Brisbane House

Contemporary seaside hotel

Brisbane House is one of Ayrshire’s premier hotels. Overlooking Largs Bay, it has been totally refurbished and offers contemporary comforts in a traditional seaside setting. It is also less than an hour’s drive from Glasgow and two hours from Edinburgh.

Inside you will find an elegant interior with chandelier lighting adding a touch of glamour. Hotel facilities include Oscar’s restaurant and bar, well-equipped rooms and free parking.

Stylish rooms

Featuring a mix of modern and classic furnishings, guest rooms at Brisbane House are decorated in a softly neutral style.

Each has a luxurious marble bathroom with a glassed-in shower, as well as a flat-screen TV and free WiFi.

Upgraded rooms can include extra luxuries such as a Jacuzzi or a sitting area with leather sofas. Executive suites also have four-poster beds and a spa-style bath.

Dine with a view

Oscar’s restaurant is a sophisticated dining spot and bar serving Scottish and international cuisine. You can sample the menu while gazing at the sea view through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Dishes can change regularly, but typical mains might include the breast of chicken stuffed with haggis, the roasted Thai marinated salmon with stir fried vegetables and the broccoli & stilton risotto.

And if you have room, why not finish with the raspberry shortbread tower served with Chantilly cream?

Lovely Largs, amazing Ayrshire

Largs has all of the charms of a traditional Scottish seaside resort, including a Victorian promenade and ice cream parlours (in fact, the hotel is a hop-skip-and-jump away from the famous Nardini’s). Brisbane House itself overlooks the horseshoe-shaped Largs Bay, so you will be handy for various shops and attractions. Local activities include fishing, sailing, putting, bowls and swimming.

History buffs will appreciate Vikingar! — a multi-media experience that celebrates the town’s victory over the vikings. Another must-see sight is Kelburn Castle, which has been painted with a striking fairytale forest mural.

If you are a golfer then, as well as the two courses in town, you will be within easy reach of championship clubs like Turnberry Golf, Turnberry Kintyre, Royal Troon and Portland.

Largs is also a good base for exploring various west coast islands, including Great Cumbrae, which is just a mile offshore. There is a regular ferry service to the islands.