The Hostelz.com Review
Loch Lomond Hostel Arden is definitely one of Scotland's most stunning buildings.
The Location
Located near the shores of Loch Lomond, just beyond Balloch and before Arden, it's best accessed by car. However it's just thirty minutes' walk from the train station in Balloch (two miles) or Citylink's Glasgow to Oban route stops nearby, listed as being a quarter-mile away. The airport is eighteen miles away.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There is a room lockout from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so don't arrive in the middle of the day, or you'll have to wait for some time before you can check in to your room. The old country house has a grand staircase, stained glass windows, a ballroom, and fantastic grounds. Stay here and you could imagine yourself swept back in time to another age. It definitely has a bit of a castle area.
You can feel a bit lost given the size of the place, however it's most likely you'll at least get to know people in your room. The rooms themselves have bunks and can accommodate up to one hundred ten people, which is good because this place is understandably popular and you should book early to ensure a booking. Do note they allow young children in the rooms.
Common Spaces
The facilities are far from being era-bound and generally top notch. The kitchen on the ground floor is excellent with the dining room/lounge with windows out onto the lawns. If you do want to self-cater, bring food in because the shops are some distance away. You can probably walk into town, but it's a fair hike for just a few supplies. There is a restaurant on-site where you can get breakfast and dinner.
The rooms are all upstairs -- maybe a bit of a trudge with luggage -- but do wander through the ballroom, TV lounge, and dining areas on your way to your room because they are worth exploring. The place is something of a maze, so just remember where you are!
Summary
Thanks to its location on Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, there is plenty to do here. You could climb Ben Lomond, cruise Loch Lomond, hike the shores, get a bike, go shopping, canoeing, wildlife spotting, and more.
The Location
Located near the shores of Loch Lomond, just beyond Balloch and before Arden, it's best accessed by car. However it's just thirty minutes' walk from the train station in Balloch (two miles) or Citylink's Glasgow to Oban route stops nearby, listed as being a quarter-mile away. The airport is eighteen miles away.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There is a room lockout from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so don't arrive in the middle of the day, or you'll have to wait for some time before you can check in to your room. The old country house has a grand staircase, stained glass windows, a ballroom, and fantastic grounds. Stay here and you could imagine yourself swept back in time to another age. It definitely has a bit of a castle area.
You can feel a bit lost given the size of the place, however it's most likely you'll at least get to know people in your room. The rooms themselves have bunks and can accommodate up to one hundred ten people, which is good because this place is understandably popular and you should book early to ensure a booking. Do note they allow young children in the rooms.
Common Spaces
The facilities are far from being era-bound and generally top notch. The kitchen on the ground floor is excellent with the dining room/lounge with windows out onto the lawns. If you do want to self-cater, bring food in because the shops are some distance away. You can probably walk into town, but it's a fair hike for just a few supplies. There is a restaurant on-site where you can get breakfast and dinner.
The rooms are all upstairs -- maybe a bit of a trudge with luggage -- but do wander through the ballroom, TV lounge, and dining areas on your way to your room because they are worth exploring. The place is something of a maze, so just remember where you are!
Summary
Thanks to its location on Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, there is plenty to do here. You could climb Ben Lomond, cruise Loch Lomond, hike the shores, get a bike, go shopping, canoeing, wildlife spotting, and more.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
November 2010
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Loch Lomond Hostel Arden Reviews from the WebHostelz.com Guest Reviews
I stayed in this hostel for two days last summer. It is conveniently located close to all amenities and the bus stop. The hostel is a beautiful old mansion which is very well kept. It is situated very close to the beautiful Loch Lomond, and I could see the Loch and Ben Lomond (a munro) and other hills from my dorm window. The staff are very friendly and helpful, as in all the Scottish youth hostels that I have stayed in. It's an ideal location to explore Loch Lomond and Luss. — Susan George (2006-05-25) This is an absolutely amazing hostel! The view over Loch Lomond is simply great. The rooms are good, facilities ok and the old architecture of the building creates a feeling of being in the mystery past. I really do recommend this hostel to everyone who's looking for an unforgettable holiday in Scotland! — Anna (2005-10-02)