Accommodation on Islay: 6 Exclusive Retreats for a Perfect Stay

Jordan Campbell

4 hours ago

Whitewashed corner building marked "No. 1 Charlotte Street" beside a gently curving road in a small village. A low stone wall borders a bright green lawn while a row of traditional houses stretches into the distance beneath a partly cloudy sky.

Accommodation on Islay for Every Budget, from Frugal to Fancy

Whether you’re looking for a cozy B&B, a seaside hotel with killer views, or one of the many Islay hotels that will make your wallet cry a little, Islay has plenty of options.

I’ve rounded up some of the best accommodation on Islay for a range of budgets, travel styles, and nightly rates. Use the map below to get your bearings and see where each property is located before deciding which corner of the island you want to call home for a few days.

Best Accommodation on Islay: Glenegedale House

This is where I stayed during my visit to Islay, and I absolutely loved it. Emma and Graeme are the owners of Glenegedale House, and not only are they two of the most welcoming and helpful people I’ve met in my travels, everybody on Islay seems to know them.

I’d forgotten to book a ferry before the trip, and they were a huge help to us in getting a ticket and figuring out when and where the ferry would be leaving. (The schedule kept changing!) They didn’t just provide good accommodation, they were MAJOR life savers.

And as for those accommodations, they did not disappoint. The overall quality of the rooms, food, and hospitality was excellent. The breakfast was delicious, and the place as a whole was very nice with lots of animals like sheep, mini ponies, and spring lambs. It was also conveniently located next to the local airport, for those flying in. And luckily, there weren’t too many flights, so the sound of air traffic didn’t put a damper on our stay.

Traditional full breakfast served on a floral china plate with a fried egg, bacon, black pudding, grilled tomato, mushrooms, and baked beans. Matching teacups, cutlery, and additional breakfast plates are arranged on a white tablecloth, creating an inviting bed and breakfast dining setting.

Large white country house with pale green window trim surrounded by neatly maintained lawns and landscaped gardens. A gravel driveway curves past the property, while bright sunshine and blue skies highlight the peaceful rural setting.

Bottle of Lagavulin whisky displayed on a tray with two tasting glasses and a water jug on a leather sofa. Cushions and a decorative wall mural featuring wildlife silhouettes create a cozy lounge setting designed for enjoying a whisky tasting experience.

Large bed with a tall navy upholstered headboard dressed in plaid bedding and coordinating cushions. Bold wallpaper featuring gold and purple thistle patterns, matching tartan curtains, and warm bedside lamps create an elegant room with a distinctly Scottish design.

Single track driveway winds through open green fields toward the distant coastline beneath a wide sky filled with dramatic clouds. Fence posts, white roadside markers, and expansive countryside views emphasize the peaceful and remote rural landscape.

PHOTO CREDITS: GLENEGEDALE HOUSE VIA HOTELS.COM

PLANNING A TRIP TO ISLAY ISLAND SOON?

Below are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to kickstart your plans!

Popular Tours & Activities on Islay Island:

Top Places to Stay on Islay Island:

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The Bowmore House Bed & Breakfast – Warm and Timeless

It’s pretty rare to see a hotel with nearly all 10/10 ratings, but Bowmore House managed it. While Glenegedale House has earned my eternal loyalty, I have to say that reading the reviews at Bowmore House makes a stay here look awfully tempting. Reviewers praise its welcoming atmosphere and phenomenal breakfast, complete with a bit of Islay Malt Whisky if you want some morning libations. Many also mentioned how spacious the rooms were, making it easy to stretch out and relax after a long day.

And I gotta say, looking at some of the photos, it’s got a smooth, timeless look without feeling worn or old-fashioned. All around, an amazing place to stay.

Large white guesthouse with cream stone trim set behind dense green hedges under a vivid blue sky. A sign reading "The Bowmore House" stands at the front of the property, with landscaped gardens and a tall palm-like tree framing the building.

Three tasting glasses of amber whisky sit on a black slate serving board beside freshly shucked oysters on a wooden table. A bottle labeled "Bowmore 10" stands behind the glasses, with colorful maps and visitor guides spread across the table suggesting a local food and whisky tasting experience.

Modern bathroom with dark gray walls, white tiled shower enclosure, and wood effect flooring. A bathtub, toilet, pedestal sink, heated towel rail, and glass shower are arranged in a clean, spacious layout with warm overhead lighting.

