| What the press are saying about the Coll Hotel |
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Stewart Paterson, Sunday Herald, June 2010 |
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"If peace, quiet and an appreciation of the best from nature's larder are what you are in need of, this could be your ideal island hotel."
"This is not just for recharging the batteries. Throw the batteries away and surrender to the power of nature as you step off the boat. No public transport, no traffic lights, very little traffic and no mobile 'phone signal. Bliss."
"The Coll Hotel is the perfect destination on this unspoiled island, welcoming to the point of picking up guests and their bags from the ferry terminal. It's also friendly and well staffed, with comfortable rooms with views across the bay."
"The jewel in the crown is the Gannet Restaurant. Seafood straight from one or two fishing boats in the bay and at prices that would put many mainland establishments to shame .... It is easy to see why the Coll Hotel has been named Island Hotel of the Year and winner of the Flavour of Scotland Thistle Award.
"This is the sort of place that, when it gets you, you stay got." |
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Scottish Hotel Guide - June 2009 |
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"A truly charming inn-style hotel on a hillside overlooking Arinagour Bay ... The cooking delights. Informal in atmosphere with a splash of bistro elan, the Gannet Restaurant serves prime fish and seafood plus home baking." |
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Richard Bath, Scotland on Sunday - January 2009 |
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"With a strong community spirit, full employment and spectacular views, the Hebridean haven of Coll is thriving as never before, attracting an influx of new residents and pointing the way for the rest of Scotland’s islands."
"The award-winning Coll Hotel has been run for 25 years by Kevin and Julie Oliphant and has built a good reputation for serving fresh seafood straight off the boat." |
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Finlay Wilson, Edinburgh Evening News - November 2008 |
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"Everything about the Coll Hotel is reassuring … Very few hotels achieve that vital combination of making you feel both completely relaxed yet well attended to at the same time but Coll does it.
Julie has built up an impressive reputation for the output from her kitchen, including a Taste of Scotland Award.
Dinner really proved something to write home about. The fresh Coll langoustine served hot, tossed in garlic and served with salad and new potatoes was exquisite … the lamb dish was equally impressive.
Whatever face you bump into on the island is a friendly one… It truly is a perfect port of call for the world-weariest of travellers, whatever the weather." |
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Robin McKelvie, Sunday Post, October 2008 |
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"I’ve visited more than 100 islands all around the world but haven’t seen many as alluring and enjoyable as the Inner Hebridean oasis of Coll. It has jumped up there on my personal island favourites alongside Bora Bora and Harris."
"The remarkable little retreat of the Coll Hotel is now one of my favourite places to stay in the UK. The six rooms are really cosy - I loved Room 2 with its old-fashioned bath and epic sea views - and the hotel is the epitome of a family-owned and family-friendly establishment, run by welcoming husband and wife team Julie and Kevin Oliphant for 25 years."
"Not only is it a great place to stay but the hub of the island’s social network and a top-notch place to eat. On a ridiculously good menu in those remote parts are the likes of home-made spaghetti with Coll lobster and a seafood platter with yet more local lobster … The daily-changing menu is a real delight."
"The starched-white, puffy sand strips of Coll’s 23 beaches are among the best I’ve ever seen.”
"The locals insist cosy nights at the Coll Hotel are even better in winter." |
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Donald Smith, The Scotsman, September 2008 |
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"For family cycling, Coll is ideal. More bikes come off the ferry than cars, and even the cars mostly had bikes strapped on the back. The only roadhog we came across was a disdainful Highland bull walking self-importantly down the middle of the road. And once we had to stop for a very hairy caterpillar that wasn’t observing the Green Cross Code."
"Whichever way we went there was always a glorious, deserted shell sand beach awaiting. Coll has more than 20 beaches, each with an irresistible smile of turquoise water."
"We feasted on seafood at the award-winning Coll hotel."
"The headache persists as to which island we will choose for next year. My wife says she’ll go anywhere ‘so long as it’s as nice as Coll." |
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Daily Record - July 2008 |
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"The Coll Hotel was recently voted Island Hotel of the Year and it didn't take long for us to find out why. Our room had a spectacular view of the bay ... a real home from home. The food turns the premises from a good hotel to a great one. Put simply, the fare is stunning. Local fishing boats provide their catch and Julie, who has a 'Taste of Scotland' award, produces fantastic menus."
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Sunday Post - July 2008 |
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"The tiny gem of Coll is home to a great hotel and restaurant, the Coll Hotel, as well as a sprinkling of beaches and coves where you can get away from all the stresses and strains of the modern world. The flight there is very scenic too as it does not reach a great altitude so you really get to appreciate the landscape en route."
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The Sun - April 2008 |
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"I've discovered a little chunk of paradise off the west coast of Scotland ... The real beauty of the Isle of Coll is that there's hardly anybody there, and that's the way I'd like to keep it. It's a land of tranquility where hassle is an alien concept and relaxation compulsory... The real attractions of Coll are all natural - like the endless white-sand beaches fringing a sea of shimmering greens and blues so sharp and clear it looks electric. The passion for quality of the Coll Hotel's owners shines through in every detail. Julie and Kevin Oliphant are the perfect hosts." |
