Staying at Strumhor was one of the best B&B experiences I have ever had, and I have had plenty. Starting with the common areas: There is a lovely bay-windowed sunroom overlooking the water. You can watch the sunset, see the tide rippling in or peer through their telescope. There is also a comfy interior sitting room. The house is loaded with books -- popular, classics and travel; there is a wide selection of quality DVDs.
The owners have prepared a large binder that includes a list of their favorite (mostly outdoor) activities specific to this neck of the woods. They’ve also thoughtfully prepared a long list of specific walks and hikes, along with relevant details, length, level of difficulty, what they’re like in the wet, which are good for bird-watching, etc. Wow, these hosts are enthusiastic about what their area has to offer and about sharing it with their guests.
Our congenial host, Olga, was tuned into what we wanted to do. She gave us dining suggestions that fit in with our taste (if you like good food, you must go to Coast in Oban; “Lite Bites” before 6:30 make fine dining very affordable) and she sent us on an excursion to a place we didn’t know about (the stones at Kilmartin) that was just fabulous. [If you are planning a trip around Scotland, the Oban area is a good place to include as part of your itinerary, especially if you are into the outdoors.]
The dining area has private tables and the breakfast is fabulous. Guests can select from a fairly extensive menu the night before, either a traditional Scottish breakfast, or one of many other breakfasts, including kippers; pancakes; croissant, cheese and meat platter and more. Breakfast time is flexible; you just need to decide the night before.
Our room (Morvern) was very small, but I have no complaints; I consider myself lucky that we were able to get a booking at all on short notice. I’d suggest booking way in advance if you are a couple, but even if you need to squeeze in to Morvern, the common areas are so appealing it takes the edge off.
The small space was organized efficiently. Everything is white and fresh-looking; windows open; comfy bed with four good pillows and comforter; extra blanket; nice wood hangers in closet; big mirror. Bathroom is all new, very clean. Good shower; nice towels; towel warmer; big mirror; nice brand amenities.
I guess I need to make some negative comments so that this doesn’t look like a puff-piece. But: small ground floor double is right off dining area and entrance way to house, so it’s not that private. (However, there aren’t many guests, so the impact should be minimal.) Also, it was hard to find a strong WiFi signal. What negatives there are would never deter me from coming back; I loved this place.
