Cameron House Hotel at Loch Lomond Review

Celebrating its 200th Anniversary during 2023, Cameron House is a spectacular hotel overlooking the world famous Loch Lomond. With an array of different rooms, dining options and activities on offer, we had the chance to sample the delights as part of their anniversary celebrations.

History

The property only opened as a hotel back in 1990, but the history of the building dates back to the 15th century. However, under the ownership of the Molletts - a local family of shipbuilders and artists (both of which still feature in some way to this present day) - renovations were made to convert the home into a grand baronial mansion which is still the mainstay of the property today. 

Architect William Spencer had the resort remodelled in 1865 and since then it has continued to develop and grow in stature. Empress Eugenie and Sir Winston Churchill were among a long list of esteemed visitors.

During the 1970s, The Cameron Bear Park was a popular tourist attraction and its reputation grew. But after the transition in 1990 when it became a hotel, it wasn’t until 2021 that Cameron House was fully restored, with the addition of the new Lomond wing and ballroom. The more modern looking part of the site that sits to the right of the main house followed a year later. 

Hotel

A variety of suites, rooms and lodges are available, both on the site of the hotel as well as a short drive up the road at The Carrick Golf Course. 

The historic 17th century mansion, known as The Auld House, plays host to 14 exceptionally decorated rooms with stunning views out onto the Loch. 

In addition, there is also an array of signature suites, each designed with spacious living facilities and amenities that is mirrored in the large open plan studio suites. 

Views of the Loch and hotel grounds are also on offer in a large number of bedrooms, which are also designed and furnished in the finest Scottish textiles and artwork. 

If you wanted to be away from the main hotel, the Cameron Lodges are gorgeously situated around the grounds offering a more secluded feel. 

Choosing between self-catering lodges, holiday cottages and luxurious Mansion House suites, each serve up a perfect home from home. 

One bedroom bungalows may be ideal for a couple's retreat, while three bedroom cottages overlooking the golf course will be a hit regardless of the occasion. 

Golf

Loch Lomond has a rich history as far as golf is concerned and Cameron House is no exception. 

The Wee Demon is a super fun 9-hole course that is set around the grounds of the house and measures 2,155 yards with a mixture of par 3s and par 4s ranging in length from 117 yards to 417 yards. The welcoming layout features some elevation changes and it's ideal for both golfers and non-golfers that might be looking to try their hand at the game. You will also find the younger guest can enjoy getting out and partaking in some family golf. 

The Carrick at Cameron House is the par 71 championship course set a short drive from Cameron House Hotel. You can read our extensive feature review of the course here - but the venue presents all the facilities you need, an excellent clubhouse offering, professional shop and dining options as well as The Spa being on site here too. 

Spa, Health & Swimming 

Wellness also features heavily at Cameron House. These are split into two different areas. The Leisure Club, which features a state of the art gym, is on the site of the main hotel, while the Cameron Spa is on the site of The Carrick Golf Course. 

The Leisure Club hosts the main 18m swimming pool, a family pool that includes slides for the younger guests, the fully equipped gymnasium where you can also find a number of classes and personal training on offer, and the state of the art bubble pool. 

You will also find a sauna and steam room available at The Leisure Club

Head over to the Cameron Spa for some real relaxation. 

Tranquillity and restoration are the words used to describe the offering at the spa with world class facilities topped with the rooftop infinity pool. 

Whether it’s a facial, massages or other beauty treatments you are hunting for, The Spa has it all and more, including hydro and thermal experiences. 

An ideal spot for a spa day or break, especially if combined with some golf or other activities with lots of different packages available. 

Food

There is no better place to start than with The Cameron Grill which is at the heart of the hotel in more ways than one. 

Breakfast is served here daily with an extensive mixture of cooked and continental breakfast. You will struggle to decide where to stop with what is on offer – and it even has an a la carte option. 

The luxurious dining area is also a great spot for a relaxed evening meal with some of the finest food and wine on offer. I can personally recommend the fillet steak – but the grill also accommodates well for vegetarians and children. 

Very lucky to visit and review with @MattHolbrook86 for @golfshake Even for a veggie the food was first class pic.twitter.com/4ihBTJsEpW

— Darren Ramowski (@darrenram) July 26, 2023

Away from the main Grill but staying on site at the hotel. Other options include the more relaxed sports bar - The Tavern, where you will find food that is closer to a more traditional bar menu, featuring burgers and fries for example. It hosts a pool table and dartboard and sporting events are shown on a number of TV screens dotted around the bar. It also opens up onto the terrace which is a nice addition during the summer months. 

Tamburrini & Wishart offers a new contemporary and innovative dining experience with seasonal produce at its heart. A five course tasting menu that changes frequently is accompanied by a three course lunch menu that embraces modern techniques while celebrating classical flavours - one for the food connoisseurs among us.

The final option on the ground of the hotel is The Boat House that sits on the banks of the Loch surrounded by an array of boats moored up. The nautical themed restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the scenic views. Whilst seafood does feature on the menu, there is a real variety of food on offer that also includes pizza and traditional mains. Another great spot. 

The Clubhouse Restaurant - located up at The Carrick Golf Course - offers a friendly and traditional dining experience for those using the Spa or golfers pre or post round. The menu is relaxed, offering traditional bar food that is cooked and served with care and attention that is on offer throughout all the dining options at Cameron House. It’s a lovely spot to sit outside in front of the water fountain and watch some golfers playing the final hole before they head in for their post golf refreshment and food. 

Bars

There are three bars to pick from. The Lobby Bar is a great place to relax and unwind, maybe have a meeting or even just to sit and watch the world go by. 

With over 300 different whiskeys to choose from, those that enjoy a wee dram may prefer the stunning Great Scots’ Bar where whisky tasting experiences are also available. If whisky isn’t your tipple, then there is also an array of fine wines, spirits and cocktails. 

As with the food, the Boathouse Bar offers a bit more of a relaxed environment as you settle into one of the comfy chairs or sofas and enjoy the tranquil views overlooking the Loch. 

Cinema

An excellent addition to your stay would be catching a film in the Cameron Cinema. Popcorn, pick & mix and drinks are available at the kiosk before you can sit back and relax in one of the 29 red velvet chairs and watch a selection of new releases, family favourites and all time classics. 

Other Activities

On top of everything else mentioned above, let’s not forget where you are is probably some of the most scenic parts of Scotland, so visitors will also be able to take in the natural surroundings of Loch Lomond itself as well as Ben Lomond, the grand mountain that is on the other side of the resort. 

Walking, hiking and cycling are all popular activities going on around Cameron House and some that can be enjoyed by groups, families or individually. 

There is also the option of some water based activities around the boat house or even take a trip in the aqua plane that lands right in front of the hotel. 

Arrived at @CameronHouseLL

This place is something else.

Played the Wee Demon this afternoon - looking forward to jumping on The Carrick in the morning. pic.twitter.com/5ikYhL8Z0M

— Matt Holbrook Golf (@MattHolbrook86) July 24, 2023

Verdict

It's difficult to summarise as there is such an array of options and activities. There is something for absolutely everybody, no stone left unturned. From the moment you arrive to the time you reluctantly leave, your experience is one of sheer class and the treatment from every single member of staff makes you feel incredibly welcomed and valued. If they are looking to make you feel like you want to return at the earliest opportunity, then they do a very good job. 

The rooms are grand, the food and drink is spectacular and the activities available are excellent. As someone who has visited some of the UK’s most renowned venues - albeit for golf - I would put Cameron House straight in at the top. Bucket list stuff. 

For more information and details about packages, please visit https://www.cameronhouse.co.uk/.