The Manor House

'A most enjoyable experience; we are trying to think of a good reason to return.' Much praise came this year for Lesley and Margaret Crane's 'excellent' Georgian hotel on the south shore of Oban bay. 'Superb location, a room with a great view; building well managed within and without.' 'As good as ever.' On a rocky headland, half a mile from the town centre, the house was built as the principal residence of the Duke of Argyll's estate in 1780. Binoculars are provided in each of the 'tastefully and immaculately decorated' bedrooms: most have the view; they also have Wi-Fi. 'Our small room was sparkling clean; fresh fruit, bottled water, chocolate and biscuits provided; bed soft and comfortable; shower room fittings high quality.' At dinner, 'seating is staggered, which meant service was efficient'. Chefs Patrick Freytag and Shaun Squire prepare a 'varied and interesting' five-course menu, eg, spring salad with quail's eggs; halibut with Meaux mustard butter, wilted spinach, braised fennel. The 'superb' breakfast has freshly squeezed orange juice, 'excellent scrambled eggs with smoked salmon'. The bar (a popular local) provides 'good lunches'. In fine weather, lunch and drinks are served on a panoramic terrace. Ferries leave near here for Mull, Iona and Fingal's Cave. (CH Hay, Rosemary Lindop, David Carment, Joan and David Marston)