Name: Ardlui Retreat
Address: Ardlui Retreat, Arrochar, Arrochar, Arrochar, G83 7DT, United Kingdom
Rating: 9

Smoke-free property

No elevators

Reception desk

General

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

Free parking

Parking

Event facilities

Business

Pets allowed

Pets

Temperature control for staff

Extra decontamination measures

Temperature control for guests

Personal protection equipment for guests

Additional measures against COVID-19

Health and Safety Measures

Location

At the cottage

Glasgow International Airport

Botanic Gardens

Hunterian Museum

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour

Glasgow Science Centre

Centre for Contemporary Art

Pavilion Theatre

Royal Concert Hall

Buchanan Galleries

Lighthouse

George Square

Gallery of Modern Art

Glasgow Cathedral

St Mungo's Museum of Religious Life and Art

Glasgow Necropolis

People's Palace and Winter Gardens

Glasgow Green

Celtic Park

Ardlui Retreat

Arrochar

child-bed

child-bed-fee

external-private-bathroom

private-bathroom

shared-bathroom

10-beds

11-beds

12-beds

13-beds

14-beds

15-beds

16-beds

17-beds

18-beds

19-beds

2-beds

20-beds

21-beds

22-beds

23-beds

24-beds

25-beds

26-beds

27-beds

28-beds

29-beds

3-beds

30-beds

31-beds

32-beds

33-beds

34-beds

35-beds

36-beds

37-beds

38-beds

39-beds

4-beds

40-beds

5-beds

6-beds

7-beds

8-beds

9-beds

king-bed

queen-bed

limited-time

lounge

treatment

no-window

bay-view

bosphorus-view

canal-view

city-view

courtyard-view

garden-view

golf-view

harbour-view

inland-view

lake-view

land-view

mountain-view

ocean-front

ocean-view

oceanside

panoramic-view

park-view

partial-ocean-view

partial-sea-view

partial-view

pool-view

river-view

sea-front

sea-view

street-view

sunrise-view

sunset-view

water-view

with-view

annex

basement

main-building

1-bedroom

2-bedrooms

3-bedrooms

4-bedrooms

5-bedrooms

6-bedrooms

not-guaranteed

wired-internet-access

smoking

sauna

duplex

safe

mini-bar

breakfast-for-1

breakfast-for-2

pets-allowed

wi-fi

kitchen

Great place, beautiful lodges and amazing scenery. The lodges were spacious, clean and modern (Could do with a towel rack for drying clothes), the on site gym and hut were really nice and handy. The location with the jetty on Loch Lomond was very handy especially with paddle boards. The three lads on site were helpful, love the accent. Overall its totally worth the money and such a beautiful location when the weather is nice

Great place, beautiful scenery

We are surprised to read a few negative reviews of this place and its staff because our experience entirely was wonderful. The cabins are very modern, high tech, fully equipped and impecable. We enjoyed jet skis, cayaques, water skiing, swimming and trampoline, fishing, barbecue and hot tub. Most importantly, the staff on site was extremely friendly and helpful, making sure we had a perfect stay. From 6 to 58 years old, we all had a blast. We live this place and look forward to returning some day.

From the moment we made our reservation, they clearly explained their alcohol policy, provided a list of their in stock beverages and even offered to purchase for us any other alcohol we wanted to consume on site. We found their list to be vary and reasonably priced. 

One of our best family holidays ever

Just back from an amazing weekend at Ardlui Retreat , fabulous 5* accommodation, stayed in the loch view lodges , staff were great, welcoming and friendly , fantastic views over the loch and Marina , would absolutely recommend , obviously the weather contributed to the perfect weekend , can’t wait to go back !

