The Kelvin Hotel

United Kingdom , Oban
OBAN, 7 Cawdor Place Shore Street
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100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

16 Dec 2025

Daniel

Great hotel easy parking comfy beds. Very convenient

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

01 Dec 2025

Margaret

Our room was fine but I got zapped by an electrical outlet while plugging in the hair dryer.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Oct 2025

Kimberly

Great location, an easy walk to ferry and train stations. The rooms are small, but clean and well laid out.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2025

Ryan

Loved the older building with updated features that made for a very comfortable stay. Very clean, nice room overlooking the harbor with small convenient kitchenette. Excellent comfortable king bed with convenient electrical charging capability on both sides. Very convenient location for access to the downtown area including the ferry, bus and train stations, but far enough from bustle and noise- very quiet. A fine continental breakfast with a great coffee maker for cappuccinos and more. Really enjoyed spending time in the cozy onsite pub and blethering a bit with the very congenial and accommodating host, with a good selection of drafts and extensive assortment of fine whiskys (wee suggestion: I would have loved a real dartboard 😉). I really enjoyed our three nights there and eagerly look forward to the next time we can visit Oban and revisit the Kelvin for our next stay. Highly recommended!

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

10 Oct 2025

linda

No on site parking. Basic amenities. No restaurant. Easy to town. Expensive for what it is.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2025

Jim

Great value. Super clean. Loved it

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Oct 2025

James

there was paid parking across the road which was very safe, although we managed to use the free overnight street parking,across the road from the hotel. the room was a studio loft with limited cooking facilities, but sufficient for a stay of a few days.
The staff were very friendly and the small bar was cosy and had a relaxed homely (in a good way) atmosphere. being a small port town, all the essentials were nearby, and the train station and ferry terminal were very close as well. Surprisingly the rooms were very quiet despite the proximity of the transport hub.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2025

Jessie

The Kelvin is in an older building with a lot of charm. The room was large and clean with good amenities, including a kitchenette which was quite handy. The statt were very helpful and super friendly. Our bed was relatively comfortable as well. There is only paid parking available, but it was conveniently located right across the street from the hotel, which worked well for us and gave us the freedom to wander around Oban on foot. The bar downstairs was a nice place to relax in the evenings with games to play and patrons to chat with.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

04 Oct 2025

Christina

The ceilings were low but the hotel was in a convenient location

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2025

Maria

Sheena, the manager, greeted us at check-in welcoming us to The Kelvin. We always stay here when we come to Oban. The location can't be beat, right next to the ferry terminal and the train station, shops and restaurants within minutes of walking out the door. The staff here is always friendly and the bar is one of the coziest in town. This is always a winner.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2025

Michael

Parking was across the street and low cost. The room was clean, the bar area comfy, the staff very accommodating and friendly! Convenient location.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2025

Wayne

We had a great time, Sheena was a wonderful host. The breakfast was delicious. The hotel is 5 minute walk to the ferry. Parking across the street. £7.50 a day. Close to downtown too. This is a true gem. 5*/5.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2025

Mary

Good location, easy check-in and checkout. Clean and comfortable.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2025

Maria

The Kelvin is always where I stay when I'm in Oban. Not only is it a convenient location next to the train and ferry stations, but the accommodations are clean and cozy. Sheena, the manager is very welcoming and the bartender Danny was a pleasure to talk with. The bar area is especially inviting with a good selection of beers on tap. You can't go wrong here.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2025

Staff were really helpfull

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2025

Stuart

Good location, nice clean rooms and pleasant staff

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

16 Sep 2025

Valerie

Everything you need

I definitely recommend The Kelvin. The manager was very helpful and recommending things to do and how to get there, etc..The room had a kitchenette and warming towel rack. Really nice!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Aug 2025

Brian

Convenient and clean

6/10

Pleasant

23 Aug 2025

Allison

The family room set up was helpful with the twin beds in separate areas. Kids got a good nights sleep. The room was clean though worn and musty -one in our group has a dust allergy and woke sneezing and sniffling profusely. Proximity to the ferry terminal made the room quite noisy.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Aug 2025

Laura

The bar check in was easy and convenient! The property was clean and walkable to anything in town. It is right next to the train and the ferry station. The highlight was the staff! They were so kind and fun and made my time enjoyable! I would go back

10/10

Exceptional

16 Aug 2025

Anne

Lovely hotel great find.

