The Brander Lodge Hotel and Bistro

Visited the hotel for an evening meal. We were very disappointed to find the grounds were unkempt and the exterior of the building looking neglected and shabby. We arrived at 20.08hrs only to be told by the bar staff that they had stopped taking orders for the evening. Just so pleased for them that business is so good that they turn away customers for the sake of a few minutes.

We booked a 2 night break here unfortunately we were double booked for final night, however David(an owner) was very apologetic and reorganised an overnight in Oban for us, which I must say was very good also. We would recommend this lovely peaceful hotel to anyone Brander Lodge was everything one can expect for a break especially if you enjoy well cooked food, breakfast was very good.

Unfortunately have to leave a review to warn others who are thinking of staying here. I’m not sure where all the positive reviews are coming from, but this is ours. I think the photos speak for themselves, the first being a comparison of expectation from the website and then reality. We were told this was the deluxe superior room as well… I’m not sure how any host can provide a room to a guest in this state. Walls dirty that could be easily cleaned or painted, carpets filthy, hairs in the bed, sheets marked, it’s a shame as the location was beautiful. The woman at reception was polite and did provide us an alternative room as we requested, but it was in the same state. We had a two night booked here and just drove straight home.

On arrival at Brander Lodge Hotel, there were what my wife and I assumed were three members of staff standing at the front of the hotel smoking. By the time we parked our car and got out, they had scurried off, which we thought was unnecessary as everyone is entitled to a break but quite strange all the same. We had a look round for the sign for reception and decided to enter were we thought the staff had went, which we discovered was the bar area, only to find it empty. We walked through into the hall area, which was also empty, and looked down a corridor that looked like it led to the kitchen and there were still no sign of life. We exited the bar and were met by the manager, who asked us to follow him and shot off in a hurry. My wife and I eventually caught up with him at the reception desk and were told we had room 10 at the far end. He asked if we would be having an evening meal with them, and we said we didn't know, as we had just arrived and didn't know what the menu consisted of. He said it's just they are going to be very busy because of the film crew that were staying which made us feel unwelcomed. We said we would arrange our own evening meal by driving into Oban. We then made our own way to our room, which we found to be bright and airy. The bedding was fresh and clean, as was the toilet. We tried to turn on the TV, but it wasn't working, the back of the tv was covered in cobwebs and dust which I wouldn't have noticed had the tv been working . My wife walked back to the reception area only to find there was no one around. She phoned the enquiries number on the desk phone and just then Steven the chef came out and was told of the TV he checked the Tv and said it was probably the fuse and a few minutes later the TV came on. We drove into Oban and had a lovely meal, then went back to the Lodge, hopefully to mingle with the other guests and the film crew. On entering the bar at the Brander Lodge Hotel there was one couple sitting at the fire and the film crew were in the hall obviously finishing off their evening meal. We stood at the bar for 5 or 10 minutes waiting to be served as once again there were no signs of any staff. We took a walk towards the corridor that led to the kitchen to see if we could catch someone's eye but, as before, no member of staff was in sight. We went back to the bar and stood for probably another 10 minutes, although it seemed much longer. We noticed the couple sitting also didnt have drinks, as they had been there before us, decided the chance of having a pleasant drink in the bar was highly unlikely and decided to return to our room and watch tv which was fine until the tv fuse blew again. Then we decided to call it a night. Breakfast the next morning was nothing special for a traditional Scottish Breakfast for me I would give it a 4 on a scale from 1 to 10 . My wife was poured half a cup of coffee and had finished this off by the time the breakfast arrived. The manager had to be asked to pour another c

Had a two night stay at The Brander Lodge Hotel for a change when we had some family visiting from the minute we arrived to the minute we left we enjoyed everything. The food was delicious 4 out of 6 of us opted for the steak pie which I can say is one of the best steak pies I have ever tasted in my life. Compliments to the Chef. Breakfast time there was a fantastic buffet breakfast on offer with everything you could need to set you up for the day including lovely coffee and tea! The hotel in general is in a wonderful location and is a great place to stop for a meal or a night or a few nights stay. Loch Awe is right on the doorstep if you are interested in fishing and lots of mountains for those who love to do a bit of hiking! Highly Recommended. Thank you to Team Brander for a fantastic stay. God Bless.

As a group, we went to Santa's Grotto on Sat, 16th December. Shocked as no effort put in. Grotto ok in an outside chalet, Santa questionable. Afternoon tea was shocking, dried up sandwiches, dry cakes, no xmas music, xmas decorations poor. No heating throughout and very little in bar when we tried to get a drink. Terrible at nearly £18 a head. Mr & Mrs Fox who manage Brander lodge are well known in the area for already running two other local hotels into the ground, looks like number 3 is going to follow shortly? Its a real shame as Brander lodge could be an excellent wee establishment if people with some experience were introduced to run it. 4 childrens afternoon ruined and 4 local adults that will not return

Santa visit was very good in the pod next to hotel. Let down by a very poor standard afternoon tea. Sandwiches were dry and crispy. Scones were hard and lacked any flavour. Other cakes: pastries were of poor quality. No a**osphere in the dining area not even a Chris**as Carol being played. I understand hospitality trades have suffered a lot since Covid but it’s not right to charge what you are with such lack of attention to detail. Most people’s tea stands went back hardly touched. Disappointing!!!!!!

Brander Lodge is well situated to explore this beautiful part of Scotland. Our room was wonderfully cosy, clean and comfortable leading out onto a patio. This would be a lovely place to sit out when it's not so cold! The location is just beautiful and we enjoyed the early morning misty walks to the riverbank. Breathtaking. As said in many other reviews, the food was excellent. Many thanks to Christine and Stephen for making us feel so welcome.

Went for dinner had the steak pie never had anything like it even the veg was vile boiled into mush feeling sick at the thought of while writing this review wouldn't recommend drive past and go to oban