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The Island Bear B&B

3.0 star property

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Located close to Bowmore Distillery and Bruichladdich Distillery, The Island Bear B&B provides free full breakfast, an adjacent golf course, and a sauna. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi

Room options

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Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room | Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Twin Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Double Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • Partial sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room (Room 1)

Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Double Room (Room 1)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Renovated in 2023
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
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About the neighborhood

Located in Islay Island, The Island Bear B&B is in the city center and on the boardwalk/promenade. Bowmore Distillery and Bruichladdich Distillery are two other places to visit that come recommended. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including winery tours. Visit our Islay Island travel guide
View more B&B in Islay Island
Map
PA43 7LB, Scotland, Islay Island, Shore Street, Bowmore

What's nearby

  • That time we went to Islay to see where our favorite whiskey is distilled. There are numerous distilleries on the island and wonderful tours. Hire a car from a local and stay at a lovely B&B.
    Lagavulin Distillery
    28 min drive - 26.5 km
  • This was a barrel of laughs :-p
    Ardbeg Distillery
    29 min drive - 27.8 km
  • Bowmore Distillery
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • MacTaggart Leisure Centre
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Laphroaig Distillery
    25 min drive - 23.6 km

Getting around

  • Islay (ILY)
    10 min drive

Restaurants

  • Bruichladdich Distillery
    13 min drive
  • Celtic House Coffee Shop
    1 min walk
  • The Port Charlotte Hotel And Restaurant
    16 min drive
  • Taj Mahal Tandoori
    1 min walk
  • Lucci’s
    4 min walk

About this property

The Island Bear B&B

Bed & breakfast remodeled in 2023 and located near Bowmore Distillery
Located close to Bruichladdich Distillery, The Island Bear B&B provides free full breakfast, an adjacent golf course, and a sauna. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • Outdoor pool access nearby
  • Access to a nearby indoor pool, golf cart on site, and smoke-free premises
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and offer comforts such as premium bedding, in addition to amenities like free WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
  • Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and free toiletries

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Things to do

  • 18-hole adjacent golf course
  • Golf carts
  • Indoor pool (guest access)
  • Outdoor pool (guest access)
  • Sauna
  • Wine tasting room
  • Wine tours

Family friendly

  • Access to nearby indoor pool
  • Access to nearby outdoor pool

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • On the boardwalk/promenade

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 3 floors
  • Built in 1886
  • Renovated entire property - February 2023
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 6 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
1 child can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for golf tee times; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Island Bear Bed & Breakfast Islay Island
Island Bear Islay Island
Island Bear & Islay Island
The Island Bear Bed Breakfast
The Bear B&b Islay
The Island Bear Bed Breakfast
The Island Bear B&B Islay Island
The Island Bear B&B Bed & breakfast
The Island Bear B&B Bed & breakfast Islay Island

Frequently asked questions

Does The Island Bear B&B have a pool?

Yes, this property has outdoor pool access.

Is The Island Bear B&B pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

There is free parking nearby.

What time is check-in at The Island Bear B&B?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at The Island Bear B&B?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Island Bear B&B located?

Located in the heart of Islay Island, this golf bed & breakfast is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Bowmore Distillery and within 12 mi (20 km) of Bruichladdich Distillery and Museum of Islay Life. Wildlife Information Centre and Caol Ila Distillery are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Island Bear B&B Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

10

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 59 out of 70 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 70 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 70 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Island Bear is a wonderful place to base a trip to Islay. It is situated at the center of town in Bowmore. The owners are very attentive and nice to talk with. The rooms are modern and very clean. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Central location for exploring Islay and Jura.

Great place to stay in the middle of Islay’s largest village. Friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Garry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff,nice breakfast walking distance to pubs , shopping and other convenient facilities. Comprehensive local information provided in room. Nice relaxation area
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hybre

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fiona and Duncan is friendly and helpful and provided a great breakfast every morning. The hotel was quiet and conveniently located a street from the ocean and and across the road from the Bowmore distillery with good restaurants nearby. Very comfortable beds and clean facilities.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff friendly and interested in what we'd done during the day. Towels not changed or room serviced during 3 night stay. Breakfast available after 8, limited time slots.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very kind owners, easy check in and check out. Delicious home made breakfast in the morning. The room/bathroom was comfortable and homely. Location (in Bowmore) is ideal as a central location on Islay, and you have access to bus services.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yong Hee

