The General Manager of one of Oban’s best-loved hotels is speaking out about winter tourism, having put together a calendar of events to welcome guests to the town out with the busy summer season.
Marc Gardner of Oban Bay Hotel, part of the Crerar Hotels Collection, is hoping to put the spotlight on Oban as the colder months begin.
Oban, commonly known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’ is a popular seaside resort, and particularly busy during summer with tourists and locals alike, however, as autumn and winter draws in, the town changes and visitors to the town decrease.
Marc who has been General Manager of Oban Bay Hotel for nearly five years, said: “Oban is a vibrant, busy tourist hub in the summer with guests visiting the Inner and Outer Hebrides from around the globe, as well as being an ideal base for those exploring the west coast. The town benefits from both Scottish and domestic tourism during the nicer months however as the colder, darker nights begin to draw in, the town gets quieter, and we see a dip in visitors.
“However, despite the change in seasons, Oban still has so much to offer to those looking for an authentic Scottish getaway. In fact, we do get guests staying looking for a true Scottish experience – including the weather.
“Very often Scottish tourism is regarded to be seasonal centric to the summer months, but it is vital that hoteliers such as ourselves play our part in ensuring tourism in some of Scotland’s most iconic locations can sustain all year round and visitors can continue to enjoy the very best experience available.”
To attract locals and visitors to the seafood capital of Scotland, Marc and the team at Oban Bay Hotel have revealed a series of winter events and offerings at the stunning four-star property including winter wellness breaks, murder mystery weekends and limited-edition packages such as the Sea Safari package.
The hotel which sits on Corran Esplanade, is inviting guests to spend an autumn or winter break with them and enjoy a variety of upcoming activity.
Marc continued: “We’re aiming to boost visitor numbers by creating exclusive experiences where guests can cosy up in the hotel while enjoying everything Oban and the surrounding area offers. It’s also important to work hand in hand with other local businesses so our guests can take full advantage of everything Oban has to offer.
“We work closely with Oban Distillery which now remains open all year long too, it’s one of the many attractions we recommend to our guests who are visiting for the first time.
“This year, we’re launching our winter experience breaks and an exciting calendar of Christmas and New Year offers to entice people to visit our small corner of the world. After all, Oban is such a special place. It feels like a world away from everyday life, no matter what month it is.
“At Crerar Hotels, we take pride in embracing the season by offering our ‘Coorie In’ package, which you can book at Oban Bay Hotel or one of our sister properties, it’s all about making the most of Scotland’s great outdoors during the colder months before returning to the hotel to ‘Coorie in’ by a roaring fire.”
Oban Bay Hotel’s action-packed calendar includes:
- 25th – 27th October: Winter Wellness Break offers a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend filled with cold water therapy and swimming led by Wild Swimming specialist Bekah and Sound Bath from Spiritual Healing. The break includes dining, from a wellness lunch to a three-course gourmet dinner and discounts on spa treatments. Two nights from £295 per person based on double occupancy, including wild swimming, sound bath session, dinner, daily breakfast and 25% off spa treatments.
- 8th – 10th November: For the first time, Oban Bay Hotel will host a classic murder mystery weekend where guests can participate in a fully immersive and exhilarating experience inspired by the classic guessing game. Two nights from £325 per person based on double occupancy, including activities, dinner both nights, daily breakfast and 25% off spa treatments.
- December: If you’re looking for a unique way to spend the festive season, the hotel has Christmas and Hogmanay three-night breaks to experience Oban Bay’s gorgeous decorations, signature entertainment and authentic Scottish hospitality. Three nights inclusive of festive dining and entertainment from £625 per person.
- 21st – 23rd February: Solve the murder at the return of the Murder Mystery and Casino Night. Two nights from £325 per person based on double occupancy, including activities, dinner both nights, daily breakfast and 25% off spa treatments.
- 14th – 16th March: The return of the Wellness Break for those who missed it the first time around or who fancy recharging again. It features wild swimming sessions, a sound bath, a wellness lunch, a three-course dinner, breakfast each morning, and spa discounts. Two nights from £295 per person based on double occupancy, including wild swimming, sound bath session, dinner, daily breakfast and 25% off spa treatments.
For more information on any of the winter events at Oban Bay Hotel, or to book directly, please visit https://www.crerarhotels.com/oban-bay-hotel/, or call 01631 564395.
