We had a wonderful time during our stay and wished we could have stayed longer. The house is in a great location - an easy walk into town. Colin and Frances were great hosts, giving us good restaurant recommendations and making sure we had everything we needed. They also cooked up a great breakfast in the morning with lots of options! We had a little noise from the room directly above us, but not much more than would be expected in a typical B&B. They were also very conscious about COVID and were following all recommendations It's worth it to pay a little more for a room at the front with a view. We rented a room on the side, which was nice and came with a dedicated parking spot, but the views from the house are fabulous.
We stayed at Kilchrenan House for four nights. This was our first trip away since lockdown and I had a certain amount of reservation but Frances could not have done more to make our stay safe. There was hand sanitiser at the front door and reception, outside the dining room and in our room. All staff wore masks and guests were also required to do so when leaving their rooms. Everything was extremely clean and we were given sanitised keys in a bag on check in. A huge amount of thought had gone into how to serve breakfast safely with Frances doing all the service herself in a mask and apron to avoid exposing guests to more than one member of staff. Tables were well spaced out and were scrupulously wiped down as were chair seats and backs. We could have porridge with whisky and cream to start breakfast followed by a choice of bacon and eggs, scrambled eggs and smoked salmon or pancake with an array of fresh fruit and tea/coffee toast and juice - an excellent amount of choice given the difficult times under which they are operating. Colin gave us brilliant advice about where to visit and what to look out for and made some great restaurant recommendations. We really enjoyed our trip away and wanted to thank you both for taking such good care. You both remained positive despite the challenging circumstances and the fact that you had already lost three months of business during lockdown.…
We are a retired couple (M&F) who stayed 3 nights in May 2022. In fact, we left just 24 hours ago so this review is very fresh. We were charmed by our sojourn and didn’t realise that Frances and Colin are currently constrained by Scotland’s protracted Covid regulations. Frances kept apologising for a breakfast that delighted us; apparently there is usually an extensive buffet as well as the choices of cooked breakfast we were offered. Who wants more than pancakes, berries & yoghurt or a full (really, really full) Scottish breakfast? Unless you need smoked salmon and scrambled eggs of course…and you can have that too! If that Sturgeon woman insists on working to any timetable that frustrates Westminster then Kilchrenan is beating her at her own game. We were fortunate enough to have the lovely room 5, named “Marine”, which isn’t really fair to the other businesses in Oban as we spent too much time in the leather armchairs by the picture windows overlooking the panorama of sea and islands instead of being out doing stuff. They even provide binoculars for examining passing boats & wildlife and close-ups of the businesses of the town that we weren’t visiting. And when it’s time to do necessary routine things like washing, the same view is available from the roll-top bath! (binoculars not advised). We weren’t able to use the communal lounge (see Sturgeon related problems above) but understand it is comfortable and well-liked by guests in peace-time. The other common areas were very well kept (spiffing new tartan carpet adds to the Highland, “Queen Victoria at Balmoral” experience) and the array of thank-you cards sent to Frances from past guests of the world is testimony to her endless friendly helpfulness. Frances and Colin run Kilchrenan as a very special place. Frances is so joyful in her natural element, she’s a real gem and Colin (clearly the “quiet partner”) is the chef for the aforementioned delicious breakfasts. They are currently assisted by an apparently shy young lady who serves the said breakfasts with very quiet competence. I can’t begin to understand the few negative reviews here and suspect they are from Troll Reviewers and travellers who aren’t used to the ways of British guest houses. This isn’t an hotel in the international sense; guest houses and B&Bs don’t have 24h reception, room service and valet parking! If you need that, find a Hilton or similar. Better still, broaden your experience and enjoy the comfort, hospitality and friendliness of Kilchrenan house for a proper Scottish welcome experience.…
One of my Favourite places to visit is Oban, Kilchrenan House just makes it better. Always made to feel welcome with the owners, with them offering tips of places to go and eat. The guest house is in a fab location with beautiful views and the rooms are so comfortable and clean. Colin one of the owners makes a mean Breakfast. Thank you Kilchrenan House will be back.
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