The Kelvin Hotel

Hotels
8.3 (1001 reviews)
Shore Street , Oban , gb

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Children allowed

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Express check-in/check-out
Non-smoking throughout
Board games/puzzles
Allergy-free room
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
Cashless payment available
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Cleanliness
Convenient location
Friendly staff
Cons:
Poor customer service
No breakfast
Room issues

Categories

Cleanliness
9.03
Very clean rooms were consistently mentioned, indicating high standards.
Service
8
Mixed feedback; poor communication and customer service issues were highlighted.
Location
9.54
Location was praised as very convenient for transport and local attractions.
Room Quality
7.99
Several issues with room features and maintenance were reported.
Amenities
8.52
Basic amenities available; some had limited service such as no dining options.
Value for Money
7.98
Prices seen as high relative to service and room quality.
Food and Beverage
6.53
No breakfast offered, which was a downside for some guests.
Overall Experience
8.8
Overall a pleasant experience, but with some notable drawbacks.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-17 18:49

Property Description

Historic Building and Modern Comforts
Kelvin Hotel, a historic Grade B listed building in the heart of Oban, offers a charming stay with modern amenities. Enjoy free WiFi, a cosy lounge, and picturesque views of the harbour and ferry terminal.

Comfortable Rooms with Essential Amenities
Each functionally-furnished room at Kelvin Hotel features a flat-screen TV, coffee/tea facilities, en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, and complimentary water. Relax in comfort after a day of exploring the town.

Convenient Location with Easy Access to Transport
Benefit from the hotel's proximity to major landmarks, transport links, and dining options. Within walking distance of the ferry terminal, bus/train stations, restaurants, and pubs, Kelvin Hotel ensures a convenient stay.

Book now to experience a blend of history, comfort, and convenience at Kelvin Hotel in Oban.

Important information:

This property will not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties.

When booking 4 rooms or more, different policies and additional supplements will apply.

Please note that the accommodations is located on the first and second floor, and is accessible via stairs only. Therefore it may not be suitable for guests with mobility impairment.

Guests are not permitted to consume alcohol or hot food in the bedrooms.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: GLA

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not possible) and costs GBP 7.50 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.3
Based on 1001 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.03
Service: 8
Location: 9.54
Room Quality: 7.99
Amenities: 8.52
Value for Money: 7.98
Food and Beverage: 6.53
Overall Experience: 8.8
J
john • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

location

Cons:

N/A

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
F
Ferguson • solo_traveller • gb
8
It served my purpose to be in Oban.
Pros:

There was no breakfast.

Cons:

A lift instead of stairs.

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
D
Daniel • solo_traveller • us
9
Pros:

So quaint and beautiful

Cons:

Neighbors were too loud

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
N
Nicole • couple • us
9
An absolute gem in the heart of Oban!
Pros:

Are you tired of faceless online bookings where service is a wifi password and keyless entry? Me too. Fortunately, the Kelvin Hotel is neither of these things. The charming proprietor greeted me warmly, and saw to every detail of my stay, with recommendations on local food, live music, parking, and fun things to do about town. She was kind enough to lend a forgotten umbrella, and took the time to make coffee in a French press when the machine in the breakfast lounge took a turn. The hotel's location is ideal, as it's within walking distance of the lovely downtown harbor, and guest rooms have recently been updated. Mine included a kitchenette with microwave, toaster, and refrigerator. Be advised that the residence is across from the ferry docking station, so there is some outside noise after 8 AM, and that the building is without an elevator, which may not suit some visitors. Already planning my next visit!

Cons:

There wasn't any particular aspect I did not like, and I plan to return to The Kelvin the next time I am in Oban. As mentioned, the hotel does not have an elevator, which is in keeping with other UK hotels of its era, and the ferry just outside begins service around 8 AM weekdays. I wanted an early start anyways!

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Marie-Paule • couple • fr
8
Bon rapport qualité prix
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas • couple • gb
8
Hell of a lot drunk
Pros:

Good location and big the studio nice and big

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
N
Niklas • couple • de
8
Wir kommen wieder
Pros:

Großes, sauberes Zimmer mit Küchenausstattung.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
J
Jonathan • solo_traveller • gb
7
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Merit • extended_group • se
7
Ok
Pros:

Sängarna

Cons:

Frukosten

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
R
Rhona • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

Staff are lovely, the hotel is clean and comfortable what more could you ask for

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
R
Ruth • family_with_children • us
7
Nice stay for quick trip to area.
Pros:

Convenient, location, room configuration for three people

Cons:

Right next to car ferry docks so keep noise (horns until late at night) in mind.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
J
Jacob • couple • gb
10
The Kelvin Hotel was absolutely lovely, will be staying here again next time I’m in Oban!
Pros:

Room was lovely!

Cons:

TV was at funny angle to bed but that was no bother at all just a small thing

2026-01-10 • via Nuitee
G
Gina • solo_traveller • gb
4
Not the greatest
Pros:

The bed was comfortable. the shower was hot

Cons:

Impersonal - pick up key from desk, no-one around. Bar had closed sign on the door with no details if opening at all. So no communal lounge. It's more like a B n B without the second B although in my experience you usually get greeted at one. I would not call this an hotel.
All rooms were upstairs with a fire exit door that opened inwards on the first floor almost touching the first tread on the stairs.
My room had curtains that were difficult to open and close, and I couldn't open the window, which was covered in condensation each morning

2025-12-06 • via Nuitee
G
Gemma • couple • gb
1
Pros:

Room was apparently double booked so we were turned away. Very poor communication and quite disgusted by how my son was treated.

Cons:

Very poor customer service

2025-12-03 • via Nuitee
P
Patrick • solo_traveller • gb
8
Comfortable
Pros:

Location. Clean. Welcoming.

Cons:

Noisy neighbours

2025-11-21 • via Nuitee
M
Martina • solo_traveller • de
4
2025-11-16 • via Nuitee
T
Tara • family_with_children • gb
10
Pros:

Comfy and welcoming

2025-11-10 • via Nuitee
N
Nicola • solo_traveller • gb
8
Great location, nice staff and clean.
Pros:

Great location, friendly staff!

2025-11-02 • via Nuitee
B
Bastien • couple • ch
10
Pros:

La dame qui gère l'établissement est accueilante et serviable.
Les chambres offrent tout le confort nécessaire et l'emplacement est parfait pour ́le ferry.
Il y a aussi un petit bar sympa.

2025-10-24 • via Nuitee
S
Stella • extended_group • us
7
Pros:

Quiet and simple

2025-10-23 • via Nuitee