Lancaster Hotel Oban Exterior photoLancaster Hotel Oban Exterior photoLancaster Hotel Oban Exterior photo
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From62US$ /night
Check-in
10May2026Select date
Check-out
11May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Esplanade, Oban, United Kingdom, PA34 5AD
-
Next to St Columba's Cathedral
Guest rating
6.0
/10
2.0
2.8
/5

Lancaster Hotel, Oban

The family-run Lancaster Hotel has been managed by the Ramage family since 1963. Located on Oban's sea front next to St Columba's Cathedral, the hotel is positioned on the north side of the bay, overlooking Kerrera Sound. The hotel is 5 km from Oban and a 25-minute walk to Oban. If entering from the east via Connel, follow the road down the hill towards the sea. If entering from the south, follow the road through town to Argyll Square, then take the fourth exit between the Royal Hotel and the Jean Shop onto the sea front. The imposing Glenlyon house was acquired in 1898 to serve as a clubhouse. In 1947, it was purchased by the McDonald sisters and operated as an unlicensed guest house named the Lancaster. We accommodate up to fifty people.

Rooms

The hotel features twenty-seven rooms: three family rooms, six doubles, ten twins, and eight singles. Seven rooms offer sea views. All rooms include televisions, a radio/intercom system, trouser presses, coffee and tea making facilities, full-length mirrors, and electric blankets. All rooms, except three single rooms, have private toilet, bath, or shower facilities. Non-smoking rooms are available, excluding rooms 22 and 23. Some rooms include a small flat-screen TV with built-in DVD player. Family rooms with sea view also provide an en suite bathroom with a hairdryer and two wall lights with dimmers for children.

Dining and Bar

The dining room seats up to fifty people and offers a panoramic view over Oban Bay, including Kerrera Island and the peaks of Mull. Breakfast is served from 8:00 to 9:30. The hotel has two back-to-back bars: a Lounge or Public Bar accessible from the side, offering darts, a pool table, dominoes, cards, a TV, and a jukebox. The Cocktail Bar is at the front of the hotel with a panoramic view of the bay. A range of hot snacks are available in the bars, front porch, and reception area, including soups, seafood chowder, fish and chips, chili con carne, burgers, and hot dogs. Menus from local restaurants are available at the reception.

Leisure Facilities

The hotel has a 40-foot indoor swimming pool, a steam room, and a sauna. There are two public seating areas: a sun porch with a sea view at the entrance and an entrance lounge with banquette seating, additional seating around a gas fire, and access to the cocktail bar. WI-FI is accessible at the front of the hotel around the Entrance Porch, Cocktail bar, Lounge bar and Reception area. Some front rooms near the reception may also receive the signal. Other activities include Darts, Pool Table, Dominoes and Cards.

Area Landmarks

The hotel provides free parking. Nearby landmarks include Lochan Dubh (2 km), Oban Phoenix Cinema (1 km), Oban War and Peace Museum (1 km), St John's Cathedral (1 km), Maiden Island (1 km), Oban Distillery (2 km), Dunollie Museum (2 km), and Oban Marina (2 km). The hotel is near McCaig's Tower on Battery Hill, Dunollie Castle, Dunstaffnage Castle, and Oban War & Peace Museum.

“Located at the quieter end of the bay with convenient parking, this hotel stands out for its friendly staff and the cooked-to-order breakfast service, a refreshing change from typical buffets. Rooms with a sea view are especially appealing, offering lovely vistas that enhance the overall experience. Despite some signs of wear, its location and welcoming atmosphere make it a worthwhile option.”
Hotel logo
Isabella MooreSenior Editorial Director at Petfriendlyhotels
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Select your room type

Cozy rooms, spacious suites, and family-friendly homes, all with flexible cancellation policies & special deals
Basic Triple Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Single Room Sea View
2 persons
110 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Double Room
2 persons
110 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Twin Room
2 persons
140 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Bathtub
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Facilities

