Barriemore Oban: Your Ultimate Guide to the Hidden Gem of Oban, UK
Barriemore Oban: My Head's Still Spinning (in a Good Way) - A Review That's Honestly, a Bit All Over the Place (But That's Okay, Right?)
Okay, so I just got back from a little Oban adventure, and let me tell you, my head's still buzzing. And a huge part of that buzz? Barriemore Oban. Now, before I launch into a full-blown, chaotic review (warning: it's coming), let's just preface this with: I'm not a robot. I'm a human who loves a good getaway, a decent cuppa, and a place that actually understands the concept of a comfy bed.
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic): Accessibility & "Stuff"
Right, so getting there. Oban itself? Gorgeous. Getting to Barriemore? Not a problem. Finding it was super easy - the website (and let’s be honest, the handy GPS in my phone) did the trick. Accessibility gets a solid thumbs up – no major steps or crazy inclines to navigate (for a place perched on a hill, that’s a win!). I peeped at the facilities for disabled guests, and it looked promising. (Wish I could give you a concrete account, but I'm not disabled; if you are, definitely call ahead and ask specific questions for absolute assurance! Never trust anyone blindly on accessibility, okay?)
Now, the "stuff." They had Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Huge. As someone who needs to, ahem, "work" (read: browse cat videos and check emails obsessively) while on holiday. The internet access was solid, and if you're the LAN type (like, seriously?), they had that too. Internet services? They have them. Check. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yup. Easy peasy. I even managed to steal a bit of signal from the terrace with my phone and a nice view - win!
The "Things to Do" & "Ways to Relax" (and My Personal Breakdown)
Okay, confession time: I'm a spa addict. I crave the fluffy robes, the hushed tones, and the blissful surrender to… well, everything. Barriemore had a Spa/sauna, which instantly piqued my interest, and the Gym/fitness center was there, looking shiny and intimidating.
But LISTEN. I’m a writer. I’d rather be reading than sweating. I did, however, get a massage. Let's just say, my shoulders were so knotted up I thought I was going to develop a second spine. The masseuse, bless her heart, worked miracles. Truly. I emerged feeling… well, like a slightly less stressed-out, slightly less hunched-over version of myself. Worth. Every. Penny.
And the pool? Swimming pool [outdoor]. Beautiful! The view alone was worth the price of admission. I may have spent a whole afternoon just floating around, staring at the water and the hills, forgetting to be a responsible adult. It was exactly what I needed. Which goes for the Pool with view as well, it was just that great!
However, let's be real. I didn't get any of those fancy body treatments (Body scrub, Body wrap). I'm all for pampering, but honestly? I got distracted by the view.
Cleanliness & Safety: In the Time of… Well, You Know
Look, the world is… weird. So, Cleanliness and safety are paramount these days. And Barriemore seemed to get it. I saw plenty of hand sanitizer stations, and they were serious about the anti-viral cleaning products. They mentioned in the info that they were going above and beyond. You could tell. The rooms sanitized between stays – that was good to hear. I appreciated the physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and the staff looked like they were trained in safety protocol. They had a doctor/nurse on call - which, again, gave me peace of mind. And if I were a germophobe (which, let’s be honest, I’m getting closer to every day), the fact that room sanitization opt-out available was a HUGE plus.
Also, kudos for things like safe dining setup and individually-wrapped food options (more on that later). They really thought about it.
*Side note: I swear, I saw a staff member *sterilizing equipment* – I'm talking legit, hospital-grade stuff. Impressive!*
Food, Glorious Food (and My Unprofessional Forking)
Okay, food. This is where things get REALLY interesting. Barriemore has a Restaurant (plural!), a Bar, and seemingly every type of culinary option you can imagine.
Breakfast, people! Breakfast [buffet]! And that was a solid start. Western breakfast (my jam: eggs, bacon, the works) and some Asian breakfast options (which I'm not brave enough to partake in on an empty stomach, I'm afraid). They did Breakfast takeaway service if you were in a rush. I went for the full buffet because, you know, I was on vacation! There was fresh coffee/tea in restaurant, and they even had a dedicated desserts in restaurant section…which I may have visited too many times. Just sayin'.
Lunch and dinner were a similar story. A la carte in restaurant. They did delicious international cuisine in restaurant. And the salad in restaurant, and the soup in restaurant, and the …okay, I ate. A lot. (Note to self: pack stretchy pants next time).
