The Place
The owners of Glenfinnan House Hotel clearly value family time. That perhaps explains why children are so readily welcomed, why the hotel operates a no-TV policy, and why dogs are well and truly smothered when they come to stay. Rooms are assured and comfortable rather than inventive (think creams in the bedrooms, blues in the bathrooms) but the real charm lies elsewhere.
Chef/manager Duncan produces some outstanding things from the kitchen, using fine local produce such as salmon, mussels, beef or venison; some of his classic dishes, as well as various innovative options from the a la carte menu, can be enjoyed in both the dining room and the bar.
Most important, this is inspiring, mountainous country which adults and kids will love (the latter will especially enjoy the chance to visit famous scenes from the Harry Potter movies). Loch Shiel cruises operate from nearby, with regular sightings of golden eagles, black-throated divers and red deer. In season, trips slightly further afield often bring you face-to-face with whales, dolphins, seals, puffins and otters.
Some reports suggest that staff can be a little over-zealous, but this can be explained by an earnest effort to keep things running smoothly; the consensus is that they know their stuff here, and do things rather well.