Have I mentioned that the Isle of Islay is one of my favourite places in this world? I have been lucky that my whisky writing job has taken me to the island quite a lot and it’s given me the chance to explore a big variety of the accommodation options here. From hotels in Port Ellen, Port Askaig, Port Charlotte or Bowmore to cosy AirBNBs and holiday cottages – there is a good variety of options on the Isle of Islay in Scotland. Some of my best travel experiences in the United Kingdom have been on this lovely whisky island off the West Coast of Scotland and Islay also has a lovely selection of hotels and cottages to enhance your stay. Let me tell you about some of my favourites that I’d recommend on the island!
At a glance
Where to stay on Islay: the essential guide
| Property | Style | Best for | From / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Machrie | Elegant 5-star, golf, spa | Wellness, golf, slow-luxury seekers | £230 |
| Ardbeg House | LVMH-themed boutique | Whisky lovers, design enthusiasts | £228 |
| No. 1 Charlotte Street | Coastal hotel, Port Ellen | Beach views, distillery walks | £130 |
| Islay House | Historic country house | Heritage stays, B&B feel | £128 |
| Glenegedale House | 5-star guesthouse | Slow stays opposite the airport | £294 |
| Bridgend Hotel | Central island base | Mid-island access, dining | £120 |
| Port Charlotte Hotel | Bayside hotel, west coast | Sunsets over the water | £165 |
| The Machrie Lodges | Self-catering luxury | Couples wanting space + Machrie facilities | £650 |
| Gartartan Holiday Home | 3-bed cottage near Port Ellen | Small groups, cooking together | £260 |
| Cairnmore House | 7-bed luxury country house | Large groups, multi-generational | £2,285 |
Isle of Islay Hotels & Where to Stay: from coastal luxury to cosy AirBNBs
Both hotels and holiday cottages make a lovely stay on Islay. Whether you want to stay close to shops and restaurants in one of the towns or a more secluded option with nothing but wild landscape around you. The island is shaped like a horseshoe and it almost seems that no matter where you are, your next destination is always around 30-40 minutes away.
Most travellers combine a stay on Islay with a tour at one (or more!) of the islands twelve whisky distilleries. To see a traditional distillery with a fascinating history on the island, we can recommend booking a whisky tour and tasting experience at Lagavulin Distillery.
Read my full guide on things to do on Islay here or my extensive article on all the Islay distilleries and which ones are worth a visit here.
Where to stay on Islay: choosing your base
Both the towns of Port Ellen and Bowmore as well as the village of Port Charlotte are quite popular places to stay in hotels and holiday cottages during a trip to the Isle of Islay. Personally I think Port Ellen probably is the best town to stay in on the island as there is a ferry port here and you are walking distance to five whisky distilleries. There are also a few shops, a Coop (convenience store) and restaurants here. If you were visiting the island without a car, this is also probably the best place to stay. Although I always recommend either bringing a car or renting one as it really allows you to properly see the island.
Port Ellen
- for distillery walkers, ferry arrivals and no-car travellers
Port Ellen is a perfect location for those wishing to travel without a car or those wishing to stay in or near one of the main towns on the island. Multiple distilleries are within walking distance and one of the two ferry ports on the island is located here. Whether you are staying in a hotel in town or a holiday cottage nearby, Port Ellen is an excellent base for your time on Islay.
Bowmore
- for central island access and more shops & restaurants on your doorstep
Bowmore is ideal for staying overnight in a hotel for central island access and is another main town on Islay. It’s not too far from the airport and almost half way in between the two ferry ports of Port Askaig and Port Ellen. There are also multiple restaurants and cute little shops to explore as well as the Bowmore Distillery – the oldest whisky distillery on the island.
Port Charlotte
- for west-coast views and a quieter base
Port Charlotte is perfect for those wishing for a quieter escape and gorgeous hotel views across the water. You’re near the west coast for those dramatic sunsets and the Bruichladdich and Kilchoman distilleries are nearby. There are several charming holiday cottages in the nearby area as well where you can really lean into the remoteness of Islay. Port Charlotte has a small shop for essentials, but I would recommend doing your grocery shopping in Bowmore or Port Ellen before heading to your hotel or holiday cottage to make sure you have what you need for your stay on the Isle of Islay.
Bridgend
- for whisky-festival regulars and access across the island
Bridgend is a great location for those wishing to stay in the middle of the island for more affordable prices. If you are visiting the island for the festival or just wish to see as many distilleries as possible this is a great base to explore every direction.
Around the Islay airport
- for short-stay arrivals & luxurious accommodation on the island
Stay near the airport for easy travel access to and from the island. The hotels here offer a luxurious escape and you are not too far away from either Bowmore or Port Ellen either. One of the most recent additions to the distillery scene of Islay – Laggan Bay – is also located right opposite the airport alongside the brewery Islay Ales which makes lovely local beers.
