We arrived in a taxi and had no other transportation. The website said that a nearby village (a half mile away) had pubs and food. We expected to walk there for dinner. However, we learned that everything in the village was closed on a Sunday and the next day as well. The hotel is quite a way out of town and taxis are hard to come by especially on a stormy Sunday. We found the staff to be incredibly thoughtful and kind and the place is baronial indeed. But no one should stay there without a car (or a well-stocked picnic hamper).

Without access to a car, this is a difficult hotel to stay in.

We loved everything about our stay here from the staff, the location, the castle history and the exceptional manager, Simon. Breakfast provided in the Great Hall every morning was delicious from continental offerings to individual selections. Of course it helped that Simon is also a chef! We can't say enough about him - from helping us bring our bags up the castle spiral stairs (no elevator...it's a 17th century castle))...to recommendations on points of interest in Oban which is a 20 minute drive from the castle. We loved the little cafe in Benderloch for our afternoon tea and scones only a 5 minutes drive. If you love history, the Scotland hills and lochs, and an intimate experience this is the place to go.

Everything was perfect.

We loved this location in the countryside near Oban. Our room was wonderful and exactly as one would expect when staying in a castle - yet the amenities (modern shower/washroom, in-room beverages and snacks, ...) made it that much more enjoyable. Alanna and Simon were wonderful hosts. Breakfasts were outstanding! We thoroughly enjoyed the common areas and met several friendly fellow travelers while relaxing. Oban, "Gateway to the Isles," is very accessible by car, should you want to explore there or hop onto a ferry for island tours (as we did). We wanted to stay in a castle during our weeks in Scotland, and could not have made a better choice.

Simon was amazing, had a lovely chat with us about whiskey, the resident ghost and the history of the castle. He was super helpful and informative when it came to what was available in the local area. The breakfast he prepared for us was amazing! We couldn’t fault the place. Bed was very comfy, everything was very clean and inviting. Sitting up in the grand dining room on the chesterfield couches by the fire with a whiskey playing scrabble was the perfect night in for us!

Nothing! Small recommendation is to consider putting bar fridges into the rooms. May not be possible due to overloading the electrics in the old castle and there is one available to use downstairs if you need. Just a thought :)

Our experience at Barcaldine Castle far surpassed anything we had imagined. Well beyond the luxuriously comfortable bed, the high-pressure hot shower, and the beautifully-plated delicious breakfast, our hosts Alanna and Simon made our stay memorable with their generous attention and conversation. They toured us throughout the castle, even disclosing the hidden stairwells behind wall panels. We wound up the ancient stone staircase to our room and they made us feel at home as we lounged in the evening with a glass of wine by the large stone fireplace in the Great Room in the company of ancestors depicted in original oil paintings. The castle was beautifully decorated in Victorian style and our hosts felt like friends even in our short stay. We’ll never forget it!

I could not imagine anything that could could be improved!

The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They let us explore the interior of the castle including "secret passageways". Gorgeous views and photo ops. Comfortable bed. Staff provided us a fan for the room. Provided us with a lovely tray of snacks and beverages when we arrived. We felt extremely welcome and cared for.

The breakfast was very good, but there is a little room for improvement with the omelet. If I stayed again, I would order something different. My husband enjoyed his Full Scottish and all the beverages and continental selection provided, especially the fruit smoothie.

Barcaldine Castle is truly beyond the scale of any booking! Steve was amazing, giving us a wonderful introduction to the castle. The surroundings make you feel like part of the breathtaking scenery. If you visit, don’t miss The Old Inn Pub and ask for Jack—an unforgettable experience. This stay is a bucket list moment, and I honestly have no words to fully describe how incredible it was!

Impossible question for this place—everything was perfect!

Our family absolutely loved this 17th Century 'haunted' castle. The building and location near Oban were incredible. Delightful Veronica, an absolute treasure, made our stay at Barcaldine one we'll never forget. So cosy and comfortable. We had the Barcaldine Room. Also had a lovely dinner at The Hawthorn at Benderloch nearby, then back to Barcaldine for a night-cap (BYO) in front of the fire in the grand lounge with the other residents. There was a bit of hesitation heading to bed! Breakfast was delicious just to top off this wonderful stay. Can't wait to come back!!

I didn't get to meet the resident ghost, Donald Campbell, Laird of Barcaldine (my children did, they had the Caithness Room)

Authentic castle. Filled with antiques, fire places and oversized comfortable places to lounge together with other travelers in the great room. You truly feel the 400 year old history. It surrounds you. Our room was massive with a centuries old furniture including a huge carved wood canopy bed. The staff were impeccable and enjoyable. Absolutely incredible. And the breakfast was delicious!

There was not a thing we didn’t like.

Quality and choice of breakfast was excellent. The castle and the attention to detail was exceptional. Love the location and would definitely stay here again. The room we stayed in had a secret passageway to the main room. Alanna and Simon greeted us and showed us around. Alanna was very helpful, and Simon did a great breakfast. Thank you both. The owner, David, very personable and friendly, and has restored the castle sympathetically.