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The Island Bear B&B

Property class: 3

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Photo gallery for The Island Bear B&B

Reception
A bicycle parked in front of a building with a sign reading "KILCHOMAN."
Double Room | Premium bedding, iron/ironing board (on request), WiFi (free)
A bicycle on a sandy path with a sunset in the background.
Tasting room

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Shore Street, Bowmore, Islay Island, Scotland, PA43 7LB
  • Place, Bowmore Distillery
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, MacTaggart Leisure Centre
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Lagavulin Distillery
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Airport, Islay (ILY)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room | Premium bedding, iron/ironing board (on request), WiFi (free)

Twin Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | Premium bedding, iron/ironing board (on request), WiFi (free)

Double Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • Partial sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Room 5

Combined shower/tub, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Double Room 5

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | Premium bedding, iron/ironing board (on request), WiFi (free)

Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Partial sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Islay Island

The Island Bear B&B places you next to Bowmore Distillery and a short drive from other popular attractions like Bruichladdich Distillery. The 4 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 - 0.1 miles
  • MacTaggart Leisure Centre - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Laphroaig Distillery - 26 min drive - 14.8 miles
  • Lagavulin Distillery - 29 min drive - 16.7 miles
  • Ardbeg Distillery - 30 min drive - 17.5 miles

Getting around

  • Islay (ILY) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Port Charlotte Hotel And Restaurant - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Bruichladdich Distillery - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Kilchoman Distillery Cafe - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Katie's Bar - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Kilchoman Distillery - ‬20 min drive

About this property

The Island Bear B&B

A sauna and free WiFi in public areas are featured at The Island Bear B&B. You can take advantage of free offsite parking, along with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for GBP 35 per vehicle one-way.
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. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the bed & breakfast include a sauna.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Superior Double or Twin Room, Ensuite, Sea View (Distillery View) | WiFi (free), bed sheets
The Bowmore House Bed & Breakfast
Islay Island
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Housekeeping
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, 58 reviews
The Bowmore House Bed & Breakfast

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Things to do

  • 18-hole adjacent golf course
  • Golf carts
  • Golf driving range
  • Golf lessons
  • Indoor pool (guest access)
  • Pro golf shop
  • Sauna
  • Wine tasting room
  • Wine tours

Family friendly

  • Access to nearby indoor 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
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The property charges GBP 4 for credit card payments
There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; access will be through a private entrance
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival 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

Private entrance

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • One child stays free when using existing bedding

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: GBP 35 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 8)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of GBP 4

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

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 mobile payments and 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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. 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 mobile payments and 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.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for golf tee times. Contact the bed & breakfast at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • 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 and just steps from Bowmore Distillery and MacTaggart Leisure Centre. 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.

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 do couples enjoy most about The Island Bear B&B?

Couples staying at this bed & breakfast will appreciate amenities like premium bedding as well as wine tours and a sauna.

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

No, but guests can enjoy a sauna at this bed & breakfast.

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, this bed & breakfast doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

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 (10 minutes by car).

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

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Island Bear B&B.

The Island Bear B&B Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 71 out of 87 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 87 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 87 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 87 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 87 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Zhengce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fiona was a wonderful host. She knows all about the island. The room was cleaned beds comfortable and the breakfast was awesome
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

takuto

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

8/10 Good

Nafis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Island Bear is very conveniently located in the cneter of Islay, a block away from ameneties, and the revered Bowmore distillery. The propert is nice, clean and lovingly mainted by the couple who also live there and are very helpful. Dunca (the owner) prepared deliciious Scotish breakfast every morning and was a reservoir of Islay knowledge. He knows every body on the Island, and everyone knows him fondly. I had great discussion with Duncan at breakfast every morning, and it was a highlight of my trip. Thank you for your hospitality.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location, near the harbour in Bowmore Room very good, very clean, comfortable bed, nice bathroom with bath Property is currently changing hands, the sale completed this week As per previous reviews the previous owner served full Scottish cooked breakfast- the new owner is just doing prepared continental breakfast boxes which you help yourself to from the fridge We were not expecting this and were quite disappointed. There is nowhere in Bowmore where you can get breakfast so be aware
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Irakli

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

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chi Leung

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

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Diane

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Hayley

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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