Wee hotel, big heart

It’s the presence of a truly hospitable character who had a vision for this inn / gastropub, and all that she has created, that makes Colintraive's hotel so popular. Patricia Watt brought considerable food / hospitality skills with her when she got hold of a rather run-down place some years ago. Today it's a bonnie wee hotel, a shining example of what a west coast inn can be: unpretentious, witty, charming and appealing to both community and visitors alike. There’s Scottishness, art, a log fire stove, ampleness of drink both posh and on draft, lovely bedrooms and an at-home atmosphere. And terrific food. Patricia is a “cook owner” as she puts it, and leads the kitchen crew. Dine in the bar where there’s a big blackboard menu full of ideas and specials, or in the pretty dining room with its bay window overlooking the Kyles of Bute. There’s a parlour lounge next to the restaurant and it’s a fine place to unwind before or after eating. Lord Richard Attenborough is a neighbour and he loves it here, darling, so if that’s not a recommendation we don’t know what is.

E S S E N T I A L   I N F O
> Of the 4 bedrooms two face the front; two twins, a double and a family room sleeping up to four
> Room 2, called Attenborough, is the best; roomy with views two sides, dash of contemporary style
> Like room 2, room 3 ‘Bute’ is a front-facing twin with fine beds; it’s sunny yellow and has a great view
> Room 4 is a rear-facing double room and room 1 is the family room with a 2 + 1 + 1 arrangement
> Spotlessly-clean bedrooms have TV, radio, mineral water, fresh cake, biscuits, locally-made toiletries
> Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served; eat in bar or restaurant with linen-covered tables, fresh flowers
> Dining here is a real pleasure and the food is honestly, locally-sourced; hand-dived scallops a speciality
> Beef and lamb from the Isle of Bute are top-class; local fish is a treat; venison and game from local dealer
> At lunch and dinner each dish is individually-priced and the range is from casual to classy
> Free wi-fi (can be temperamental); beauty / therapy treatments from Pure Therapy; yacht moorings

R A T I N G
Highly Recommended

L O C A T I O N   Map
Colintraive is a small village in south Argyll – it’s an extremely scenic 30 minute drive from Dunoon which is itself reached by a short, fun ferry hop from Gourock, in turn about 30 minutes’ drive from Glasgow. Colintraive can also be reached from the lovely Isle of Bute which it overlooks by the Rhubodach – Colintraive ferry service.

T I P S   &   H I N T S
Patricia’s an active woman (cycles, kyacks, is a ski instructor) and came here to make a really welcoming, unstuffy yet well-run, non-twee inn / gastropub where yachters could stop by and families escape for a weekend. The community loves the hotel and uses it. There are shades of Whisky Galore, the Ceilidh Place or even Katie Morag's Struay. It is good for the soul. Local attractions and info. Don't miss Mount Stuart.