See all properties
Save

The Island Bear B&B

3.0 star property
Comfortable boardwalk/promenade bed & breakfast, walk to Bowmore Distillery

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Island Bear B&B

Room (Room 2) | Beach/ocean view
Tasting room
Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished
Combined shower/tub, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
Room (Room 2) | Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • HousekeepingHousekeepingHousekeeping

Explore the area

Map
SHORE STREET, Islay Island, Scotland, PA43 7LB
  • Popular LocationBowmore Distillery2 min walk
  • Popular LocationIslay Ales5 min drive
  • AirportIslay (ILY)8 min drive
  • Popular LocationBruichladdich Distillery13 min drive

Book today, save on your next hotel stay

It's that easy when you're a member of Orbitz Rewards. It's free to join!

Room options

View all photos for Room (Room 2)

Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Room (Room 2)

10/10 Exceptional
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Twin Room (Room 1)

Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Twin Room (Room 1)

10/10 Exceptional
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Islay Island

The Island Bear B&B places you next to Bowmore Distillery and within a few miles (5 km) of other popular attractions like Islay Ales. The 3 rooms at this 3-star bed & breakfast include electric kettles, flat-screen TVs, and free tea bags/instant coffee.
View more B&B in Islay IslandOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Bowmore Distillery - 2 min walk
  • Islay Ales - 5 min drive
  • Bruichladdich Distillery - 13 min drive
  • Museum of Islay Life - 15 min drive
  • Lagavulin Distillery - 19 min drive

Getting around

  • The nearest major airport is Islay (ILY): 8-min drive, 5.6 mi/9 km.

Restaurants

  • Kilchoman Distillery - 20 min drive
  • Peatzeria - 1 min walk
  • Kilchoman Distillery Cafe - 20 min drive
  • Restaurant at Port Charlotte Hotel - 16 min drive
  • Lucci’s - 4 min walk

About this property

The Island Bear B&B

Comfortable boardwalk/promenade bed & breakfast, walk to Bowmore Distillery
At The Island Bear B&B, guests have access to free WiFi in public areas. A stay here includes free offsite parking.
Guests can expect to find flat-screen TVs and stay connected with free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include electric kettles and free tea bags/instant coffee.

Languages

English

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 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Things to do

  • Wine tasting room
  • Wine tours

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • On the boardwalk/promenade

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1886
  • Renovated entire property - February 2023
  • Smoke-free property
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

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

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

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • One child stays free when using existing bedding

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 fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Driving? This property offers free nearby parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
  • Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • 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

Are free cancellation options available at The Island Bear B&B?

The Island Bear B&B provides free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What's there to do around The Island Bear B&B?

This bed & breakfast is located in Islay Island, just steps from Bowmore Distillery. Islay Ales is also within a driving distance of 3 mi.

Is there parking available at The Island Bear B&B?

No, there isn't parking at the bed & breakfast but you'll find free parking nearby.

Does The Island Bear B&B feature a casino at the property?

No, The Island Bear B&B doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Island Bear B&B?

No, there is no indoor pool at this bed & breakfast.

What amenities will couples enjoy at The Island Bear B&B?

Couples staying at this bed u0026 breakfast will appreciate amenities like premium bedding as well as a tasting room and free breakfast.

Are there hot tubs at The Island Bear B&B?

No, this bed & breakfast doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Island Bear B&B have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

The Island Bear B&B offers free full breakfasts each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does The Island Bear B&B allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Island Bear B&B though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at The Island Bear B&B?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this bed & breakfast.

What is the closest airport to The Island Bear B&B?

The closest major airport to The Island Bear B&B is Islay (ILY), which is 5.6 mi away (8 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at The Island Bear B&B?

No, at The Island Bear B&B, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

The Island Bear B&B Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

stephen

Traveled with family
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

Diane

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hostess was so friendly and helpful! The room was lovely and had a great bathtub. View was beautiful from the room. Breakfast was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An absolute gem with a lovely host!
We were in Islay on a whisky tour for 3 nights and absolutely loved this little three-room B&B run by Islay local, Fiona. The room was surprisingly spacious. The bed was comfy. There was a lovely view of the water. It was right on the main road in Bowmore. And breakfast was made to order each morning, and served by Fiona herself - along with lovely conversation and local tips. I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Island Bear!
View from room 3
View from room 3
Front entrance - right on the main road through Bowmore
Lovely sunrise view straight outside the front door
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lori, Shaftsbury

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic place to stay in Bowmore. Great location, easy parking and not far from anything on Islay. The room was large and very clean. The bed was comfortable and the shower had good water pressure. Fiona, the owner, was fab! She was very friendly, welcoming and helpful! She also makes a great breakfast!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with group
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

Hayley

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We spent 3 nights at the Island Bear and it was wonderful. Duncan and Fiona were excellent hosts and helped us when we needed to make a change and bring our son with us. The room was lovely, comfortable and the breakfasts were fantastic. We’ll recommend staying here to everyone that we know traveling to Islay
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was very clean, checkin was convenient, bed was comfortable, and the location was perfect. We had a nice view of the water from our room. Hosts Fiona and Duncan were very kind and helpful. Couldn’t ask for more!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely spot in the middle of town, great views from my bedroom window. And Fiona was the perfect host, cooking up a delicious Scottish breakfast!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jackalyn, Mesa

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An absolutely lovely stay on Islay! Duncan and Fiona are incredibly kind, and their bed and breakfast is wonderful. The rooms have a cozy feel, while still being really spacious if you’ve brought large luggage. I can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022