Every single thing about this newly refurbished hotel was perfect

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Aug 2025

Bruce

Modest, austere, immaculate hotel right near everything. Nice quiet, private pub downstairs. All transit - ferry terminal, train and buses - a literal stones throw away. Staff were professional and courteous. Also right near restos and shopping. Nothing fancy - just the level of uncomplicated and no-noise making for a restful restorative overnight.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

27 Jul 2025

Stacey

It needed some updating but the bed was very comfortable. The property was excellent for a family of 4.

8/10

Excellent

20 Jul 2025

Lewis

Great harbor view

Business_and_leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

17 Jul 2025

Gerry

liked convenience to local shops and restaurants.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2025

Sarah

Outstanding location, friendly and knowledgeable staff as well as comfy and clean rooms. A hidden gem in Oban.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2025

William

Clean property with easy access to local amenities.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2025

Sally

Very convenient. Consistently reliable. Got a great Expedia deal.

Business_and_leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

03 Jul 2025

Allan

Owner is lovely and stay was ok. Building is older so room seemed a bit wore down but small updated comforts and a decent bed.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

20 Jun 2025

Sheila

Staff- only saw one pleasant young man. Room was on top floor with great views. Linen was clean, towels a bit worn.AHowever slanting ceilings caused my tall husband some pain, there were no drawers or shelves for clothes, just storage boxes and seating was a hard rocking chair and 2 very hard bar stools. Dreadful shower and mini sink. You get what you pay for but was not cheap

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2025

Jamie

The staff was very nice. The place was clean and comfortable and conveniently located.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2025

Graeme

Budget hotel close to port & town.
Friendly and clean

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

10 Jun 2025

Tonya

We booked to stay here based on Hotels.com saying they had car parking and we needed a place to stash our car for a day while we went on a tour.
1) THIS HOTEL DOES NOT HAVE ONSITE PARKING. There is a paid parking lot nearby. The person working the desk, and by desk I mean bar, said they have tried to get this changed in the description but no one will change it.
2) THIS HOTEL IS CLOSER TO A HOSTEL THAN A HOTEL. As in, old, dirty, worn. We had a family room and quite frankly we ALL chose to wait until the next hotel to shower.
3) The location for taking a ferry out of Oban and eating and wandering is wonderful which is what got it 3 stars.
4) the staff was friendly (we only met 1)
5) the breakfast was £8 and was very slim.

I would probably not stay here again but if you wanna be near the ferry with a paid parking lot nearby go for it.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2025

Christian

Clean, comfortable rooms with very friendly staff, I’d happily stay here again

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2025

John

Hotel was in a great location. Staff was friendly and attentive to our needs.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2025

Christina

Had a late arrival and they were very accommodating when we called to make arrangements. Very convenient walking distance to ferry, train, busses, restaurants and shops. Plenty of space in the family room and nice view of the harbor.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2025

Molly

Very nice super convient hotel!

We had an early ferry to make and The Kelvin is very close. There is a bit of noise but not so much that its a problem.
The hotel is super clean with nicely done rooms.
Check in is very easy and the staff are super friendly.
We stayed 2 nights and its very walkable.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2025

Joseph

This was a wonderful stop on your journey through Scotland. The people couldn’t be more welcoming. Be sure to meet Keith (the owner’s senior dog) who was a delight while in the bar.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2025

Neil

Great hotel, stayed for 1 night, couldn't ask for a better location.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 May 2025

Andrew

Good location. Reasonable price. Handy for all forms of transport. Studio had everything that one could need. Would definitely use again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2025

Beverley

Would stay again.

Friendly, helpful staff. Great location for parking, ferry, food and drink.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2025

Jonathan

What a great find!

