Jeremy Inglis Hostel

Jeremy Inglis Hostel is conveniently located near the tourist information/ferries/bus and train stations (all within five minutes' walk) at 21 Airds Crescent. If you don't have a map, use the outdoor map at the tourist info center -- it's very close! Oban is served by bus/ferry and train. On arrival, follow the signs to the tourist info, a couple of minutes' walk from the waterfront. You'll be at a roundabout, and the hostel is located pretty much straight across the roundabout and around the corner. Check the map and you'll find it easily. The main street through town is about five minutes away, and most restaurants and stores are located there.

The doorway to the hostel is unremarkable, but there's a sign overhead. You walk in the doorway, then upstairs to a pink door (all the signs are very good and understandable) and knock. There is also an office around the corner on the street that is open during the day, also well marked.

Jeremy, the hostel's namesake and owner, is very pleasant. He is quite accommodating even if you don't have a reservation (as we didn't). The only availability was the upstairs "kitchen," which is a tiny room in a former kitchen. But there was a bed, desk, and sink (and stove and lots of tea cups!). There are paintings everywhere here -- it's obviously decorated by someone who buys whatever they love and then finds a place for it somehow! It's quite charming, though perhaps not for those who love clean, blank spaces.

The dorm rooms are quite small, only two or three beds, and could also be considered family rooms. Each has a quirky combination of art work on the walls. There are lots of bathrooms, and it never seemed overcrowded, except in the kitchen (the real one). However, the breakfast provided is worth squeezing in for. Sitting out on the table to help yourself to are three bowls, one each with bread, donuts, and freshly made scones. Also was a collection of homemade jams and spreads (made by Jeremy) -- truly delicious. It sure beats the usual hostel "continental" breakfast! There's tea and coffee as well. The table is small, only five people max at a time can fit in, so you might have to come back later if it's full, or grab a donut and go.

For those who like a socializing area, there's not much here. There are lots of impromptu meetings in the hallways and at the kitchen table, but there's no lounge room. There's the usual plethora of posters advertising trips and tours, which is helpful. The fresh flowers around the place are a nice touch. There's a new puppy, a Jack Russell, who is very friendly, and he's usually kept out of sight.

You can get a card from the owner that will give you free admission to the Scottish show (if you buy dinner there) at McTavish Restaurant, should you desire going to this very touristy attraction.

Check out time is 10 a.m. It's not the cleanest place ever, but it's certainly not filthy (a bit of dust under things is all). This place is highly recommended and we'd be happy to come back. Some guides say it feels more like a small B&B, which we find to be very true.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review