More about Thornloe
Everything you could need here.
by TripAdvisor Member Tersan
We arrived around 6pm after travelling for most of the day and were pleased to find a tastefully decorated and comfortable room awaiting us. Not knowing where to go for our evening meal Val offered to book a restaurant I mentioned hearing about, saving us the hassle and ensuring we got a table when it was busy. Another night we also tried an Indian restaurant she recommended and had a lovely meal there too. She was always available when needed without being intrusive - a perfect balance.
Our four poster room overlooking the harbour was nicely appointed with an armchair and two seater settee near the window. The en-suite bathroom was spotless, with a wash basin, toilet and shower cubicle, plus a cupboard to store your toiletries. The DVD player attached to the TV is a nice idea and there were a good selection of DVD's and books available for guests to borrow. Biscuits on the refreshment tray in the room were a nice extra touch and also the choice between regular or decaffeinated coffee if you don't want to be awake all night.
A menu was left in the room each day so that you could indicate what you wanted in the way of a cooked breakfast the next morning, and you could help yourself to as much cereal, fruit or yogurt as you wished. With a choice of tea or coffee and toast to follow it was a good start to the day.
The position of the guesthouse is ideal, literally being a five minute walk downhill into the town centre, although you have to keep an eye on the traffic as the footpath seems to disappear halfway down the lane. Parking was a bit of a tight squeeze but Val was aware of who needed to get out of the carpark first in the morning so ensured things ran smoothly by letting you know if you car might need to be moved.
The views from our room were wonderful and there was always something going on in the harbour to watch including a sea plane coming in to land daily and the regular ferry over to the islands. I would thoroughly recommend the boat trip across to Mull and Iona as they are well worth visiting and the coach journey across Mull is very informative, with the driver pointing out wildlife you might otherwise miss along the way.
I'm sure if the person who posted previously to complain had thought to ask before borrowing the plates and napkins Val would have been only too happy to assist , as we found her very helpful and thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the beginning of September 07.
Oban is a nice place to visit precisely because it is a tourist spot without being touristy, having enough shops and restaurants in the town to ensure you can find what you need, without being overwhelmed by tacky gift shops. Its a great base to explore from.
Home away from Home
by TripAdvisor Member FloridaGypsy
We stayed at Thornloe some years ago, and enjoyed the B&B then. When we returned this summer, we found a new owner and new improvements. Valerie and Alan had built on a large conservatory and a deck overlooking the bay for their guests. What luxury!
The breakfasts were excellent, especially the fresh mushrooms. The hosts went out of their way with such welcome extras as warm terrycloth robes. For us Americans, she was ready with face cloths and herbal teas. We carry wine with us and like to have a glass in the evenings. Valerie observed this and produced wine glasses without our asking for them. The hosts will also recommend restaurants, book taxis, and they carry your luggage upstairs for you.
Here’s another bonus! Valerie is accomplished in family research, and is glad to help guests search their history. Just ask her. She found a wealth of information for me, even a Scottish great-great grandmother. She also showed me how to continue research on my own.
I had originally booked Thornloe for five nights. We have always liked Oban. The town is picturesque and a perfect jumping-off place for the Hebrides and the Highlands. After a few days, we were having so much fun in the area and enjoying Thornloe so much that we booked for another whole week.
They do it right!!
by TripAdvisor Member Ot21
Thornloe was simply magnificent! Alan and Valerie were the perfect hosts. They rooms were spotless and well decorated. Our ensuite had a large bathroom and the shower worked well (one our our pet peeves with some B&B's). The house sits on a hill with a magnificent view of the City of Oban and the Harbor. Within walking distance to everything. We took our breakfasts in a light and airy verandah taking in the views. All in all, 5 star!! Bob & Ann Large
wounderful stay
by TripAdvisor Member Kirsten69
Our stay at Thornloes Guesthouse in June 2007 was simply wounderful! We booked the four poster suite, which we can really recommend and enjoyed the beautiful room and its facilities. The seaview is absolutely magnificant and relaxing.
Mrs Valerie Bichener was very welcoming and helpful and the rich breakfast was just delicious.
The complete guesthouse is cosily and appealingly furnished and you feel instantly comfortable.
We would return any time we visit Oban again!
Excellent Stay
by TripAdvisor Member k8ter
My husband and I stayed here in early October. We literally emailed the week before and booked the four poster suite for 2 nights with no trouble. Our entire booking was done online which was very convenient. Our flight was an overnight flight so we arrived in Glascow very early in the morning and drove straight up to Oban. Thornloe was very accomadating to allow us to check in early so we could sleep a few hours before exploring. Room was very cozy with a GREAT view over the water. Breakfast was excellent and made fresh. Lots of choices on the breakfast menu. Valerie very kind to recommend restaurants in the area. Thornloe is just a quick walk downhill to the town center, so we never had to move our car. A very intimate and lovely B&B-- highly recommend and will likely stay there again on a return trip.
Great hospitality and views
by TripAdvisor Member muz58
During our recent visit to Great Britain, my wife and I decided to stay at Bed and Breakfasts, to meet some of the locals and experience local hospitality. We couldn’t have been more pleased with our choice of Thornloe Guest House in Oban, Scotland. The beautiful Victorian house was clean and spacious with wonderful views over the bay to Kerrera and Mull. The centre of town was only and short 5 minute walk away and Valerie was a wealth of information about local attractions and places to eat. Breakfast was wonderful with delicious fresh food perfectly complimented with warm hospitality and conversation from our hostess. What a wonderful way to start the day. Having parking so close to the City was a real bonus, as it allowed us to explore the nearby area on foot without having to worry about securing our valuables. As we were only able to stay for one night, we anticipated trouble in finding quality accommodation, however Valerie welcomed us warmly and couldn’t have done more to help two weary travellers. Overall we couldn’t have been happier and would certainly recommend this perfectly situated B & B.
We'll Keep Coming Back
by TripAdvisor Member NeilandLauren
Our second stay here - part of our honeymoon!
Val and Allen were the perfect hosts giving advice when needed and leaving us to our own devices when not. This is a wonderful guest house; finished to a very high standard and perfectly placed as a base for exploring this beautiful part of Scotland.
We will come back here again and again.
Brilliant
by TripAdvisor Member varonda
We only booked the day before we were due to arrive , Val was most helpful and was able to help us out . Our stay was an absolute pleasure and it would be impossible not to recommend Thornloe . Ideally situated for the town centre with wonderful views across Oban and out to the Isles , first class. Thanks for a wonderful stay.
Excellent - Again
by TripAdvisor Member WorldTraveler98
My wife and I returned to Thornloe in early October. We had previously visited Thornloe two years ago, with our extended family of 10 and found it to be an excellent accomodation in 2005. Returning this October, we found it to be the same high quality accomodation as earlier. All aspects of the home: room, service, and breakfast are excellent. We highly recommend Thornloe to any visitor.
We also enjoyed the city of Oban and used it as a launch point for visits to the Isle of Mull and Iona. The area is beautiful in its rugged scenery and we found the people to be delightful.
Highly recommended
by TripAdvisor Member SDBerks
Top notch accommodation, not only for location - accessible public transport users - but also for the attention to detail that makes all the difference. My single room had plenty of space to spread out, storage space for clothes and suitcase, and shelves in the showerroom for toiletries. There was even room for comfy chair, so that sprawling on the bed was not the only option for reading! The TV came with a video and DVD player, and a wide selection of entertainment to play on it. Valerie and Alan could not have been more welcoming, and the breakfasts were excellent, not to mention the view to accompany them. Planning my next trip already.
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