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4- and 5-star hotels in Lochgilphead
This shortlist covers the 4- and 5-star hotels and cottages in and around Lochgilphead, from a five-star house by the Crinan Ferry to marina cottages at Craobh Haven. It suits couples, families and anyone exploring Argyll by car.
Staying in Lochgilphead
Lochgilphead sits at the head of Loch Gilp and is the natural base for the Crinan Canal, Kilmartin Glen and the coast around Argyll. The hotels here are spread through the villages and shorelines that ring the town: Crinan and Crinan Ferry to the west, Cairnbaan and Ardrishaig along the canal, Craobh Haven and the Tighnabruaich road to the south, and the Kilmichael Glassary and Ford country inland. Each address names a different slice of that landscape.
Because the addresses are rural, almost every property expects guests to arrive by car and to use it for day trips. Couples choose the Crinan and shorefront cottages for quiet water views; families take the larger cottages with kitchens, family rooms and washing machines; business travellers and short-break visitors get the easiest base at Crinan Hotel, which is the only listed property with a 24 hour front desk, lifts and concierge.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Winterton
Crinan Ferry, Lochgilphead, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereWinterton is the only 5-star address on this list, set at Crinan Ferry with a spa, restaurant and bar for guests who want the highest category in the area. A bath, patio and terrace add to the comfort, and the beach nearby, canoe and fishing suit days on the water. Guests rate it 5.0 from 9 reviews, so it suits travellers after a top-tier, small-scale stay with dining and treatments on site.
See WintertonCrinan Hotel
Crinan, Lochgilphead, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
- Lounge
Why stay hereCrinan Hotel is a 4-star property in Crinan with a restaurant, bar and lounge, plus a garden and terrace for the evenings. A 24-hour front desk, room service and lifts make arrivals and longer stays easy, and pets are allowed. With a 4.3 rating from 449 reviews, it works well for guests who want full hotel services and a choice of places to eat and drink without leaving the grounds.
See Crinan HotelAllt Na Craig House
Tarbert Road Ardrishaig Ardrishaigargyll Pa30 8Ep, Lochgilphead, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Business trips
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereAllt Na Craig House sits on Tarbert Road in Ardrishaig, a 4-star house with a garden and terrace in a quieter setting. A business centre and lunch service cover working trips and daytime meals, while bicycle hire, fishing and a golf course give guests things to do close by. It suits travellers who want a small property with practical facilities and outdoor options.
See Allt Na Craig HouseCrinan Canal Cottage
4 Cairnbaan Cottages, Lochgilphead, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereCrinan Canal Cottage at Cairnbaan pairs an indoor pool with a garden and terrace, an unusual combination among the 4-star options here. Bicycle hire and bicycle storage make it simple to explore the canal-side surroundings, and diving, sailing and fishing are on offer for guests who want time on the water. The cottage is wheelchair accessible, and free parking and wifi are provided.
See Crinan Canal CottageCockleshell Lodge
Via Tighnabruaich, Lochgilphead, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereCockleshell Lodge brings a balcony, terrace and sea outlook together with a fireplace and full kitchen, so guests can settle in rather than eat out every night. Pets are allowed, and a garden plus free parking keep arrivals easy. Beach nearby, canoe and fishing suit active days, while the golf course and horse riding widen the options. It suits families or groups wanting a self-contained 4-star base.
See Cockleshell LodgeOystershell Lodge
Shorefront, Lochgilphead, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereOystershell Lodge stands on the shorefront, with a balcony and sea views, a fireplace and a full kitchen including dishwasher and washing machine. Pets are welcome, and the terrace and garden give outdoor space. Canoe, fishing and beach nearby appeal to guests planning time on the water, while free wifi and free car parking cover the practical side. A 4-star choice for a self-catering coastal break.
See Oystershell LodgeShelburne Lodge
Meall Buidhe 1, Lochgilphead, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereShelburne Lodge at Meall Buidhe is a 4-star house with a riverside setting, a fireplace and a kitchen with dishwasher and microwave. The garden and terrace add outdoor room, pets are allowed, and free wifi and free car parking are provided. Fishing is available for guests who want it. It suits those who prefer a quiet, self-contained house over a serviced hotel.
See Shelburne LodgeCrinan Canal Cottage No8 Kilmartin
8 Cairnbaan Cottages, Lochgilphead, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereThis Cairnbaan cottage, Crinan Canal Cottage No8 Kilmartin, offers an outdoor pool alongside a garden and terrace. Bicycle hire and bicycle storage make canal-side exploring straightforward, and motor boat, sailing, diving and fishing cover guests who want to be on the water. It is wheelchair accessible and has free parking. A 4-star option for active groups and families.
See Crinan Canal Cottage No8 KilmartinCraobh Marina Cottages
Craobh Haven, Lochgilphead, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereCraobh Marina Cottages at Craobh Haven combine a bar with a fireplace, full kitchen and terrace, so guests get both a place to eat and drink and a self-catering setup. Sea views, beach nearby and a garden suit coastal stays, and canoe, fishing and horse riding are available. Pets are allowed, family rooms are offered, and wifi and parking are free. Good for families or groups.
See Craobh Marina CottagesInnishail
Innishail Ford, Lochgilphead, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereInnishail at Ford is a 4-star house with a garden and a kitchen that includes dishwasher, oven, microwave and refrigerator. It is a non-smoking property with free car parking, and fishing is available for guests. The setup suits visitors who want a straightforward self-catering base in the Lochgilphead area rather than hotel services.