Hotels on the Isle of Islay
I’m always a little hesitant toward hotels in the United Kingdom as the standard can be a little hit or miss, but on the Isle of Islay I’ve had such lovely stays both in towns like Port Ellen and Bowmore or the village of Port Charlotte but also across the island. The more affordable hotels have quite a cosy Scottish charm to them. Whilst the higher end hotels offer a unique and luxurious experience.
The Machrie – the most elegant of the Isle of Islay hotels
Another Place The Machrie Hotel is the most elegant hotel on Islay and it’s tucked away between Bowmore and Port Ellen near the airport. The hotel there is also an 18-hole golf course and a lovely outdoor area with wood-fired hot tubs and a sauna. A beautiful long sandy beach is also only a 10 to 15 minute walk away on the other side of the dunes that stretch out in front of the hotel. Another Place also has another hotel in the United Kingdom, besides The Machrie on Islay, which is Another Place The Lake by Ullswater in the Lake District. This hotel also looks lovely and I hope to experience it someday.
Furthermore, The Machrie also has lodges on site so if you’re looking for a luxurious an elegant stay with the benefits of a holiday cottage on Islay, perhaps this would be perfect for you. I’ve written more about this in the section further down in this article.
At The Machrie you can experience luxurious elegance from £230 per night.
♥ Read my full review of The Machrie here and I have also included this lovely hotel in my guide to the most luxurious escapes for a romantic getaway in Scotland!
The Machrie Hotel
Ardbeg House – the quirkiest of the Isle of Islay hotels
Ardbeg House is one of the most recent additions to the Islay hotel scene and one of the most unique hotels in the United Kingdom. This hotel sits in what used to be the Islay Hotel, but Louit Vuitton Moët Hennessy who are the owners of Ardbeg Distillery took over the hotel and opened Ardbeg House in 2025. The hotel is completely themed around the Ardbeg brand. Not only are there little mini whisky bottles hiding in each of the uniquely decorated rooms, but they also have a fantastic restaurant and bar with a great selection of Ardbeg whiskies.
However, if whisky is not your thing, it’s still well worth a visit as the bar also does brilliant cocktails. The bar menu has been put together by the team behind some of Edinburgh’s best cocktail bars. The hotel was also named The Times Best Place to Stay in the United Kingdom and Scotland 2026.
Enjoy a quirky whisky-themed stay at Ardbeg House from £228 per night.
♥ I was one of the first people to ever have the opportunity to stay at Ardbeg House. You can read more about the whole experience here.
No 1 Charlotte Street
The hotel No 1 Charlotte Street is located on the high street of Port Ellen on Islay’s south coast. It sits right opposite the beach. Last time I stayed here I was lucky enough to wake up to the view of the beach each day as my windows were facing west. The interiors at No 1 Charlotte Street feel coastal yet homely. And the full Scottish breakfast is a great way to get energy in the morning before your adventures on the island. The first time I stayed here it confused me that the No 1 Charlotte Street hotel is located in Port Ellen and not Port Charlotte but it is named after the street and not the village on the Isle of Islay.
Stay right by the beach in Port Ellen at No 1 Charlotte Street from £130 per night.
Islay House
Islay House is a historic country house built in 1677 located at Bridgend. You can stay overnight on a bed and breakfast basis. All the rooms are individually named and decorated with some featuring four-poster beds, freestanding baths or open fireplaces. After a good night’s sleep you can enjoy breakfast in the dining rooms each morning. Although there is not a restaurant on-site, there is The Peat Cutter Bar where you can enjoy a dram of Islay whisky in the evenings.
Stay overnight in rooms from £128 per night as a historic country house on the island.
Glenegedale House
Glenegedale House is a five star guesthouse and hotel on the Isle of Islay located right opposite the airport in between Port Ellen and Bowmore. There certainly are not many destinations where you land on a remote island and walk across the road to arrive at your hotel. Emma and Graeme who run Glenegedale House have done a great job to make it welcoming and inviting. In addition, they are also well known for their home baking and fantastic seafood platters. There are only four rooms available, so make sure to book in good time as they often sell out!
Bridgend Hotel
Bridgend Hotel is located by Bridgend (no surprise here) which is like a meeting point for the roads in the middle of Islay, less than a ten minute drive from Bowmore. Furthermore, the eleven rooms at Bridgend Hotel are all inspired by the landscape on the island. And are decorated with artwork from local artists and artisans. I’ve also had the pleasure of dining here on multiple occasions. Their seasonal menus are such a treat to discover. It’s also a great spot for a burger on the island. They are also available for takeaway and as gluten free.
