Gowanlea Guest House

Gowanlea Guest House descritpion
On the edge of Loch Lomond and a 30 minute drive from Glasgow and its airport, this 4-star guesthouse has hearty Scottish breakfasts and free Wi-Fi.
Traditionally decorated, the bedrooms at Gowanlea Guest House all feature a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Guests can also enjoy tea/coffee-making facilities.
A cooked breakfast made with local produce is served in the morning from 8:00 to 9:00. Continental and vegetarian options are also available upon request.
The town of Balloch, a 5 minute walk from Gowanlea offers many attractions including Balloch Castle, Go Ape theme park, and fishing. There is free parking at the property.
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Facilities of Gowanlea Guest House
Pets :Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
Food & Drink :Special Diet Meals (upon request)
Internet :Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking :Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Services :Packed Lunches | Laundry
General :Non-smoking Rooms | Family Rooms | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Reviews for Gowanlea Guest House
Review 1:I couldn't open the windows, not sure if I'm not supposed to? I just like some fresh air when I sleep.
Review 2:Room was very clean, bed linen and towels had very pleasant smell. It's a great location, easy to find and to park. We didn't spend much time at the place and didn't have breakfast so I couldn't comment on that. But most important for us, we had great sleep in comfy bed, comfy pillows and tidy room.
Review 3:If I had to find something to nitpick, it would be that the showers are very loud. Pretty minor complaint about an otherwise fantastic place.
Review 4:This was the perfect spot for our last night in Scotland - it's only about a 30 minute drive from the Glasgow airport, and also a good jump off point to drive into the Highlands. The house itself was very comfortable and cute, with a nice bed and bathroom, and excellent breakfast in the morning. Our host even offered great recommendations for dinner, and helpful resources for our stay.
Review 5:Early Sunday breakfast.
Review 6:Freindly welcome , lovely lady owner, excellent food very clean and tidy. Lovely quaint table covers she just went that bit extra to make us feel so welcome.
Review 7:You need to walk from train station during 10 mins, it is ok when you are travelling with good weather, but if you are travelling with horrible weather, it might be hard to walk 10 mins. Also room is little bit cold.
Review 8:I really liked my room, room is very cozy, clean, quit, and comfortable. Also wifi is fast. Breakfast is wonderful.
Review 9:Andrea is the host everyone would welcome. She is so generous and responsive. We regret that we had to leave early, before she was able to serve a breakfast.
Review 10:Owner very welcoming, friendly and informative. Bedroom good size. Clean warm well furnished. Bed very comfortable. Good choice at breakfast. Full English delicious.
Review 11:I found the owners friendly and very helpful, the room and sitting room very comfortable, the location ideal, the bed comfortable and the wifi connection very good.
Review 12:Andrea was very warm and pleasant. The room given to us was in no way any less than you would expect in a five star hotel...of course the local knowledge of the area that she shared with us was a bonus!!
Review 13:The room was spacious and comfortable, but the bathroom was huge compared to other b&bs Very updated and the food was excellent! Excellent wifi reception, I can't complain about anything. It was lovely!
Review 14:The room wasn't clean at all. There was some kind of jelly or something on the floor and I found a toe nail which is disgusting. One of the towels had a hole in it, and the other towel had some disgusting dirty spots on it. The bed was not comfortable at all. It was way too small, too steep and pillows too high. There were only curtains on the windows, so it is not completely dark (many awakenings in the night and morning). The bathroom was really cold, and the so called 'hot towel rail' was not turned on. The shower is in the bathtub, to use it you have to stand on the wall of the tub. Parking is in front of the house on big fat stones.
Review 15:It is close to the hikes around Loch Lomond.
Review 16:The bed was a bit short (for two average-height females) and we had a hard time sleeping in it.
Review 17:The room was lovely, the bathroom was lovely and clean, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The breakfast was tasty and offering us different options the night before was a great touch! The location is great too-very close to restaurants, the Co-op, and Ballock Castle Park.
Review 18:Quite location, walking distance to boat trips cruise , large & very clean & comfortable room. An easy walk to hotel & restaurants. Quality breakfast.
Review 19:We found the bed to be a bit too firm for us. Which was really the only negative.
Review 20:Andrea was very friendly and helpful. Letting us leave our baggage at the guest house after check out to collect later when we were travelling home. The WiFi worked very well and the room was very clean. As well as being in close proximity to Loch Lomond shores and the train station.
Review 21:The location was perfect for what we wanted. The greeting by the proprietor was very warm and friendly and the quality of the breakfasts was fantastic: straight forward and so well cooked and presented.
Review 22:The lady of the house was very lovely...She let us check in early "no extra charge"...because we where running late and she had to nip out...she phoned me to say she would leave the key so we could get in...will definitely stay here again...good breakfast too...
Review 23:The staff were very welcoming and helpful, with good interaction, so friendly. The whole ambiance of our visit was excellent, and we will recommend it to others. There was off street parking on the site.
Review 24:Friendly owner.... Off road parking for motorbikes Modern, well heated and ventilated room super power shower Excellent qualitiy fresh local produce used for breakfast.. good choice Hairdryer..... not often found in B&B accommodation, made a difference when travelling light!