I also checked out the Poolside bar, because… why not? And yes, it was as lovely as you'd imagine.
Look, I'm not a food critic. I'm just a hungry traveler. The food was good, the variety was excellent, and the atmosphere was enjoyable. They offered alternative meal arrangement if you had food requirements (dietary).
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and My Deep Sleep)
My room? Oh, it was lovely. They had Air conditioning. A cozy, comfy Sofa. A decent desk. The best bit?! The Extra long bed…which was the kind that you sink into and don't want to leave. Blackout curtains – bless them! Seriously, I slept like a log.
And the amenities? Free bottled water, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, complimentary tea…all the little details that make a stay feel special. They had in-room safe box, that was practical. I appreciated the socket near the bed – a small thing, but crucial for charging all my devices.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They offered a surprising amount of things. Cash withdrawal was a lifesaver. Concierge? Super helpful! Daily housekeeping. Laundry service. Dry cleaning. I love good luggage storage. All those little things that make travel SO much easier.
For the Kids (and Because I'm Nosey)
Okay, I don't have kids. But I saw a few families, and Barriemore seemed very family/child friendly. They had babysitting service available, and I’m pretty sure I saw a Kids meal option on the menu. (Always a plus for the travelling families!)
The Bit Where I Rant (and Then Apologize)
Alright, this is the part where I get slightly…unhinged. There's a tiny part of me that wishes things were perfect. Maybe a few things could be tweaked? Maybe the Wi-Fi was a tiny bit slow at peak hours? Maybe I wanted a view the room, and it missed the mark? (But, really, I'm nitpicking.)
The Bottom Line (and Why You Should Probably Book)
Barriemore Oban is a gem. It's not perfect – no place is. But it's a truly lovely place to unwind. The staff were friendly, the location was stunning, and the overall experience was just…wonderful. I honestly think you should book it. Right now.
Now for the actual offer, a bit messy, and perfect:
Tired of the Same Old Holiday? Escape to Oban & Rediscover Yourself at Barriemore!
Are you dreaming of a getaway that offers stunning views, delicious food, and a chance to actually relax? Look no further than Barriemore Oban, your hidden gem in the heart of Scotland!
- Unwind & Rejuvenate: Imagine yourself lounging by the outdoor pool, taking in breathtaking views, or indulging in a soothing massage. (Trust me on the massage, it’s GOLD!)
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in a food journey. From hearty Western breakfasts to international cuisine
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're hurtling towards Oban, Scotland, and let's just say this itinerary is less "precision-timed Swiss watch" and more "slightly caffeinated pug chasing a rogue sausage." Prepare for detours, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta "Oh, for crying out loud."
Barriemore, Oban: The (Un)Official Itinerary of Chaos
Day 1: Arrival – Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst
Morning (or, like, whenever I drag myself out of bed): Fly into Glasgow. Right, first hurdle – actually getting there. Flights are a gamble, a swirling vortex of delayed take-offs and cramped seats. Pray to the travel gods. We’re aiming for a rental car, but honestly, the car rental places feel like the DMV on bath salts. Fingers crossed, we snag a decent-ish vehicle. Maybe a cute wee hatchback. Or at least something that doesn't sound like it's about to cough up its engine.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: The scenic drive to Oban begins! Okay, scenic is a massive understatement. Scotland is just…wow. Lush greens, moody skies… you’ll be tempted to pull over every five seconds. Don’t. Your schedule's already screwed. Aim for a cheeky lunch stop at somewhere with a decent view and, crucially, good coffee. I’m a coffee fiend. Bad mood = ruined trip. Simple math.
Afternoon: Rolling into Oban. Finding Barriemore (fingers crossed it's not on a mountain. I’m not a mountain person). Check into accommodation. Is it clean-ish? Does it have a working shower? These are the modern-day survival questions. Quick exploratory jaunt around Oban. Get my bearings. I'm always looking for the nearest pub.
Evening: The all-important first dinner in Oban. Seafood, obviously. It's what you have to do. Let's face it, my appetite is bigger than my brain. So, I'll order everything. I might have a minor meltdown picking the right wine. A decent bottle is a must. Maybe I'll stumble into a pub and get to talk to some locals. Hopefully, someone has a good story to tell, preferably involving a mischievous otter. After dinner, maybe a stroll along the harbour. Breathe in that salty air. Try to ignore the seagulls plotting their next raid of your chips.