Fabulous 5 ⭐️

Just back from a terrific weekend at Ardlui retreat!  The accommodation (we stayed in one of the lodges) was of a great standard and very modern..
Staff were very accommodating and could not have been more helpful during our stay. Facilities were excellent, particularly the gym and hot tub.
Location wise it’s hard to find a more beautiful place in Scotland, absolutely stunning…


Weekend away

We booked the waterfront house for 9 days, as previous visitors to the retreat, we eagerly awaited the long journey to Loch Lomond and our rest in this truly wonderful place.
It is difficult to describe how the retreat can make you feel, if you have a stressful life/job or want to go somewhere really special and ‘disappear’ mentally, emotionally and physically, then this is the place.
Loch Lomond is awe inspiring and being able to look out over the Loch from early morning and see the mountains change colour and texture through the day is simply breathtaking. Add in the quality of the accommodation, the sheer luxury of the entire resort and the wonderfully attentive staff and you can immerse yourself in this real retreat.
We enjoyed all of the facilities on offer, the jet ski was fabulous and our guide allowed us to have some fun, but kept us safe. The heated salt water infinity pool alongside the huge hot tube soothed away our aches and we relaxed as we gazed out over Ardlui. This was a very special occasion following the loss of our granddaughter during Covid and a difficult 10 years where we missed big wedding anniversaries for various reasons, I organised flowers, gifts and our favourite wines/champagne and the retreat organised a private dining experience with a professional chef. That evening was magical and my dear wife was so happy with her lobster thermidor.
The staff chauffeured our party to Cameron House for dinner and the spa on another day and were only a phone call away if needed.
I have run out of superlatives to describe the retreat, the location, the accommodation, the staff and the service, if you want to visit/stay somewhere really special and experience luxury most of us will never enjoy every day, then visit Ardlui Retreat.


What a place to stay!

Myself and two friends booked to stay at the Ardlui Retreat to get away from the city noise of Glasgow, relax and catch-up. With busy and significant day jobs it’s difficult to find time when each of our calendars allows for a weekend together so we were super excited to get away to what looked to be a beautiful location. However, from the first moments of our arrival we encountered bizarre passive aggressive behaviour, an overly administrative process seemingly designed to obstruct and a very unpleasant atmosphere created by the site manager (we were told called Sarah, a youngish woman with dark hair and glasses). Prepared to write it off and determined to enjoy ourselves regardless, this behaviour sadly continued throughout the weekend leaving a bad taste in our mouths.  Before I provide a few details, I’ll preface with the fact that the rest of the staff at Ardlui Retreat were wonderful and our ghastly experience was the result of the site manager alone. 

Arriving to the property we parked and I went into reception. A legal disclaimer about the hot tub was presented and I was asked to confirm my full home address details and write down the full names of all guests staying. I recited the details (I’d booked through my account with booking.com) and gave the names of my two female friends. I was then told a damage deposit for the weekend was required. I promptly handed over my credit card (incidentally the same card used to secure the booking, pay the initial deposit and the full cost of the accommodation). The manager inspected my card and asked for photo ID to prove it was my card. I didn’t have photo ID with me and was a bit taken aback (I’m a UK citizen not even 50 miles from my home, checking into a self catering lodge, paid in full and I’d just fully recited all my details held on the booking form. Nothing on the property website, the extensive T&Cs or the lengthy welcome pack I received via email before arriving mentions the need for ID). This lack of ID quickly escalated into dramatics on the part of the manger and I was informed I was ‘being difficult’. But fear not, the two ladies travelling with me had their handbags and the manufactured crisis was averted, though not without a few further unnecessary antics from the manager.

Once in our lodge we were pleased with the property overall - it had high quality bedding , presented clean and had a well stocked kitchen. The view was not ideal (of another lodge out front and out back was the noisy main road 5 feet away beyond the walled premises). There were no robes (which the website stated there would be) and a strange and weirdly strict alcohol policy (you’re supposedly not allowed to bring your own due to a licensing condition that isn’t real). A few other small issues with a broken hot tub cover and soaking wet outdoor cushions were quickly resolved by helpful staff. 

