Ardencaple, Helensburgh ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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Key details

About the Hotel

Gareloch Road Rhu, Helensburgh, United Kingdom, G848LA

Ardencaple Hotel, a 19th century former coaching inn, is located near the picturesque Loch Lomond. This establishment serves as a gateway to the Western Highlands, providing easy access for trips to the Trossachs National Park and local attractions. The hotel is strategically situated on the A814, between Rhu and Helensburgh, making it a convenient stopover for travelers. With a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, it caters to both leisure and business guests.

Location

The hotel's location makes it ideal for exploring area attractions, such as SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium and Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre. Ardencaple is conveniently located 45 km from Glasgow and only 16 km from Dumbarton. Proximity to local landmarks such as Rhu Point and Hill House adds to its appeal. Public transport options are accessible, enhancing connectivity for visitors.

Rooms

Ardencaple Hotel offers 25 accommodations, including family and twin rooms. Each room is equipped with essential amenities such as free WiFi, a coffee/tea maker, and an iron/ironing board. The en-suite bedrooms are designed to provide a comfortable stay for a range of guests. The hotel's provision of housing includes options suitable for families, making it versatile for various needs.

Eat & Drink

On-site dining at Ardencaple Hotel includes a restaurant that features a diverse menu. Guests can also unwind at the bar/lounge, which serves a variety of drinks. The dining facilities are designed to offer a pleasant atmosphere for both casual and formal meals. This smoke-free inn ensures a comfortable dining experience for all patrons.

Leisure & Business

Ardencaple Hotel is equipped with business-friendly amenities, including desks and phones, catering to working travelers. The presence of a 24-hour front desk adds convenience for guests at any hour. Additionally, the hotel features a garden, providing a tranquil space for leisure. The combination of leisure and business facilities supports various guest requirements.

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre

Helensburgh 3.1 km

Airports

Glasgow (GLA) 40.7 km

Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) 91.3 km

What our guests says about facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Welcoming Decor

The paddle steamer-themed room added a unique charm to our stay, making us feel like we were on an adventure. The attention to nautical decor was lovely and set a fun tone for our holiday.

Emily Turner. United Kingdom, 2024-05-14Read full review on

Delicious Brunch

The brunch we enjoyed at the hotel was perfectly cooked, with fresh ingredients that elevated the whole experience. The Big Traditional Scottish Breakfast was a highlight, packed with flavor and served hot.

MikeJohnson89. Australia, 2024-03-21Read full review on

Impressive Shower

The shower pressure in our room was excellent, providing a refreshing experience after a long day. The large, bright bathroom truly enhanced our comfort level during the stay.

Sarah Peterson. Canada, 2024-08-09Read full review on

Quality Entertainment

The media setup in our room was impressive, offering a wide range of channels and good sound quality on the TV. It was a perfect way to unwind after our daily activities.

Tommy_Smith. New Zealand, 2024-11-30Read full review on

What’s included

General

Non-smoking property
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled

Dining

Paid breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Facilities for people with disabilities

Bathroom for disabled

Media

Television

Location

Gareloch Road Rhu, Helensburgh, United Kingdom, G848LA

Map view

Gareloch Road Rhu, Helensburgh, United Kingdom, G848LA

City landmarks

Upper Colquhoun Street

Hill House

3.1 km

United Kingdom

Rhu Point

620 m

Helensburgh G84 8PU

Ardencaple Castle

1.5 km

Hillbrook House

1.6 km

West King Street

Scottish Submarine Centre

3.0 km

Helensburgh West Bay Esplanade

3.1 km

Park

Hermitage Park

3.1 km

Store

The Scandinavian Shop

3.0 km

Event hall

The Mackintosh Club

3.1 km

The Fruin

3.5 km

Helensburgh G84 8NU

Faslane Peace Camp

3.8 km

Helensburgh Skating Pond

3.8 km

The Pier

Kilcreggan Pier

4.4 km

Gallery

Oak Tree Gallery

4.1 km

Garden

Linn Botanic Gardens

4.8 km

Park

Linn Botanic Gardens & Nursery

4.8 km

156 Lyle Road

Lyle Hill

6.6 km

19 Esplanade

Greenock Yellow House

6.1 km

Gallery

The Pirate and Bluebelle

6.6 km

Church

Old West Kirk

6.7 km

Nearby

Glenarn Road

Glenarn Gardens

560 m

Restaurants

The Garden Room Restaurant

580 m

Ferry Road Rosslea Hall Hotel

Ardencaple Hotel

700 m

Gareloch Road

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

64%

liked the hotel and would stay again

Clean rooms

Friendly staff

Noisy bar

Cold breakfast

6.4/10

Nice

Rooms

6.7

Location

8.0

Service

6.1

Dining

5.3

Bob

United States, September 2024

7.4/10

I had a decent stay at this hotel. The rooms were clean and comfortable with a lovely view of the water, which was a real plus for my multi-day stay. The staff were friendly and attentive, making me feel welcome. However, the noise from the bar made it less than ideal for a good night's sleep, and the breakfast could use some improvement with some items being served cold. Overall, it was a good value for money experience despite these few drawbacks.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were clean and tidy, providing a cozy atmosphere with decent facilities. I really appreciated the warm welcome when I arrived and the lovely view of the water during my stay.

