Best Western The Crianlarich Hotel

Had an overnight stop here en route to Fort William. The hotel is very dated and tired looking. Our room was at the front, on the second floor up several flights of stairs as the lift was out of order! Not a good start with heavy luggage to lug in the recent heat. On reaching the room we discovered we looked out at the t junction in the road, 2 very busy railway lines and a very busy public convenience, which seemed to be a central stopping place for cars and coaches 24/7! The finishing touch was the fighter jets flying overhead and the group of middle aged bikers revving their engines outside. We ate in the restaurant, which was woefully under-staffed, which could be due to the pandemic, and the staff who were available were polite and as helpful as they could be. The food was ok, but nothing special and I hardly think putting 3 splodges of raspberry juice on the plate constitutes a dish being called raspberry creme brûlée - very disappointing!! There was a fan in the room, which was very welcome in the current heatwave, but a power cut at 11.30pm took out all the hotel power and hence the fan. The power did return at 2.30am, when lights tv and fan whirled into action- not a great night. We did not eat breakfast, as we missed out time slot due to the disturbed nights sleep. less

We asked for a quiet room on a high floor. We received a quiet room around the back but it was not on a high floor unfortunately. The bedroom was a reasonable size with a comfortable bed. However the TV reception and quality of picture was horrendous. Its a good job we did not do a lot of tv watching. The shower was really powerfull and excellent. The biggest letdown in the rooms is the temperature controls. They appear fixed at 23°c. This is a crazy temperature in which trying to sleep is virtually impossible. The hotel is in a nice totally rural peacefull location convenient to the local railway situation. The staff are really friendly although obviously under pressure due to staff shortages. We were here for three nights however the food on the first evening was very mediocre and not very substantial. The breakfasts however were really good. On the 2nd and 3rd evenings it was of a much better standard. Overall a mixed bag. Best Western are not cheap and need to get their act together in certain areas because in this instance we did not receive what we paid for. less

The food was excellent, with delicious breakfasts for all. All the staff were extremely friendly and helped us greatly in our stay. Everybody was very welcoming. The views were fabulous and the surrounding area was beautiful. Overall, The atmosphere was very peaceful. Would recommend. less

The old film/show saying we have ways of making you talk whilst shining a light on someone. What's the connection you say. Well the bathroom in room 220 depicts this perfectly. It is 2am you need the loo and go into the bathroom, take a seat and there in front of you is a street light that is lighting up the room. This phrase then pops to my mind later that morning when discussing the lack of blinds, or quality blinds in the bathroom. The bedroom had blackout blinds but a plain blind for the bathroom. In addition the double glazed windows offer no noise reduction whatsoever. Whenever a lorry or tractor passed by the hotel it sounded like as if you were standing on the pavement as it went past. Even though the hotel is in a remote area the road it sits on is a link road and does carry larger lorries frequently. Tie this in with an uncomfortable bed, lump pillows and you have the recipe for a bad nights sleep. The room itself is big enough for a bigger bed, preferably newer one and maybe secondary glazing is needed too. Hotel layout is good enough and the bar and restaurant areas were nicely decorated and comfortable. Breakfast was ok for a cooked one, service was quick, polite and efficient. Toast and coffee was always hot and if you wanted anymore toast, coffee, milk etc just ask and they would bring it promptly. As there were only two waiting staff this is commendable for their attitude and work ethic. Bar area is small but well stocked, although apparently there aren't too many gin varieties on offer. The card room is a good place to sit if you just want to have a chat and drink. Evening food was what I would expect from a Wetherspoons, ok but nothing too special. Shame as I think bigger hotels should have decent food and not too much on the pre-cooked and packaged variety. I may be wrong but it seems it was that sort of product. The hotel has an electric car charging point and there is also a public one over the road. Parking is opposite the hotel across the main road. Staff were excellent, Ryan on reception, Charlie in the bar and all the others that worked there whilst we had three days there. As a base it is good, Loch Lomond is 50 minutes away, Falls of Falloch, 20 minutes and Oban is only 1 hour away. The train station is a few minutes walk and there is a small Londis store 1 minute away. I don't think the hotel is looking for 5 star travellers but with its location it should be doing better. Crianlarich is a very small village and takes around 5 minutes to walk the whole lenght of it but it is very pretty and has what look like communal/community veg patches in handmade beds from railway sleepers, nice touch. less

Recent DBB deal and very good value for money. Comfortable, modern room with beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Excellent customer service from all staff we met. Good selection at both dinner and breakfast. Food well presented , generous portions and very tasty. Overall a very pleasant experience and would recommend to others. less