Review 25:Only possible downside would be the nearby rookery. A minor inconvenience and when all said and done beyond the control of the proprietors.
Review 26:From the phone calls before arrival through to departure everything about Gowanlea was first class. Clean, comfortable and a most excellent breakfast.
Review 27:Andrea is the ideal host, made us feel very welcome from the first moment, and rose extra-early one a Sunday to ensure we had breakfast before we left for Glasgow Airport.
Review 28:I would recommend updating the wireless router.
Review 29:Andrea was an amazing host. She was flexible with my schedule to ensure I was able to get breakfast before I left in the morning even though is was much earlier than normal. The room was very clean and very well located close to town.
Review 30:Warm welcome (including tea and biscuits in the guests'lounge), comfortable and spotlessly clean en suite room, delicious breakfast with great choices. Plus, not many spaces but we managed to park off-road. Sorry we were only staying one night!
Review 31:Bed was a little too soft for my personal taste, but for a short stay it wasn't a problem.
Review 32:Great location just a few minutes walk from the shore of Loch Lomond, friendly welcoming hostess, comfortable bedroom, clean bathroom with strong shower, and an excellent breakfast.
Review 33:The mattress has seen better days and needs replacing very soon, still I slept well and would definitely return
Review 34:Stayed in room 1. It had a wonderful bathroom that was much needed after travelling from John O Groats on motorcycle, in pooring rain. The finishing touches in the bathroom were spot on. The bedroom was of equal high standard.
Review 35:Very friendly welcome and everything we needed for our one night stay. Our dog was welcomed, the room was spotless and the breakfast was delicious, Walked to a nice restaurant for dinner. Would recommend.
Review 36:Breakfast was very tasty, staff were lovely. Bed was incredibly comfortable, the bathroom facilities were excellent, even had bubbles for the bath. Would give it 11 out of 10. Wish we could have stayed longer.
Review 37:Nothing at all, everything was perfect .
Review 38:Andrea was lovely to us, the guest house makes you feel at home. Everything was clean and tidy, very comfy beds (miss it) and we got galaxy hot chocolate
Review 39:Andrea was a wonderful host! The beds were extremely comfortable, the room/washroom were clean and the breakfast was great! I will definitely recommend Gowanlea to everyone I know!
Review 40:The rooms were clean and newly decorated. The bathroom was very modern with a bathtub and free bubble bath provided, plus a rubber duck! They had a lot of breakfast choices - I had pancakes and bacon. The owner was very friendly and let us keep our bags there after checking out, before we got the train home later on.
Review 41:there was nothing we didn't like
Review 42:We got there early lady was cleaning she stopped cleaning made us very welcome and made us a drink we was told we could leave luggage in the Room
Review 43:andrea was so welcoming and friendly you felt like you could ask anything. I asked advice on where to eat and the place she suggest was also lovely. will recommend to any friends who were going that area
Review 44:Nothing
Review 45:From the moment we set foot in gowanlea, the customers service was excellent from both John and Andrea, there was nothing at all to complain about. Very nice people with a good location to travel about from.
Review 46:The mattress on the bed could do with a change but other than that it was amazing.
Review 47:The breakfast was fab, the location was excellent and the staff were brilliant.
Review 48:Nothing all was 5*
Review 49:We spent 2 separate nights here and had 2 different rooms .... room 3 was the best! The breakfast is lovely!!! The price is very reasonable
Review 50:Showers are very noisy. Bathroom next door must have been behind our bed but not everyone showers at midnight so it shouldn't be a bother!
Review 51:Comfy, cosy, clean. Very friendly owner and fantastic price. Opted out of breakfast but had a great stay.
Review 52:Walking distance from the Balloch City Centre. Andrea was extremely polite and inviting. She even accommodated our young son. The room was clean and the bed was very comfortable. I would recommend this guest house to anyone wishing to visit Balloch or Loch Lomond.
Review 53:There is nothing I can think of that was negative about this stay.
Review 54:Very attentive service. Tea and biscuits in the lounge on arrival. Large room. Very nice breakfast. Excellent value for money. Great location.
Review 55:Ideal location, owners very nice and breakfast choice and food really good, rooms have everything we needed and we're comfortable and spotless. Would defo go back.
Review 56:Soundproofing between rooms felt a bit thin and I worried I'd disturb others - but this is a bed and breakfast and the benefits far outweighed this.
Review 57:Friendly and warm welcome Made pot of tea with biscuits in residents lounge when you arrived. Cleanliness, lovely room with great en-suite. WiFi access easy with good signal Accepting of well behaved pooch Pub nearby that allowed dogs Fabulous park nearby to walk dog Fantastic choice of breakfast (ordered the night before) - well organised. Fantastic tasting breakfast too Owner very nice, engaging with a fabulous sense of humour too. Thanks for a wonderful stay - we will be back and recommend you highly.
Review 58:Nothing in particular.
Review 59:Extremely helpful and attentive staff. Room was very lovely, comfortable bed, wifi works great, cleanliness. Breakfast was great.