Service

9.0

The staff were friendly and attentive, really helping to enhance my experience. They recognized their efforts and were eager to please.

Location

7.0

The location was great, especially with the beautiful view of the water, although it did get noisy with bar music in the evenings.

Dining

6.0

While the breakfast had a lot of variety, I did find that some items, like the sausages, were cold.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel facilities were adequate and generally well-kept, contributing to a pleasant stay.

Clean rooms

Noisy bar

Wally

United States, August 2024

7.2/10

I had a lovely stay at the hotel, with clean rooms and stunning views from the front. The staff was fantastic and attentive, making me feel very welcome. However, the dining experience was a bit hit or miss, and the facility needs some updating. Overall, it felt like good value for the price.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were lovely and clean, though they could use a bit of a revamp.

Service

9.0

The staff was friendly and attentive, providing excellent service that made my stay enjoyable.

Location

8.0

The location is great, offering beautiful views and convenient access to nearby attractions.

Dining

6.0

The dining experience was mixed; I had a great meal, but there were some issues with my order.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities are nice, but some areas are in need of updating.

Curtis

United States, August 2024

5.4/10

I stayed at this hotel and while it has a great waterfront view, I was disappointed with the room quality, which seemed a bit dated and damp. The staff did their best but there were service hiccups. The location is perfect for those wanting to explore Helensburgh, being right near the boardwalk. Overall, it could use some upgrades for a better experience.

Rooms

5.0

The rooms need some attention; they were damp and dated, which was quite disappointing. However, the view overlooking the water was appreciated, especially for longer stays.

Service

5.0

The service was a mixed bag. While the staff made efforts, there were some failures on the management side that affected my experience.

Location

9.0

The location is excellent, just across from the waterfront boardwalk and within walking distance of Helensburgh, making it convenient for exploring the area.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience was not great. The meals left much to be desired, with cold food and limited options. I did appreciate the staff's willingness to help, though.

Facilities

6.0

The public areas were newly refurbished, which was nice, but the overall facilities leave room for improvement.

Richard

United States, August 2024

7.0/10

I enjoyed my stay at the hotel, which is located in a lovely area with nice surroundings. The rooms were spacious and offered stunning views, but they could really use some updates. The service was friendly overall, although I experienced a bit of an issue with my order. Dining was enjoyable with a great breakfast selection, but it could have been better organized. Overall, I found it to be decent value for money, but some aspects need improvement.

Rooms

7.0

The room was a good size with uninterrupted views, but it could definitely use some refurbishment.

Service

6.0

The staff were friendly and helpful, but I did have a frustrating experience with my meal order.

Location

8.0

The hotel is situated in a pleasant area, which made for a lovely atmosphere.

Dining

7.0

Breakfast was great with lots to choose from, and everything was cooked well, but the dining experience felt a bit disorganized.

Facilities

7.0

Facilities were good overall, though nothing particularly stood out as exceptional.

James

United States, July 2024

5.0/10

I had a pretty disappointing stay at the hotel. The rooms felt dated and could really use some sprucing up, especially in terms of décor and maintenance. On the bright side, the location is convenient and a short walk from Helensburgh. However, service issues really put a damper on my experience, and the dining was hit or miss at best.

Rooms

5.0

The rooms were damp and dated, with a small window that made them feel dark and dull. They definitely need some attention, particularly to remove mouldy grouting.

Service

5.0

The service was lacking; I encountered some major issues that weren't handled well, and I ultimately went elsewhere for better service. There was also a promise of a refund that never came through.

Location

7.0

The location was decent, within walking distance of Helensburgh, which was nice for exploring the area.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience was very hit or miss. I had issues with my breakfast order that left me disappointed while watching my husband eat first.

Facilities

6.0

I didn't really take advantage of the facilities, but they seemed standard.

