If you are researching where to stay in Oban, this article will help you find the perfect accommodation for your trip to this beautiful part of Scotland.
Oban (meaning ‘little bay’ in Gaelic) is a small town on Scotland’s west coast and is situated on the Firth of Lorn. It is a popular location from which to explore the surrounding Highlands, coast and islands and in the summer months, its small population doubles with the influx of visitors eager to enjoy Scotland’s great outdoors.
Where to stay in Oban – Quick picks
| HOTEL | COST | RATING | BOOK |
|---|---|---|---|
| No17 The Promenade | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| Manor House Hotel | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| No 26 By The Sea | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| Oban Seafront Apartment | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| Oban Premium Studio Apt C | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| Island View | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| Glenmoore Guest House | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| The Wee Bank House | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| Corran House Hotel and Hostel | $ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| Three Oban | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| Sea View | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
| Station View | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Click to Book |
Things to do in Oban
Things to do in Oban include visiting McCaig’s Tower and Battery which sits on a hill overlooking the town and the 18th century Oban Distillery, which is home to one of Scotland’s oldest Single Malt whiskeys.
On a rainy day in Oban, visit the War and Peace Museum, the Ocean Explorers Centre or treat yourself at the Oban Chocolate Company.
There are also lots of attractions in the immediate area. You could also take a trip to nearby Castle Stalker, the 13th-century ruins of Dunstaffnage Castle, the unusual Fingal’s Dogstone, Loch Etive and the ruins of Dunollie Castle, seat of the MacDougall clan. Some of these sites can be visited on foot from Oban or by a short drive or bus ride from the town centre.
Furthermore, Oban is a fantastic base from which to visit the Hebridean Islands of Staffa, Mull and Iona. The ferry terminal for the islands is situated in the town centre (adjacent to the rail station) so it is an easy day trip from Oban to the islands.
Alternatively catch a ferry near Oban to go hiking, biking or birdwatching on the Isle of Lismore or on the Isle of Kerrera.
At the end of a long day of sightseeing, make sure you indulge in freshly cooked fish at one of the town’s seafood restaurants as Oban is known as ‘the seafood capital of Scotland.’
Best areas to stay in Oban
Oban is a small town so its major attractions can be visited on foot. If you are using public transport, stay as close to the train station as possible.
If you like scenic views, stay close to the water. Due to the horseshoe shape of Oban’s bay, the town experiences fantastic sunsets.
Free car parking is limited in Oban town centre so if you are travelling by car make sure you book a property which offers free parking or stay further out from the town centre.
Oban FAQs
When is the best time to visit Oban?
Scottish summers are warm and mild. Visitors can enjoy longer daylight hours for sightseeing and the outdoors activities that the Highlands are famous for.
However, Summer is also the peak season so Oban gets very busy from May to September. Scottish school holidays run from the end of June to mid-August.
In winter, visitors can expect cold temperatures with short daylight hours. Spring and Autumn are quieter times to visit though you will have to come prepared to experience all weathers.
What is the best way to travel to Oban?
You can fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow and continue by train or car to Oban. Glasgow is the closest airport and is 90 miles from Oban.
Driving from Glasgow to Oban will take around two hours. The route heads north, skirting the edge of Loch Lomond before turning west after Tyndrum.
Alternatively, a train from Glasgow Queen’s Street station to Oban will take 3 hours 10 minutes travelling on the famous (and scenic) West Highland Line. Trains from Edinburgh to Oban also require a change at Glasgow Queen’s Street.
Best places to stay in Oban
Accommodation with free parking
The following hotels offer free parking which is a valuable commodity in Oban!
No17 The Promenade – Distance to rail station: 5 minute walk
This stunning hotel is one of the best places to stay in Oban.
It has a colourful, art deco feel and is packed with character. It has a central location and is very close to the War and Peace Museum and the Oban Distillery.
The hotel has a 24 hour front desk, a restaurant and a bar. It offers guests free Wifi, free bikes and airport transfers and also serves an à la carte breakfast each day.
No 17 rooms are beautifully decorated and have a double bed, a flat screen tv, a desk, wardrobe and a safe plus tea and coffee making facilities. Some rooms offer a sea view.
Manor House Hotel – Distance to rail station: 10 minutes
If you want to be close to the sea in Oban, this is the hotel for you. The Manor House Hotel is packed with charm and character and offers direct access to the sea through its garden.
The hotel has a fine dining restaurant, a shared lounge, a bar and a garden. It offers free WiFi and a Full Scottish or à la carte breakfast each day.
The hotel’s elegant, individual rooms feature a double bed, a desk, a tv and a kettle. The ensuite has a separate bath and walk in shower. Guests can either enjoy garden or sea views from the rooms.
No 26 By The Sea – Distance to rail station: 15 minute walk
This hotel offers free WiFi, a luxurious shared lounge and a garden. The hotel has a bar and serves a continental or Full Scottish breakfast.
