Coll Hotel Shortlist*

In large gardens overlooking the bay, Kevin and Julie Oliphant’s small hotel is in the only village on the small Hebridean Isle of Coll. Their daughter, Laura, is the manager. The cosy bars are the lively hub of the community; in the restaurant, Julie Oliphant and chef Graham Griffiths cook uncomplicated dishes specialising in freshly caught seafood. Smartly refurbished, understated bedrooms have home-made biscuits, rainy-day board games and sea kelp products; four also have spectacular views across the bay to the Treshnish Isles, Mull, Staffa, Iona and Jura. Come nightfall, be starry-eyed: Coll is a Dark Sky island with no artificial light pollution; bedrooms are supplied with a glow-in-the-dark skyscope; moon and star maps are available to borrow. Complimentary pick-up from and drop-off to the ferry pier. Lounge, 2 bars (darts, pool table, open fires), restaurant, small residents’ lounge, residents’ dining room. Free Wi-Fi, in-room TV (Freeview). No background music. Complimentary morning coffee and afternoon tea. Garden (decking, plenty of seating; pétanque). Helipad. Bicycles and helmets available to borrow. Children welcomed (special menu; buckets, spades). 1 mile from the ferry pier; 3-hour ferry journey from Oban. 6 bedrooms. Per room B&B single £70, double £120–£150. Dinner £25–£30. Closed Christmas; house parties only at New Year.