The Alexandra Hotel, Oban 1973

The Alexandra Hotel, overlooking the sweeping waters of Oban Bay, has long been one of the town’s most prominent and historic hotels. Situated along the Corran Esplanade, this grand building has welcomed visitors to the “Gateway to the Isles” for well over a century.

The hotel dates back to the late 1860s, a time when Oban was growing rapidly as a fashionable seaside resort and a key departure point for steamer travel to the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Built in a distinctive Victorian style, the Alexandra featured ornate architecture, bay-facing rooms, and elegant interiors that reflected the tastes of a more refined era. With its commanding position and stylish appearance, it quickly became a favourite with tourists, particularly those making their way to Mull, Iona, and beyond.

Inside, the hotel boasted impressive public rooms, including lounges with large windows looking out to sea, dining rooms, and comfortable bedrooms. Many of its early guests would have arrived by train and then walked or taken carriages down to the esplanade, where the Alexandra stood among other grand waterfront hotels catering to Scotland’s growing tourist trade.

Though the hotel has changed hands several times over the years and undergone renovations, it has retained much of its original character. Now operating as part of the Muthu Hotels group, the Alexandra Hotel continues to welcome visitors from around the world, offering a combination of historic charm and modern comfort.