I was pleasantly surprised with how great The Kelvin was. It is a stone's throw from the ferry and train stations.
When I checked in, I was told I had the studio, which turned out to be a fully refurbished studio apartment with plenty of space -- easily the largest room I stayed in while in Scotland, yet the lowest rate I paid. Not only was the room big, but it was clean and comfortable.
There is also a nice bar with affordable drinks downstairs, although I am not sure about the hours of it.
If I am ever in Oban again, I will not hesitate to stay here again!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Mar 2025

anne

Exceptional value for money . We had a studio suite that had clearly been recently done, it was very nicely done and spotlessly clean. I would absolutely stay again.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Nov 2024

Lisella

Room pleasant, well appointed and clean but breakfast wasn’t available (the info said it would be if booked). Bar downstairs didn’t serve food so l went across the road to the Premier Inn for both dinner and breakfast. Close to the ferry terminal which is what l needed.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

25 Oct 2024

John

Friendly, clean not fancy but all the necessary

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Oct 2024

John

We chose this hotel for its convenience to transport - buses and ferry.
The price also was reasonable. The staff were friendly.
Cafes and restaurants were within walking distance.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2024

Shannon

Room was clean and very big. Had a small fridge, cutlery, toaster and kettle. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Right across from the ferry port and walking distance to shops and restaurants

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Oct 2024

Karen

Location great

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2024

Alexander

Good location, clean, well-kept - no problems at all, would recommend!

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

02 Oct 2024

Bradley

We only stayed one night - the room was tidy and staff were friendly and helpful.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2024

james

We had a good time at the hotel

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2024

David

We were heading out to Mull and Staffa and this was the perfect spot to catch an early ferry and have an easy walk home after dinner in Oban. Room was spacious and service was exactly what we needed!

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

26 Sep 2024

Geoffrey

Start with the good: Nice staff, great location to ferry and town.
The bad: Shower system is horrible, bed was horrible and it just felt a bit grimy for the price paid.

I would not stay there again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Sep 2024

julie

AWESOME!

Just amazing! Nice place, very close to things but quiet. Sheena and Jody took care of us well and were super nice. Had a great time and cant wait to go back. Room was perfect, no problems at all.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2024

Lianne

We had a great view of the ferries and watched them leave in the morning which was an added bonus.

The staff was wonderful and our room was clean and comfortable

8/10

Excellent

22 Sep 2024

Charlene

The hotel was fine, is old and tired but our room was very clean. Noisy being near the ferry.
The biggest complaint is that the room was freezing and short of putting on the heating, which seemed unnecessary given it was September and the outside temperature was not bad, we had no interest in putting it on.
There must be air coming in the windows somehow although the windows were shut.
Overall an average stay compared to the other hotels we stayed in on our trip.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2024

Joanne

Enjoyed our stay.Sign on our room door states they will lock up your valubles at the desk but desk clerk refused

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2024

Regina

Very good location walking distance from sights, shopping, pubs and restaurant and, very important to us, close to ferry to Mull (we planned a visit to Iona). Easy, no fuss check in, with friendly staff. We enjoyed the quiet lounge for a good whiskey and to play board games. Comfortable and clean room. We tries the breakfast one morning: it was a rather modest affair. Better pick up food for breakfast at near by cafes. Convenient parking across the street (for a fee) or on the street (free)

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2024

Donald

This hotel is very close to the train and the ferry. Room is large and has a kitchenette. Room is very clean and staff are friendly and helpful.

Leisure

4/10

Poor

16 Sep 2024

Michael

pretty run-down hotel, but in a good area a short walk to the center of town

8/10

Excellent

14 Sep 2024

Eleanor

The shower system was TERRIBLE

Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Sep 2024

Elizabeth

Fabulous welcome by the staff who were very friendly. The young girl even carried our bags up for us. Spacious clean rooms. Walk to everywhere.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2024

Stephen P

The Kelvin is a comfy, old-fashioned \"small hotel\" in a superb location, extremely convenient to the ferry terminal, the ScotRail station, and many of the best restaurants in Oban.

The staff, presided over by director Sheena, is a pure delight--kind, accommodating, funny. Sheena likes to hire excellent, promising young people from around the world, and provides them with kind, good leadership. I took my carryon through the front doors to find that Reception / Registration was at the bar in the wee, very cozy pub just inside the entrance to the right, and things only got better from there.

