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4- and 5-star hotels in Isle Of Islay
A shortlist of 4- and 5-star hotels in Isle Of Islay, Scotland, for couples, families and business travellers who want a comfortable base while exploring the island's whisky distilleries and coastline.
Staying in Isle Of Islay
Isle Of Islay is a Scottish island known for its smoky single malt whisky, its long stretches of coastline and its quiet, windswept landscape. Visitors come for distillery tours, birdwatching and walking, and the pace is slow, so a stay here suits anyone who wants sea air and open space rather than city amenities.
These hotels sit across several parts of the island. Glenegedale House is at Glenegedale, Another Place The Machrie at the Machrie golf links, No. 1 Charlotte Street, The Islay Hotel and Port Charlotte Holidays in Port Ellen and School Street, Port Charlotte Hotel and Port Charlotte Youth Hostel on Main Street, Bridgend Hotel and Skerrols House in Bridgend, Harbour Inn The Inns Over by in Bowmore, and Kentraw Farmhouse, Caberfeidh Cottage, The Old School and The Glebe Am Fasgadh in Bruichladdich, Portnahaven and other island spots. That spread suits couples seeking a quiet retreat, families who want space and self-catering, and business or short-break visitors who need a central base.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Glenegedale House
Glenegedale, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereExperience five-star comfort at Glenegedale House in Glenegedale, Isle Of Islay. This establishment offers a luxurious stay with amenities such as golf course, swimming, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests seeking a top-tier experience in a prime location should consider this hotel.
See Glenegedale HouseAnother Place The Machrie
The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Sauna
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereSet beside its own golf links, Another Place The Machrie pairs a fitness centre and a games room with rooms that open onto balconies. Couples, families and golfers all fit here, and pets are allowed. The 4-star hotel scores 4.6 from 351 reviews, among the strongest on Islay, and a restaurant, bar and room service cover the evenings after a day outdoors.
See Another Place The MachrieNo. 1 Charlotte Street
1 Charlotte Street Port Ellen, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereNo. 1 Charlotte Street sits in Port Ellen with the sea and a beach nearby, and guests rate it 4.5 from 280 reviews. The garden and picnic area make it easy to eat outside when the weather holds, and free parking suits anyone touring the island by car. Darts in the bar and a lounge give the evenings a local, unhurried feel.
See No. 1 Charlotte StreetPort Charlotte Hotel
Main Street, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Pets allowed
Why stay herePort Charlotte Hotel on Main Street has its own private beach as well as a garden and terrace facing the sea, which is what most guests come for. Its 550 reviews give it 4.4, and the restaurant with buffet and bar keeps meals simple after a day of fishing or walking. Pets are welcome, so the hotel works well for couples and families with a dog.
See Port Charlotte HotelBridgend Hotel
Bridgend Hotel Bridgend, Bridgend, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereBridgend Hotel suits travellers who want a central base with a restaurant, bar and room service on hand, plus fishing, horse riding and surfing within reach. Guests score it 4.4 across 380 reviews. Family rooms and cots are available, pets are allowed, and the garden and smoking area give everyone somewhere to sit outside.
See Bridgend HotelPort Charlotte Holidays
15 School Street, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay herePort Charlotte Holidays is self-catering rather than a staffed hotel: each 4-star unit has a kitchen with oven, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine. It earns 4.7 from 24 reviews, and the garden plus free parking make it a practical choice for longer stays. Best for families or small groups who would rather cook than eat out.
See Port Charlotte HolidaysSkerrols House
Bridgend Isle Of Islay Pa44 7Pf Uk, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereSkerrols House near Bridgend keeps things small and quiet, with a garden, lounge and restaurant, and a golf course for guests who want a round. Fishing is available locally. The 4-star house has no guest rating recorded yet, so it suits travellers who prefer a simple, low-key stay with free parking and wifi.
See Skerrols HouseThe Islay Hotel
Charlotte Street, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
- Wifi
Why stay hereThe Islay Hotel on Charlotte Street is the straightforward option: a restaurant, a bar, room service and wifi, nothing more. No guest rating has been recorded for this 4-star hotel yet. It suits visitors who plan to spend their days out on the island and want dinner and a drink waiting when they return.