Stay in the heart of the island with rooms from £120 per night.
Port Charlotte Hotel
Port Charlotte Hotel is located in the village of Port Charlotte toward the west side of the Isle of Islay overlooking the bay toward Bowmore on the other side. Not only do they have cosy rooms decorated with wooden furniture but also a lovely on-site restaurant. I had some fantastic scallops on my last visit. And the fish and chips is a great classic here as well. Throughout the summer you can hear live music on Wednesday and Sunday evenings. If the weather is good you can also sit outdoors on the terrace overlooking the bay.
Stay overnight in rooms from £165 per night with stunning views over the water.
Holiday homes & AirBNBs
To really enjoy your own space whilst spending time on the island, a holiday cottage on Islay allows you to cook your own food. And perhaps also enjoy a coffee or dinner in the garden during the warmer months of the year. This option is also great for larger groups who are wishing to stay together and spend evenings playing games, properly catching up or cooking social meals.
The Machrie Lodges
Not only does the Machrie have lovely hotel rooms on Islay. But the lodges at The Machrie are also a great option for overnight accommodation on the island. Equally as elegant and inviting as the hotel rooms. In addition they have the added benefit of direct access to the dunes and a pantry kitchen.
Gartartan Holiday Home by Port Ellen
I booked a stay at Gartartan Holiday Home when I was going on holiday to Islay with my parents and in-laws. Since my parents live in Sweden and only come over to the United Kingdom now and then we thought a holiday cottage would be better for everyone to stay together instead of a hotel on Islay. Because my father in law is celiac they also always prefer staying somewhere where you have the option to cook yourself. So this was perfect for us all. One of the evenings I had even picked up seafood platters from the Islay Seafood Shack. And we enjoyed a big feast outdoors on the terrace. Until the midgies started terrorising us as the sun began to set…
This 3-bedroom holiday cottage is located right outside of Port Ellen, which is walking distance into town which is a great base whilst visiting Islay. It has a lovely living room area with a freestanding fireplace looking on to a terrace and garden out front. We sat here for hours enjoying glasses of wine and admiring the view across the water. I would happily return to Gartartan with a group of friends. It was a lovely place to spend a couple of nights on the island.
Cairnmore House
Cairnmore House is a gorgeous country house with seven bedrooms located right outside Port Ellen. If you’re looking for a big house with plenty of space and luxurious interior design, Cairnmore House would be perfect for you. The house was originally built in 1865 and featuring a gorgeous terrace with a firepit, a private path to the wild beach below and several social rooms such as the drawing room and secret library. There is even a gym with a pilates reformer, TRX and yoga mats. The gorgeous interiors have been designed by British interior designer Selina van der Geest and were inspired by the island’s dramatic landscape and weather.
Not only can you stay on one of the nicest islands in all of the United Kingdom, but you can enjoy the Isle of Islay from a gorgeous country house where everyone can stay together instead of having to be seperated into multiple hotel rooms.
FAQ – Hotels on the Isle of Islay
There are multiple dog-friendly hotels on the Isle of Islay, including the Bridgend Hotel, The Machrie, Port Charlotte Hotel, Ardbeg House and Islay House. Often dogs are welcome for a small fee and only in certain areas of the hotel.
The best hotel on Islay, for me, is between The Machrie and Ardbeg House. The Machrie offers a more elegant experience whilst Ardbeg House feels more quirky and unique.
Port Ellen is a very good place to stay on Islay as there is a ferry port here as well as a few shops and restaurants. As a bonus you can also walk to five whisky distilleries and one rum distillery from Port Ellen.
You almost can’t get closer to the ferry port than Ardbeg House in Port Ellen on Islay. It is less than a 3 minute walk between the Port Ellen ferry port and Ardbeg House.
The best restaurant on the island depends on what you’re after. If you like more of a refined dining experience the The Machrie is excellent. Ardbeg House is also fantastic for food in a quirky setting but more of a refined menu. For more relaxed dining Port Charlotte Hotel is perfect.
Looking for more inspiration for your Islay trip?
- Isle of Islay in Scotland: a guide to visiting the whisky island
- A guide to all the distilleries on Islay: tours, cafés & recommendations
- The Machrie Hotel: elegance and luxury on the isle of Islay
- Inside Ardbeg House: Islay’s Ultimate Whisky Hotel
Or perhaps for your travels across Scotland?
- Romantic getaways in Scotland: The Most Luxurious Escapes for Couples in 2026
- Edinburgh: A local’s guide and recommendations to things to do and see
- The best time to visit Edinburgh: A seasonal travel guide
- A whisky writers guide to Speyside in Scotland
- Isle of Raasay Guide – the hidden island gem next to the Isle of Skye
- Isle of Skye restaurants, cafés and oyster sheds
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
