The Lodge on Loch Lomond | Beautiful Waterside Hotel

A lochside stay at the beautiful Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel

With winter fast approaching and a brief gap between lockdowns, I needed little persuasion that my birthday celebrations this year should happen in a cosy, lochside setting - so it was the perfect opportunity to experience the beautiful Lodge on Loch Lomond hotel.

With promises of bracing outdoor walks, icy swims, delicious dinners, and some indulgent pampering, my mum and I hastily took advantage of a winter offer and headed north; our weekend bags overflowing with warm woolly jumpers, waterproofs, and my trademark walking boots.

Surrounded by rugged mountains and beautiful waters, there’s no place better suited to my ‘outdoorsy’ philosophy than Loch Lomond - and the stunning lochside hotel that is the Lodge on Loch Lomond.

Loch Lomond weekend break

Nestled on the shores of Loch Lomond, The Lodge on Loch Lomond is a luxury stay with a difference.

The Lodge is best described as the perfect place to relax and be active; a description which perhaps doesn’t do this Loch Lomond hotel justice. With the Trossachs National Park on it’s doorstep, the Lodge is keen for guests to be immersed in the famous landscape; choose from canoeing to paddle-boarding, boating, and bracing walks.

However, don’t be fooled into thinking this outdoorsy outlook means the hotel is stark or sparse. Inside, the Lodge is filled with traditional Highland inspired decor in all its cosy-glory; from roaring fires to sumptuous sofas. With floor to ceiling views of the loch and surrounding mountains, it’s an idyllic place to relax after a day of adventure.

Effortlessly blending its fresh outdoors persona with touches of luxury, the the Lodge on Loch Lomond also boasts a small spa and indoor pool, alongside a first-class restaurant. Unfortunately the spa wasn’t open because of the pandemic but I’ll definitely be back for a swim in the pool!

Arriving in lingering mist and the incessant fall of raindrops, we run inside to be met by the lovely Lodge team; the entrance is toasty, an open fire blazing and in the background, we can hear the welcoming chink of wine glasses in the dining room.

“Welcome to Loch Lomond.”

The rooms at The Lodge on Loch Lomond

Our Executive Munro

There are a few types of accommodation at the Lodge; choose from a room or suite. We are swiftly checked in and led straight to our room, an Executive Munro (named after Scottish mountains, which I love). Located in the ‘contemporary lodge’, above the swimming pool and spa, our new home for two days is tucked away in a quiet part of the hotel.

The Scottish inspired décor continues in our room, with soft natural heather palettes and the cosiest textures. The room is undeniably a blissful retreat; the big bed is incredibly comfortable, and the beautifully appointed room is light and airy thanks to the floor to ceilings windows which invite nature in.

Entertainment comes in the form of watching boats pass by from our private balcony, whilst sipping on the botte of bubbles the Lodge has kindly left in our room! The stillness encourages even the most screen addicted of us (guilty as charged) to put our phones away. I spy the seating area and make a mental note to return to this comfy place with a book as soon as possible.

Getting outdoors

Having checked into our room, we decide to regroup. While everything is feeling uber-cosy inside the Lodge on Loch Lomond, we’re in the heart of the Trossachs National park - so, despite the overcast skies, we decide to go explore.

First up is an icy swim in the deep waters of Loch Lomond, cold enough in November to be nothing short of life-affirming! The Lodge has a small private beach area only a few steps from the rooms, which makes this the perfect place for a wild swim.

Next on the agenda is a big walk. We wrap up warmly, pull on our walking boots, and head out to explore the walking trails surrounding the hotel. Only a five-minute wander from the Lodge on Loch Lomond is the small but perfectly formed community of Luss, a conservation village with a surprising number of boutique shops and independent retailers selling beautifully designed and hand-crafted goods. After a brief interlude pouring over photography books and locally made gin in the windows of Luss General Store, we eventually start our wander along one of the best walks in Luss, the Luss Heritage Trail.

Exploring Luss

With the rain falling steadily, our walk follows the banks of Loch Lomond, before winding over a bridge and into the woodland. A gentle circular trail, this walk offers some beautiful sites - including 1,500 year old Luss Parish Church. From the peaceful woods we head back into the village, and finally the pier with its views of towering Ben Lomond.

Luss is also the perfect place to get out on the water; there are regular boat tours from the pier. However, we decide that this particular November day is a little too cold and wet for a cruise. Instead, we take shelter from the weather in the warm Coach House Coffee Shop and order mugs of hot chocolate and cake.

Wine & Dine at Colquhoun's Restaurant

With the evening fast approaching, and a proper appetite worked up after our hearty outdoor adventures, it’s time to head back to our beautiful Loch Lomond hotel for dinner - and a spot of in-room pampering.

With our muddy boots hung up and waterproofs discarded, we make use of the luxurious amenities in our room; a long soak in the deep bathtub is nothing short of heavenly, especially after a day of battling the Scottish weather!

Then it’s off to dinner. Feeling revived, we head over to the recently refurbished AA Rosette Colquhoun’s Restaurant. With Loch Lomond lapping gently just outside, we order a delicious three-course meal and lovely wine from the extensive menu.

The next morning breakfast in Colquhoun’s Restaurant is equally delicious. There’s the option for a full cooked brekkie with a delicious veggie option, a whole variety of eggs on muffins, or a healthy granola bowl with fresh fruit and Greek yoghurt. We’re bowled over by the view from the restaurant’s huge windows - at night it’s pitch dark outside but in the morning the view over Loch Lomond is something special.

Book your own Lodge on Loch Lomond hotel Stay

Despite staying during the pandemic, we felt absolutely safe at all times during our stay. The hotel is cleaned regularly, hand sanitiser readily available, masks mandatory, contact primarily digital, and the staff were always consciousness with one-way systems in place in public areas.

The Lodge on Loch Lomond hotel is situated on the west shore of Loch Lomond, just a few minutes from Luss village. Double rooms begin at £160, including breakfast.

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