Lancaster Hotel, Argyll, Scotland PA34 5AD

Nestled on Obans picturesque seafront beside St Columbas Cathedral, the Lancaster Hotel presents a unique opportunity for guests seeking a blend of comfort, character, and convenience. This family-run establishment, operated by the Ramage family since 1963, accommodates up to fifty guests and is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service. The hotels enviable location offers breath-taking views over Oban Bay and the islands beyond, with many rooms and the dining area overlooking the Firth of Lorne, providing a tranquil backdrop for both leisure and business travellers. Leisure facilities could be reinstated and upgraded. Guests have the choice of two bars, one featuring regular live music and games such as darts and pool. With its proximity to the town centre, harbour, and local attractions, the Lancaster Hotel is ideally positioned to offer memorable stays and repeat business in one of Scotlands most scenic coastal towns.Situation The Lancaster Hotel enjoys a prominent seafront position on the north side of Oban Bay, immediately adjacent to the striking red granite St Columbas Cathedral. This enviable location affords guests sweeping views down Kerrera Sound and across the Firth of Lorne, with vistas stretching towards the islands of Lismore, Mull, and Ardnamurchan. The property is situated on the Corran Esplanade, a short and scenic walk from the town centre, Obans renowned harbour, and key transport links including the railway station and ferry terminal, both just five minutes drive away. The hotels front-facing rooms and dining areas capture the ever-changing seascape, while its proximity to local attractions such as McCaigs Tower and the Oban War & Peace Museum makes it an ideal base for exploring the region. Whether arriving from the east or south, guests are greeted by the hotels commanding position overlooking one of Scotlands most celebrated coastal towns. BusinessThe Lancaster Hotel in Oban boasts a rich and varied history, offering a unique proposition for prospective buyers seeking a property with character and significant potential. Originally built as Glenlyon House and later serving as the prestigious clubhouse for the Royal Highland Yacht Club, the building was converted into a guest house in 1947 and has operated as the Lancaster Hotel since 1963 under the stewardship of the Ramage family. Over the decades, the hotel has undergone several extensions and improvements, including the addition of new bedroom wings, a cocktail bar, and expanded dining facilities, ultimately accommodating up to fifty guests across approximately 23 bedrooms. The business currently benefits from a prime seafront location adjacent to St Columbas Cathedral, with many rooms and public areas offering panoramic views over Oban Bay. Facilities include an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, and two bars, catering to both leisure and business travellers. While the property is operational and enjoys a loyal repeat clientele, it is in need of comprehensive renovation, particularly in terms of dcor and modern amenities, to meet contemporary guest expectations and maximise its trading potential. For an enterprising buyer, there is considerable scope to reposition the hotel within Obans buoyant hospitality market by refurbishing guest rooms, revitalising public spaces, and enhancing food and beverage offerings. The hotels generous footprint, prime location, and established reputation provide a strong foundation for growth, whether as a boutique destination, a family-friendly retreat, or a stylish base for exploring the West Highlands and islands. With Obans status as a gateway to the Hebrides and its year-round tourist appeal, the Lancaster Hotel represents an outstanding opportunity for investors to realise substantial returns through sympathetic modernisation and creative rebranding.Property The hotel is a charming, family-run property with a total of twenty-seven bedrooms, comprising three family rooms, six doubles, ten twins, and eight singles. Most rooms, except for three of the single rooms, benefit from private en- suite facilities including a bath or shower, ensuring privacy and comfort for guests. Seven of the rooms enjoy picturesque sea views, including two family rooms, one twin, one double, and two singles, all overlooking the stunning Oban Bay and the surrounding islands. The hotels bedrooms are predominantly non-smoking, with only two rooms permitting smoking. Each room is equipped with modern conveniences such as televisions and tea and coffee making facilities, catering to the needs of todays traveller. In addition to these rooms, the hotel offers dedicated staff quarters featuring five bedrooms and a shared bathroom, providing practical on-site accommodation for team members. Furthermore, the owner's accommodation is situated at the rear of the property and directly connected to the hotel. This spacious private residence comprises five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two comfortable sitting rooms, a functional office, a fully equipped working kitchen, and a second kitchen in need of renovation. The owners accommodation is ideal for those seeking convenience and proximity to the business as it is directly connected to the hotel, allowing for immediate access to daily operations and quick response to any business needs. The hotels historic building, originally the Royal Highland Yachting Clubhouse, spans two floors but does not have a lift, which is an important consideration for accessibility. Beyond accommodation, the Lancaster offers a range of amenities including an indoor heated swimming pool, a sauna, steam room, and a hot tub, enhancing the guest experience. Social spaces include two bars, one featuring games like darts and pool, and the other offering a more tranquil setting with harbour views. The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, free parking, and is pet-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors. Its location on the seafront, adjacent to St Columbas Cathedral and within easy walking distance of Obans town centre, harbour, and transport links, further adds to its appeal. While the hotel is functional and well-established, it would benefit from renovation and modernisation to fully realise its potential as a vibrant, comfortable destination in this popular Scottish coastal town.External The Lancaster Hotel is prominently situated on Obans seafront, directly adjacent to the striking red granite St Columbas Cathedral, offering guests captivating views over Oban Bay and down Kerrera Sound. This prime location places the hotel within easy walking distance of many of Obans key attractions, including McCaigs Tower, the Oban War & Peace Museum, and Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds, all less than half a mile away. The town centre, with its array of shops, restaurants, and bars, is also just a short stroll along the scenic Corran Esplanade. For visitors keen to explore further afield, the hotel benefits from excellent transport links; Oban Railway Station and the ferry terminal are both approximately five minutes drive away, providing connections to the Scottish mainland and the Hebridean islands. The hotels location on the north side of the bay allows guests to enjoy panoramic sea views while being well connected to the towns amenities and transport routes. Whether arriving from the east via Connel or from the south through Argyll Square, the hotel is easily accessible by car, with free parking available on-site. This combination of a tranquil yet central setting, proximity to cultural and historic sites, and convenient transport connections makes the Lancaster Hotel an ideal base for tourists seeking to experience the best of Oban and the surrounding West Highlands.