STAY : Review of Argyll Holiday Homes, Hot Tub Lodge, Loch Lomond, Scotland

Have you ever tried to organise a family get-together? I tried but it didn’t go to plan and there wasn’t even any children or dogs involved! hahaha!

I was heading up to Loch Lomond to the Argyll Holidays Loch Lomond Holiday Park. As I had a 3 bedroom, 6 sleeper lodge, I was hoping to have my brother and sister and families join me but the dreaded Corona kiboshed that idea and it ended up just the four of us with plenty of space to spare.

REVIEW OF ARGYLL HOLIDAYS, HOT TUB LODGE, LOCH LOMOND, SCOTLAND

Argyll Holidays have eight holiday parks all dotted around the north west of Scotland from Loch Awe (their most northern holiday park) to Hunters Quay (their most southerly holiday park) to Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village, Lochgoilhead (their flagship holiday park). Each holiday park comes with their own unique features like hot tubs, large group accommodation, spa breaks and accessible holidays; plus all eight holiday parks in Scotland are dog friendly ! There is a suitable holiday home for everyone. Their website is very easy to navigate, with great photographs of the lodges, cottages, caravans etc so you know what to expect. But let me show you around the lodge we stayed in ….

THE WATERSIDE LOMOND ROYAL PLATINUM HOT TUB LODGE - 3 BEDROOMS

I have to say, I was blown away by the size of this lodge, the amenities and the cleanliness. Everything was pristine and I felt like I could genuinely move in and stay here.

Each lodge has ample parking space right next to it - there is also a security access barrier that requires a code for entry after hours (8pm-6am).

On entry into the lodge you are greeted by a very large, bright open plan kitchen, dining, lounge space with floor to ceiling doors that open up the space onto the deck where you’ll find an additional dining space and hot tub.

The decor is simple and understated, comfortable and easy to keep clean. The kitchen is fully kitted with crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, pots, pans etc. They do provide a small tube of washing up liquid, and two dishtowels, but its worth remembering to bring these with you if you are staying here for more than a couple of nights.

A few nice touches to note are - a wine chiller in the kitchen area, a very large screen TV with access to Disney +, Amazon and Netflix and free wi-fi (you just need to log on every day to access it). There is also a dishwasher and a washing machine.

The bedrooms and bathrooms are towards the back of the lodge. Three good sized bedrooms - two doubles with shower en suites and one bedroom with two single beds and a separate bathroom across the hall way. As it turned out we all had our own bathroom and room! Perfect.

You’ll find a TV in every room as well as bathrobes and slippers, towels and toilet paper!

THE HOT TUB AND VIEW FROM THE DECK

But the main reason you book a hot tub lodge is for….. the hot tub and this was glorious. We spent a lot time in here. The weather worsened as the week went by but somehow that just made sitting in the hot tub more appealing. Submerged in warm water, letting those jets pummel those knots on your shoulders - morning, noon, night and midnight, this hot tub was well used throughout the week.

Every morning the holiday park engineer comes around to check the hot tub and make sure its in perfect running condition for you for the rest of the day - so you don’t have to worry about it at all and can just concentrate on enjoying those long soaks in the tub.

LOCH LOMOND HOLIDAY PARK

The park itself is fairly large with a great mix of glamping pods, log cabins with saunas, touring pitches and lodges like the one we stayed in.

There is a boatyard and watercrafts are allowed into the park too ie - boats and jet skies. There is a doggie beach as well as a doggie bathing area.

It’s well maintained and inside the reception area you will also find a wee shop, for any essentials you may have forgotten, a games room, and a launderette.

COOKING AT THE LODGE

As I mentioned earlier, the lodge kitchen is fully equipped, and comes with a beautiful five plate gas burner stove and hob. It’s an absolute joy to cook on. We made several meals for breakfast and dinner eating leftovers for lunch which we could easily heat up in the oven or microwave.

RECOMMENDED PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK

However if you don’t feel like cooking, Loch Lomond Holiday Park is well positioned within easy driving distance of a few great places to eat.

Our first foray out of the park was to the Tarbet Inn, approx 5 minute drive in the car. It was quiet but I know that in season this place is heaving, and so was delighted that we got the best seats in the bar and tucked into some very hearty full on cheese mode food. The food was hot, well cooked, perfectly seasoned and overflowing. The cheesy chips were delicious, mac n cheese with garlic bread went down a treat and those onion rings were super crunchy! Nice bar too for a cold pint and a decent whisky list.

Venture further afield, and maybe make this a day trip. Drive to Inverary, approx 45 minutes in the car. It’s a pretty wee coastal town that juts out along the coast, with a castle, a bridge and some incredible food.

After a wee wander along their white washed High Street, we stopped into Brambles for a hot drink and something sweet. We nabbed the last slice of Apple Strudel with custard and can only thank the gods that we managed to get the last slice. It was heavenly!

Instead of heading further north, head south, to Balloch. Another stunning seaside town and to the Tullie Inn. Here breakfast and brunch won’t break the bank but will most certainly fill your belly. It’s also a sports bar with plenty outdoor seating - a bustling spot in the summer.

RECOMMENDED THINGS TO DO

You’ll find plenty to do at Argyll Holidays Loch Lomond Holiday Park, but if you fancy a wee day trip out there is plenty to do in the vicinity:

• Visit Inverary Castle and Inverary Jail

• Walk around Sloy Power Station and dam

• Hill walking - just about everywhere

• Cruise Loch Lomond - an hour cruise around the loch

• Shopping at Inverary - visit the Sweetie Jar and Balloch - Loch Lomond Shores

We had a most enjoyable stay. The weather was typical of Scotland and shuffled between sunshine, rain, mist and wind but that really didn’t dampen our spirits nor impact our holiday break.

The lodge really felt like a home from home. It was comfortable and warm, cosy and spacious. I always know great accommodation when I feel like I could move in, and I could easily have called this lodge home. The hot tub is the cherry on the cake, the big draw card; sitting in the hot tub looking over the bonnie banks really helps you unwind and relax. What a fantastic antidote to the stresses of life!

Would I stay here again - absolutely, 100% and highly recommend it as a holiday option for a group of friends, couples, large families, families with childlren etc. Go for it! You won’t regret booking.

Argyll Holidays, Loch Lomond Holiday Park, Inveruglas, Argyll & Bute, G83 7DW www.argyllholidays.com/parks/loch-lomond-holiday-park

• Open all year

• The Wee Shop - on site shop

• Pet friendly

• Outdoor play area for kids

• Boatyard and launch beach for boats and jet skies

• The Wee Steamie Launderette

• Wi-fi

• Fishing

My Spoon Award : Tartan Spoon 10/10

I was invited by Argyll Holidays to review their accommodation. The stay was complimentary but the views are very much my own.