The Airds Hotel and Restaurant

We had previously been to Port Appin but had stayed at The Pierhouse. We decided to give Airds Hotel a try this time. For such a beautiful location this hotel leaves a lot to be desired. The rooms are tired and there appears to be a distinct lack of management responsibility. The staff are good and helpful but appear overworked and stretched. The garden across the road could be a beautiful addition were it not so unkempt. A note on the summer house at the bottom says that guests wishing to play croquet or putting should collect the equipment from the hotel reception ------ with the length of the grass the equipment is probably still in situ but hidden in the lush undergrowth!!! I am led to believe that The Airds was seen as THE hotel in Port Appin, perhaps they are living on past glories because it certainly is not Number One now. The food, it must be said, is good although is not helped by the spartan decor of the dining room where you feel that you could be dining in a transport cafe. Having said the food is good the dining experience was derailed somewhat by the eye watering cost of the wines. This is not an hotel that we will be returning to any time soon

While we stayed the hotel seemed to lack a manager with attention to detail. The walk to the hotel door from the car park took us past some dreary lace curtains to a tiled entrance, which had not been swept for a good while, two empty planters that were full of cigarette butts, and tables and chairs, many of which had not been put out (most of which were heaped in the unkempt garden). The fire, which we were told was lit in the evenings, was not lit on two of the three evenings. Understaffing or laziness or perhaps penny pinching, or just no leadership? Certainly a false economy as not cozy enough to want to sit and sample a whisky or two after dinner The was next to no information on things to do in the area, maps or walk suggestions, in fact there were few nice touches that one might expect in a hotel. The food was nice, the service was fine, the staff were pleasant and perfectly competent. Overall though this hotel was lacking something except the fabulous location. If we return to Port Appin we will stay along the road at Pierpoint, where the food is better and there is a feeling the staff actually care that you have an enjoyable time.

We stayed here very happily 9 years ago under a previous ownership and felt that the hotel has some way to go to recapture what made Airds so special. Attention to detail is missing. Our original room had the heating on full blast on the hottest day of the year but we were moved without fuss. The second room had a loo with a broken valve. The refurbishment is ongoing but the new dining room lacks a**osphere and no bread for breakfast until the delivery man came after 9. That is ridiculous. The location is still sublime but it needs some careful thinking to keep it modern whilst not losing the luxurious a**osphere. The Pierhouse down the road is serious competition and is succeeding to bring in a younger, more sophisticated crowd.

Lovely hotel for a peaceful getaway. Staff are very friendly and very professional at what they do. Food and beverages are very good and the hotel is very clean. The surrounding area is very good for lovely walks to take in the scenery. I would recommend Airds hotel for a visit

Working trip and stayed in hotel . Sean Smith made sure I had everything I needed to do my business. Sorting WiFi , a quiet room etc. I must admit I was really surprised how much attention to detail he gave me. Making sure I had water , coffee and snacks , he was excellent .

Just back from an overnight stay at airds, highly recommend , room was spotless and the food was amazin , Carolyn and her staff went out there way to help us enjoy our stay will definitely visit again

Hidden gem of Scotland. Beautiful hotel, in stunning location. Staff couldn’t do enough for you and really made the weekend. Can’t wait for my next visit

Stayed in mid April in a super suite facing the loch overlooking the hotel garden. Lovely decor and modern furnishings making it a really comfortable suite. A lot of refurbishment has been completed recently and the hotel is spotless. The staff were friendly, efficient and really helpful in all respects. We ate dinner on both evenings in the nice dining room with outstanding views across the loch to the mountains beyond. The food was terrific and beautifully presented. Service was exceptional. Breakfast also was excellent with high quality cooked fare on offer as well as continental dishes. There is small snug bar and two very comfortable guest lounges with a real fire lit in the evenings. All in all a thoroughly good experience with good memories. Look forward to revisiting.

First thing to say is Carolyn, the manager is a really nice and helpful person. However, on our 2 night stay, given to us a wedding present, she was badly let down by her staff. Initially, all was well, very friendly reception on arrival, room a little small and tired but didn't plan on spending a lot of time there so not a major issue. Had dinner each night, were on an itison deal so had a £90 budget each night, which seemed reasonable given the menu prices. First night was fine, second night there was mix up with one of meals which was apologised for and rectified. Big drama started on our morning of departure, 30th March 2024. Went for breakfast at 8.30, window was 8 till 10. Was met with a feeling of being on the Marie Celeste, no staff anywhere to be found in the hotel! Eventually at 9.10 the aforementioned duty manager turned up and did an absolutely sterling job of trying to give some sort of level of service. However, still took an hour to get food which was at best could be described as average. At this point it felt like full on faulty Towers. On departure we did get some money off the completely confusing bill which would take a qualified accountant to interpret. Also, prices on the menu didn't seem to match the invoiced prices and no option was given to pay for drinks in the bar. This place could be so much better but under the current owners I think their fate is only on a downward trajectory. Given the choice, I would choose somewhere else in Port Appin near the Pier.