Inversnaid Hotel doesn't particularly have to try to lure the intrepid traveller - it's slap bang in the middle of the West Highland Way, and one of only a handful of hotels for at least ten miles.
Sitting just off the shores of Loch Lomond, half its battle for custom is already won - you can't argue with a view like that. Being located in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, it must see its fair share of voyagers throughout the year.
It certainly has room to take them in - I was a bit in awe of its size. I have family out in this side of the world and often trek up here with fellow hillwalking fiends, but I have never seen a hotel of its stature beyond Tarbet.
However, being a massive fusspot and wishing that every hotel in the world resembled a country lodge, I wasn't too fond of its decor. It's overtly Scottish, from the well worn tartan carpets to the curtains. Don't get me wrong, I love a bit of tourist tatt, but this particular brand seemed a bit detached. It might've been to do with the fact I visited off season, but the restaurant seemed cold and a bit sterile.
As has been mentioned before, the food was underwhelming - although the burger I had was nice, it seemed like a flipped-over-the-grill number. The dining room was devoid of company, so I wasn't even that keen to stay for a cuppa. Which is a shame, because the staff were really lovely and interesting to talk to.
The exterior of the building is a bit Prisoner Cell Block H, although it clearly has enough room to accommodate the population of Argyll in its entirety. I noticed there was an abundance of in house entertainment in the evenings, which I can imagine some retired folks enjoying. In that regard it seemed a bit like Blackpool, which I actually love, since ballrooms and crooners are the making of a cracking night out.
So overall, Inversnaid gets a bit of an inversnippy review from me. Lovely staff, lots of room, but too corporate for such a gorgeous part of the world. read more