Highland hotel reopens after extensive revamp

Crerar Hotels has reopened the Glencoe Inn to guests, showcasing the results of a refurbishment of more than £500,000.

Boasting new-look bedrooms, food and drink offerings and outdoor areas, the four-star inn has been transformed and is again welcoming back visitors to the worldfamous glen.

All 15 guest rooms and bathrooms have been fully refurbished, with interiors inspired by the surrounding rugged landscape – taking in views across Loch Leven and the Pap of Glencoe.

Those looking for something extra special can book into the Loch View Feature Suite, with a roll-top bath in the bay window and uninterrupted views of the loch.

As well as a thermal experience with a hot tub and sauna, the outdoor spa offers one of the country’s most jaw-dropping backdrops.

The inn’s food and drink offering has also been upgraded as part of the six-figure investment.

The hotel’s bar and grill, The Gathering, continues to serve Scottish steaks and burgers, alongside its fish suppers.

Alternatively, diners can opt for the new Steak & Lobster Bistro menu, featuring grass-fed Scottish beef and venison from the Crerar Home Farm, and local seafood from the surrounding lochs.

Crerar Hotels chief executive Chris Wayne Wills said: “We’re thrilled on two counts – reopening our doors to welcome guests and showcasing the results of an outstanding refurbishment.

“Despite the challenges of the past year, we have created a home-from-home experience against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes – exactly what we were determined to do when the investment was secured.”

He added: “The sumptuous interiors have been created with true Scottish hospitality in mind, and the result is the absolute definition of lowkey luxury that we’re confident our guests will love. We’re offering the ultimate Scottish getaway that reflects our worldclass location.

“We’re already receiving fantastic feedback from guests, and expect to have an exceptionally busy summer when staycationers across the UK get a glimpse of what lies in store.”

Crerar Hotels has also recently reopened the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa, at Craignure, after a £3 million revamp. A total of 72 luxury bedrooms and public areas were refurbished, and a new restaurant and two bars added.

Edinburgh-based Crerar Hotels – owned by west Highland businessman Paddy Crerar – said two years ago it was making significant inroads into a multi-million-pound reinvestment to position its portfolio at the “top end” of Scottish hospitality.

The move was aimed at meeting growing demand from affluent UK tourists, as well as a growing number of visitors from “high-value” Asian markets.

It will likely be a while before visitors from overseas flock back to Scotland, due to Covid, but the recent relaxation of travel restrictions within the UK offers the whole north tourism industry a chance to take advantage of pent-up domestic demand.

Earlier this week, Barclays said the Highlands were poised for a £1 billionplus staycation windfall this year.

The banking giant produced a top 10 list of holiday destinations around Britain, ranked by their expected economic boost from domestic tourism.

The Highlands were in seventh spot, thanks to an anticipated staycation boost worth £1.135bn. Cornwall topped the list, due to expectations of a near-£1.7bn boost.

According to Barclays, 23 million people around the UK will holiday domestically during 2021 – adding almost £31bn to Britain’s economy.

‘LOW-KEY LUXURY’: The Glencoe Inn’s 15 guest rooms and bathrooms have been refurbished, with interiors inspired by the surrounding landscape.