This place is a catastrophe and the only B&B that we stayed in which really reminds one of the old, bad, Scottish style of service. The rooms are overpriced, the staff rooms are a pig-sty and the standard of service is appaling. The only saving grace was the friendliness of the young people who made up the staff - they obviously wnated us to enjoy our stay but they just hadn't a clue about running a guest houe. Keep clear!

We took advantage of the CalMac offer on the ferry from Claonaig to Lochranza to have an overnight on Arran (although an overnight is not really enough time on this beautiful island with all that it has to offer). On a visit to Arran earlier this year we noticed that the Argentine Hotel was being given a much needed "makeover" and heard that it had new owners. As we were looking for one night Bed and Breakfast and the sign on the window ( it is now The Arran Brewery Guest House)showed that they had vacancies we decided to give it a try. I was slightly alarmed when I saw dust sheets covering the stairs and paint pots and ladders in what had been the dining room with the previous owners. My mind was put at rest by Jacki ( the Manager) who explained that they were indeed open for business and that the dust sheets were only to protect the new carpets while the painter was around and that they would be removed early that afternoon as indeed they were. We had a nice freshly decorated room with four poster bed and ensuite shower(with complimentary Arran Aromatics toiletries). Our super breakfast (cooked I assume by Jacki) set us up for the day. This hotel is in its early stages under the new owners but with the super welcome and attention from Jacki it is certainly worth giving it a try.

We knew the place was being taken over by someone from the old owners but they forgot to tell us it was also being renamed!
It took us about half an hour to locate. On arrival we were concerned by the messy appearance of the place. Eventually we managed to find Jackie who is managing the place for the owners. Her greeting was very homely she showed us to our room which was adequate for the two nights we stayed the view was terrific.It turned out there was only one other couple staying as the place had only reopened the day before we arrived,probably people gave up as they couldn't find it!
The breakfast was good but we probably wouldn't stay again,even 'though Jacki was a gem, as the price has increased to £90 a night double and there are better places available for the same cost. They only charged us the price we had agreed with the old owner by the way.

Confusingly The Argentine House is run by a
Swiss gentleman and his Indonesian wife dedicated
to making you comfortable and feel welcome. My
wife and I with an eight year old daughter spent a
long weekend at this seaside guest house and
felt we could have happily spent a fortnight. The
views are stunning, the Victorian house totally
charming with a grand staircase up to a gallery
leading to the bedrooms. It is a very long time
since we have experienced such a comfortable
hotel stay, and I recommend it to you! Breakfast
is in the Swiss style, such a change from greasy
Scottish offerings. There are very good walks inland,
and to the south of the island, an adequate bus
service, exceptional local restaurants, shops
and bakery, and of course the seashore.