No.26 by the Sea, a boutique hotel in the West Highlands coastal town of Oban, which recently received investment from The Cumberland Building Society, has been named as one of the top 25 hotels to visit in the world by TripAdvisor. It is the only UK hotel to be named on the prestigious list.
Billed by visitors as ‘sensational’, ‘stunning’, and simply ‘perfection’, the unique stay has received a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor from 176 reviews from guests and is rated as the number 1 hotel in Oban.
The Cumberland began working with renowned hotel, bar and restaurant owner, Paul Sloan, in early 2022 where we aided in the refinancing of No.26 by the Sea, whilst also supporting funding for the acquisition of staffing accommodation.
Coinciding with this funding, The Cumberland invested a six-figure sum into a luxury hotel rebrand and refurbishment project at Oban-based No.17 on the Promenade, which is also owned by Paul Sloan.
Set on the shorefront esplanade, No. 26 by the Sea is a unique, boutique sea view hotel which offers the perfect retreat to escape reality, indulge in luxury accommodation, and experience a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Hosting nine luxury guest rooms, each with their own enchanting design, the rooms come complete with either breath-taking sea views, woodland outlooks, or their own private garden terrace.
The hotel’s drawing room and lounge looks out across the water to the island of Kerrera, while its Sea Terrace, with couches and fire pits, allows guests to enjoy Oban’s spectacular sunsets.
Whilst the hospitality sector was still facing issues brought about by COVID‐19 in early 2022, The Cumberland made a statement of intent with its financing of No.26 by the Sea, with the recognition the luxury hotel has received from TripAdvisor proof that businesses in the hospitality industry can thrive in difficult times.
We are proud to offer a relationship managed approach, ensuring customers always have direct access with their relationship manager and an associate so they can contact someone who understands their business whenever their need arises.
Alasdair Swan, Senior Commercial Manager at The Cumberland, added: “We’re thrilled to see No.26 by the Sea recognised, and rightly so, as Paul and every member of the team provide a beautifully unique and luxury experience in one of the world’s most stunning settings.
“At a time when the hospitality industry was facing numerous challenges, Paul’s projects and vision in Oban was a breath of fresh air and shows how businesses in the sector can thrive if they have the confidence to take opportunities to invest in the hospitality sector.
“While 2023 is set to bring with it its own challenges, we think this is still an exciting time for the hospitality industry and we look forward to helping business going forward, not only rise to these challenges, but to thrive in the year to come.”
Paul Sloan said: “We’re delighted to be recognised by TripAdvisor as one of the 25 hottest new hotels in the world. It really pays tribute to the fantastic work all members of the team do to ensure our guests have the most enjoyable visit possible, but also everything that Oban has to offer.
For more on The Cumberland’s commercial mortgages for hospitality businesses, visit our business page.