Perle Oban Hotel

We stayed for two pleasant days in this charming hotel. The rooms were spacious, nicely furnished, and thoughtfully supplied with quality cookies and coffee, which we really appreciated. Staff were courteous and very professional. The blonde lady in the restaurant was especially kind. Her warm smile and professional manner made the experience even nicer. I’d recommend the hotel, though I wish we’d left a little more time to enjoy the spa 😊

The hotel is central, the rooms are lovely, and it seems a good standard, but the service was very poor. I stay in hotels every week and would have been better off at the premier inn across the road, for a fraction of the price. We came back at 10.10 pm Wednesday 12/11/25 hoping for a “tantalising cocktail” as advertised. The barman called out “we are shut” as I approached. When I said we were residents, he tutted, then abruptly said we could get a drink and charge it to our room. Someone in our group asked for coffee, but he said they weren’t doing coffee because he’d just cleaned the coffee machine. I asked for the manager, who had left, then asked for someone in charge. The barman walked away. We complained at reception and were told the manager would speak to us the next day. They took our room numbers, but no one contacted us, even though we were available after breakfast and for the next two days. Also, on Wednesday night, every room had intermittent TV faults, with the TV turning on every 12 to 25 minutes. When we reported it, reception said, “yes we know.”

We booked the sea view room and it was splendidly appointed, clean, quiet, and had a comfortable bed. The hotel is very convenient for public transport. We also chose breakfast and were wowed by the beautiful dining room. The food was delicious and portions were generous. The only small issue was work on the lobby’s front door, so residents had to use the side entrance. It was no big deal for us, and I assume it’s been fixed by now. Hoping to book another night soon.

I use the Perle quite often as a local, and our tour company has sent business there in the past. The location opposite the Ferry Terminal, Railway Pier & Taxi Rank is convenient, though on weekends there can be noise and commotion around midnight, which could bother light sleepers. The interior is comfortable, and the recently relaunched Brasserie is a nice airy dinner space, though I haven’t eaten there. The rooms are okay, but could be better for a 4 star hotel. Suites have no fridges, and there isn’t much local Scottish design or fabric. Perhaps the Indian owners might consider that when they next invest in the rooms. My main concern is the service. I’ve had several poor experiences, though I keep coming back for the WiFi and lounge. Last week I sat in the lounge bar for almost 90 minutes and nobody checked in or offered to make me a drink or take an order. Two staff behind the bar were busy chatting, and no one seemed to be directing them to clean or provide 4 star service. There were crisps under my chair and dirty tables from earlier, and they stayed that way. Just before I left, I counted five staff in the area, including a manager perhaps, but they still weren’t focusing on guests. Personally, I prefer Roxy's cafe for its staff, atmosphere, and quality of offering. The Perle needs an enthusiastic leadership team to support and direct staff in delivering good hospitality. Unless you go to the bar and pay for a drink there and then, the hotel feels like a 3 star experience. Nice public spaces, very average 3 star service.