Day 2: Island Hopping – Or, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Ferry Delays"
Morning: Ferries! This is the heart of the Oban experience. We're hitting the islands. Tobermory (Mull) is the classic, brightly coloured harbour town. This is where I will inevitably buy a ridiculously overpriced postcard. We'll wander. Soak it in. If there's a distillery, I am there. Always. If the weather is good, I will squeal with delight. If it rains…well, it's Scotland. Embrace the damp embrace.
Lunch: Fish and chips. More fish and chips. Embrace it. Try to find a place with a view. Observe the chaos. People struggling to get on and off the ferry (me included), arguing with the weather…it's a beautiful symphony of humanity.
Afternoon: Exploring Mull, maybe hiking. This will probably turn into a twenty-minute walk because my stamina is, shall we say, limited. If I see a particularly tempting view, I will be tempted to take a nap. This is encouraged, as long as it's not in the middle of a road. Depending on the ferry schedule and my state of mind, we might try to squeeze in a visit to Iona. (This depends on how willing I am to do another ferry trip).
Evening: Back in Oban, we'll have dinner someplace new, maybe try a different type of seafood. Maybe I'll try to order something I can't pronounce, just for the sheer horror factor. More pub time. More storytelling. Maybe even attempt some karaoke at the risk of mortifying myself.
Day 3: The Fortress of the Self-Doubt - Dunstaffnage Castle and beyond
Morning: Today, we'll tackle Dunstaffnage Castle. This isn’t just a castle; it’s a mood. Especially if the wind is howling and the rain is spitting. I'm a sucker for history, even if I only remember 10% of what I read, I will be a tourist. I will stand and gawk. I will probably take far too many photos of the same stone wall from different angles.
Lunch: Probably a sandwich. Or, let's be honest, whatever I can find that's edible and requires the least amount of effort. Picnics are great in theory, but the logistics of it all…ugh.
Afternoon: THE Oban Distillery. This is the single experience I am most excited about. Whisky. A guided tour. Learning about the process. Tasting it. The smells, the atmosphere…I might literally swoon. I'll probably buy a ridiculously expensive bottle that I'll hoard for a special occasion (which will be, like, the following week).
Evening: Dinner. Probably seafood. Maybe I will write my own menu. After dinner, I will go back to the harbour. And breathe. After all this, I'll need to calm down. A walk, some fresh air, looking at the starry sky. I might even think about my life. Nah, that's too heavy. Just…breathe.
Day 4: Farewell, My Scottish Playground – Tears and Tiramisu
Morning: One last hearty Scottish breakfast. If they have haggis, I'm giving it another shot. Maybe. Packing. Ugh. Why does it always feel like I packed for a zombie apocalypse even though I only have four outfits? Squeeze in one last stroll around Oban. Buy last-minute souvenirs.
Lunch: A final meal. I want a tiramisu. I don't care. I'll find a place that has tiramisu and I'll eat it.
Afternoon: Drive back to the airport. The drive back will be a quiet, melancholic affair. I'll be already missing the place. But hey, Scotland, you beautiful, moody, sometimes-annoying, always-stunning place, I will be back. And that's not a threat. I'm already dreaming of it.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Flight. Hoping to land in one peace and not having a huge meltdown at the airport.
Important Notes:
- Rain: Accept it. Embrace it. Pack a waterproof jacket that you actually like.
- Food: Eat everything. Don't be afraid to try new things.
- People: Talk to them. The Scots are friendly (mostly).
- Expect the unexpected. Life's an adventure, and Scotland's a wild ride. Enjoy it.
- Most importantly… Don’t forget the whisky. And the chocolate. And maybe that postcard. You know, for when you get home and are already missing the magic. Cheers!
Barriemore Oban: Okay, So What's the Deal, Really? (My Brain Dump)
Um, What *IS* Barriemore Oban Anyway? Sounds Fancy.
Alright, so Barriemore... think elevated B&B, but like, with a personality. It’s not just a place to crash after you’ve had a few too many whiskies (though, it’s *perfect* for that). It’s in Oban, known as the "Gateway to the Isles." So, right off the bat, you're in a ridiculously scenic location. And Barriemore? It's perched up on a hill, all Victorian elegance, looking down on the bay. I'll be honest, it's a bit posh. Like, slightly intimidating at first. I felt like I should've brushed up on my silverware etiquette before I went. But hey, that's what makes it... interesting, right?