Enjoy premium amenities for a relaxing stay with your pet

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Parking
  • Pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course
  • Billiard tables
  • Darts

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Game room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Garden furniture

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Lancaster Hotel Location

Esplanade, Oban, United Kingdom, PA34 5AD
Map view
Esplanade, Oban, United Kingdom, PA34 5AD
Nearby
Church
St Columba's Cathedral
300 ft
Bishop's House
Roman Catholic Diocese of Argyll and the Isles
300 ft
200 Corran Esplanade
Oban War Memorial
300 ft
Restaurants
Nories
3500 ft
86 George Street
The Little Potting Shed Cafe
3500 ft
5 John Street
The Pokey Hat
7.3 mi
13 Stafford Street
Little Bay Cafe
7.3 mi
On the front at Oban next to sea wall
Kronks deli
7.3 mi
7 Stafford Street
Oban Seafood Hut.
1.4 mi
Railway Pier
Local Shellfish
1.4 mi
Calmac Pier
Food From Argyll at the Pier
1.4 mi
Oban Ferry Terminal Railway Pier
MacGillivray's Seafood
1.3 mi
57 Shore Street
Cafe Shore
1.2 mi
Station Road
Explore Oban
Explore Oban
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
McCaig's Tower
10 minutes' walk
Iconic structure offering panoramic views of Oban and surrounding islands, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Dunollie Museum
3 minutes' drive
Historic museum featuring Scottish history and culture, with beautiful gardens and scenic views.
Oban War and Peace Museum
10 minutes' walk
Local history museum documenting Oban's past, with free admission and engaging exhibits.
Oban Phoenix Cinema
10 minutes' walk
Modern cinema showcasing mainstream and independent films, known for its cozy atmosphere.
Puffin Dive Centre
7 minutes' drive
Diving center offering courses and excursions for thrill-seekers to explore marine life and underwater landscapes.
Ganavan Sands
25 minutes' walk
Beautiful beach perfect for leisurely walks and sunbathing, with stunning views of the Firth of Lorn.
Nories
13 minutes' walk
Seafood-focused restaurant known for fresh local fish dishes, casual atmosphere, and waterfront views.
The Little Potting Shed Cafe
13 minutes' walk
Charming café offering homemade pastries and light bites in a cozy ambiance, perfect for brunch.
Oban Distillery
20 minutes' walk
Local distillery renowned for its whisky tours and tastings, providing a unique insight into the whisky-making process.
The Jetty Gallery
10 minutes' walk
Art gallery featuring local artists' work, hosting regular exhibitions and events in a vibrant setting.
Getting around
City Centre
Oban15 min  ·  4000 ft
Airports
Oban (OBN)14 min  ·  5.7 mi
Colonsay (CSA)100 min  ·  41.3 mi
Train
Oban Train Station11 min  ·  3000 ft
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:00
Check-out
from 08:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP10 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
22

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Lancaster Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Lancaster Hotel boasts a superb seafront location, often mentioned for its proximity to Oban's centre and attractions like St Columba's Cathedral, easily accessible by foot. Many guests enjoyed lovely outlooks over the water from their rooms, and some rooms are noted as spacious. While some guests have found the furnishings to be a bit dated, the hotel offers convenient parking and the option to order breakfast served at a table with bay views, with tea and coffee making facilities in the room.
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Review score
Based on 863 verified reviews
5.8/10
Guest rating
45%
Recommend
Location
8.8/10
Staff
8.0/10
Free Wi-Fi
4.0/10
Facilities
5.7/10
Pros
Kind staff
Good location
Sea view
Live music
Cons
Uncomfortable beds
Poor maintenance
Tiny room
Low water pressure
Guest reviews
based on 863 reviews
5.8/10
based on 460 reviews
2/5
based on 1861 reviews
6.0/10
lily from united kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:December 31, 2025
9.2/10

