Oban's 4 star Queen's hotel

In one of the loveliest harbour locations in the world, the Queen's Hotel in Oban has been awarded the town's first 4star accolade by Visit Scotland. That's really nice, it has taken a long time for this lovely seafront to upgrade its hotels.  

Raymond and Susan Hymes have put in a huge amount of work since they bought it in a very run down state three years ago. The couple paid a handsome tribute to the work done by the local tradesmen. It is good to hear the whole team praised. Congratulations to them both.

But I have a little niggle. The Oban Times reported the claim that this was the "only 4star hotel between Glasgow and Inverness". It is a pity, because there are several much superior hotels in the area, such as the Airds in Port Appin, with its VisitScotland gold award, and its Relaix and Chateaux accreditation,  the Isle of Eriska hotel with its 5 star award, Inverlochy Castle and so on.

A slip of the tongue no doubt, but I'm surprised that the Oban Times printed it. "Best hotel in Oban" sounds good enough to me. The claim may be factually accurate for the moment, but expect it to be short lasting with other hotels set to come into play such as Barcaldine House, which is awaiting an award.

VisitScotland seem to be upgrading a lot of their properties these days. I'm sure it is merited, but I'm not convinced that they are not moving the target towards the arrow in many cases. Not in the case of the Queens Hotel, though, its accreditation is fully deserved I've no doubt.  You wouldn't bother to make a fuss over three stars would you?

John

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