Isle Of Eriska

Isle of Eriska: A Secluded Scottish Sanctuary with Culinary Excellence

The Isle of Eriska, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled near Oban, United Kingdom, consistently garners high praise as an exceptional luxury retreat, offering guests a unique blend of tranquility, personalized service, and outstanding dining. Its allure lies in its private island setting, providing a true escape from the everyday.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Isle of Eriska is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "superb" and "exceptional." Review scores for location, comfort, and staff consistently rank very highly, often above 9 out of 10. The sentiment highlights a deep appreciation for the hotel's ability to provide a peaceful, relaxing, and luxurious experience, often leading to repeat visits.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects of Isle of Eriska:

• Location & Scenery: The stunning private island setting, with dramatic views of the Morvern mountains and Loch Creran, is a major draw. The abundance of wildlife, including seals, otters, and deer, adds to the natural charm.
• Service: The staff are frequently described as impeccable, attentive, polite, friendly, and knowledgeable, providing a personalized experience that makes guests feel like family.
• Dining: The food quality is a significant highlight, with the main restaurant often cited for its exceptional cuisine, use of local produce, and artistic presentation.
• Tranquility & Relaxation: The secluded nature of the island offers a quiet and peaceful environment, ideal for relaxation and unwinding.
• Amenities: The spa and wellness facilities, including an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, and gym, are well-regarded. Other activities like walking trails, a 9-hole golf course, and even clay pigeon shooting are also appreciated.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Isle of Eriska are generally described as luxurious, comfortable, and well-maintained, featuring quality finishes and the finest bed linen. While rooms in the main house offer a country/classic style with period furnishings and sometimes four-poster beds, outlying suites and cottages are noted for being more modern, spacious, and offering enhanced comfort, with some even including private hot tubs. All rooms are equipped with modern conveniences such as flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, free toiletries, and tea/coffee making facilities, along with air conditioning and ample power sockets. Guests particularly note the quietness of the rooms, allowing for blissful silence at night.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Isle of Eriska is a significant highlight, consistently receiving exceptional reviews. The main restaurant, which holds 3 AA Rosettes and has been described as feeling like it should have a Michelin star (it previously held one), emphasizes fresh, locally sourced Scottish ingredients, including seafood, game, and produce from the island itself. The dinner menu often changes daily and is presented with high levels of artistry. The cheese course, with an extensive selection of Scottish and non-Scottish cheeses, is frequently singled out as a standout.

Breakfast, served in the main restaurant, is also highly praised for its quality and selection, including traditional Scottish options, smoked salmon (often smoked in-house), and indulgent dishes like scrambled eggs with caviar. Complimentary afternoon tea is a popular daily event. More casual dining options are available at the Deck Restaurant (bistro above the spa), offering fabulous views towards the loch.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Isle of Eriska is a cornerstone of its positive reputation. Guests consistently praise the staff for being polite, attentive, impeccable, friendly, helpful, and discreet. Many reviewers highlight how the staff make them feel like personal guests in a private country house, or even part of the family, demonstrating charm and extensive knowledge. This high level of personalized hospitality contributes significantly to the overall luxurious and relaxing atmosphere.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is uniquely situated on its own 300-acre private island, connected to the mainland by a narrow wooden bridge, making it easily accessible without the need for ferries. This secluded location, 25 minutes from Oban and around a 2-hour drive from Glasgow Airport, provides breathtaking views of Loch Creran and the Morvern mountains. While its isolation is a key appeal for a tranquil escape, it means guests are encouraged to dine on-site, as external dining options require a drive. The island itself offers numerous walking trails, wildlife spotting, and a golf course.

7. Value & Pricing

Isle of Eriska is a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. Standard double rooms range from approximately £360 to £495 per night, while more expansive options like Hilltop Reserves can be £550 to £710 per night, and cottages even higher, often exceeding £1000 per night. These rates typically include bed and a full Scottish breakfast. While some guests find the evening meals to be expensive, the overall sentiment regarding value for money is generally good, given the exceptional location, service, and dining experience. However, some reviews indicate that while the lodging side is spectacular, the main dining room might not always justify its high price point for certain guests.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring criticisms appear:

• Afternoon Tea: Some guests have found the afternoon tea to be a little "underwhelming."
• Dining Cost/Experience: Although dinner is generally highly praised, some guests have felt it was expensive and, in a few instances, the service for dinner was slow or the flavors were bland considering the price. One review mentioned confusion regarding breakfast and dinner arrangements upon arrival.
• Pillow Quality: A minor complaint mentioned was the quality of the pillows, described as "cheap feeling."
• Spa/Room Datedness: While recent renovations have updated many areas, some older reviews or comments suggest certain rooms in the main house or parts of the spa might feel a bit dated or tired to some guests. However, newer reviews indicate significant investment and modern updates.
• Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome in bedrooms for a fee, but are not permitted in public rooms or areas of the hotel, which can be an inconvenience for some pet owners.
• WiFi Spotty: Some guests have reported issues with spotty Wi-Fi in their rooms.

Sources

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