Mhor 84 Motel, Balquhidder, Trossachs National Park, Scotland - Explore & Book
"Great news: Mhor is more. The clutch of foodie enterprises run under the Mhor name by the ever-energetic Tom and Dick Lewis and their wives Lisa and Mhairi, has a younger sibling. Mhor 84 is a relaxed, small, no-frills roadside ‘motel’ (on the A84, hence the name) that serves as Balquhidder's boozer, walkers’ tea room, community hub and great food destination. 2 miles from the centre of the village, it's the antithesis of anonymous roadside travel lodges, and a cheap-and-chic alternative to the secluded luxury of Monachyle Mhor (the Lewis’s hotel at the end of the glen).The transformation of the tired tartan-carpeted Kings Head inn that’s stood here for 300 years has been so dramatic that locals are still reaching for their whiskies in disbelief. It was revamped in just 5 busy weeks on a shoestring budget, but with the inimitable Lewis flair. White paint replaced coloured wallpapers, producing a bright contemporary feel, while vintage china and deer antler chandeliers give a stylish touch and woodburners make it feel like home. Upstairs are 7 simple ensuite bedrooms, most with mountain views, out back are a couple more rooms and a family-sized cottage. Cyclists and walkers on the Rob Roy Way, business travellers and holidaymakers wanting a stop-off will all love it. Highs You're in the heart of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park - heaven for hiking, cycling, mountain climbing and fishing Stylish in a relaxed shabby-chic way, and fantastic valueTasty food: Tom and Mhairi both run other restaurants and really know about sourcing the best local ingredients The atmosphere - everyone feels truly welcomed here and it would be hard to find friendlier staff You can't get much more remote in the UK, yet it’s only an hour's drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh (and there's a large car park so no stress as you arrive) Lows The rooms are basic and some find their bare white walls and junkshop furniture too spartan, but they’re priced accordinglyFull pre-payment due on reservationThe white Venetian blinds in the bedrooms, while pretty, don’t keep out the light very well. In summer this could be a problem so pack an eyemaskBathrooms are yet to be refurbed so are rather datedRooms are over the bar so you may hear chatter, plus live music at the weekends (and lorries hurtling along the A84), but hey, this is an inn, and the double glazing keeps out most of the road noise" - Clare Hargreaves
