Oban-based entrepreneur, Paul Sloan, of Diversity Leisure has opened a new boutique hotel in Oban.
The nine-room property is called No. 26 By The Sea and has been designed by Dominic Paul of Glasgow-based IBDP, The new hotel, formerly the Ach-Na- Mara, or Meadow By The Sea, guesthouse.
The Victorian building was originally built in 1895, and is located by the sea, on the Corran Esplanade. as a result the rooms have great views of the bay and islands.
The rooms have all been individually themed.There is a cabin room, a garden room and a Scottish room, the latter has a four-poster bed.
Some rooms have balconies to make the most of the great views and the hotel also has a private garden.
The hotel’s public areas feature jewel colours, bespoke furnishings which have been sourced from around the world – the result is a warm and inviting space with lots to comment on.
The owners describe it as a Stylistic Boutique House Hotel, it certainly is.
It also has an Honesty Bar. “We decided to have an Honesty Bar as we want our guests to feel as if they are home whilst away from home (it’s basically a bar without a bartender and guests help themselves). To enjoy the true taste of Scotland, we fully stocked the bar with a large variety of local products such as Whisky, Rum, Gin,Vodka, Liqueurs etc.
The bedroom, which have all been individually themed feature curtains and soft furnishing supplied by Select Contract Furniture. They too are colourful and in keeping with the hotels quirky feel. From baths at the foot of your bed, to a room which makes you feel that you are in Sweden instead of Oban, there is plenty to catch your attention.
Owner Paul Sloan also owns various restaurants and bars throughout Scotland
and his love of food is demonstrated by the events the hotel plans to hold once COVID allows.They will include Cooking Classes and Wine Club. The No 26 Cook School is both informal but informative, whether a beginner or a pro, it will teach the basics as well as in- depth techniques to create some of the most amazing culinary dishes from around the world.