charming getaway

friendly staffexcellent breakfastclean place
i had a return visit and the staff are very friendly. breakfast was excellent and the place was very clean. i definitely plan to return again soon it was lovely.
the decor is a bit dated but that was not a problem for me.
Rooms
9/10
the room was charming with nods to the past and very comfy beds. i was put to the rear of the hotel due to my dog and enjoyed quiet nights. it had everything i needed for a comfortable stay.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel provided on-site parking which was very convenient and helpful. the views from the front terrace are lovely and gave a real sense of place. this.
Location
10/10
the hotel sits at the quieter end of the promenade making it ideal. a short walk led me to shops and many attractions to enjoy. it was easy to explore all that the area had to offer from this base.
Dining
9/10
i found the breakfast standard and totally adequate for my needs. it gave me a great start to my day before heading out. there were snacks in the evening if i wanted them and prices were fair.
Service
10/10
the staff were very friendly and created a cute atmosphere. they were attentive and helpful giving local advice about what to do. their kindness enhanced my overall experience very much.
0 Helpful
|
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Georgia from United Kingdom
Single
Twin Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 29, 2025
6/10

adequate stay

seafront locationeasy walkwater outlookdated furniturebar noiselate closing
the hotel was in a lovely seafront location. it was an easy walk to the centre. i had a great outlook over the water.
the room was dated with furniture. it was above the bar so you have the noise. the bar closed late.
0 Helpful
penelope from greece
Single
twin room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:August 05, 2025
8.8/10

charming stay with some quirks

bay viewscomfy bedquiet endold furniture
Staff were friendly enough. the location was pretty great with bay views. i appreciated being at the quieter end of the promenade. It made for an easy walk to shops and attractions. the beds felt comfy enough, so i slept soundly.
sadly, the hotel looked like it need some love. the bedroom furniture seem like it came from the 70s. the ceiling had a funny color and the carpet seen like it had seen better days.
Service
9/10
The reception staff were friendly. staff seemed helpful in general, though i didn't require much assistance. they worked efficiently, and i did saw smiles around
Rooms
8/10
My room was clean. That's always a plus. the beds were comfy, a nice thing after a long day. the bathroom, though small, had a new shower. That worked just fine.
Facilities
8/10
Breakfasts dining room overlooks the bay. That was pretty. i did notice lots stairs and corridors, so access could be tricky. the hotel does sit in a beautiful location
Dining
9/10
The breakfast was very good. I was set up for the day. i saw a good choice of items laid out for breakfast. That was quite nice. other guests seemed to appreciate dining as well.
Location
10/10
The hotel sits along the water. Made for a nice walk. the location is quite close to amenities. Made it very handy. the views over the bay are indeed beautiful.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Lancaster Hotel
How far is Lancaster Hotel from Oban city centre?
The hotel is 1 km from Oban city centre.
What is the distance to Oban Rail Station from Lancaster Hotel?
The hotel is approximately 2 km from Oban Rail Station.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Lancaster Hotel?
Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Is breakfast available at Lancaster Hotel?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of £10.
What dining options are near Lancaster Hotel?
Nearby restaurants include Sailor Restaurant (0.5 km), Markie Dans (0.5 km), and Cuan Mor (1 km).
What amenities does Lancaster Hotel provide?
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, free parking, a bar/lounge area, and a game room with pool tables.
Are pets allowed at Lancaster Hotel?
Pets are allowed on request.
What relaxation facilities does Lancaster Hotel offer?
The hotel features a steam room, sauna, and a 12 m indoor swimming pool.
What type of room amenities are available at Lancaster Hotel?
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, DVD player, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Is there parking available at Lancaster Hotel?
Free private parking is available on-site.
What activities can guests enjoy at Lancaster Hotel?
Guests can enjoy billiards, darts, and access to a golf course.
What are some attractions near Lancaster Hotel?
Nearby attractions include the McCaig's Tower (1 km) and Dunstaffnage Castle (5 km).

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Check-in
10May2026Select date
Check-out
11May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room