Spacious guest room with a large bed centered against a cream wall, accented by a red cushion and ocean artwork above the headboard. Red carpeting, upholstered armchairs, a fireplace, and soft wall lighting create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Elevated view over a coastal village with rows of pastel and white houses leading toward a sheltered harbor and calm sea. Palm-like trees and dense greenery fill the foreground beneath an overcast sky, highlighting the village's seaside setting.

PHOTO CREDITS: BOWMORE HOUSE VIA HOTELS.COM

Port Charlotte Hotel for an Islay Accommodation with a View

If you’re on the western side of the island, you might want to check out Port Charlotte Hotel. This is another highly-recommended stop, and comes with bonus points for its gorgeous view of the ocean from its east-facing rooms. The staff are friendly and know loads about the area, from the best produce to the hippest sightseeing spots. More than one reviewer talked about the great banter and feeling welcomed like family.

The hotel restaurant is also top-notch, no matter if you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The kitchen does a fantastic job catering to hungry travelers after a long day of sightseeing.

If I had any criticism, it would be that while it’s gorgeous, the location is a little bit out of the way. There’s a bus stop down the street and the Museum of Islay Life nearby, but otherwise, not much. If proximity to public transport or local attractions is your top priority, you might want to try elsewhere.

Cozy traditional pub interior with a wooden bar, shelves stocked with whisky bottles, and a glowing fireplace set into a dark wood mantel. Framed artwork, exposed ceiling beams, and bar stools create a warm and inviting atmosphere typical of a historic village tavern.

Wall display featuring a banjo, acoustic guitar, and violin mounted among framed photographs and memorabilia. Exposed wooden beams overhead and a collection of music themed artwork create a characterful setting that celebrates local musical heritage and live performances.

Whitewashed waterfront inn overlooking the sea, with traditional black trim, flower baskets hanging beneath the windows, and outdoor seating along the front. Signage on the building reads "The Port Charlotte Hotel Restaurant" and "The Original Islay Hotel Since 1828," highlighting its long standing presence in the coastal village.

Twin beds dressed in crisp white linens are styled with plaid runners and purple accent cushions against a rich purple feature wall. Warm bedside lamps, patterned curtains, and coordinated artwork create a cozy and elegant guest room atmosphere.

Outdoor patio dining area with wicker tables and chairs arranged beneath large cream umbrellas overlooking a calm body of water. Stone walls, landscaped greenery, and distant mountains create a scenic waterfront setting for outdoor meals and drinks.

PHOTO CREDITS: PORT CHARLOTTE HOTEL VIA HOTELS.COM

The Island Bear Bed & Breakfast

Scotland loves its B&Bs, and with places like the Island Bear B&B on the map, it’s no wonder. This is a small (three bedrooms total) but cozy little place. The rooms are clean and comfortable with a very nice view of the ocean, and they provide an authentic Scottish breakfast to fill you up for the day. Like Glenegedale and Bowmore, what really makes this place shine are the owners. They’re fun, warm people, and fonts of useful advice regarding local attractions and transportation.

I’d put it up higher on the list, but since it’s popular with limited space, it can be tough to get a booking. You have to snag a room literal months in advance. But if you can get it, it’s 100% worth it.

Whitewashed brewery building with large windows and a sign reading "Islay Ales Brewery" above the entrance. Two branded barrels marked "Big Peat" and "Rock Oyster" sit outside on the gravel, while a sign beside the walkway reads "Open Islay Ales Shop And Brewery Free Tours."

Traditional whitewashed row house with black trim and dormer windows facing a quiet village street. Red doors and decorative red wall-mounted features add contrast to the building's façade, while neighboring shops and homes continue along the road under a bright sky.

Modern bathroom with a freestanding white bathtub set against large beige tiled walls. A window with patterned curtains and a leafy green plant brings natural light into the space, while a heated towel rail and minimalist fixtures add to the clean, contemporary design.

Twin beds with green tartan headboards and matching plaid blankets sit against a pale green accent wall. Soft wall lighting, a framed black and white landscape photograph, and an open doorway to the ensuite bathroom create a bright and comfortable guest room setting.

View down a gently sloping village street lined with whitewashed houses and parked cars on both sides. The road leads toward a harbor and calm blue water, with distant shoreline and dramatic clouds stretching across the horizon under bright daylight.

PHOTO CREDITS: ISLAND BEAR B&B VIA HOTELS.COM

Quaint and Quirky Cottage in Port Ellen, Just You and a Cozy House

This one’s a bit different from the rest since the Quaint and Quirky Cottage is not a hotel, but more of an Airbnb-type cottage-for-rent dealio. For travelers searching for Islay cottages, this is one of the more charming options available.