My rooms (I stayed here twice, before and after a 2-day ferry trip to the Isles of Mull and Iona) were pleasant and immaculately clean. As the ferry port and rail station are to the front of the hotel (though some distance away), and the street in front is major-ish, there is some traffic noise during the daytime, but I found the rooms quiet and restful at night.

There's plenty of hot water and the showers were good; good toiletries provided, and the usual excellent British panoply of electric hot-pot, tea and instant coffee, milk and sugar, and a small treat or two.

The ferry-pier area contains some excellent restaurants at a range of prices--make reservations for the better ones! To get there, go out the Kelvin's door and right down the street, and loop around the Bank of Scotland and then to your left. The seafood is (of course) spectacular.

Parking on street or at adjoining lot.

Business_and_leisure Self

2/10

Poor

06 Sep 2024

Zoe

This is a very dated property. It has really thin walls and you can hear everything. It’s not clean in the rooms and bathrooms. There was a giant spider as well. The sink never had hot water while the shower had the water heater button at the least. As well you can’t keep your luggage anywhere safe it was just in the area. On top of it there’s not really a check in area. I would not stay here again.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

04 Sep 2024

Michael

just needed overnight accommodation on my way to Iona. The ferry was just around the corner. The sink in the bathroom was rather small. I would have appreciated some description of how to use the shower

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2024

Moinul

Love the area

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2024

Karyn

Great Place To Stay - Warm Welcome

We had a lovely room with a small kitchenette. Our room was clean and super comfortable. We were able to watch the ferries coming and going. Would recommend. On arrival we were a bit worried with the dated decor it looked a bit tired, however our room was spot on in contrast. A lovely young man helped us up the stairs with our bags. Yes you can hear the loud speaker from the boats but we were okay with this. Spent 2 nights here. Close for catching the ferry and visiting shops in town.

8/10

Excellent

10 Aug 2024

Natsuko

The location was excellent, making it an ideal base for exploring the Oban area. Although the property is older and some noise from other guests was noticeable, the staff maintained the place impeccably—everything was clean, tidy, and welcoming. I would have appreciated a bathtub in the room, but overall, it was a pleasant stay with a great location.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Aug 2024

Edelwina

My husband and I had a comfortable 4-day stay at this hotel. They have a nice bar where you can taste some local whisky after dining out and an option for a decent breakfast. It’s in a great location that we were able to explore the city by foot. We had a chance to talk to the friendly Scottish owner & found out that they have rooms with kitchen. We’ll definitely consider it for a longer stay next time in Oban. (And it’s great to know that this is not owned by big corps; she’s providing jobs to anyone willing to do a hard, honest day work. )

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Aug 2024

Aileen

Staff very friendly and hotel was spotless .

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Aug 2024

Zachary

The staff were all very friendly and service was good. Clean room, fairly comfortable beds. My only complaints would be our room was pretty warm because we could only open the window a bit. I would also say that breakfast was pretty limited in terms of options and maybe not worth it in my opinion. Overall, a good stay.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2024

David

We enjoyed our stay very much. The staff was excellent and provided great guest support.
Breakfasts were delicious and overall service met our needs.
The location of the property made it quite convenient during our stay.

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jul 2024

Matthew

good location. great staff

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2024

Jeffrey

Great value.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jul 2024

Elizabeth

Loved our stay!

8/10

Excellent

21 Jul 2024

Joyce

Excellent location for the Ferry Terminal with very helpfil staff

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2024

Cath

The hotel was the best night sleep we have had in the UK . The staff were super friendly and helpful. The bar and breakfast was great. It was in close walking distance to everything. Easy parking across the street. We had a very enjoyable stay and would definitely stay again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2024

Verified traveler

Great hotel

Great room (studio). Very fresh and the owners had done everything very thoughtfully. Would definitely recommend. Parking a bit of a pain but manageable.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2024

Gordon

Easy access to shops and transport links

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

10 Jul 2024

Helen

Would Recommend

Nice little hotel conveniently located to the train station and ferry terminal. The room was clean and comfortable. The staff was friendly and welcoming (even opening up the breakfast room so that my friend and I didn't have to eat our takeaway in our room).

