard or short with a few reviews mentioning the need for additional pillows or blankets. Despite these mixed reviews, many found their overall sleeping experience at The Ranald Hotel to be quite satisfying, accentuated by compliments on spacious rooms and superb breakfast offerings.
Cleanliness
The Ranald Hotel stands out for its exceptional cleanliness and modern charm. Guests have consistently praised the property for being spotlessly clean and well-maintained with rooms that are immaculately presented. The rooms are not only very clean but also comfortable and cozy, making them ideal for both short and extended stays. Visitors have lauded the hotel’s modern amenities and stylish decor, noting that the spacious rooms and bathrooms are especially fresh and tidy.
Many reviews highlight the comfortable beds and clean, crisp bed sheets, ensuring a restful experience. The hotel's central location also adds to its appeal, offering convenience without compromising on the peaceful and quiet environment. Guests have noted the high standards of cleanliness in both the rooms and communal areas, including the bathrooms, which are frequently described as exceptionally clean.
The friendly and efficient staff contribute to the overall positive experience, ensuring that the hotel remains a welcoming place to stay. Plush towels and well-maintained facilities further add to the comfort, while the quality of the breakfast has received commendations for being delightful.
Despite a few isolated instances where cleanliness standards faltered, such as issues with dirty linens or missed cleaning on subsequent days, the overwhelming majority of guests found The Ranald Hotel to be superbly clean and comfortable, making it a top choice for travelers seeking a pristine and relaxing environment.
Staff
The staff at The Ranald Hotel receive consistently positive feedback for their hospitality and service. Guests frequently highlight the friendliness, helpfulness and organizational skills of the team. The reception staff stand out for their warm welcomes, professionalism and readiness to assist with various needs, be it carrying luggage or providing information. Many describe the staff as incredibly attentive and accommodating, often going out of their way to ensure a pleasant stay. Despite occasional mentions of insufficient staffing, the overall service experience is marked by polite and engaging interactions, contributing to a home-like feel at the hotel. The efforts of the hardworking and cheerful breakfast staff and specific individuals like Vladimir at the reception are particularly appreciated, enhancing the guest experience at The Ranald Hotel.
Wi-Fi
The Ranald Hotel provides a mixed experience when it comes to WiFi connectivity. Guests highlighted some positive aspects, such as fast and good WiFi access, while others mentioned that the WiFi signal was excellent or very good. However, there were also several less favorable mentions with reports of spotty or intermittent connectivity, weak signals and instances where the WiFi didn't work at all or vanished at night. It suggests that while some guests may enjoy hassle-free internet access, others could encounter issues depending on their location within the hotel or the time of day.
Family
The Ranald Hotel offers several appealing aspects for families traveling with children. Many guests highlight the spacious and comfortable family rooms, which feature amenities specifically designed to accommodate families. The bright and well-equipped family suites provide a pleasant stay for families of four, including two large double beds that are particularly appreciated by guests. These rooms offer a good amount of space, making them comfortable for both adults and children.
Despite some feedback about room size being insufficient for a family of four with all their luggage, the overall sentiment leans favorably towards the family-friendly nature of the hotel. Guests often mention that the hotel is perfect for families, providing a good family experience and comfortable accommodation.
Additionally, the presence of a kid-friendly playground adds to the hotel's appeal for families with children. These facilities contribute to making The Ranald Hotel a good choice for family stays, offering convenience and comfort tailored to the needs of family travelers.
Accessible
The Ranald Hotel presents a mixed bag when it comes to accessibility for guests with disabilities. Though there are aspects that cater well to those with mobility issues, several significant drawbacks exist. On the positive side, the hotel is conveniently situated close to public transport and easy to walk to, making it easy to navigate. A helpful receptionist was noted for assisting an elderly gentleman and ground floor accommodations were arranged for guests in need.
However, several accessibility concerns were prevalent in guest reviews. The hotel notably lacks an elevator, which presents a challenge for those with arthritis or similar conditions, especially when rooms are located on higher floors. Additionally, very steep stairs and heavy bathroom doors create further obstacles for wheelchair users. Although disabled toilet facilities are present, one review mentioned they were used as a storage area, thereby limiting accessibility.
The establishment's overall facilities seem insufficiently accessible for physically challenged individuals and it lacks both parking provision and a proper wheelchair access point. These factors make it less suitable for guests with significant mobility impairments. Despite these shortcomings, the hotel's central location and helpful staff do offer some redeeming qualities.
No, The Ranald Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Ranald Hotel.
No, The Ranald Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Ranald Hotel.