See The Islay HotelThe Old School
Portnahaven, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThe Old School in Portnahaven is aimed squarely at people who want to be on or in the water: diving, sailing, surfing and fishing are all listed, with horse riding as the alternative. Free parking is provided. This 4-star property has no guest rating yet, and luggage storage is available for guests arriving early or leaving late.
See The Old SchoolPort Charlotte Youth Hostel
Main St, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Family rooms
Why stay herePort Charlotte Youth Hostel offers a kitchen and laundry service alongside family rooms, which keeps a longer island trip manageable. Free parking and wifi are included, and a lounge gives guests somewhere to meet.
See Port Charlotte Youth HostelStonefield Bed and Breakfast
Isle Of Islay United Kingdom, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereStonefield Bed and Breakfast serves breakfast and provides a hairdryer, microwave, TV and toiletries in each room, with free parking and wifi. It has no guest rating recorded. This 4-star bed and breakfast suits visitors who want a small, non-smoking place to sleep between days of exploring Islay.
See Stonefield Bed and BreakfastHarbour Inn The Inns Over by
Bowmore Isle Of Islayargyll Pa43 7Jr, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
Best for: Breakfast · Step-free access
- Breakfast
- Wheelchair accessible
- Internet access
Why stay hereHarbour Inn in Bowmore provides breakfast, lunch and dinner, a bar and a restaurant, and guests can hire bicycles to get around. Golf and sailing are nearby, and the building is wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed. No guest rating is recorded for this 4-star inn, which suits travellers who want to be based in the island's main town.
See Harbour Inn The Inns Over byKentraw Farmhouse Luxury Self Catering
Bruichladdich, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereKentraw Farmhouse near Bruichladdich is a self-catering 4-star house with a kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine and fireplace, plus cots and high chairs for young children. It looks out towards sea and lake, and fishing, canoeing and bowling are within reach. Free parking and wifi are included. Best for families or groups staying several nights.
See Kentraw Farmhouse Luxury Self CateringCaberfeidh Cottage
Bruichladdich Isle Of Islay, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereCaberfeidh Cottage at Bruichladdich offers a games room with table tennis and a garden, plus a kitchen, fireplace and washing machine for longer self-catering stays. Cots and high chairs are provided, and pets are allowed. Sea and lake are nearby, with fishing on offer. This 4-star cottage has no guest rating recorded and suits families or groups of friends.
See Caberfeidh CottageThe Glebe Am Fasgadh
The Glebe Am Fasgadh, Isle Of Islay, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThe Glebe Am Fasgadh is a 4-star self-catering house with a kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine and garden, facing sea views. It has no guest rating recorded. Rooms are non-smoking, free parking and wifi are provided, and the space suits families or friends who want to cook for themselves on Islay rather than eat out every night.
See The Glebe Am Fasgadh
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenegedale House | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| Another Place The Machrie | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No. 1 Charlotte Street | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| Port Charlotte Hotel | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bridgend Hotel | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Port Charlotte Holidays | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| Skerrols House | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| The Islay Hotel | ★★★★ | – | – | – |
| The Old School | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| Port Charlotte Youth Hostel | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| Stonefield Bed and Breakfast | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – |
| Harbour Inn The Inns Over by | ★★★★ | – | Yes | – |
| Kentraw Farmhouse Luxury Self Catering | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| Caberfeidh Cottage | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| The Glebe Am Fasgadh | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Bridgend Hotel and Port Charlotte Hotel also have cots, room service and restaurants on site.
Another Place The Machrie · Port Charlotte Hotel · Bridgend Hotel · Kentraw Farmhouse Luxury Self Catering · Caberfeidh Cottage
Top-rated picks
Port Charlotte Holidays scores 4.7 out of 5 from 24 reviews, Another Place The Machrie 4.6 from 351, No. 1 Charlotte Street 4.5 from 280 and Port Charlotte Hotel 4.4 from 550. These are the best-reviewed stays on the island for guests who prioritise guest feedback.
Port Charlotte Holidays · Another Place The Machrie · No. 1 Charlotte Street · Port Charlotte Hotel
For pets
Another Place The Machrie, Port Charlotte Hotel, Bridgend Hotel and Caberfeidh Cottage all allow pets, so they suit guests travelling with a dog. Each has free car parking and a garden or grounds, which makes exercising a pet easier.
