An award-winning 5-star Gold Guest House on the Isle of Islay with breathtaking views over the Mull of Oa and the Atlantic. It offers four individually designed, en-suite bedrooms with luxurious furnishings, roaring fires, and is recognized for its exceptional hospitality and use of local produce for breakfast.
No. 1 Charlotte Street in Port Ellen on Islay is consistently praised for its exceptional location, providing stunning waterfront views and easy access to key attractions such as nearby distilleries. Guests appreciate the hotel's convenient distance from the ferry terminal and the quaint, walkable nature of Port Ellen with its assortment of local eateries and pubs. The scenic seaside vistas enjoyed from the hotel's lawn or common areas enhance the overall experience.
The hotel's breakfast offerings receive high marks for their variety, quality and delicious, freshly made selections, including traditional full Scottish breakfasts. The dining room's pleasant ambiance and the attentive staff contribute to a delightful start to the day. Dinner, while not offered on-site, is facilitated by helpful staff who provide recommendations and assist with bookings at nearby restaurants, allowing guests to explore the local culinary scene.
Rooms at No. 1 Charlotte Street are described as clean, comfortable and well-appointed with some boasting stunning bay views. However, room sizes vary with single rooms often being smaller, which may be a concern for guests with a lot of luggage. Despite size variations, the rooms are generally well-furnished and equipped with modern amenities, although noise levels and views can vary.
The hotel's exceptional cleanliness is frequently highlighted with spotlessly clean rooms and communal areas contributing to a comfortable stay. The staff also receive consistent accolades for their friendliness, helpfulness and accommodating nature, ensuring that guests feel welcome and well-cared-for throughout their stay.
WiFi quality is generally good with most guests finding it fast and stable, though some issues have been noted with connectivity in specific areas, such as the top floor. The hotel is working on improvements to address these concerns.
Bed comfort at No. 1 Charlotte Street receives mixed reviews. While many guests find the beds cozy and comfortable, some have encountered issues with firmness and mattress quality. Despite these occasional complaints, the overall sentiment towards bed comfort is largely positive.
In summary, No. 1 Charlotte Street is a favored choice for travelers seeking an idyllic retreat in Port Ellen, thanks to its prime location, stunning views, cleanliness, helpful staff and delightful breakfast offerings.
The Islay Hotel is widely acclaimed for multiple outstanding features, making it an ideal choice for visitors to Port Ellen. The hotel's prime location is consistently celebrated, positioned just yards from the ferry terminal and offering stunning seaside views. Its proximity to famous whiskey distilleries, the 3 Distilleries Trail, local amenities and other attractions ensures convenience for guests looking to explore both Port Ellen and the broader Islay region.
Guests frequently highlight the high quality and variety of the breakfast offerings, praising the full Scottish breakfast and the use of local produce for its freshness and flavor. Despite occasional slow service and limited vegan options, the breakfast is generally regarded as a superb start to the day.
The dining experience at The Islay Hotel is another point of high praise. The restaurant is known for its delicious food, particularly the seafood and exceptional presentation. Many visitors recommend booking in advance due to the restaurant's popularity. The ambiance, whether in the dining room overlooking the bay or the lively restaurant/bar area, enhances the overall dining experience.
The rooms at the hotel are described as clean, well-decorated and comfortable with impressive bathrooms and thoughtful amenities like coffee machines and toiletries. While some guests noted smaller sizes and limited storage space, the overall decor and comfort receive high marks, particularly the larger family rooms and premium options with breathtaking views.
Impeccable cleanliness is a standout feature with guests consistently commending the spotless condition of the rooms and facilities, contributing to a welcoming and warm atmosphere.
The staff at The Islay Hotel are frequently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Individual team members often receive special recognition for their exceptional service, contributing to an inviting and hospitable environment that makes guests feel well cared for.
The beds are highly commended for their comfort with many guests noting them as extremely comfortable and appreciating the quality of the bedding.
Overall, The Islay Hotel provides a four-star experience with its excellent location, comfortable accommodations, superb dining options, exceptional cleanliness and outstanding staff service. Minor criticisms, such as limited room storage and occasional noise from the nearby ferry terminal, do little to overshadow the overwhelmingly positive reviews from guests who have enjoyed their stays.
Lochside Hotel, located in the heart of Bowmore on Islay, consistently impresses guests with its exceptional location, making it an ideal base for exploring the island. Its close proximity to the Bowmore Distillery and stunning views over Lochindaal greatly enhance its appeal. Guests appreciate the convenience of nearby amenities and the availability of parking spaces right in front of the hotel.
The hotel's breakfast offerings are generally well-received, featuring a variety of high-quality cooked and continental options served in a charming setting with scenic outdoor terrace seating. The freshness and local produce used in the dishes are commended, despite occasional issues with organization and consistency in service.
Dinner at Lochside Hotel also garners positive reviews with guests highlighting the excellent quality of food, generous portions and reasonable prices. The restaurant and bar provide an enjoyable ambiance, often praised for their attentive staff and outdoor dining with picturesque views.
Rooms at the hotel are frequently described as clean, comfortable and well-decorated, offering amazing views over the loch and harbor. While some rooms are noted to be on the smaller side, they are still considered cozy and adequate for short stays. The hotel's overall cleanliness and modern amenities contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
The staff at Lochside Hotel receive high praise for their friendliness, dedication and excellent customer service. Their proactive approach to accommodating guests’ needs and ensuring a pleasant stay significantly enhances the overall experience. Minor issues, such as firm mattresses and the use of down pillows, are mentioned but do not detract from the predominantly positive feedback.
Overall, Lochside Hotel stands out for its fantastic location, picturesque views, excellent dining options, clean and comfortable rooms and warm hospitality. These elements combine to create a memorable and highly commendable stay for visitors to Islay.