Matt

United States, June 2024

7.0/10

The hotel offers a stunning view over the bay, and the rooms are clean and comfortable for a pleasant stay. However, the steep spiral staircase may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. The service was friendly, particularly from the staff member Michael, but the dining experience fell short of expectations, especially regarding food charges and limited options. Overall, it's a good value for money, but improvements are needed in the dining area.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were very clean and comfortable, boasting an amazing view over the bay. However, the spiral staircase may pose challenges for guests with mobility problems.

Service

7.0

The service was pleasant, with staff like Michael making us feel welcome and helping us settle in. They were friendly and accommodating, but I was a bit disheartened to still be charged for some food.

Location

9.0

The hotel has a magnificent view over the bay, adding to the overall charm of the stay.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience wasn't ideal; though the fish and chips were fresh, the selection and timeliness of service left something to be desired.

Facilities

6.0

The hotel facilities were decent, but there is room for enhancements, especially in the dining department.

Robert

United States, May 2024

5.6/10

I recently stayed at the Ardencaple Hotel, and while it has a great location close to the waterfront, I found the rooms to be a bit dark and in need of a good cleaning. The service varied dramatically; some staff were friendly and accommodating, but I had a frustrating experience with dining that left me disappointed. Overall, it’s a decent place but not without its flaws.

Rooms

5.0

The rooms were quite dark, with small windows and a need for cleaner decor. Unfortunately, they felt like they hadn’t been hoovered for a while.

Service

6.0

Service was hit or miss. Some staff were great and went out of their way to help, but I also had to seek better service elsewhere after a poor dining experience.

Location

8.0

The hotel is conveniently located just across the street from the boardwalk along the waterfront, which is a definite plus.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience was disappointing. I had to wait a long time for my breakfast order to be corrected, and while some dishes were edible, I would have expected more given the price.

Facilities

5.0

Facilities didn’t really stand out during my stay. They seemed basic and could use some enhancement to elevate the overall experience.

Clark

United States, May 2024

6.6/10

The location of the hotel is lovely, right by the lochside, which is definitely a highlight. My room was clean and comfortable, but it could use some modern touches. On the downside, the service left a bit to be desired, and the dining experience was quite hit or miss. Overall, I found the hotel provided decent value for money, but there are areas that need improvement.

Rooms

7.0

The room was comfortable and clean, but it clearly could do with a bit of modernisation.

Service

5.0

The service was hit or miss; while some staff were friendly, I encountered issues that made me feel less valued as a customer.

Location

9.0

The hotel is in a beautiful location right by the lochside, which was a real treat.

Dining

6.0

The dining experience was hit and miss—while I enjoyed my full breakfast, there was a mix-up with my order that caused delays.

Facilities

6.0

The hotel had decent facilities, but I didn't get to use many since the dining and service issues were more prominent during my stay.

Roger

United States, May 2024

6.4/10

I had a stay that had its ups and downs. The room I got was clean and offered a great view of the bay, which I really appreciated, especially since I was there for a few days. The service was friendly, but I did encounter some issues with my meal reimbursement. Also, while the location was generally nice, it couldn’t overshadow some of the problems during my stay. Overall, while I found some value, it definitely had room for improvement.

Rooms

7.0

I found the room to be clean and comfortable, with a lovely view overlooking the bay. However, the shower unit definitely needs some attention because of the mouldy grouting.

Service

6.0

The service was fairly friendly, and the staff seemed knowledgeable about the menu. I was particularly impressed by the gentleman named Michael who helped us, but I did have a disappointing experience with my meal reimbursement which wasn't processed as promised.

Location

7.0

The hotel's location is nice, but I felt it did not quite make up for the other concerns I had during my stay.

Dining

6.0

The dining experience was a mixed bag. While I enjoyed some of the meals, I noticed that the sausages served at breakfast were cold. Luckily, the waitress was lovely and offered to bring more bacon, which was a plus.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities were decent, but nothing extraordinary stood out during my visit.

Gerald

United States, May 2024

7.0/10

I had a mixed experience at this hotel. On the plus side, the rooms were lovely and very clean, plus the staff was friendly. However, the dining experience was hit or miss with service delays, which was disappointing. While the location is convenient, it wasn't ideal overall.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were clean, tidy, and warm upon arrival, which was perfect given the weather. I was in a double room at the back, so there wasn't much of a view, but it overlooked the water, which I really appreciated.

Service

6.0

Some staff members were knowledgeable and friendly, but I had a disappointing interaction regarding a meal refund that was promised but never processed.

Location

8.0

The hotel is located in the center of Helensburgh, which is convenient, especially if you're visiting for a course or a short trip.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience was quite hit and miss; I had issues with my breakfast order being wrong, and while the staff tried to help, it made the meal less enjoyable.

Facilities

7.0

I didn't notice many facilities in the hotel that stood out, but the overall amenities seemed decent.