The Royal An Lochan

This hotel offers a memorable escape, primarily distinguished by its stunning sea views across the Kyles of Bute, which many guests describe as breathtaking and a perfect backdrop for relaxation. It is an ideal destination for couples seeking a tranquil retreat, sightseers eager to explore the picturesque Scottish landscape, and dog owners who appreciate its welcoming pet-friendly policy. Guests frequently commend the friendly staff, the excellent food served in the restaurant, and the overall comfortable rooms that contribute to a relaxing atmosphere. While some facilities may appear a little dated, the hotel's charm and prime location consistently impress. To maximize your experience, consider requesting a room with a direct sea view to fully immerse yourself in the scenery, and be sure to sample the highly praised seafood dishes available at the hotel's restaurant.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a variety of facilities, though guest experiences vary regarding their upkeep. Many guests find the pool areas enjoyable, particularly for families, despite some noting they appear a little dated. The on-site bar, often referred to as the Shinty bar, is appreciated for its good selection of drinks, though some suggest it could benefit from a refurbishment to enhance its ambiance. Guests frequently praise the communal lounge areas, highlighting their tasteful decoration, comfortable seating, and superb views, which provide a relaxing space. While an okay gym is available, some guests reported issues with the spa and swimming pool being out of action or not being maintained to the highest cleanliness standards. Additionally, some visitors experienced difficulties with Wi-Fi access, finding it challenging to obtain the necessary password for connectivity.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. Many guests describe the rooms as spacious and appreciate the comfortable beds, often noting the high-quality linens. However, a significant number of reviews mention that rooms can appear dated or tired, with some reporting issues such as dirty carpets, toothpaste splatters on bathroom walls, and even hairs in the bed or stains on bedsheets. Some guests experienced problems with leaking showers or a lack of hot water and low water pressure. Noise from outside, such as rain leaking from gutters, was also reported by some. While some rooms offer lovely views and are described as clean, others noted a lack of regular housekeeping, with towels and tea/coffee supplies not being refreshed during longer stays.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives widespread praise, particularly for its food quality and the chef's passion. Breakfast is consistently highlighted as excellent, with guests enjoying generous portions of well-cooked options, including a full Scottish breakfast and a good continental selection. The chef is noted for being accommodating with dietary needs and using fresh, local ingredients. Many guests rave about the dinner offerings, especially the seafood dishes like mussels, which are described as delicious, high-quality, and reasonably priced. The Shinty bar is also mentioned for its good selection of drinks and lively atmosphere. However, some guests reported negative experiences, including dry or bland dishes, an inedible child's macaroni, and instances where dinner service was unavailable due to the chef's absence. A few found the food overpriced or breakfast dry and reheated.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant highlight for many guests, offering stunning sea views and a tranquil setting. It is situated right on the waterfront, providing magnificent vistas across the Kyles of Bute. The area is described as ideal for exploring, with easy accessibility to various attractions and natural beauty spots. Guests appreciate its proximity to public transport, including tram and bus stops, and a short walk to the beach. For those arriving by car, parking is available, though some guests were surprised to find an additional daily charge for it, despite booking descriptions implying otherwise. The location is also convenient for accessing ferries to nearby islands, making it a great base for further exploration.

Staff & Service
Guest feedback on staff and service is largely positive, with many highlighting the team's friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Staff members are frequently praised for going the extra mile, being welcoming, and accommodating specific requests, including dietary needs. The check-in process is generally smooth, and guests appreciate the staff's efforts to resolve issues. However, there are instances of mixed feedback; some guests reported staff being unhelpful, uninterested, or providing minimal information. There were also complaints about slow service, particularly at breakfast, and some instances where staff were perceived as abrupt or unwelcoming. Issues like double bookings and a lack of follow-up on complaints also marred the experience for a few, indicating some inconsistencies in service delivery.

Additional Information
The hotel is notably pet-friendly, with many guests appreciating the welcoming approach towards their furry companions, including special amenities like sausages for dogs at breakfast. However, some guests noted challenges in finding suitable outdoor areas for pets nearby. A recurring issue mentioned by some guests is the hotel's policy regarding room cleaning and towel changes for longer stays, which are not provided daily, requiring guests to request them. There were also reports of double bookings, leading to last-minute cancellations for some guests, causing significant inconvenience. Additionally, some visitors were disappointed to find that certain advertised amenities, such as canoe rentals, were not actually available upon arrival, despite being listed on the website or confirmation emails. The issue of unexpected charges for parking was also raised by some.