Is it Actually *Hidden*? 'Cause I Saw It on Instagram.
Okay, technically, "hidden" is a bit dramatic. It gets its share of love on socials. But compared to, say, the Oban Distillery (which, let’s be honest, is a must-do), it’s less obvious. You're not exactly tripping over tour buses. And honestly, part of its charm IS that it’s not swamped. You feel like you’ve discovered a secret, even if everyone else has already found it too. I remember the first time I saw it from the ferry terminal, I was like, "Ooh, what's that imposing giant up there?" It had a certain *je ne sais quoi*... like a well-dressed grandma, but a classy one, not the bingo-playing kind.
So, The Rooms... What's the Vibe? Are we Talking Wallpaper and Doilies?
Okay, here's the truth. Yes, there's wallpaper. And yes, it’s gorgeous, but it's not the *ghastly* kind. Think tasteful, maybe a bit floral (I'm a floral person, so I was pleased), but definitely more "contemporary Victorian charm" than "your grandma's spare bedroom." The bed was… oh my god, the bed. Seriously, I almost didn't get out of it. Cloud-like. The bathrooms are spiffy, modern, and *clean*, which is a win in my book. I hated the shower head, though. Couldn't figure it out, and I was cold and grumpy. Small imperfection, but I felt it. It does fit with the tone for a hotel like this, though.
Speaking of Rooms... Are There Any With a View, Specifically? Because I'm a View Snob.
Honey, yes. Get a room with a sea view. Seriously. Don't even debate it. It's worth every single penny. I stared out the window for, no exaggeration, a solid hour when I first arrived. The views are breathtaking. You're looking out over the bay, with the islands in the distance. Sunsets are insane. I nearly sobbed. Okay, I *did* sob a little. I'm a sensitive soul, okay? Especially the one where it's all orange and pink. Just do it. Just get the view. You won't regret it.
Breakfast... Spill the Beans. Is it Worth Getting Out of That Cloud-Like Bed?
Listen, I am not a morning person. But the breakfast at Barriemore? Worth every single bleary-eyed second. They do a full Scottish breakfast, of course (haggis, black pudding... the works!), but they also offer things like smoked salmon (which is my personal weakness), fresh fruit, and all sorts of delightful pastries. And the coffee... oh, the coffee. I'm a coffee snob, and even *I* was impressed. The dining room itself is lovely, all bright and airy. And the servers were so genuinely friendly and helpful, which is important!
What About the Location? Is it Handy for Getting Around?
The location is pretty good. It's a short walk down into the town center. (Okay, it's *downhill* which is great going in, but a bit of a slog coming back *up* the hill, let's be honest. Bring comfy shoes.) But it's close enough to easily explore Oban. You can walk to the ferry terminal (for those island adventures!), the shops, the restaurants... you name it. The downside, and I can't stress this enough, is that it's on a hill. So, if you have mobility issues, be prepared. But it's a scenic hill! And you get the view, remember?
Are There Any Restaurants Nearby Worth Checking Out?
Oh, absolutely. Oban has some cracking restaurants. Firstly, Oban Seafood Hut. It's a must, even if you have to queue (which you probably will). Fresh seafood, right on the pier, what's not to love? I got the crab sandwich and I'm still dreaming about that. And for a slightly more formal affair, try Ee-usk. Lovely views, amazing seafood, a bit pricier but worth it for a special occasion. There's also a great little Italian place, but I forgot the name... I'm terrible with names, but just ask the staff at Barriemore, they'll know! I went to a place called "The Little Italian" last time. No idea if it's any good now, though.
So, the Big Question... Is it Worth the Hype (and the Price Tag)?
Okay, here's the brutally honest truth. Yes. Mostly. Look, it's not the cheapest place in Oban. You are paying for the location, the views, the service, and that overall feeling of… well, being pampered. If you're on a super tight budget, it might not be for you. But if you're looking for a special treat, something a bit more luxurious, a place to truly relax and soak up the beauty of Oban? Then, yes, one hundred percent, it's worth it. Just book that sea view room! Don't even think about it. And bring your camera, because you'll be taking a LOT of photos. And maybe some tissues. Or is that just me? Okay, probably just me. But seriously, go. You won't regret it. Mostly.
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