Kilfinan Hotel

20th June 2022:

Lovely classic hotel building with generous comfortable rooms. Great quality bed and bedding and lovely ensuite bathroom. Full Scottish breakfast freshly prepared, really tasty. Very friendly welcoming owners.

Quiet but charming small hamlet village great for walking and adventures.

Would Recommend: Yes

13th June 2022:

Really welcoming and relaxed hotel. Great service, food was excellent both dinner and breakfast! Eadie the dog is adorable, a big softie so don’t be put off if you’re not a dog lover, you soon will be!

Lovely setting, so peaceful. We didn’t explore or venture out of the hotel

Would Recommend: Yes

30th May 2022:

The friendliest owners (and dog) you could ever hope to meet! Nothing was too much trouble for them. We had a very enjoyable weekend.

Would Recommend: Yes

25th May 2022:

Comfortable hotel in a beautiful setting. Friendly relaxed hosts. Good choice of dinner menu. Excellent breakfasts. Good value.

We were only there for two nights and found it easier to eat at the hotel. Food was very good with a good choice on the menu. We went to the Isle of Bute for a day out which we very much enjoyed. We drove from Glasgow so enjoyed the spectacular scenery, but for a shorter journey back to Glasgow we took the ferry from Dunoon.

Would Recommend: Yes

23rd May 2022:

Would Recommend: Yes

22nd May 2022:

Wonderful stay again! Helena and Chris are amazing hosts! We enjoyed every minute! Comfy bed! Food outstanding -cooked by Chris! Wine selection fab! Will book again asap! Area of Kilfinan is stunning!

I knitted in the hotel lounge when we had done a wonderful walk from the door of the hotel! Paradise

Would Recommend: Yes

5th May 2022:

Would Recommend: Yes

30th April 2022:

Great location TV not missed Couple of comfortable chairs in the sun trap would have been great for a G and T. Wine list was nicely priced

Great place for peace and quiet. The 10 mile cycle look from Kames via Ardlamont Point was amazing. Kilbride Bay is definitely worth the walk. Walkable beach from the hotel but ask for directions Very dog friendly

Would Recommend: Yes

28th October 2021:

This hotel is run by a lovely couple who are friendly and informative good food with nice local beer also a bit of a connoisseur on whiskey over all a great stay.

Would Recommend: Yes

24th October 2021:

Great enthusiasm of Helena and Chris for the job. That is probably the most vital part of the venture. Lovely venue. Lots to do locally and around the Cowal. The hotel is a lovely building. From our point of view all we wanted was a peaceful, restful stay and we definitely got that.Comfortable room, bar, decent food..the place has everything to give that experience. It doesn't need extra facilities. Suggestions to enhance the experience: Bedroom/bathroom chilly with the change in temperature. Water didn't get particularly hot over the stay. Food- menu was a bit heavy on the spicy side for our tastes ..BUT please, these are smaller issues overall and we think that the kilfinan hotel under Helena and Chris is, and has all the potential to be a jewel in the west Cowal and we would for sure return again!

We really enjoyed the Forestry walks near Be more Gardens...pucks glen, Big tree walk. Lovely walk on a track about a mile short if portavadie down to a bay and small peninsula. The tighnabruach viewpoint was spectacular in a bright morning.

Would Recommend: Yes

20th October 2021:

Would Recommend: Yes

19th October 2021:

Lovely food and great bedroom with new bathroom. Wonderful young couple who couldn’t do enough for you. We wish them well in this exciting new venture.

Would Recommend: Yes

18th October 2021:

Lovely old country inn in a quiet rural location. Blissfully quiet. Our room was large, clean and comfortable with a huge bed making for a great nights sleep. The hotel is under new ownership and it is obvious that the new owners are passionate about this historic building. look forward to returning again to see what further changes they have made.

Ideal for exploring the Kames peninsula, with plenty of country and lochside walks. Ostell bay is particularly stunning. Tighnabruaich is a short drive away (all single track roads) with a small selection of shops, bars and cafes (highly recommend Five West cafe), as is Portavadie where you can get the ferry across loch Fyne to the lovely village of Tarbert. Colintraive is a short distance away and you can catch the small ferry over to the beautiful Isle of Bute. There are some really high quality restaurants nearby like The oystercatcher in Otterferry, Inver Cottage near Strachur, Colintraive Hotel and the Royal An Lochan in Tighnabruaich as well the Kames Hotel, Tide & Thyme and Portavadie marina. There are a couple of companies doing boat trips in the area going from Portavadie and Tighnabruaich with seals, dolphins, porpoise, basking sharks, sea otters and countless species of birds all regularly spotted in the area.