See InnishailPrintmakers Cottage
Lochgilphead, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay herePrintmakers Cottage in Lochgilphead has a garden and a sea outlook, with a kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine for longer stays. Pets are allowed and free wifi and free car parking are provided; a garage adds covered space, and the property is wheelchair accessible. Fishing is available nearby. It suits guests wanting a 4-star self-catering cottage with room to spread out.
See Printmakers CottageDunchraigaig House
Dunchragiag Kilmichael Glassary, Lochgilphead, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereDunchraigaig House at Kilmichael Glassary is a 4-star property with a garden, a golf course and an on-site lunch service. Housekeeping, laundry service and a safe add hotel-style convenience, while the bath and toiletries point to comfortable rooms. It works for guests who want a smaller, serviced stay with golf and outdoor activities within reach.
See Dunchraigaig House
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Pool or spa | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winterton | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – |
| Crinan Hotel | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Allt Na Craig House | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| Crinan Canal Cottage | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – |
| Cockleshell Lodge | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Oystershell Lodge | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Shelburne Lodge | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Crinan Canal Cottage No8 Kilmartin | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – |
| Craobh Marina Cottages | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Innishail | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| Printmakers Cottage | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Dunchraigaig House | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Craobh Marina Cottages has family rooms and a full kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine. Cockleshell Lodge and Oystershell Lodge both come with kitchens, terraces and space for a cot, and sit close to beaches and fishing.
Craobh Marina Cottages · Cockleshell Lodge · Oystershell Lodge
Pets welcome
Crinan Hotel is the only hotel here that takes pets, alongside Cockleshell Lodge, Oystershell Lodge, Shelburne Lodge, Craobh Marina Cottages and Printmakers Cottage. The cottages add gardens or terraces, and most have free car parking on site.
Crinan Hotel · Cockleshell Lodge · Oystershell Lodge · Shelburne Lodge · Craobh Marina Cottages · Printmakers Cottage
Spa and pampering
Winterton is the 5-star pick, rated 5.0 from 9 reviews, with a spa, massage, restaurant and bar at Crinan Ferry. Crinan Hotel, rated 4.3 from 449 reviews, adds a restaurant, bar, room service and concierge to its canal-side setting.
Business and short breaks
Allt Na Craig House in Ardrishaig has a business centre and lunch service. Crinan Hotel offers 24 hour front desk, lifts, copy facilities and wake-up service, while Printmakers Cottage in Lochgilphead itself keeps a garage, wifi and parking for a simple self-catering stay.
Where to stay in Lochgilphead
Crinan
Crinan is the canal village at the western end of the Crinan Canal, and Crinan Hotel stands here with bars, a restaurant, terrace and room service. Expect a harbour setting reached by a single road, best explored on foot once you have parked.
Our picks here: Crinan Hotel
Cairnbaan
Cairnbaan sits on the Crinan Canal between Ardrishaig and Crinan. Crinan Canal Cottage and Crinan Canal Cottage No8 Kilmartin are both at Cairnbaan Cottages, one with an indoor pool and the other an outdoor pool, and both have bicycle hire and storage for canal-path days.
Our picks here: Crinan Canal Cottage · Crinan Canal Cottage No8 Kilmartin
Craobh Haven
Craobh Haven is a small marina village on the Argyll coast south of Lochgilphead. Craobh Marina Cottages looks out to sea, with family rooms, a kitchen and a terrace, and the facilities list points to canoeing, fishing and horse riding nearby.
Our picks here: Craobh Marina Cottages
Kilmichael Glassary
Kilmichael Glassary lies inland from Lochgilphead, close to the Kilmartin Glen monuments. Dunchraigaig House is here, a carpeted house with garden, golf course nearby and lunch served on site.
Our picks here: Dunchraigaig House
Questions, answered
Which of these places has parking?
Free car parking is listed at Winterton, Crinan Hotel, Allt Na Craig House, Crinan Canal Cottage, Cockleshell Lodge, Oystershell Lodge, Shelburne Lodge, Craobh Marina Cottages, Innishail, Printmakers Cottage and Dunchraigaig House. Parking is also among the facilities.
Do any of these hotels allow pets?
Yes. Crinan Hotel is the only full hotel that allows pets. Within the cottages, Cockleshell Lodge, Oystershell Lodge, Shelburne Lodge, Craobh Marina Cottages and Printmakers Cottage also allow pets, and several have gardens or terraces.
Is there a pool or spa anywhere in this shortlist?
Winterton has a spa and massage. Crinan Canal Cottage in Cairnbaan has an indoor pool, and Crinan Canal Cottage No8 Kilmartin has an outdoor pool. No other listed property includes a pool or spa.
Which is the best-rated hotel here?
Winterton is the top-rated property, with a guest rating of 5.0 out of 5 from 9 reviews, and it is also the only 5-star option on this list. Crinan Hotel follows with 4.3 out of 5 from 449 reviews.
Which hotels suit families best?
Craobh Marina Cottages is the only property listing family rooms. Families also tend to fit the self-catering cottages with kitchens and washing machines, such as Cockleshell Lodge, Oystershell Lodge and Shelburne Lodge.
Where can I have breakfast, lunch or dinner?
Crinan Hotel has restaurant service, breakfast in room, lunch and room service. Winterton also has a restaurant and bars. Among the houses, Allt Na Craig House and Dunchraigaig House list lunch, and Crinan Hotel serves special diets.
Do the rooms have wifi?
Innishail is the property that does not list wifi.
Which properties are wheelchair accessible?
Crinan Canal Cottage, Crinan Canal Cottage No8 Kilmartin and Printmakers Cottage all list wheelchair access. No other property on this shortlist does.