Creggans Inn Hotel

Ill-advised romantic gifts include gym memberships, garage forecourt flowers and new windscreen wipers – all practical although unlikely to set the heather on fire.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a heart-melting, show-stopping, skin-tingling present then grab today’s Big Deal on a romantic stay with option of dinner at the lovely Creggans Inn in Argyll.

Once owned by the writer, diplomat and former SAS man Sir Fitzroy MacLean, the inspiration for James Bond, it is a beautiful spot for a relaxing and romantic winter break.

Convenient location

Just over an hour’s drive from Glasgow, The Creggans Inn is an award-winning, family-run business that sits on the shore of Loch Fyne with views to Inveraray.

The guest lounges also boast absorbing views or you could just cast a careful eye over the malt whisky in the hotel’s bar – a welcoming space which is kept cosy with a log fire on cold nights.

Each of the inn’s fourteen bedrooms has been individually decorated and has its own distinct character. They are all en-suite and feature little luxuries such as the Sea Kelp toiletries. WiFi is standard.

Loch view room

Available seven days a week, the offer is for two people to relax with a one night stay in a double or twin loch view room. There is also an option of a one night stay with £40 per couple dinner spend, and a two night stay with the dinner spend on the first night.

A choice of full Scottish or continental breakfast each morning is included in the offer, as well as a glass of fizz each on arrival.

Upgrades to a superior loch view room may be available at £20 per room per night.

There is a supplement of £20 per night for Friday and Saturday stays.

Local and seasonal

A full Scottish breakfast or continental breakfast is included in the offer.

A £20 per person dinner spend is also included with options two and three. The Creggans Inn has MacPhunn’s Bistro & Bar where you can enjoy an extensive bistro style menu.

Local, seasonal produce is at the heart of the menu. This might mean hand-dived Loch Fyne scallops; roast loin of Scotch lamb or halibut.

In MacPhunn’s, the bar menu features dishes such as Cullen skink; West Coast salmon fillets and a steak and ale pie made with locally brewed beer.

Great outdoors

An ideal base for exploring Scotland’s Hidden Coast and Mid-Argyll, the area surrounding The Creggans Inn boasts castles, gardens, wildlife, golf, quad biking, fishing and some of the most memorable scenery in Scotland.

Happy guests

Perhaps it’s the views, perhaps it’s the sea air. Whatever the reason, guests often fall in love with The Creggans Inn. This is what a couple of recent guest had to say on TripAdvisor. We’ve edited for length.

‘…second visit to this beautiful hotel on the banks of Loch Fyne – the views from the bedroom and upstairs lounge are spectacular… the team are attentive and friendly – there is an impressive whisky and gin menu and our evening meal of locally sourced food was home cooked and hearty. Loved the porridge with a wee dram on the side for breakfast (in the breakfast room with more spectacular views). The decor is decidedly Laura Ashley-esque country chintz which adds to the homely, comfortable feel… Highly recommend and I’m sure we will be back.’

‘Beautiful views. This place is excellent! Not so small that you feel you don’t have your own place, but also has the feel of small B&B. The views are excellent! I loved walking into town and down to the beach… They have a beautiful sitting room where you can read, play games or enjoy the loch scenery… if you are looking for flashy, this is not the place and it doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles. Wi-Fi was actually pretty good, considering the remoteness of the place. It was super relaxing and the staff were so friendly! I recommend!’

Romantic gift idea

With purchases valid until the end of March, a little getaway to the West Coast would be a cosy way to start the next year.

If sipping a malt whisky in front of the log-burning stove in MacPhunn’s sounds attractive then this Big Deal with The Creggans Inn is designed to warm the cockles of your heart.

It would also make an elegant present for a friend or family member who would appreciate a winter break.