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Empire Travel Lodge
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Avg. £105 /night, 3/19 - 3/20
£105
per night
£105
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£104
per night
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About
#1 of 5 B&Bs in Lochgilphead
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Welcome to Empire Travel Lodge, your Lochgilphead “home away from home.” Empire Travel Lodge aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year.
Empire Travel Hotel is a family-friendly bed and breakfast offering a flat screen TV in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as free wifi is offered to guests.
Plus, guests can enjoy free breakfast, which has made this a popular choice among travellers visiting Lochgilphead. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available.
During your visit, be sure to check out one of the nearby restaurants that are within walking distance of Empire Travel Lodge, such as The Smiddy Bistro (0.1 mi), Lee Garden Takeaway (0.1 mi), or Taj Mahal (0.1 mi).
There is no shortage of things to do in the area: explore popular ancient ruins such as Arichonan Clearance Village.
Empire Travel Lodge puts the best of Lochgilphead at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
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Property amenities
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Family
Location
Union Street, Lochgilphead PA31 8JS Scotland
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 58 out of 100
58
14 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
Very welcoming, clean, smells fresh, great price can not fault the stay whatsoever, good value for the Bucks,
Would recommend to others. Great hosts saved me a room no messing around. You will not match the standards for a budget stay. Thank you.
Would recommend to others. Great hosts saved me a room no messing around. You will not match the standards for a budget stay. Thank you.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Empire Travel Lodge is an imaginative re-purposing of a former cinema. It is quite simple in style but completely adequate: importantly, it is very clean. The owners give the clear impression they value your custom, thereby creating a positive first impression. They take a pride in what they do. Lochgilphead is a small town that really needs some investment to reach its full potential in a beautiful location and the Empire Travel Lodge is definitely a plus for the local economy - as is the tiny Taj Mahal Bangladeshi restaurant round the corner!
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lovely spacious room for three. Comfortable, very hot water, the liquid soap had the loveliest perfume, nice large bath. The breakfast was served quickly and was excellent, tasty, hot, not greasy, square sausage marking it's Scottishness.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Lochgilphead has improved so much. Crinan Canal is near and is a delight. The only drawback is...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much to Ele and Jim for such a friendly and productive stay.
They were happy to provide hot takeaway breakfast options for my early starts, and no problem to arrive back any time of day or night. Just what you want when working at sites some distance away.
Also great to have a decent desk and be so dog friendly too, with no added charges.
For sure will stay here again when in the area.
Thanks again, Steve and Teal
They were happy to provide hot takeaway breakfast options for my early starts, and no problem to arrive back any time of day or night. Just what you want when working at sites some distance away.
Also great to have a decent desk and be so dog friendly too, with no added charges.
For sure will stay here again when in the area.
Thanks again, Steve and Teal
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed 7 & 8 September. On entering the foyer we were greeted by Ele who explained the restrictions under which she and Jim were attempting to operate their business these mainly being; items in the rooms being kept to a minimum to make cleaning easier, and the fact that they had been operating a 'grab and go' breakfast' ie juice, filled roll etc. The following morning was going to be the first time in months that they were going to serve breakfast in the dining area and Ele appeared rather apprehensive about how her guests were going receive the new layout, we were offered the choice of a packed breakfast or a 'sit in', needless to say we went for the 'sit in'
Ele and Jim need not have worried about how breakfast was going to work, masks were worn whilst going to the table with both Ele and Jim wearing same. The tables were situated in private booths avoiding any close contact with other diners, Jim explained that normally they'd have a long table set up with cereals, fruits, juices etc for self service but that, along with other unecessary decoration had been removed to prevent contact with guests and to aid cleaning. The (comprehensive) menu was chalked on a blackboard (ideal) and we were advised that whatever we required just to ask! Refills of tea and coffee were offered without asking and the hosts were friendly and attentive, joining in conversation with other guests when invited but not intruding. Breakfast was perfectly cooked and piping hot, delicious!
We were given a family room (2 single beds, 1 double) with loads of room, tea and coffee making facilities (Ele gave us a bag full more), large wardrobe, bathroom with shower over bath, and a basin with loads of room either side. The water was very hot with a notice warning of this which was just how we like it, towels wouldn't be replaced each day unless requested thereby saving energy, water etc, makes sense, who washes towels every day at home? Beds were comfy with a quilt covering, Ele offered more blankets if we required them, (we didn't). The room was clean, again with just the essentials but hey, what more do you need?
All distancing and sanitation was strictly adhered to, even the TV remote was in a sealed plastic bag! Ele had also left a note with her mobile number to call should anything at all be required.
I could go on but I think you get the gist; stay here, you won't be disappointed.
Ele and Jim need not have worried about how breakfast was going to work, masks were worn whilst going to the table with both Ele and Jim wearing same. The tables were situated in private booths avoiding any close contact with other diners, Jim explained that normally they'd have a long table set up with cereals, fruits, juices etc for self service but that, along with other unecessary decoration had been removed to prevent contact with guests and to aid cleaning. The (comprehensive) menu was chalked on a blackboard (ideal) and we were advised that whatever we required just to ask! Refills of tea and coffee were offered without asking and the hosts were friendly and attentive, joining in conversation with other guests when invited but not intruding. Breakfast was perfectly cooked and piping hot, delicious!
We were given a family room (2 single beds, 1 double) with loads of room, tea and coffee making facilities (Ele gave us a bag full more), large wardrobe, bathroom with shower over bath, and a basin with loads of room either side. The water was very hot with a notice warning of this which was just how we like it, towels wouldn't be replaced each day unless requested thereby saving energy, water etc, makes sense, who washes towels every day at home? Beds were comfy with a quilt covering, Ele offered more blankets if we required them, (we didn't). The room was clean, again with just the essentials but hey, what more do you need?