Would Recommend: Yes

10th October 2021:

Had 2 night stay! Lovely place! Superking size bed! Heaven! Food simple but excellent and a great choice of whisky! Will go again nxt year! Xxx

Would Recommend: Yes

9th October 2021:

Excellent hotel in a very quiet area, perfect room, local Fyne Ales cask beer in the bar. What more do you need? Owners Helena and Chris were very helpful and perfect hosts. We arrived late and dined in Oban so didn't try any food. Only stayed for one night but will definitely return for a longer stay next time!

Would Recommend: Yes

4th October 2021:

Had a really lovely experience on our two night stay. Thoughtful and helpful information when we arrived, a first-class evening meal after a drink in the cosy bar, very comfortable room. Breakfast was excellent - including the quality tea and coffee & jam and marmalade - and when we left for a walk Chris came out to check if we needed a map or any info. He and Helena have made it a gem of a place and deserve every success.

Would Recommend: Yes

27th September 2021:

Helena and Chris were both brilliant hosts. Very welcoming and we love what they have done with the hotel since they took it over. Brilliant choice of beers and gins, superb dinner and great breakfast. Thanks for a great stay and we can't wait to come back again soon!

Would Recommend: Yes

18th September 2021:

Friendly and comfortable hotel. Spacious rooms. Owners are very engaging and happy to help with any queries. Menu has a good choice, and the chef prepared some delicious meals. A real treat of a place to relax and unwind.

Would Recommend: Yes

12th September 2021:

The Kilfinan is a comfortable relaxed hotel in a peaceful countryside hamlet. Our room and en suite were spacious and spotless with good quality toiletries and a huge, comfortable bed. An interesting menu of tasty meals and a great selection at the bar. We were made to feel very welcome and recommend the hotel, it’s a great asset to the local community, wish it was our local!

There are shops, hotels and cafes across in Kames and Tighnabruaich worth a look. Lovely views and a tidal spit at Otter Ferry, where refreshments are also available. Castle ruins at Toward and Lachlan. Nice walk from the hotel to the beach. Carved stones at Kilmodan church. Ferry across to Kintyre from Portavadie, didn’t go this time but from previous experience another lovely area to explore.

Would Recommend: Yes

We are so pleased that you both enjoyed your stay at the Hotel - we would love to have you as locals too! We do both hope to see you again in the future. With very best wishes Helena & Chris

11th September 2021:

Fantastic stay. Made to feel very welcome by Helena and Chris. Room very comfortable. The food at dinner was cooked to perfection and very tasty. Breakfast was delicious too.

Great location for visiting Argyll and the Cowal peninsula. Plenty parking at hotel.

Would Recommend: Yes

Thank you so much for your very positive review. We are delighted you both enjoyed your wedding anniversary with us. We look forward to seeing you again in the future. All the very best Helena & Chris

6th September 2021:

Enthusiastic owners made the stay very interesting and enjoyable. Nothing was too much trouble.

Would Recommend: Yes

We are delighted you enjoyed your stay with us and we hope to welcome you back in the future. With very best wishes Helena & Chris

2nd September 2021:

Small and friendly hotel with enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff. Food good standard, good value for money. Fresh fruit at breakfast would have been welcome.

Would Recommend: Yes

1st September 2021:

Perfect in every way. Peaceful, beautiful surroundings gorgeous room and lovely food

Would Recommend: Yes

It was a delight to welcome you and Bear to the Hotel & thank you so much for the chocolates you brought over! We look forward to welcoming you back in the future. With very best wishes Helena & Chris

25th August 2021:

We loved our stay at the Kilfinan. Helena and Chris were the perfect hosts.

No need to visit other restaurants as food at the Kilfinan is excellent and well priced.

Would Recommend: Yes

Dear Duncan Thank you for your very kind feedback on your stay with us and are delighted it was an enjoyable experience. We are in the process of compiling a booklet for guests on local walks, which you might be on interest to you if you ever visit the area again. All the very best Helena & Chris

23rd August 2021:

Very comfortable beds lovely towels and bed linen. Breakfast very good plenty of toast, fruit juice, and a great full Scottish Breakfast,

Would Recommend: Yes

Thank you for your very kind review - we are delighted you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to hopefully welcoming you back in the future. All the very best Helena & Chris

22nd August 2021:

Felt like a home away from home as Helena and Chris were so friendly and accommodating. WiFi was really good and fast, especially considering the remoteness of the hotel. We stayed in room 1 which was spacious and the bed was really comfortable. The owners have strived to stock the bar with locally produced spirits and beer. There is a nice beer garden but the bar has a cosy feel when it is colder and the fire is on. We would definitely recommend this hotel.

