Columba Hotel | City stay in Oban | Book Now

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Key details

About the Hotel

The Esplanade, Oban, United Kingdom, PA34 5QD

Close to the harbour

Great

8.3

7.2

/10

3.6

Loved by Columba Hotel guests

Excellent position
Enthusiastic service
Comfortable stay
Good breakfasts

"I was in room 101 and it was a huge room with a separate "lounge" area."

Martin from Ecuador

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"My room had the most awesome view on Oban harbour and its sunsets."

Carmen from Malta

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"We had booked a "sea view" and we were not disappointed.; our view was amazing."

RajahNaz from United Kingdom

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Accommodation

Columba Hotel offers 50 well-appointed bedrooms with views of the harbour, sea, and hills. A ground-floor lift grants access to the rooms, ensuring convenience for all guests. Rooms come in various sizes to meet diverse travel needs.

Dining

Dining at Columba Hotel takes place in Bar Rio, where an Italian-themed menu includes a selection of pastas, pizzas, and gourmet burgers. Breakfast is served daily with timings adjusted for weekends, allowing for a leisurely start. The restaurant also offers traditional dishes and authentic Italian coffee.

Meeting and Conference Facilities

The hotel accommodates a variety of events with versatile meeting rooms tailored for successful gatherings. Equipment is readily available, including projectors and flip charts, ensuring seamless presentations. Delegate packages include meals, refreshments, and a dedicated support team.

Location

Columba Hotel sits beneath steep cliffs in Oban, close to Scotland's oldest single malt Scotch whisky source. Visitors can easily explore nearby attractions like the Isle of Mull and Dunstaffnage Castle within minutes. The scenic waterfront and local culture enhance the overall experience in Oban.

Special Packages

The hotel offers enticing packages such as a two- or three-night stay with dinner, bed, and breakfast. A winter warmer deal caters to extended stays and includes meals at competitive prices. These options enhance the value of a visit, ensuring a memorable experience.

Highlights

Dining: Bar Rio with stunning views

Accommodation: 50 well-appointed bedrooms

Meeting Rooms: Versatile rooms for successful gatherings

Location: Close to the Isle of Mull and Dunstaffnage Castle

Must-do experiences

Visit McCaig's Tower for stunning views of Oban and the bay.
Taste fresh seafood at The Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant.
Take a ferry to the Isle of Mull for breathtaking landscapes.
Explore the Oban Distillery for a unique whisky tasting experience.
Stroll through Oban's local market on Saturdays for artisan goods.

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Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Single Room Sea View

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Heating

Bathtub

room details

Family Room Sea View

2 persons

380 sq. feet

2 Double beds

Heating

Bathtub

room details

Standard Single Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Standard Double Room

2 persons

240 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Heating

Bathtub

room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Great

8.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Dining Onsite

Columba Hotel presents an enticing medley of dining experiences, where flavors from British, Indian, and Italian cuisines await. Guests can savor authentic dishes while soaking in stunning bay views, making every meal a delightful occasion.

Alba Restaurant

Scottish cuisine

Ambiance

Warm and inviting setting showcasing Scotland's rich culinary heritage, perfect for family gatherings or romantic dinners.

Key Offerings

Highlights include locally sourced seafood and traditional Scottish dishes, offering a taste of regional flavors.

Reservation

Recommended for larger groups.

Lunch and Dinner

Bar Rio at The Columba Hotel

Italian cuisine

Ambiance

Charming and modern, located in the heart of Oban with stunning views over the bay, suitable for a relaxed family meal or an intimate evening.

Key Offerings

Signature offerings include handcrafted pasta and classic Italian dishes, alongside an impressive selection of wines to complement each meal.

Reservation

Not required but recommended during peak times.