All distancing and sanitation was strictly adhered to, even the TV remote was in a sealed plastic bag! Ele had also left a note with her mobile number to call should anything at all be required.
I could go on but I think you get the gist; stay here, you won't be disappointed.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Eleanor Hunter, Owner at Empire Travel Lodge
Responded 13 Sept 2020
Many thanks for your very positive review. You are correct that we were apprehensive about our first sit down breakfast. We are striving to adhere to all the restrictions while still ensuring guests have a good stay. Your review gladdens my heart that we seem to be getting it right. Thank you for staying with us, it was a pleasure to have you as guests and I hope you enjoyed the rest of your break. Best regards Ele
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is the third time I've stayed here. I had a very nice welcome from Ele and Jim. My room was spacious, clean and very comfortable. I had an excellent cooked breakfast. At £80 for a solo traveller I would say it was excellent value for money. I will come again.
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Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Eleanor Hunter, Owner at Empire Travel Lodge
Responded 3 weeks ago
Many thanks for your very positive review Gwyn. It makes all our efforts worthwhile. It was lovely to see you again. Hope the rest of your trip to Skye went well Many thanks. Ele
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
After reading reviews, phoned to book our 2 night stay.
In arrival booking in and asked to pay upfront i was reading the notice board to find out that breakfast was grab and go??? Owner explained due to covid restrictions no cooked breakfast would be served but a filled roll would be provided. There was no mention of this when i booked!
£80 for a roll with ONE filling, a room that was sparse, curtains that didnt keep daylight out, flat pillows flat duvet and incredibly flat towels... I felt robbed! Had to ask for(extremely cheap) toilet paper twice! I understand covid restrictions in place, but i left a bed and breakfast that morning who were operating under the same restrictions that, in comparison for the same money was without a doubt palatial.
Empire travel lodge left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
I would never have booked to stay and give my hard earned cash for what was on offer. Covid is no excuse for lack of facilities or the quality of what was there.
In arrival booking in and asked to pay upfront i was reading the notice board to find out that breakfast was grab and go??? Owner explained due to covid restrictions no cooked breakfast would be served but a filled roll would be provided. There was no mention of this when i booked!
£80 for a roll with ONE filling, a room that was sparse, curtains that didnt keep daylight out, flat pillows flat duvet and incredibly flat towels... I felt robbed! Had to ask for(extremely cheap) toilet paper twice! I understand covid restrictions in place, but i left a bed and breakfast that morning who were operating under the same restrictions that, in comparison for the same money was without a doubt palatial.
Empire travel lodge left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
I would never have booked to stay and give my hard earned cash for what was on offer. Covid is no excuse for lack of facilities or the quality of what was there.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Eleanor Hunter, Owner at Empire Travel Lodge
Responded 28 Aug 2020
Thank you for taking the time to write this review which I have to say surprised me At no time did you let me know you were unhappy about any aspect of your stay and there were plenty opportunities when I chatted to you about the area and gave you helpful information regarding your move to the area We are extremely strict about our procedures to protect our guests, ourselves and our community and apologies if this upsets you
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A very warm welcome and a lovely hotel. Off street parking, beautifully clean and well-equipped rooms which smell absolutely lovely and a very comfy bed. Delicious breakfast served by the best hosts who even prepared us an early breakfast as we had to catch a ferry. Breakfast had lots of tasty options and was a great start to the day. A perfect stay thank you!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My room was very clean and comfortable, complete with iron and ironing boards and a tray with 2 glasses and a corkscrew,as well as the usual tea/coffee etc. The bed was very comfortable, plenty of towels in the bathroom and a lovely long sized bath. Breakfast was made to order. I only had to mention my need for plant milk and Elie was ahead of me and already had it in stock. My friend’s special request for how her egg was to be cooked was also met with a smile. Nothing was too much trouble for this friendly couple and I warmly recommend Empire Lodge Lochgilphead.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Close to the centre of the town but off the main road
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a warm welcome on arrival from Jim, the room was comfortable, spacious with plenty of storage. The bed was comfortable crisp and clean. Great shower and everything was clean.
I think when your away from home it's the little things than makes it , the wine glasses and bottle opener/Corkscrew.. I think Jim and Ellie thought of everything.
Breakfast was the best, full breakfast on hot plates cooked to perfection.
Jim and Ellie are perfect host's, I have never met them before but when we left after 3 days, I felt like I have known them my whole life.
Thank you both for making our stay so enjoyable.
From Cheryl and Geoff
I think when your away from home it's the little things than makes it , the wine glasses and bottle opener/Corkscrew.. I think Jim and Ellie thought of everything.
Breakfast was the best, full breakfast on hot plates cooked to perfection.
Jim and Ellie are perfect host's, I have never met them before but when we left after 3 days, I felt like I have known them my whole life.
Thank you both for making our stay so enjoyable.
From Cheryl and Geoff
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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"Lochgilphead has improved so much. Crinan Canal is near and is a delight. The only drawback is the tide....not so pretty when it's out."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
£102 - £105 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
empire travel hotel lochgilphead, travel lodge scotland
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandArgyll and ButeLochgilphead
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Empire Travel Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Empire Travel Lodge?
Nearby attractions include The Square Peg (0.09 miles), The Sweetie Jar (0.09 miles), and Loch Gilp (0.07 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Empire Travel Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Empire Travel Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Empire Travel Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Smiddy Bistro, Taj Mahal, and Salty Dog Cafe.
Is Empire Travel Lodge located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.06 miles away from the centre of Lochgilphead.
Are there any historical sites close to Empire Travel Lodge?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Achnabreck Cup and Ring Marks (1.8 miles).