At low tide next morning, we could have hopped over the lake wall and picked up a bucket of mussels off the rocks for lunch. Instead, we stopped at the Loch Fyne shop for a bag of langoustines. It's a good town to stopover in on your way to the islands.

Users of Tripadvisor.co.uk give the hotel an average rating of 3.5 out of 5, with most rating it ideal for "older travellers". Gripes include the charge made for eating off the a la carte menu, as opposed to the table d'hote menu for those diners who have a dinner, bed and breakfast package. Most guests felt it was unfair to charge close to the full price for a la carte dishes, rather than a supplement. There were also some complaints about the quality of the hot breakfast, but all agree that the location is second to none.

Bottom line: An overnight stay at Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa starts from £110 per room based on two sharing on a B&B basis. Spa treatments start from £15 for a massage.

Sampling the fare: Excellent dinner, average breakfast (you need to get down early).

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BACKGROUND

• Ardanaiseig Hotel, Kilchrenan, Argyll & Bute

• Loch Fyne Hotel, Inverary, Argyll

• Airds Hotel, Port Appin, Argyll

• Isle of Eriska Hotel, Ledaig, Argyll

• The George, Inveraray, Argyll

BACKGROUND

• Anchor Hotel, Tarbert, Argyll

• Craigard House Hotel, Campbeltown, Argyll

• Carradale Hotel, Carradale, Argyll

• Balinakill Country House, Clachan, Argyll

Related Internet Links

• More Argyll hotel reviews

Best thing: The location and the view

Worst thing: Not having a room with a view

Access all areas: There is a disabled lift for wheelchairs to get to the first floor, also a normal lift servicing the first and second floors. The bar, reception and restaurant and spa are all on the ground floor so easily accessible - in all, 50 of the 71 rooms are accessible for wheelchairs.

Need to know: For further information or to make a booking call 0870 9506270 or visit www.crerarhotels.com

Room: 6 out of 10.

Food: 8 out of 10.

Service: 9 out of 10.

Value: 7 out of 10.

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