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed here for four nights and absolutely loved it. Fillip, the owner, was incredibly welcoming and genuinely caring, his hospitality made me feel right at home. He’s very knowledgeable about Bowmore village and Islay overall, and always happy to share great local tips. Each morning he personally cooks a delicious hot Scottish breakfast, served between 8 and 9 a.m. at the time you request the night before, such a nice touch. The room was spotless, spacious, cozy, and warm, with no issues at all with hot water or water pressure (if that’s important to you!). My room was on the British second floor and was wonderfully comfortable. The location couldn’t be better, right in the centre of Bowmore, just a 5-minute walk to Bowmore Distillery and about 2 minutes to the nearest bus stop. I truly enjoyed my stay here and look forward to coming back on my next visit to Islay!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Enjoyed a couple of days staying here. Rooms were very comfortable and clean. Nice breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Georg

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really friendly owners, a clean and spacious room. Parking was no problem, close to the Bowmore distillery. Got a fully cooked Scottish breakfast, tasty! Weather wasn‘t so friendly, but hey: It‘s Scotland! Enjoyed my stay and hopefully will come back again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chi Leung

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Duncan and Fiona were fantastic hosts so welcoming they recommended some lovely places to eat.The B&B was spotless extremely comfortable bed and a great breakfast. Could not have asked for more.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best place to stay on Islay

The location was perfect right in the heart of Bowmore with a wonderful view. Fiona and Duncan were wonderful hosts with excellent food, wit, and charm. The room was spacious and clean with everything we could have needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Mr Duncan and Miss Fiona are excellent hosts. A stones throw from Bowmore Distillery, and centrally located in Bowmore town. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property location is great for touring the Island, also central for walking around Bowmore. The room was spacious and clean. Breakfast was good with plenty on offer. Fiona and Duncan are very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fiona and Duncan are a ton of fun, and they make sure you're well-fed to start the day and have great local advice on how to get around Islay, especially on Sundays when the bus doesn't run. Definitely can't go wrong a The Island Bear, and the rooms are great
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An excellent bnb! It was extremely clean. The bed was comfy, the room was spacious enough, and the bathroom was updated. Duncan and Fiona went out of their way to explain a lot of local history and met our every need. The breakfast was one of the most generous we encountered in Scotland.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This little bed and breakfast captures everything you hope for when you picture a stay on Islay — warm light in the windows, the smell of fresh coffee in the morning, and a host who makes you feel instantly at home. Even though we booked through Orbitz and had some trouble with the app, communication with Fillip was seamless once we arrived. He greeted us personally, handed over his number “in case you need anything at all,” and truly meant it. The house is spotless, cozy, and full of small thoughtful touches — the kind that tell you someone cares. We stayed in Cabin 3 on the top floor, with a picture-perfect view of the bay and a snug reading nook made for rainy Scottish mornings. The location couldn’t be more convenient: right in the center of Bowmore, with the distillery a short walk away, a whisky shop and grocer across the street, and everything you might need within a few minutes on foot. Breakfast was the classic B&B experience done right. Each evening we’d choose elements of a full Scottish breakfast for the next morning hearty, beautifully cooked, and served with great coffee and conversation. Guests can use the fridge in the sitting area and help themselves to books for a lazy morning in. Fillip is the kind of host who seems to know everyone and everything on the island — happy to share recommendations, bus times, and taxi numbers. Honestly, it was the best stay of our entire Scotland trip. Cozy, personal, and full of genuine warmth
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Hideki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very clean and tidy. Unfortunately, there is no refrigerator.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

takuto

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Helpful hotel owner, Nice scotich breakfast, Clean room.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great B&B

Good breakfast cooked to order. Great location. Sea view.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent location, very friendly, good breakfasts and lots of help with suggestions for things to do.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Small but Clean and Personable

Fiona, Duncan and Filip were great hosts. The breakfast was excellent. Having a fan in the room would be a plus. The B &B was close to many of the distilleries. Getting on and off the Ferry was easy.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Irakli

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very cosy place, wonderful people
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Russell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Island Bear was amazing, Fiona was a great hostess!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, modern and spacious and at a good price. Great value for money.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024