It’s perfect for those who prefer to have a place all to themselves, with no staff or other hotel guests to clutter things up. It’s got a decent range of amenities, too, with TV and a fully equipped kitchen. Plus, if you’re traveling with a lot of people, you get three bedrooms and plenty of space. It’s also pet-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about leaving your beloved pooch/puss at home. (Assuming you don’t have any trouble hauling them through airport security.)

It’s also smack-dab in the middle of Islay, which makes it a perfect home base if you plan on seeing the whole island. Private Islay cottages like this are ideal if you’d rather have your own space than share common areas with other guests.

White cottages with dark roofs sit beside a tranquil loch beneath two dramatic mountain peaks illuminated by golden sunlight. Expansive moorland stretches across the foreground, while shifting light and shadow highlight the rugged landscape and remote rural setting.

Compact kitchen with white cabinets, black countertops, and modern appliances including a microwave, toaster, oven, and refrigerator. Large windows bring in natural light, while a drying rack and cooking essentials on the counters create a practical and welcoming self catering space.

Cozy living room with a gray sofa decorated with colorful striped and patterned cushions facing a television in the corner. A black fireplace with candles, framed artwork, a wall mirror, and a geometric area rug create a warm and comfortable space for relaxing indoors.

Bright bedroom with a double bed dressed in pink floral bedding and neatly folded colorful towels at the foot of the bed. A decorative white fireplace, framed artwork, and a wall mirror add character to the simple and welcoming space.

Stone house and white lighthouse stand beside a low stone wall overlooking a calm blue bay. Sheep graze across the bright green pasture in the foreground, while distant hills and scattered clouds frame the coastal landscape.

PHOTO CREDITS: QUAINT AND QUIRKY COTTAGE VIA HOTELS.COM

Another Place, The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links

Finally, a hotel specifically for all the golf enthusiasts out there. Another Place, The Machrie has everything you could ask for: beautiful décor, fun golf course, and absolutely phenomenal view. Today’s Golfer included the Machrie on its Golf World Top 100 back in 2022 as one of the best courses in the world. I mean, sure, it’s a bit low on the list at #75, probably because the course is a little on the easy side, but it still beat out a lot of other courses to get there. And hey, even if golf isn’t your thing, there’s a gorgeous beach not too far away where you can kick up some sand.

Only thing that seems to be a downer is the food. Quite a few reviewers rated it from mediocre to just plain awful. But honestly, I consider that a pretty minor flaw. It’s a good excuse to splurge on the local restaurants instead, like the Sea Salt Bistro three miles away.

Contemporary hotel bar with a row of lime green stools facing a backlit display of whisky, spirits, and draft taps. Warm accent lighting, a textured feature wall, and a colorful striped carpet create a stylish and welcoming lounge atmosphere.

Bright, contemporary bathroom featuring a bathtub with an overhead rainfall shower behind a clear glass screen. White paneling, chrome fixtures, and a wooden vanity with a large mirror create a clean, elegant space illuminated by natural light from a nearby window.

Aerial view of a contemporary resort complex surrounded by rolling links terrain bathed in warm golden hour light. The low white buildings sit amid expansive open countryside, with winding paths, distant mountains, and long shadows emphasizing the dramatic and remote landscape.

Aerial view of a seaside golf course green encircled by sand bunkers and rolling dunes along a sweeping sandy beach. Clear blue water stretches beside the course, with rugged hills and open coastline extending into the distance under bright sunshine.

Bright, modern bedroom with a white bed positioned beside floor to ceiling windows overlooking expansive green countryside. A vibrant pink armchair adds a pop of color, while natural light fills the room and highlights the panoramic landscape views.

PHOTO CREDITS: ANOTHER PLACE, THE MACHRIE VIA HOTELS.COM

Accommodation on Islay Sorted? Here’s What to Do Next

Whether you’re planning a whisky-fueled getaway or simply looking for a peaceful Scottish island escape, finding the right accommodation on Islay can make all the difference. From luxury resorts and welcoming B&Bs to private holiday accommodation and self-catering vacation rentals, there’s something here for every type of traveler.

Once you’ve got your home base sorted, start planning your adventure with guides to the best Islay distillery, practical information about Islay ferries, and the island’s top attractions.

If you’re extending your trip, consider exploring more of Scotland’s islands, from the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye to the charming villages and coastal scenery from the beaches of Isle of Mull.