The Manor House

There are ‘dramatic’ views of the ferries on Oban bay from Leslie and Margaret Crane’s ‘excellent’ hotel, to be sure, but there’s much interest within the Georgian stone mansion as well, say guests this year. ‘We enjoyed a relaxing break. The standards are high; the staff are very friendly and helpful; the food, from hearty Scottish breakfasts to well-balanced dinners, is first class.’ Take coffee or tea in the ‘spacious’ lounges and well-stocked bar; on a fine day, lunch on the terrace overlooking the harbour. Bedrooms may be snug, but are ‘well appointed’ in country house style, and stocked with bottled water, fruit, cookies and coffee. Go for one of the best, with binoculars to take in the ‘wonderful’ views. In the elegant dining room (white linens, fresh flowers, candles), long-serving chef Shaun Squire ‘makes good use of local produce’ in his daily-changing menus. Typical dishes: quail’s egg, crisp Brie, asparagus; veal cordon bleu, Orkney Cheddar, smoked ham, olive oil mash. Lighter meals, perhaps West Highland fish soup, are served in the bar. The harbour and ferry terminal are a stroll away.