Jesse M.
Yelp
From the moment I discovered the Cameron House Hotel while planning a trip to Scotland, I knew I had to stay there. And it was everything I'd hoped it would be, and then some. Come on--what's NOT to love about a secluded castle on Loch Lomond?
I still remember when we drove up the winding driveway and the front of the Cameron House came into view from behind a row of trees. It was like something straight out of a movie, and yeah, I know there's probably a stereotype in there somewhere (American tourist going to Scotland and staying in a castle on a famous loch...) but our stay there was perfect.
Yes, it's very expensive. Our room was around £250 (US$400) a night, and it was one of the "entry level" rooms, but I'll tell you what--I'm a firm believer in the "you get what you pay for" school of thinking, and that was totally the case here. If you're looking for something economical, then this is not the place for you. If, however, you don't mind spending a little money in order to have an awesome experience, then you need to check this place out.
The entire place is furnished tastefully (not a big surprise, for the amount of money it costs to stay there) but every corner of the place begs to have a photo taken of it. There are several lounge-type rooms to hang out in, and I love the low-key atmosphere and dim lighting, like a very prestigious club. The staff are all very professional and attentive. We showed up very early, before normal check-in time, but they did their best to accomodate us and had our room ready before normal check-in time. (You know it's a high-class place when they tell you your room will be ready early, in about 15 minutes, and invite you to take a walk around the grounds, and offer to call you on your cell phone--an international call--just to let you know your room is ready.)
Our room was flat-out awesome. Great furniture, good selection of current travel magazines on the coffee table to browse, comfy bed, huge flat-screen TV, plush carpet, killer bathroom with all the amenities (including a heated towel rack)...we were in heaven.
The gym and the pool were both excellent, as well. Actually there were two indoor pools, a nice jacuzzi, and a pretty elaborate waterslide. Not just a straight slide, one of the ones you'd see in a waterpark. Very cool.
Don't expect any Coke machines at the end of the hall in this place...but you can buy snacks from the bar area (Even though I'm not a bar type of guy, we went in there to get a couple of sodas to take back to the room, and wow...just like everything else, it was very posh).
We had breakfast as part of our package, and it was carried in by two solemn (but friendly and courteous) servers--tea, toast, several kinds of expensive jam, omelets, fresh fruit, muesli...absolutely unparalleled.
The next time we go back to Scotland, we're staying here again. If you are willing to spend a little money, it is a GREAT, secluded place to unwind, with several restaurants on site, a spa, and countless activities to choose from.