Review 60:Great location within walking distance of all facilities in Balloch. The owners were extremely friendly and obliging and even did some much needed washing for us for a small fee which saved us a lot of time. The room was spotless and breakfast excellent.
Review 61:The welcome at Gowanlea was first class. It is very comfortable and within easy walking distance of Loch Lomond,the station and lots of eating places. Andrea provided lots of advice on local attractions and amenities. The breakfast was excellent. All in all it was a very enjoyable stay.
Review 62:very tiny bathroom,however did the job and was spotless
Review 63:breakfast choices were wonderful. a very warm welcome was constant throughout.the bed was very comfy.
Review 64:Check-in time of by 18:00 potentially limiting if needing to arrive later; however this is a guesthouse and not a hotel so to be expected. I'm sure the owners can be accommodating where possible.
Review 65:Friendly welcome Coffee & biscuits on arrival Knowledgeable about local area - I took advice on where to eat, & drink and also where to go for an evening stroll
Review 66:The shower system in the family room seems not good with a loud sound.
Review 67:It is a beautiful village and the staffs were very friendly. The decorations in the house were good.
Review 68:Nice host but very busy, we could not really take the time to exchange about the sightseeings
Review 69:Clean, quite, spacious Great bathroom Well equiped Parking Excellent breakfast, I recommend the smoked fish
Review 70:We could only stay one night.
Review 71:There was lots to like, beginning with the very happy, friendly welcome by our host Andrea. The room was lovely, clean and very comfortable. Breakfast was a great start to the day. Balloch is a lovely town to visit with a delightful walk behind the castle and along the Loch to the Marina.
Review 72:I knocked my head against the table where the kettle is placed. The front room was noisy with cars.
Review 73:Andrea and John is very approachable and helpful. Andrea brought a cup of milk for my son which is very kind of her.
Review 74:We chose Gowanlea for its location, about an hour from the Troon ferry and on our way to the Isle of Skye. In many years of traveling in Britain and Ireland, we have stayed in many B&Bs and guest houses. Gowanlea would rank in our top 5 of all time. Our room was spacious, attractive, and comfortable with a large bathroom and amenities. We were welcomed warmly then sent off quickly to a nearby restaurant since the kitchen was about to close for the night. The next morning's breakfast was delicious. The guest house is at the south end of Loch Lomond and very convenient for touring,
Review 75:Andrea was friendly and helpful. Perfect location for visiting the Loch Lomond area. the stay was short, but very pleasant one. would highly recommend to all.
Review 76:Exceeded expectations. Value for money, one of the best breakfasts I've had my entire life, quiet and spotless room, slept like babies. Would recommend, would definitely stay again.
Review 77:Everything was fine. Tea and biscuits on arrival which was very welcome. Good advice on where to eat etc. Excellent breakfast and plenty, and even made us a flask of coffee for our onward journey. Will use again when in the area
Review 78:We were very comfortable at the Gowanlea. The room was spotless and the beds comfortable. Our room was at the back of the property and very quiet. There was a very good selection to choose from for breakfast which you chose the night before. John was very helpful and friendly.
Review 79:There was nothing at all to dislike
Review 80:greeted with a very warm welcome, and tea and biscuits were given on arrival. Beautiful en suite room, everything spotless. Breakfast excellent, plenty of choices. We wish all guesthouses were like Gowanlea. A credit to Scotland. Thank you
Review 81:There were a few lights not working in the bathroom and the fan didn't seem to be working.
Review 82:The location was good. The room was comfortable and there was a good variety for breakfast. Wifi worked well and was free. Parking available on site.
Review 83:Lovely hostess made us a cup of tea in the lounge as soon as we arrived. We had lovely room and it was very quiet. We will book to stay here again.
Review 84:Excellent place to stay.very clean and friendly. ideal location.and delicious breakfast
Review 85:The high standard of comfort, cleanliness, excellent hospitality and great breakfast. Best value for money.
Review 86:The town has not that much to see.
Review 87:Nice owner. Even though the lights had little problem but the owner fixed it in time and quite friendly.
Review 88:The hostess is very nice and thank you for preparing nice breakfast.
Review 89:Owner Breakfast Pet friendly
Review 90:Breakfast was great fresh smoked hadock & poached eggs the best
Review 91:none
Review 92:The hospitality extended by Andrea. She was very kind and accommodating. The location too was very close to Loch Lomond
Review 93:Very friendly and welcoming. Comfortable home from home
Review 94:Perfect for an overnight stay en route to the highlands. Excellent quality breakfast.
Review 95:Food and service was extremely good!
Review 96:very good breakfast
Review 97:TV signal was poor.
Review 98:Great owner, very friendly and helpful. Great breakfast with lots of choices. Room was clean and cosy. Free parking on site.
Review 99:Parking may be aproblem at busy times
Review 100:Eeverything
Review 101:Everything
Review 102:Everything was just great. Superb breakfast
Review 103:Very friendly, welcoming and couldn't be more helpful. Would go back anytime
Review 104:Nothing to dislike.
Review 105:Good location. Lovely room. Yummy breakfasts.
Review 106:Cosy bedroom
Review 107:Location excellent; breakfast excellent.
Review 108:Beautiful Room. Lovely Landlady Great breakfast