The rooms at No 26 By The Sea have a king or queen size bed, a flat screen tv, a kettle, seating area and a safe. Each room is uniquely decorated and some rooms have a freestanding bathtub in the room whilst other rooms offer sea views.
An additional bed can be added to the rooms for an extra fee.
Best places to stay in Oban for self-catering
The following self-catering properties are best for people travelling by train as there is limited fee paying parking available during the day. On street parking is generally free overnight.
Oban Seafront Apartment – Distance to rail station: 6 minute walk
Sitting directly on Oban’s seafront, this apartment has fantastic sea views. It can sleep up to three people and has one bedroom with a double bed, a separate living room with a sofa, tv and a dining area.
The separate kitchen is equipped with a washing machine, oven and fridge.
The 19th century property offers free WiFi and is close to all the major Oban attractions.
Oban Premium Studio Apt C – Distance to rail station: 5 minutes
This apartment is ideal for couples travelling by train who like privacy and comfort but who also want to be close to amenities and restaurants.
Premium Studio Apt C has a double bed, a living area with a sofa and flat screen tv plus a dining table. There is a kitchen equipped with a fridge, full oven, stove, washing machine and dryer.
A third person can be accommodated on a futon bed.
Island View – Distance from rail station: 7 minute walk
If you like sea views, this is the apartment for you. The two storey Island View apartment boasts sea and harbour views from most of its large windows.
The apartment has two bedrooms (one double bed and two single beds) and can sleep up to four comfortably so it is a good choice for families and groups.
There is one bathroom and a separate kitchen equipped with a full oven, stove, dishwasher and fridge. It also has a useful washing machine and dryer. There is a separate, spacious living room with two sofas, a tv and a dining table for six.
The apartment also has a terrace so guests can make the most of the sea views.
Best places to stay in Oban on a budget
Glenmoore Guest House – Distance to rail station: 10 minutes
Glenmore Guest House is a centrally located, value for money bed and breakfast property. It offers guests car hire, a paid airport shuttle, free WiFi and free bikes.
Rooms are compact but nicely decorated and feature a bed, a desk, kettle and flat screen tv. Some rooms offer a sea view.
The hotel offers a range of rooms including single, twin and doubles so it can be a good option for families or groups.
The Wee Bank House – Distance to rail station: 10 minute walk
If you are looking to self cater on a budget in Oban, consider booking the cosy Wee Bank House.
The ground floor apartment is in a quiet residential area and has a garden and free WiFi. There is one bedroom with a double bed and a separate open plan living area with a sofa and tv plus a kitchenette equipped with a fridge and microwave.
This apartment is a good option for anyone with mobility issues as it is all on one level and has no step access.
Corran House Hotel and Hostel – Distance to rail station: 10 minutes
This Victorian era hotel and hostel offers a range of accommodation options and if you want hostel prices but with hotel facilities, this is a perfect choice. Corran House is fantastic value for money with better facilities than the average hostel.
The property has a bar, a games area and a patio. You can buy dinner and snacks at the bar (including a daily breakfast) or there is a well equipped communal kitchen.
Rooms vary from private doubles and twins to small four bed dormitories (with bunk beds) which can be booked for exclusive use by families and groups. There is also a family room with one double and two single beds.
Some rooms feature an ensuite or sea views, other rooms will have a shared bathroom. All rooms have a flat screen tv and a wardrobe and unlike some hostels, the price here includes bedding.
Best Oban Accommodation for Families and Groups
Three Oban – Distance to rail station: 5 minute walk
Three Oban is a gorgeous contemporary style apartment which sleeps up to eight people. If you want modern facilities with characterful, old world charm, this is the perfect apartment for your group.
The property offers free parking and free WiFi. There are three bedrooms (one large double, one double and two single beds) plus a sofa bed in the living room. The rooms are elegantly decorated with country style furniture and metal beds.
There is a separate, wooden floor living room with two sofas and a tv with fantastic sea views from the double height windows. The separate kitchen diner features a full oven, fridge, washing machine and microwave. Kids highchairs are available.
Sea View – Distance to rail station: 7 minutes walk
Sea View is a luxurious self catering property that sleeps up to six people in two bedrooms. It has a garden with sea views and free WiFi.
There is one double bed, two single beds plus a sofa bed in the living area.
It has a large open plan living room with sofas, a flat screen tv and a dining table for six.
An archway leads to a good sized kitchen equipped with a full oven, microwave, fridge and washing machine. Sweet tooth travellers might like to know that the property is adjacent to Oban chocolate Company.
Station View – Distance to rail station: 1 minute walk
Station View is a modern, upper floor apartment with a balcony overlooking the sea.
It has an unbeatable location adjacent to Oban rail station. For travellers visiting Oban by car, the apartment also features a free, designated parking space.
It sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms with a double bed in each room. There is a separate living room with a sofa, a tv and a dining table. The compact kitchen is equipped with a fridge freezer, a full oven and a microwave.
The property is on the fourth floor but can be accessed by a lift.
Travel resources for Scotland
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