Would Recommend: Yes

It was an absolute pleasure to welcome you both as guests and we are particularly pleased that you enjoyed our range of local spirits. We look forward to hopefully welcoming you back in the future. With very best wishes Helena & Chris

9th August 2021:

Very friendly and helpful staff. Nice big room and comfortable bed. Very dog friendly

good country location, nice village and options for walks and restaurants.

Would Recommend: Yes

Dear Claire Thank you for your very kind regards - we were delighted to welcome you all to the Hotel. All the very best Helena & Chris

8th August 2021:

Very friendly and helpful owners. Made our couple if days there very special.

Would Recommend: Yes

We are delighted you enjoyed your stay with us and we hope to welcome you back in the future. With very best wishes Helena & Chris

8th August 2021:

Lovely location, excellent personal service only possible in a smaller hotel,a delightful beergarden, and an olde worlde restaurant with good food. What more could you ask. We will be back!

Would Recommend: Yes

7th August 2021:

We had a great one night stay that we wish had been longer. Our dog was so welcomed as well as ourselves. All areas of the hotel were spotlessly clean and COVID safe without it being in our face. Lovely wee outdoor area for drinks - what an evening sun trap. Food was delicious and importantly for us, some of it was local. We will come back again.

Take a picnic to one of the many wee beaches and coves and just watch the sky. Slow down here ...

Would Recommend: Yes

5th August 2021:

Lovely couple, Helena and Chris could not have been nicer. The chef is amazing.

Beautiful scenery, need a car to get around.

Would Recommend: Yes

3rd August 2021:

Delightful place and very comfortable hotel

Would Recommend: Yes

28th July 2021:

Super friendly welcome with lovely warm room and plenty of hot water. Delicious meal perfect stop on cycling tour thank you

Would Recommend: Yes

27th July 2021:

Excellent facilities and covid protocols very well adhered to. We felt safe. Lovely hosts Helena and Chris couldn't do enough for us. Doggies made welcome. Great food and fantastic breakfast.

Lots of places to explore and links on the calmac ferry very good and frequent to various places. Several restaurants within a few miles but only ate at the hotel. Nice and quiet.

Would Recommend: Yes

27th July 2021:

Lovely old hotel in a remote part of Argyll. Very friendly, great food, covid precautions handled really well. Loved the tranquil location.

The ancient Kilfinan stones are next door to the hotel. Portavadie marina and Tighnabruaich are both nearby. Fabulous part of the world.

Would Recommend: Yes

Thanks so much for your kind feedback - we are delighted you enjoyed your stay with us and loved the area. We look forward to hopefully welcoming you back to the Hotel in the future. With very best wishes Helena & Chris

27th July 2021:

Excellent service and friendly staff, lovely location,

Pre book for evening meals or if your going out for dinner

Would Recommend: Yes

Thanks so much or your kind feedback - we are delighted you enjoyed your stay with us and hopefully look forward to welcoming you back to the Hotel in the future. All the very best Helena & Chris

27th July 2021:

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit thank you it was very welcoming

Great and peaceful location most beautiful and excellent for visiting local highlights thank you

Would Recommend: Yes

Thanks so much for your very kind feedback - we are delighted you enjoyed your stay with us and look forward to hopefully welcoming you back to the Hotel in the future. With very best wishes Helena & Chris

21st July 2021:

Very polite and attentive. Excellent food. Early days for your venture, Anne and I wish you both well.

Exploring is part of the experience. A walk to Kilfinan Bay is recommended.

Would Recommend: Yes

Thanks so much for your kind feedback and best wishes as to the Hotel's future. We are delighted you enjoyed your stay us and look forward to hopefully welcoming you back in the future. All the very best Helena & Chris

20th July 2021:

Fantastic hotel, in a remote tranquil location with great access to other areas of Argyll. This truly is a hidden gem and we very much loved our stay. Chris and Helena were the perfect hosts and staying at the Kilfinan Hotel was more like going to stay with friends. You truly do an amazing job and it is wonderful to hear your passion for this lovely hotel. The breakfast was delicious with a great choice and all cooked fresh and to order and so was dinner. Thank you for making my wee mum so welcome, she loved it so much we hope to be able to return again soon. Thank you.

Would Recommend: Yes

Thanks so much for your extremely kind feedback - we are delighted you both enjoyed your stay with us stay so much. We look forward to potentially you, your mum and your lovely dog back in the future. All the very best Helena & Chris

19th July 2021:

A haven of peace and tranquility. Lovely owners,great chef and a big comfortable bed. Lovely walks and a small beach within walking distance. Cannot wait to our next visit.