Despite these issues, our weekend had begun and we were not going to let the bizarre encounter at reception ruin it. Or so we thought… a few moments after sitting down outside with a refreshment, a lovely maintenance man appeared holding a bottle of wine. At first we thought management had thought better of their behaviour and this was an apology. But no- he was there to profusely apologise for swearing. Apparently the manager had overheard my friend joking she’d heard someone swear🙄. This poor young man was clearly reprimanded and made to come over and apologise to us (I kid you not). We were *mortified* and awfully sorry for the maintenance man. 

Next day, we are enjoying coffee on the front veranda calling good morning to other guests as you do and chatting. Then we receive a phone call from the site manager: “I’m calling to inform you that we’ve spoken to the directors in London and they are prepared to offer you a refund on your stay”. I’m thinking, again, this is to make amends for the outrageous behaviour and unwelcome start to this holiday. Alas not… “if you’re prepared to vacate and find somewhere else to stay” she adds. At this point I’m so genuinely confused as to be stunned, but I managed a “No thank you, we are here for the weekend”. To which she replied “Well, it’s just that everyone else on the property is enjoying themselves except you. You are clearly very unhappy and everyone can feel that energy”. Suitably reprimanded for not enjoying ourselves to the managers exacting standard and with nothing further to say the call ended, having achieved its purpose of letting us know she preferred us to leave, and making us feel deeply unwelcome and uneasy. 

For the rest of our long weekend, despite our best efforts to enjoy it, we DID  feel completely uncomfortable, unwanted and strangely ‘surveyed’’: a regular show was made of walking past our veranda continuously, often with her dogs who would bark at us and she’d say ‘oh I know, I know, shhhh’ as if to console the poor pets from our naughty ‘energy’; standing at reception and looking over directly at us without reason for long periods of time, arms crossed; when we moved to the back deck for privacy she sent her dogs to run on the grass and bark directly at us in the back of our lodge then she’d peer around the side of the property at us. It was unsettling and truly strange behaviour. It wasn’t til the Sunday that one of us decided to look at reviews on trip advisor and we were all astounded to read experiences so similar to ours. The incredible behaviour we thought was a one off was not. 

I have no doubt the manager will respond to this review to nit pick my points with rebuttals in a similar fashion to the others she has done so with and that’s fine- it shall only strengthen my opinion and reinforce the passive aggressive and totally unnecessary pattern of behaviour exhibited by the actions and choices she makes in her capacity as supreme ruler of Ardlui Retreat. She has clearly not yet learned that such rebuttals are not the way to deal with a negative review, nor has she learned any techniques to not receive one. One wonders how any business owner could not be truly appalled and horrified with this approach to customer service. Which leads to my final point: We therefore must assume the owners, in London, are unawares. 

As others have mentioned, reviews citing similar odd behaviour and resulting complaint emails are responded to by the same management causing the issues. However, as business owners ourselves, it’s been easy to establish through Companies House who owns this business. We shall each be writing directly to the owners about this experience since it appears from other reviews that this property is being managed (and controlled), by a woman who is intensely damaging the reputation of this otherwise potentially great business. Sadly, whilst this review is lengthy, it’s short compared to the details we will be providing directly to the owners. 

Until such possible time in the future that Ardlui Retreat is under different management, stay away and save yourself both the cost and the head games.

Aprospective peaceful weekend ruined by a passive aggressive site manager

Just returned from a fabulous weekend at Ardlui Retreat.
The standard of the chalets are beyond belief… the beds , pillows , bathrooms, kitchen , hot tubs are just outstanding.
We had a bbq and rented jet skis .. the staff were very helpful, polite and just went out of their way to be helpful and nothing was too much trouble.
The cleanliness and general maintenance of the estate is first class.
Without doubt ..would return in a minute.

