Skip to main content

The Island Bear B&B

3.0 star property
Victorian B&B, steps from Bowmore Distillery

Choose dates to view prices

At The Island Bear B&B, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Bowmore Distillery and Bruichladdich Distillery. Guests can enjoy the sauna or take advantage of nearby hiking/biking trails.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Non-smoking

Main amenities (3)

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Sauna
  • Airport shuttle

Feel at home (6)

  • Private bathroom
  • Flat-panel TV
  • Premium bedding
  • Free parking nearby
  • Indoor pool
  • Free toiletries

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

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

Similar properties

Superior Double or Twin Room, Ensuite, Sea View (Distillery View) | WiFi (free), bed sheets
The Bowmore House Bed & Breakfast
Islay Island
  • Free breakfast
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Non-smoking
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, 58 reviews
The Bowmore House Bed & Breakfast
Compare similar properties
Mod logo
Earn OneKeyCash on thousands of hotels when you sign in and book. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the neighborhood

Map
Shore Street, Bowmore, Islay Island, Scotland, PA43 7LB

What's nearby

  • Bowmore Distillery - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • MacTaggart Leisure Centre - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Laphroaig Distillery - 26 min drive - 23.9 km
  • Lagavulin Distillery - 29 min drive - 26.8 km
  • Ardbeg Distillery - 30 min drive - 28.1 km

Getting around

  • Islay (ILY) - 10 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

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

About this property

The Island Bear B&B

  • At The Island Bear B&B, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Bowmore Distillery and Bruichladdich Distillery. Guests can enjoy the sauna or take advantage of nearby hiking/biking trails.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 4 rooms
    • Arranged over 3 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • 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 time is 10:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
DONE

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
DONE

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
DONE

Children

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

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
    • Service animals welcome
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms (speed: 50+ Mbps)
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free offsite parking nearby
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

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

Traveling with children

  • Children stay free (see details)

What to do

  • Golf lessons
  • Public winery tours
  • Access to nearby indoor pool
  • Discount at nearby fitness center
  • Bicycle rentals nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Services

  • Golf cart on site

Facilities

  • Built in 1886
  • Adjacent to a golf course
  • Golf driving range on site
  • Bicycle parking
  • Golf pro shop on site
  • Sauna
  • Wine tasting room
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Flat-screen television

Home comfort

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

Sleep well

  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

What to enjoy

  • Individually furnished and decorated

Freshen up

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

Stay connected

  • Free WiFi (speed of 50+ Mbps)

Food and drink

  • Free tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Housekeeping on request

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of GBP 35 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 8)
  • Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of GBP 4

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Policies

This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing 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 mobile payments and cash.
Cashless transactions are available.

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 to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

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.

Is airport shuttle service offered by The Island Bear B&B?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is GBP 35 per vehicle one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Island Bear B&B?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.

What is there to do at The Island Bear B&B and nearby?

Have fun with nearby activities like cycling and hiking. Enjoy amenities like a sauna and access to a nearby indoor pool.

What's the area around The Island Bear B&B like?

The Island Bear B&B is a short 10-minute drive from Islay (ILY) and 3 minutes' walk from MacTaggart Leisure Centre.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

The Island Bear B&B Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities

Guest review summary

What guests liked

  • Breakfast was consistently described as delicious, hearty, and generously served with a variety of options. (22 reviews)
AI Sparkle Icon
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

Breakfast
Room
Location
Bed
View
Water
Trip
Bus
Restaurant

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Very good

Great location, clean well presented B&B, helpful hosts.
derek, 2-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing stay! Cozy place with a very helpful and nice owner. Perfect location for exploring the island. Can highly recommend!
Niklas, 2-night trip
Verified review

6/10 Good

Had a problem finding the place, parking a bit of a problem during the day. Friendly people, clean rooms and en-suite. Adequate Continental breakfast, with a snack box take away if you feel like snacking later.
Elisabeth, 3-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Very friendly staff
Zhengce, 3-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The Island Bear is simply fantastic overall. Everyone in the team was friendly and going the extra mile to help, and they gave excellent recommendations and suggestions on what to see and do on Islay. The room was very comfortable and clean, and breakfast was always delicious and they offered different choices every day. The B&B is just 2 minutes from Bowmore Distillery so cannot be more convenient. There are also restaurants and a cute souvenir shop across the road. The price we got was such a bargain for accommodations on Islay as well. Highly recommended!
Lok Hin, 3-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Helpful hotel owner, Nice scotich breakfast, Clean room.
takuto, 2-night trip
Verified review

8/10 Very good

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.
Nafis, 3-night trip
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Central location for exploring Islay and Jura.

Great place to stay in the middle of Islay’s largest village. Friendly and helpful staff.
John, 3-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Enjoyed a couple of days staying here. Rooms were very comfortable and clean. Nice breakfast.
stephen, 2-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Kevin, 3-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Very friendly staff,nice breakfast walking distance to pubs , shopping and other convenient facilities. Comprehensive local information provided in room. Nice relaxation area
Garry, 2-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Hybre, 2-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Convenient location
Chi Leung, 2-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Michael, 2-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Joanne, 3-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Adam, 3-night trip
Verified review

8/10 Very good

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.
3-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Georg, 2-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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
Josh, 3-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Stephen, 3-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Elizabeth, 2-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Kathleen, 2-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Yong Hee, 4-night trip
Verified review

8/10 Very good

The room was very clean and tidy. Unfortunately, there is no refrigerator.
Hideki, 3-night trip
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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
Kris, 2-night trip