Would Recommend: Yes

Thanks for your very kind feedback - we are delighted you enjoyed your stay with us. We would love to welcome you and your dogs back to the Hotel in the future. With very best wishes Helena & Chris

3rd July 2021:

We really enjoyed ,made very welcome, food was delicious, lovely friendly atmosphere thankyou we all chilled out

Would Recommend: Yes

22nd June 2021:

We arrived at Kilfinan on Saturday June 19th June. This was part of our planned trip around Scotland for our honeymoon. The hotel is set in a beautiful and peaceful location. We found the hotel to have everything we needed and the owners hospitality was exceptional. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to return in the future. Stephen & Catherine

Would Recommend: Yes

21st June 2021:

Lovely rural inn tucked away on the Cowal peninsular. The new owners are trying very hard to make a great place to stay, drink and eat. Rooms are quite simple but comfortable, food is local and cooked to a high standard and the bar is welcoming with a log fire or outside seats with a view across the stream towards Loch Finn.

Ferries on and off the peninsula makes access quite easy, racially from the west. Plenty of local walks including a short one down to the beach to see the wildlife.

Would Recommend: Yes

16th June 2021:

We had a wonderful stay. Our room had a beautiful view, waking up to birdsong—even after a night at their historic bar sloshing pints down—was a real joy. One of the most comfortable beds we’ve ever slept in and water on tap from a local spring made feeling hungover out of the question. The breakfast options were damn good too, easily one of the best black puddings I’ve ever eaten in a full Scottish, so much so that I am now a convert to the congealed goodness I once loathed. It made me brave enough to try the scallop/black pudding and pea purée starter for dinner that evening, which proved to be absolutely delicious (followed by an even better steak main). The locally sourced toiletries were lovely (and made great bubbles in the bath!). Chris and Helena are great, they’re really accommodating and always jovial, in spite of their clearly packed and tight schedules. It’s really bringing something a little bit new to the area, including a reinvigorated kitchen with tasty local produce, British bev from near and far (who goes to Kilfinan to drink Peroni?), and again (incredibly!) comfortable beds, all while maintaining the historic beauty of the building and its interior decor. We wish them both all the best in the future, will definitely be staying here again.

Our only minor setback was being unable to drive, so we were slightly limited in what we could do, bringing blisters galore upon ourselves stoating up and down Kilfinan to the beach and coastal areas. Bring a car, or a bike! In spite of that, hanging around the hotel was lovely, it had an atmosphere that us city-folks only dream of, and if you lack much mobility, otter estate’s beach isn’t more than 20 mins walk from the Hotel, and at low tide you might find more than a few cockles to eat for lunch...

Would Recommend: Yes

10th June 2021:

We enjoyed our stay at Kilfinan Hotel. We were made to feel very welcome and both Helena and Chris could not do enough to make our stay perfect.

As the main purpose of our stay was to meet up with our grandson and his family we did not do much sightseeing as we visited them at the holiday cottage were they were staying.

Would Recommend: Yes

9th June 2021:

Would Recommend: Yes

7th June 2021:

Helena and Chris have made a great start on what for them is a life changing enterprise. Friendly and helpful both of the new owners looked after us well throughout our stay. Hopefully as business builds they can take on more staff, giving them the opportunity relax with their guests.

The Cowal peninsula is a beautiful location and for anyone interested in walking and wildlife. A drive along the C11 provides one of the most scenic routes in Scotland.

Would Recommend: Yes

1st June 2021:

A new venture with real heart and soul. Helena and Chris do all they can to make you feel welcome. Still making improvements to this historic building but comfy and cosy. Lovely folk. Highly recommend.

Five West in Tigh na Bruaich great cafe!

Would Recommend: Yes

31st May 2021:

We really enjoyed our stay Beds were super comfy! Food was great quality Great to be able to bring the dog Obviously some teething problems with service but everyone very friendly so didn’t hamper our enjoyment at all. Teething issues: didn’t get a few things that we ordered/had to remind. No veggie option on menu (no biggie for us but unusual these days). No fruit delivered with the “pastries and fruit” breakfast option. Breakfast menu probably a little limited vs what i would expect for the price. I’d advise putting out jams/butter on breakfast table to reduce delays and workload for server! But again we REALLY enjoyed our stay. Gin was great!

Would Recommend: Yes

29th May 2021:

I was surprised that there was no TV in my room, but think this is a good thing as inevitably they would disturb the peace and quiet. I wish you every success in your venture and look forward to staying with you again in the future.

Would Recommend: Yes