Fabulous Weekend

2 weeks on from our long weekend & we are still talking about this daily. By far, this is the nicest lodge we’ve stayed in. Our lodge (Innis) & the grounds were immaculate - they looked brand new. I’m never sure what to take to lodges in terms of kitchen utensils etc but this kitchen had more than my own - a huge amount of dishes, glassware, utensils, oven dishes along with high end appliances including a wine fridge. Each bedroom was stunning, with a super king in the main bedroom. The pillows were very soft feather pillows, so if you like something firmer, perhaps bring your own. Plenty towels available & the big towel was huge - excellent for coming out the hot tub. The retreat felt very safe due to being gated. The only thing we felt we’d have benefited from is a towel radiator/heater somewhere in the lodge purely from the point of drying our swimming costumes/trunks however we were blessed with good weather & used the portable rotary airer to hang up our clothes. 

If you are considering Ardlui Retreat - just do it! We’ll definitely be back when money allows.

Faultless…

I cannot rate this place enough! We stayed in the house for my husbands 40th birthday celebrations with friends and I can honestly say it’s one of the best experiences we have had. Amber went above an beyond to make the weekend memorable and special. The staff could not do enough for you and nothing was too much hassle. We had the private chef in for a dining experience and it was amazing the food was of a very high standard. I would honestly give this place a 10/10 I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone. We most definitely will be returning.

Had to think hard about writing this review. Why? Because this place was so special I didn’t really want anyone else to know. 
From the minute the gates roll open, be prepared to leave real life behind.
We stayed in the main house, the Retreat. With 5 adults and 4 kids. Having just lost our dad, we wanted to be together for what would have been his 62nd birthday. 
The pictures on the website don’t do this place justice. It’s huge and immaculate. It’s got every appliance. It smells great. It feels a bit like a movie. 
We arrived and immediately called to book additional night. This place is special.
We spent a huge amount of time in the kitchen and even in February, outside at the pool. The pool is perfect. I am fussy. We stay in a lot of nice places. This place feels a bit like you’re the first person to ever use. It’s spotless. The pool is so well maintained. Infinity style. Looking out over loch and hills. Round the pool there is pool table, pod, bbq hut, outdoor loo, ice bath and hot tub.
We spent hours each day, playing with the kids out here. 
The kitchen is very well appointed. Every appliance you could want. We loved the blade beer machines and the coffee machine. Was great touch. Every pot, glass and plate is top of the range. No making do. This is luxury. Blinds are electric. Floors are under heated. 
We enjoyed cosy nights out in the pod and then back to the living room and round the fire. 
The 2 master bedrooms are enormous, with views over pool and out to the Loch. Bedding is the best. So comfortable. 
We had one room made up as a twin, where they set up a PS5 for our kids. Great touch. 
We found the concept of having to preorder the alcohol a little different, but once there, I understood and it felt right. No lugging it round with you and beautifully presented and chilled for your arrival. Sure it costs more, but you don’t need to go out and buy and then squeeze it in the car to bring with you.
We did try to book a chef, unfortunately it couldn’t happen and despite this not being the retreats fault, they insisted on buying our dinner. We were reluctant to do this, it seemed too generous but they insisted and not only did they deliver all the food, they delivered much more. Huge fillet of beef. 6 steaks, prawns, ice cream, local cheeses, sweets, cakes. We were overwhelmed. So kind. Amazing service. 
Things to note. Remember to bring. Tea towels. Cloths. Hand soap. We couldn’t find tea towels or cloths. Had to ask for some, which they delivered, no problem. No hand soap in upstairs bathrooms. Only things I could think of which we missed. Everything else was perfect.
All the staff we met were so helpful. So smiley and nothing was a problem. 
We didn’t do much exploring. Just really enjoyed the house and all it had to offer. Planning our next trip. This place is a dream. The memories will stay with us forever.  



Ardlui Retreat

Main amenities of the hotel

Location

Available rooms

Location

Description of the hotel

What other amenities are there?

Policies

Check-in terms and conditions

Additional information

Payment