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Daily

Columba Hotel Location

The Esplanade, Oban, United Kingdom, PA34 5QD

Map view

The Esplanade, Oban, United Kingdom, PA34 5QD

City landmarks

Landmark

Sound of Kerrera

3100 ft

Golf Course

Glencruitten Golf Club

3400 ft

Landmark

Hutcheson's Monument

1.0 mi

Landmark

Lochan Dubh

1.3 mi

Island

Maiden Island

1.3 mi

Landmark

McCaig's Tower

6.7 mi

Beach

Ganavan Sands

1.6 mi

Landmark

Ganavan Bay

1.6 mi

Landmark

Glencruitten Cathedral of Trees SCIO

1.5 mi

Store

Puffin Dive Centre

2.2 mi

Castle

Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel

3.1 mi

Landmark

Loch Nell

2.6 mi

Landmark

Ocean Explorer Centre

2.8 mi

Landmark

Etive Boat Trips

2.9 mi

Landmark

Dunstaffnage Chapel

3.0 mi

Landmark

Purdie's of Oban

6.4 mi

Church

St Columba's Cathedral

7.0 mi

Museum

Dunollie Museum

8.0 mi

Cinema

Oban Phoenix Cinema

6.9 mi

Landmark

Oban Marina

6.4 mi

Church

St John's Cathedral

7.0 mi

Church

Oban Baptist Church

6.0 mi

Gallery

The Jetty Gallery

6.8 mi

Landmark

Cathedral of Trees

6.4 mi

Museum

Oban War and Peace Museum

7.9 mi

Landmark

Parsley the Ambassador Cat

6.7 mi

Gallery

Alice Strange

6.7 mi

Landmark

Roman Catholic Diocese of Argyll and the Isles

7.3 mi

Landmark

Oban War Memorial

7.5 mi

Nearby

Stafford St

Oban Distillery

400 ft

Restaurants

Little Bay Cafe

400 ft

On the front at Oban next to sea wall

The Pokey Hat

400 ft

13 Stafford Street

Nories

6.7 mi

86 George Street

Kronks deli

400 ft

7 Stafford Street

Abbie's Cafe

6.5 mi

9 Argyll Street

Oban Seafood Hut.

6.2 mi

Railway Pier

Corryvreckan

6.2 mi

The Waterfront Centre

MacGillivray's Seafood

6.3 mi

57 Shore Street

Local Shellfish

6.2 mi

Calmac Pier

Subway

1200 ft

4 Airds Crescent

Explore Oban

Local Highlights

Oban Distillery

2 minutes' walk

Oban Distillery offers guided tours and tastings of its renowned whiskey, showcasing its rich history and production process.

Sound of Kerrera

10 minutes' walk

The stunning views of Kerrera island and its crystal-clear waters make this a perfect spot for scenic walks and photography.

Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel

7 minutes' drive

This historic castle features beautiful ruins and scenic coastal views, ideal for history enthusiasts and outdoor explorers.

Ganavan Sands

30 minutes' walk

Beautiful sandy beach perfect for families, offering plenty of space for sunbathing and scenic strolls along the coastline.

Puffin Dive Centre

6 minutes' drive

The dive centre offers thrilling underwater experiences, with options for all skill levels, including guided dives and courses.

Ganavan Bay

10 minutes' drive

Relax at Ganavan Bay with swimming, picnicking, and beachcombing; a great spot for relaxation and family fun.

Little Bay Cafe

2 minutes' walk

Charming cafe serving fresh local seafood and delicious baked goods, perfect for a casual lunch or coffee break.

The Pokey Hat

2 minutes' walk

A cozy eatery known for its delicious fish and chips, providing a relaxed atmosphere for families and casual dining.

Kronks deli

2 minutes' walk

Deli offering fresh sandwiches, soups, and local products, ideal for a quick bite or picnic supplies.

Oban Phoenix Cinema

135 minutes' walk

A community cinema showcasing the latest films and local events, great for family outings or a fun night with friends.

The Jetty Gallery

130 minutes' walk

Showcasing local artists, this gallery offers an insight into Oban's vibrant art scene, with rotating exhibitions and events.

Getting around

City Centre

Oban8 min · 2000 ft

Airports

Oban (OBN)14 min · 5.8 mi

Colonsay (CSA)99 min · 40.9 mi

Train

Oban Train Station4 min · 1000 ft

Bus

Bus stop2 min · 400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:00

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Breakfast

The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP12.95 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, Romanian, Polish, Hindi, Lithuanian

Number of rooms:

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Columba Hotel enjoys a great central location in Oban, close to everything, including direct access to the river. Many guests find the rooms large and spacious, some even enjoying lovely seafront views from bay windows. An optional breakfast offers a large selection. While a few guests have noted that the lift appears old-fashioned, the hotel generally provides a pleasant stay in a prime location.

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Review score

Based on 1520 verified reviews

8.2/10

Great

87%

Recommend

Location

9.6/10

Staff

9.2/10

Breakfast

7.5/10

Facilities

8.1/10

Pros

Central location

Sea view

Huge room

Cons

Weak shower

based on 1445 reviews

3.5/5

Connor from Australia

Single

Double Room Sea View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 30, 2026

9/10

harbor view room delight

friendly staffperfect locationgenuine care

The location was indeed perfect. I loved watching the boats from my room, I saw ferries coming into the harbor. The staff were super friendly and helpful, showing genuine care.

The hot water pressure in the shower could have been stronger. It was a minor inconvenience

Rooms

9/10

The room offered ample space and provided wonderful views over the bay. Beds were very comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. I slept very well. It was quite nice to wake up to such a lovely view.

