Glenfinnan House

Dramatically situated on the shores of Loch Shiel, with a view of Ben Nevis, Glenfinnan House gave a 'warm welcome' to a Guide correspondent this year. With 'a hint of small medieval French château' about it, it looks across the water to the Glenfinnan Monument where Bonnie Prince Charlie, fresh from exile in France, raised the standard at the start of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. Inside, its style is traditional country house, with wood panelling. Owned by Jane MacFarlane-Glasow and managed by Manja and Duncan Gibson ('we are proud to have no TV in the bedrooms,' they say), it is locally popular for celebrations of all kinds. The rooms at the front have 'superb views'; one has a four-poster. Noise may be a problem in some attic bedrooms. 'The food was excellent: fine cuisine in the restaurant.' Duncan Gibson ('we do not serve fast food') provides French-influenced Scottish dishes, eg, nage of West Coast king scallops; fillet of prime Scotch beef with herb creamed potatoes. The bar meals, also liked, are more traditionally Scottish. There is also a 'good-value' children's menu. Breakfast has croissants, home-baked bread, and unusual additions, eg, smoked local venison. Meals are accompanied by CDs of local musicians. There is Wi-Fi, and the hotel has its own rowing boat and fishing tackle. (Margaret Ritchie, SH, MWS)