The Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride has entered a new chapter following a £3 million investment that has transformed both its accommodation and wedding facilities.
Long regarded as one of Ayrshire’s premier coastal hotels, The Waterside has expanded to 40 bedrooms and introduced redesigned suites and interiors that reflect contemporary design sensibilities while making the most of its stunning seaside setting.
Located just forty minutes from Glasgow, The Waterside occupies a prime position on the Firth of Clyde, with private gardens leading directly to the beach and uninterrupted views to the Isle of Arran.
The latest addition, a 17-bedroom sea-view extension, was realised in partnership with interior design studio 3 Design and local contractors RDK both long standing collaborators on Simpsinns projects. The design demonstrates a balance of modern design and practicality, with every detail crafted to maximise natural light, views and functionality.
The new bedrooms are designed to feel both comfortable and flexible. Each space features a super kingsized bed, walk-in shower, and bespoke finishes including tailored carpets and a palette of burnt orange and soft neutrals that bring warmth and depth to the coastal environment.
Upper-floor rooms open onto glass Juliette balconies, while ground-floor rooms provide private patios with direct garden access.
Rooms have been carefully angled to make the most of the views while maintaining a sense of openness throughout, ensuring that even the smaller footprints feel spacious.
At the centre of the extension is the Kilmory Suite, a showpiece of both design and function. The suite combines a separate lounge with sofa bed, two bathrooms, and a private balcony with hot tub overlooking the water which can serve as a luxurious retreat for couples, a family-friendly suite, or a bridal preparation space. The suite can also be converted into two separate bedrooms if required, demonstrating a design approach that is adaptable as well as stylish.
The hotel’s wedding facilities have also been reimagined with an emphasis on elegance and functionality. The Kyle Suite, one of Ayrshire’s most popular wedding spaces, has been updated by 3 Design with tiered chandeliers, backlit mirrors, and new Chiavari chairs.
The redesign replaces cooler silvers and blues with warmer tones of gold and brass, creating an inviting atmosphere that complements the natural light and sea views.
Outside, a new sea-view bandstand has been added to the gardens, offering a dedicated space for wedding ceremonies and photography that celebrates the coastal backdrop.
Lee Simpson from SimpsInns, the group behind The Waterside, said, “Our aim was to create a series of interiors that feel modern and connected to their surroundings. Working with 3 Design and RDK, we have been able to combine careful detailing, quality finishes, and practical layouts to deliver rooms and suites that enhance the guest experience while maintaining a strong sense of place.”
The Waterside’s investment programme also includes a new luxury seafront spa shortly. Designed to complement the hotel’s interiors and gardens, the spa will feature six treatment rooms, a Rasul experience, relaxation areas, a sauna and steam room with sea views, as well as outdoor hydro pools and a firepit with seating.
The spa’s design emphasises light, space, and connection to the outdoors, reinforcing the hotel’s position as a year-round coastal destination. The hotel’s restaurant is also being refurbished, with the existing outdoor veranda enclosed by large windows to create a modern dining area with uninterrupted views over the gardens and beach.
The combination of natural light, clean lines, and subtle coastal-inspired materials brings the dining space in line with the design philosophy of the bedrooms and suites. With its expanded accommodation, refreshed wedding facilities, and forthcoming spa, The Waterside Hotel now offers a cohesive design-led experience across its property.
The project demonstrates how thoughtful interiors, careful use of materials and attention to spatial flow can transform a traditional coastal hotel into a destination that is both stylish and functional.
Lee Simpson adds, “We wanted to ensure that every space at The Waterside is as practical as it is beautiful. With 3 Design and RDK, we have been able to deliver interiors that feel contemporary, connected to the coast, and adaptable to the needs of our guests, whether they are visiting for weddings, family breaks or a weekend by the sea.”
