The Douglas Hotel, Arran

The Douglas Hotel is a seriously historic property. It hails from the days before cheap jet travel when Glaswegians would take steamers ‘doon the watter’ to the Isle of Arran for their summer holidays. Arran has changed a lot since then and its biggest town and ferry port of Brodick is once again a popular holiday escape.

People come here for their summer holidays, for a slice of active adventure, walking and biking in the local mountains or just looking for romantic break on an isle that has been dubbed ‘Scotland in Miniature’. In many ways it is as half of it is in the Lowlands and half in the mountainous Highlands, it boasts its own wee distillery, brewery, Highland Games, trio of offshore islands and much, much more.

Daring to be Different

The Douglas has created a bit of a stir locally by daring to be different. The ground floor has been re-imagined with a slick whisky themed bar, whose big windows offer sweeping views out over Brodick (from ‘broad bay’ in Norse) and her highest mountain, picture perfect Goatfell. An old telescope, whisky barrels and candles all add to the ambience. While the bar offers a range of light eating options (the highlight are the homemade burgers with the world class Arran Blue cheese) the bistro is the place to eat.

Chic Bistro

On our visit it was packed and no wonder with polished hardwood, floors, tasteful black and white photos and those epic views again. The menu is not quite fine dining, more smart modern cooking, using the best of Scottish beef and seafood. Charging extra for sides means bills do creep up, but this is still a hotel restaurant worth staying in for.

Minimalist Rooms

Guest rooms veer towards stark minimalism. Perhaps a little too minimalist for Arran our grey curtains, bedspread and walls were not ideal on an island renowned for rain. A dash of colour or some flowers would not have gone amiss.

Use of space was questionable too with our executive room having a huge bathroom, but a normal size bath. The lack of minibars and fridges is another bugbear. The finish is impressive throughout and many rooms have sea views. A nice touch are the local Arran Aromatics toiletries.

After waiting so long some people were ready to be disappointed with the eventual rebirth of an Arran institution. Thankfully despite the usual teething problems this oasis is already one of the most stylish places on the isles and it might just tempt a few more people back doon the watter.

The Douglas Hotel, Isle of Arran, KA27 8AW. Tel: +44(0)1770 302968. http://www.thedouglashotel.co.uk/

InsiderScotland Rating [effortless-gm address=”The Douglas Hotel, Isle of Arran, KA27 8AW”]

For Families 6/10

For a Romantic Break 7/10

For Food 8/10

For Business People 7/10

InsiderScotland Rating 7/10