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The Island Bear B&B

Photo gallery for The Island Bear B&B

Exterior
Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board
Double Room (Room 2) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board
Twin Room (Room 1) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board
Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Overview of The Island Bear B&B

The Island Bear B&B

3.0 star property
3-star B&B, steps from Bowmore Distillery

9.8/10 Exceptional

32 verified Hotels.com guest reviews

Popular amenities

  • Free breakfast
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Non-smoking
  • Bathtub
Map
SHORE STREET, Islay Island, Scotland, PA43 7LB

Room options

About this area

What's nearby

  • On the boardwalk

Getting around

  • Islay (ILY) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • Golden Dragon - 2 min walk
  • The Munchie Box - 4 min walk
  • Cafe Blasta - 15 min walk
  • Gate 1 Cafe - 8 min drive
  • Debbie's - 12 min drive
Map

About this property

The Island Bear B&B

The Island Bear B&B is a great choice for a stay in Islay Island. Free perks include WiFi and full breakfast daily between 7:30 AM and 9 AM. Fellow travellers like the breakfast and location.

Languages

English

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures

Disinfectant is used to clean the property
High-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected
The property is disinfected using an electrostatic spray
Sheets and towels are washed at 60°C or hotter
Guest accommodation is sealed after cleaning
Follows the regional cleaning and disinfection practices of We're Good To Go (UK)
Follows the industry cleaning and disinfection practices of COVID-19 Guidelines (CDC)

Check-in

Contactless social distancing and check-out
Cashless transactions are available for all charges at the property
Social distancing measures in place

Safety measures

Personal protective equipment worn by staff
Temperature checks given to staff
Temperature checks available for guests
Masks are required at the property
Hand sanitiser provided
Enhanced food service safety measures are in place
This information is provided by our partners.

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 3 rooms

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in time from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM
  • Late check-in subject to availability
  • Minimum check-in age – 18
  • Check-out time is 10:00 AM

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions

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

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

  • One child stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
  • No cots (infant beds)

Pets

  • Pets not allowed
  • Service animals welcome

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

  • Free off-site parking nearby

Other information

  • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast each morning 7:30 AM–9 AM

Travelling with children

  • Children stay for free (see details)

What to do

  • Public winery tours

Facilities

  • Wine-tasting room

Languages

  • English

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Flat-screen television

Home comfort

  • Electric kettle
  • Iron/ironing board (on request)

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Individually furnished and decorated

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bath combination
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Free WiFi

Food and drink

  • Free tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Daily housekeeping

Fees & policies

Children & extra beds

  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve rollaway/extra beds

Hygiene & cleanliness

This property advises that enhanced cleaning and guest safety measures are currently in place.

The property is cleaned and disinfected with electrostatic spray; disinfectant is used to clean the property; commonly touched surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant between stays; bed sheets and towels are laundered at a temperature of at least 60°C/140°F; guest room doors are sealed after cleaning.

Social distancing measures are in place; staff at the property wear personal protective equipment; periodic temperature checks are conducted on staff; temperature checks are available to guests; guests are provided with hand sanitiser; cashless payment methods are available for all transactions; masks are required in public areas.

Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

Enhanced food service safety measures are in place.

This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of We're Good To Go (UK) guidelines.

This property affirms that it adheres to the cleaning and disinfection practices of COVID-19 Guidelines (CDC).

Policies

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession

This property does not have lifts.

Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit on site.

This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ friendly).

This property accepts cash.

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 offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Island Bear B&B does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
What are the cleanliness and hygiene measures currently in place at The Island Bear B&B?
This property confirms that disinfectant is used to clean the property. Furthermore, guests are provided with hand sanitiser, social distancing measures are in place and staff are given personal protective equipment. Please note that this information has been provided by our partners.
Are pets allowed at The Island Bear B&B?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at The Island Bear B&B?
No, unfortunately, but there's free parking nearby.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Island Bear B&B?
You can check in from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Contactless social distancing and check-out are available.
What is there to do at The Island Bear B&B and nearby?
Recommended spots to visit include Bowmore Distillery (2-min walk) and Islay Ales (3.1 mi), along with Bruichladdich Distillery (8.4 mi) and Eilean Mor (9.4 mi).
Are there restaurants at or near The Island Bear B&B?
Yes. Nearby restaurants include The Munchie Box (4-min walk), Gate 1 Cafe (5.6 mi) and Debbie's (8.3 mi).
What's the area around The Island Bear B&B like?
The Island Bear B&B is located on the boardwalk, a short 2-minute walk from Bowmore Distillery. Travellers say that this bed & breakfast is in a good location.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.7/10

Cleanliness

9.7/10

Staff & service

9.5/10

Amenities

9.7/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

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
Michelle, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Lori, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent location, very friendly, good breakfasts and lots of help with suggestions for things to do.
Mary, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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
Hayley, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Mary, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Catherine, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Jackalyn, 5-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Fiona and David great hosts confortable room
Cozy decently sized room with comfortable bed. Fiona and David are very friendly and supportive. Location is great very close to Bowmore Distillery. Breakfast is made-to-order abd very tasty. Would definitely revommend and stay again on my next trip to Islay.
Luis Cesar, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect hosts
If you're already looking at the Island Bear for your trip to Islay then I suggest you just go ahead and book it if you can. This is a spotless, modern looking B&B right in the heart of Bowmore. I doubt it took us 5 minutes to walk anywhere in the village with all the restaurants and shops extremely close by. Really comfy bed, great shower/bath and nothing lacking in terms of facilities. What makes this B&B though are the hosts, Fiona and Duncan. We only ever really had the pleasure of speaking to them during breakfast but it made a great start to our day as they both took a lot of time to chat to us and talk about Bowmore and the island in particular. They were able to answer any questions we had. As well as all that the breakfasts were superb and more than enough to fuel a morning's adventuring. There was a problem with the ferries while we were there and their willingness to go above and beyond to help us out if needed was so appreciated. Thank you to you both and we hope to see you again soon. Billy & Marjorie
William, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent BnB. Clean, modern with great service. The owners couldn’t do enough for us Can’t fault it
Malcolm, 5-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review