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2024

Neil

Last minute stay between ferry from Mull and train home. We were very well looked after.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2024

Daralee

We were pleased to find small kitchens in our rooms. The pub down stairs was vey nice and we were able to walk to a great restaurant. It was right across the road from the ferry terminal. The staff was very nice, breakfast was good and the rooms (beds) were comfortable.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2024

Kimberley

Everything was wonderful. Staff was amazing. Rooms were clean.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Jul 2024

Julia

Friendly hosts- great location with easy walk to shops/restaurants. Nice view from our room and easy access to car ferry which we took to the Isle of Mull. Spacious family room.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2024

David

Lovely inn! Clean, comfy. Would come back any day!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2024

Angela

Judy and owner are amazing!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2024

Tommy

Bayview

Room was spotless, large comfy bed and an interesting view. Only a 2 minute walk from the station. Would stay again.

8/10

Excellent

20 Jun 2024

Glenn

Hotel with a view

Great restful stay in Oban, beautiful wee town. Hotel overlooks ferry terminal which was cool to watch but can make a bit of noise but that didn’t bother us. Parking is across the road from hotel, easy to find. Hotel has no lift but we were assisted with our suitcases up to top floor by one of the newest staff member who was a lovely friendly chatty person. Didn’t use the continental breakfast so can’t comment but had drink in the bar which was nice. Hotel bit dated and could do with freshening up but our room was spacious.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jun 2024

Lorne

Amazing place with super friendly service and a lovely bar. The studio rooms are great for travelling for work too. One of my favourite places to stay in Oban.

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

17 Jun 2024

Darla

Great location for getting on an early morning ferry. Comfy beds!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2024

Wendy

Recently refurbished rooms, superb views. The bar was well stocked and always a friendly face

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2024

Mike

Right next to all transportation and an easy parking lot. Walking distance to all restaurants and shops. Great staff.

8/10

Excellent

09 Jun 2024

Jon

Picked one of the largest rooms with a double or queen unsure of the size and 2 twins. Great space for family to spread out. View is fantastic overlooking the port. Slept with the windows partly open and didn't really notice the noise from the ferries or train that often. Bathroom is ok, shower is snug but not to bad. The only negative is this room is all the way to the top with 3 floors of stairs only. Short walk to town, close to restaurants and pubs.

8/10

Excellent

08 Jun 2024

Jennifer

I had read the positive reviews prior to my visit and agree that the staff are extremely attentive and welcoming. I really appreciated the assistance getting my bag up to my room. Breakfast is a nice add-on option for the morning. It would be nice if check-out could be later than 10am.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2024

gerardo

Great option in Oban

Loved staying at the Kelvin hotel, very friendly staff, spacious comfortable room, great location, nice little bar. Would gladly book again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2024

Linda

The property was clean n tidy n the rooms were quite large and the toilet/shower room was very good. The staff were very.helpful as well. The hotel offered a continental breakfast between 8 - 9am at £8.50 so declined as this was early. The hotel location was very good for walking into the town and parking. Would recommend.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

04 Jun 2024

Vicki

The property host was excellent and very helpful.
Checkin was easy by just going to the bar at the
hotel. In spite of the property being old, updates were noticed and the rooms were clean.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

29 May 2024

bronwyn

A great option for ferry travellers

We were upgraded to a larger room that overlooked the ferry terminal. We loved looking out our window to the bustling area below. It is an old building but the facilities worked well and the staff were friendly and helpful.
It was just a short overnight stay so we could catch an early ferry the next morning. Very handy.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

22 May 2024

Renae

Lots of stairs to room. Average condition, bathroom needs renovating.
Front of hotel beautiful and easy walk to everything.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2024

Maxwell

Great Location

Great location. Could watch the ferry come and go from room. Easy to walk into town/restaurants/shopping. Older hotel that has been updated. Room/bathroom very clean. Breakfast was very good.

Self