Portavadie Loch Fyne Scotland

Stunning scenery and lots of potential at Portavadie. We enjoyed walks through the local forest to the beach and having the ferry on your doorstep to Tarbert was a real bonus. Beyond this, I would rate the hotel 3 star. We stayed in a studio apartment since it was dog friendly. The amenities were all there so we could cook and sit outside on the terrace which was great. The bed was also very comfy so we had a good sleep. The rest of the furniture, decor and fit out were dated and low quality so we did not want to spend much time in the room. The bathroom which was fully tiled was unclean, it needed a good power hose or for the tiles to be replaced. We found the same at the leisure facility. While the outdoor hot tubs were great and the infinity pool was a treat since they all overlooked the beautiful water and headland, we didn't want to walk through the pool area without shoes, as the tiles were brown and dirty in areas with bits of muck that had collected through the day and murky water pooled in areas. We were told flip flops were charged at an en extra cost when really they should be mandatory for the floors. We went around 5.30 both days so I'd advise going earlier in the hope that the pool would be cleaner at the start of the day. Part of the sauna was cordened off and unless you sat on the top row your feet were in a pool of water. The view from the sauna was stunning and we got chatting to friendly locals. The staff were helpful when we asked for a new duvet after the dog jumped on the bed and left mud and lots of tics - beware of the tics if you bring your dog!! It's is very normal for this part of the west coast. The food was okay but overpriced for the quality. The burger and cooked breakfast were lacking in flavour and the chips tasted as though they were cooked in oil that needed to be changed. The potato scones were overcooked on both days. Really enjoyed the local smoked haddock breakfast option, however. It's a pity the area is lacking in anywhere decent to eat. Being able to pick up fresh seafood from local fisherman as you get off the ferry in Tarbert is a real treat however, and made the trip for us - being able to cook it up back at our apartment. That and the gorgeous location and views still made this a great trip. All in all our stay was overpriced considering the lack of quality, upkeep and basic cleanliness.

Beautiful location in the middle of nowhere in Argyll, Scotland. There’s only a nice marina and the resort, which comprises of various different types of accommodation, all with self-catering facilities. We stayed in the Studio Apartment - which allows dogs. Fittings are aging, shower tiny and showing signs of wear. Restaurant is bright and airy. Breakfast is pretty standard buffet, plus cooked to order hot food. Lovely staff. Dinner menu is quite limited, but there is nowhere else you can go to for a meal, unless you have brought your own food in advance. Quite pricey for what you get. Spa and swimming pools are lovely, but you have to book your slot even for the pools. There is a Portavadie - Tarbert car ferry, which is well worth taking. Tarbert is a lovely marina town, with beautiful views. There is an excellent seafood restaurant called Cicchetti. Overall Portavadie resort is a nice place for a chill-out.

The Leisure Experience. The amenities need a bit of TLC. We were disappointed as we have been visiting the place since the opening and the standard of the facility has deteriorated. We are staying locally and it is treat to visit the place. The infinity pool had a strips of missing tiles. The area between the indoor and outdoor pool was dirty, it was unpleasant to walk from one to the other one. The half of Scandinavian sauna was not available to use, also the flooring was dusty under the benches and the tiles were dirty and green in place. Hopefully things will improve soon.