Another Place The Machrie · Port Charlotte Hotel · Bridgend Hotel · Caberfeidh Cottage
Where to stay in Isle Of Islay
Port Ellen
Port Ellen is a harbour village on the south coast, where No. 1 Charlotte Street and The Islay Hotel both have addresses. No. 1 Charlotte Street sits on Charlotte Street, a short step from the sea, and The Islay Hotel is also on Charlotte Street with bars and a restaurant. It is a practical base for ferry arrivals and for exploring the south of the island.
Our picks here: No. 1 Charlotte Street
Bridgend
Bridgend sits at the head of Loch Indaal, close to the main road across Islay. Bridgend Hotel has a restaurant, bar and family rooms, and Skerrols House offers a lounge, restaurant and garden. Both are well placed for reaching Bowmore, Port Charlotte and the distilleries along the loch without long drives.
Our picks here: Bridgend Hotel · Skerrols House
Bruichladdich
Bruichladdich is a small village on the shores of Loch Indaal. Kentraw Farmhouse Luxury Self Catering and Caberfeidh Cottage both have addresses here and offer kitchens, fireplaces and garden or terrace space. They suit families or groups who want self-catering and easy access to the west coast and its distilleries.
Our picks here: Kentraw Farmhouse Luxury Self Catering · Caberfeidh Cottage
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Isle Of Islay is reached by ferry or by air, and the island's roads connect the main villages and distilleries. The hotels on this shortlist are spread across the island, so a car is useful for reaching Glenegedale, the Machrie golf links, Port Ellen, Port Charlotte, Bridgend, Bowmore, Bruichladdich and Portnahaven. Several hotels offer free car parking, and some list car or bicycle rental services, which helps guests get around without relying on public transport.
When to go
Isle Of Islay is at its mildest in late spring and summer, when the days are long and the weather is best for walking, golf and visiting distilleries. Spring and autumn are quieter, while winter brings shorter days and more wind and rain. Birdwatchers often plan around the migrating geese that give the island its name in Gaelic, and summer is the busiest season for visitors.
Questions, answered
Which hotels on this shortlist offer free parking?
Free car parking is listed at Glenegedale House, Another Place The Machrie, No. 1 Charlotte Street, Port Charlotte Hotel, Bridgend Hotel, Port Charlotte Holidays, Skerrols House, The Old School, Port Charlotte Youth Hostel, Stonefield Bed and Breakfast, Kentraw Farmhouse Luxury Self Catering, Caberfeidh Cottage and The Glebe Am Fasgadh.
Which hotels allow pets?
Pets are allowed at Another Place The Machrie, Port Charlotte Hotel, Bridgend Hotel and Caberfeidh Cottage. Harbour Inn The Inns Over by states that pets are not allowed, so check before booking if you plan to travel with a dog.
Which hotels have family rooms?
Family rooms are listed at Another Place The Machrie, Port Charlotte Hotel, Bridgend Hotel, Port Charlotte Youth Hostel, Kentraw Farmhouse Luxury Self Catering and Caberfeidh Cottage.
Which hotels serve breakfast?
Breakfast is listed at Another Place The Machrie, Port Charlotte Hotel, Bridgend Hotel, Stonefield Bed and Breakfast and Harbour Inn The Inns Over by. Another Place The Machrie and Bridgend Hotel also offer breakfast in room or room service.
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre?
No. 1 Charlotte Street and The Islay Hotel are both on Charlotte Street, and Harbour Inn The Inns Over by is in Bowmore, making these the most central of the shortlisted stays for shops, bars and restaurants.
Which hotel has the highest guest rating?
Port Charlotte Holidays has a guest rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 24 reviews, the highest on this shortlist. Another Place The Machrie follows with 4.6 from 351 reviews, then No. 1 Charlotte Street with 4.5 from 280 reviews.
Do any hotels have a pool or spa?
None of the hotels on this shortlist lists a pool or spa among its facilities. Several do have gardens, lounges, bars or restaurants, and Another Place The Machrie has a fitness centre and a golf course, while Port Charlotte Hotel has a private beach and sea views.
Which hotels are good for families with children?
Another Place The Machrie, Bridgend Hotel and Port Charlotte Hotel all offer family rooms and cots or family-friendly facilities. Kentraw Farmhouse Luxury Self Catering and Caberfeidh Cottage add kitchens, high chairs and garden or terrace space for longer family stays.