Esplanade, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5AF Tel (01631) 562 025 or 0870 004 1144 Websitewww.syha.org.uk
BUG Review
This big old mansion right on the most northerly part of the seafront has big windows that allow you to appreciate the amazing views towards the Western Isles. The rooms are bright and clean and the bathrooms fresh. The kitchen has every kind of pot, pan and utensil you could need.
Price Dorm bed £14-16 (£13-15 HI/SYHA) Prices are in British pounds and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
Location with fantastic sea view, rooms, wardens
Cons:
Having to leave eventually
lodgerwithbaby
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
Oban Hostel is now in tip top shape - (summer 2008) with new wardens who have been here from 2006 . (It seemed to have got poor reviews in 2005). Very friendly and helpful to my young family with lots of useful local information. Good cooking and washing facilities too. Very nice public spaces - big sitting rooms with lovely views across the bay. An excellent place for a family holiday on a budget or for travellers visiting the scottish islands and coast.
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(Review ID: 6179)
Would stay somewhere else next time, March 13, 2006
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
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n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(2)
Cleanliness
(2)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(2)
My husband and I stayed here for one night in January 2005. We stayed in a 4 bed dorm, but were the only occupants. When we arrived I didn't find the front desk person (female) to be very welcoming. She looked fairly dirty and her top had pieces of food stuck to it - hygiene is obviously a matter of personal choice but it didn't give the best first impression. The room was moderately clean however the mattress was the worst I have slept on. I was awake most of the night trying to get comfortable - somewhat difficult with pieces of metal digging into my back. My husband (who is usually a good sleeper) had the same problem. We didn't use the kitchen or any of the common facilities. We were in UK/Europe for 6 weeks staying only in hostels and budget hotels and this was the worst place we stayed at. The only redeeming quality was the view of the ocean directly over the road, and the walk into town along an ocean front path.
3 of
3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 6180)
average, July 24, 2004
Reviewer:
Jasmin
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
All in all I can only agree to the describtion of Nothern Girl. I can only add, that the hostel is at the esplanade, so you have really a wonderful view to the sea and to Oban. To compare the hostel with a hospital is really justified, when I think of my memories of this hostel... Search another one!
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 6181)
Room with a view, September 24, 2003
Reviewer:
Northern Girl
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(2)
Cleanliness
(2)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(2)
My initial impressions of Oban Youth hostel was not good. The receptionist was very abrupt with me and then ignored me for ages. I had to ask for a room allocation etc. I don't expect to be best buddies with staff, but a smile and/or 'hello' would not have gone amiss. When I got upto my second floor room, my spirits lifted. It was a 10 bedded female dorm room, but very clean and spacious, with its own shower. It was comfortable enough. The view was amazing from the windows. There is a comfortable TV lounge, but the atmosphere was hardly social - it was full of smoochy couples. Not exactly welcoming for someone on their own. The kitchen and dining area was more lively, but there was a lack of people on their own. The kitchen was well equipped, and the dining area was comfortable. There is a laundry. Breakfast (cereal, milk, juice, rolls, jam) is on sale for 1.85 but I didn't bother with this.In the three nights I stayed there, I found it to be like a hospital - clean, comfortable and warm, but somewhat lacking in atmosphere and rather sterile. There is little socialising - groups tend to keep themselves to themselves. I was so bored one night that I went to bed before 10pm. The hostel has internet access, but I would advise you to avoid it - it costs five pounds an hour, which is very expensive compared to other places.It was also very slow. I found out the next day you can get much cheaper intenet access in town. The showers were hot but the type where you push the button to get water. You must keep your fingfer on the button at all times - as son as you let go the water stops. Guests must have rooms tidy by 9am and vacate the room by 9.30am. Check out is by 10.30am. The hostel is about a 15-20 minute walk form the ferry terminal and railway station. Keep this in mind if you have heavy luggage or an early morning train/boat to catch. In all honesty, if I am staying in Oban again, I will try one of the other hostels. I would stay here again, but only if I was really desperate.