0 Helpful

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Naomi from Israel

Couple

Double Room Sea View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 02, 2026

9.3/10

lovely experience at harbour hotel

friendly staffwarm welcomecomfortable bedbroken shower tap

the Staff was very friendly. i appreciated the warm welcome at the front desk. my room had a lovely large size and i also enjoyed the waterfront view. it was clean and the bed provided good COMFORT.

i had problems with the Shower tap. it seemed broken. a screw was used to mend it, which didn't quite solve the issue.

Dining

9/10

the dining room had a good size and provided enough space. breakfast included PLENTY of choice. the quality of the available food met my expectations, ensuring a good start to the day.

Location

10/10

the hotel location is EXCELLENT in the town center. this makes it easy to access various attractions. the view from the room extended over the north harbour and sea.

Rooms

9/10

the double room was large and clean as new. it included a fabulous view of the town. my room also had McCaig's tower clearly VISIBLE. the space and cleanliness contributed positively to my stay.

0 Helpful

Jackson from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed:December 30, 2025

6/10

mediocre stay with noise issues

central locationroom noiselack of air conditioning

the location was quite central (which was convenient).

the room faced the back and i experienced noise until the bar closed around 1 am. there was no air conditioning, forcing me to sleep with the windows open due to the heat. this made the noise even more noticeable, resulting in a restless night.

0 Helpful

Jade from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 24, 2025

9/10

central locationfriendly staff

the central location near the town's hub was convenient. the friendly staff provided a warm welcome and were always ready to assist me.

My room was on the third.

0 Helpful

Mia from Germany

Couple

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 29, 2025

9.0/10

central location and nice room

convenient locationclean roomhelpful staff

the location proved very convenient, close to local attractions. the room was clean upon arrival. i found the staff helpful during check-in. the views of the tower from the room were an added bonus.

Soundproofing was minimal. I could hear some noise from adjacent rooms.

Facilities

8/10

the hotel included onsite dining and convenient access to a bus stop, allowing easy travel. reception staff were readily available and accommodating to requests i had. the location near local restaurants increased convenience.

Dining

9/10

an onsite restaurant provided meals and excellent service. food was well prepared, and breakfast included several options. i found it convenient to have meals available within the hotel. the restaurant setting was comfortable.

Location

10/10

the location was central to town and near the harbour, offering easy access. the hotel is a short walk to the train station. it allowed convenient exploration of nearby attractions. local restaurants are very close.

Rooms

9/10

the room was clean and well maintained, and the bed was comfortable. a fine view of a landmark provided visual enjoyment. the room's setup was functional and suited my needs. it included sufficient space.

0 Helpful

Andy from United States

Single

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 26, 2025

6/10

great locationfaulty doorssteep stairs

the location was fine, by the water. staff were friendly.

its doors needs to close just right, or it gets stuck on a floor. i was on the second floor. If i was on the third, those stairs would really bother me later on.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Columba Hotel

Is there wheelchair access available for guests with mobility challenges?

10 March 2024

The hotel features a lift that services all three floors, though guests with larger wheelchairs may need to fold them to fit. There are a few small steps at the entrance and leading to the breakfast room, so accessibility may vary based on individual needs.

What amenities are available for breakfast at the hotel?

12 April 2024

Breakfast is served daily and offers a variety of options, including gluten-free items upon request. Fresh fruits, yogurts, and traditional Scottish breakfast items are available as well.

Are the dining room and bars open for guests during their stay?

15 May 2024

The dining room serves breakfast, while the hotel bar is open from 17:00 to 22:00. Additionally, Bar Rio operates daily with hours extending until 22:00.

Is there a designated area for bicycle storage at the hotel?

18 June 2024

There is no formal bicycle storage available; however, guests can bring their bikes into their rooms for safekeeping.

What options are available for parking near the hotel?

22 July 2024

The hotel has eight parking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, there is free council parking nearby from 18:00 to 09:00 Monday to Saturday and all day on Sunday until 13:00.

Can I make arrangements for a room with a walk-in shower?

29 August 2024

Rooms with walk-in showers are available, and the hotel provides a lift for easy access to them. It's advisable to inform the staff in advance for special requirements.

Is there a lift to access all floors of the hotel?

05 September 2024

Yes, there is a lift available for guest convenience that accesses all floors of the hotel.

What dining options does the restaurant have for lunch and dinner?

10 October 2024

The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, and menus can be viewed online for the latest offerings and seasonal specialties.

Are small pets allowed in the hotel?

14 November 2024

Only guide dogs are permitted on the premises, ensuring assistance for those who require it.

What special offers or packages are available for guests?

22 December 2024

There are several package deals available, including dinner, bed, and breakfast options that provide guests with an excellent value for a relaxing stay.