The Island Bear B&B

3.0 star property
Boardwalk/promenade bed & breakfast with free breakfast and a sauna

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Photo gallery for The Island Bear B&B

Reception
Lobby sitting area
Lounge
Double Room | Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished
Tasting room

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
SHORE STREET, Islay Island, Scotland, PA43 7LB
  • Place, Bowmore Distillery
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Bruichladdich Distillery
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Place, Lagavulin Distillery
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Airport, Islay (ILY)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

Twin Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Double Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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. This 4-room, 3-star bed & breakfast has free breakfast along with conveniences like an indoor pool and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Bowmore Distillery - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Bruichladdich Distillery - 16 min drive - 10.3 miles
  • Laphroaig Distillery - 22 min drive - 14.7 miles
  • Lagavulin Distillery - 25 min drive - 16.5 miles
  • Ardbeg Distillery - 26 min drive - 17.3 miles

Getting around

  • Islay (ILY) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bruichladdich Distillery - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Peatzeria - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Kilchoman Distillery Cafe - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪The Port Charlotte Hotel And Restaurant - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Kilchoman Distillery - ‬20 min drive

About this property

The Island Bear B&B

Boardwalk/promenade bed & breakfast with free breakfast and a sauna
The Island Bear B&B offers an indoor pool, a sauna, and 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. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the bed & breakfast include an indoor pool and a sauna.

Similar properties

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

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

Family friendly

  • 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
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 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
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.

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, just steps from Bowmore Distillery. Islay Ales is also within a driving distance of 3 mi.

Will I be able to park 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?

Yes, this bed & breakfast has an indoor pool.

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

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

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

No, but this bed & breakfast does have a sauna.

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.

Does The Island Bear B&B have connecting rooms?

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 that I can book 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. 56 out of 66 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 66 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 66 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 66 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 66 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kris

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm

Excelent

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Garry, ferntree gully

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

James

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hybre

Traveled with partner
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

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

BRIAN S

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 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

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

Russell, Whitsett

Traveled with family
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

Elizabeth

Traveled with partner
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

KUOWEI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

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

Joanne

Traveled with partner
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

Karen

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Traveled with group
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

Irakli, JAMISON

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

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