Beautiful Highland hotel with breathtaking views named best in the country
A Highland hotel that’s loved for its beautiful views and great food and drink has won an industry award.
Knipoch Hotel near Oban has been named the best boutique hotel in this year’s Prestige Hotel Awards.
The newest and largest addition to The Sonas Collection portfolio, Knipoch is a historic country house hotel overlooking Loch Feochan. Purchased and renovated by Sonas in 2024, the property features 26 cosy rooms, a fine dining restaurant and brasserie serving lunch and afternoon tea, and panoramic waterfront views.
Just a short drive from the centre of Oban - the seafood capital of Scotland and gateway to the Isles - there's plenty to do from hiking and boat trips to museums and whisky distillery tours, and ample golf courses nearby for a relaxing trip away.
Dating back to the 1600s, Knipoch blends historic character with contemporary luxury, featuring original fireplaces, stone walls and wood panelling alongside super-king-sized beds and opulent fittings. Guests can also enjoy amenities including a private hot tub and scenic walking paths through the surrounding natural landscape.
Knipoch is home to 1635, an intimate dining experience delivering modern Scottish cuisine rooted in place, heritage and hospitality. Launched in 2024, 1635 blends contemporary culinary creativity with regional Scottish produce in a setting that honours its 16th-century origins.
Andreas Maszczyk, group general manager of Sonas Collection, said: “The team at Knipoch House Hotel are pleased to have been recognised by The Scottish Hotel Awards (Prestige) Hotel Awards as Best Boutique Hotel in Scotland.
“What makes the accolade even more meaningful is knowing that we were voted for by the general public. Sharing a piece of Oban with the world has always been at the heart of what we do, so to receive this recognition from our guests and supporters means a tremendous amount to the entire team.”
Created to celebrate excellence across Scotland’s hotel industry, The Prestige Hotel Awards is an independent platform voted for by the public and open to all 3*, 4* and 5* hotels across the country. Hotels are first nominated by guests before being judged by an expert panel.
This year’s 9th annual awards brought together more than 600 representatives from Scotland’s leading hospitality businesses for an evening celebrating the very best of the sector.
Owned and operated by acclaimed hotelier Anne Gracie and her family, The Sonas Collection has grown from Toravaig House Hotel, established in 2003, into a celebrated collection of four stylish hotels across Skye and Oban. The portfolio later expanded with the addition of Duisdale House Hotel and Skeabost House Hotel before welcoming Knipoch House Hotel in 2024 on the outskirts of Oban.
Other Scottish hotel winners were: JA Mar Hall, which won Best Golf Hotel’ Carberry Tower Mansion House, which won Best Historic/Heritage Hotel; Jo Smith from the Edinburgh Grand who won Best Concierge; Western House Hotel in Ayr, which won Best Afternoon Tea; Brambles of Inverary, which won Best B&B/Guesthouse; Oban Bay Hotel which won Best Coastal Hotel and Seaton House in St Andrews, which won Best 5* Hotel.
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