Kames Hotel (Tighnabruaich, United Kingdom)

A serene, dog-friendly, seaside locale with moorings available for visiting boats, a popular restaurant and pub, outdoor seating, and outstanding views over the Kyles of Bute. The food is delightful with recommendations on the tasty burgers, fish and hand-cooked chips, red pepper linguine, salmon and prawns, steak pie, strawberry/raspberry pavlova and sticky toffee pudding. The bar is lively and popular with the locals as well as guests, with a pool table down the centre, sports games playing on wall-mounted televisions, and shinty memorabilia hung throughout. The selection of blended and malt whiskeys are a must-try here. Ten minutes' walk reaches the Kyle of Bute Golf Club, and strolling through Kames is a lovely treat as well.

Well-supplied with cosy pillows and plump towels, good showers and (some with) large bath tubs. Clean, comfortable and warm. The views from the front-facing rooms are exquisite.

Warm greetings will start you off and the welcoming attitudes of locals and staff combined will make you feel part of the community quickly.

When it gets busy, don't count on getting prompt service or even a table. This spot is very popular and draws large crowds especially on weekend evenings. Some may feel the prices are high for what you get and the staff gets irritable when stretched too thin. Have a backup plan for meals and drinks on weekends.

The place may have seen better days and could use a new housekeeper. Overflowing ashtrays might greet you while fixtures need dusting, tea spills are forgotten on furnishings and piles of assorted debris is sometimes found around the grounds.

Wi-Fi is offered in public areas only. Don't expect it in rooms.