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The Island Bear B&B

3.0 star property
Victorian bed & breakfast with free breakfast, steps from Bowmore Distillery

Photo gallery for The Island Bear B&B

Reception
Lounge
Double Room
Tasting room
Lobby sitting area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Shore Street, Bowmore, Islay Island, Scotland, PA43 7LB
  • Place, Bowmore Distillery
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Laphroaig Distillery
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Place, Lagavulin Distillery
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Airport, Islay (ILY)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room

Twin Room

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

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room

Double Room

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

Double Room (Room 1)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the area

Islay Island

The Island Bear B&B puts you in the centre of Islay Island, 0.2 km (0.1 mi) from Bowmore Distillery and 13.6 km (8.4 mi) from Bruichladdich Distillery. Highlights at this Victorian B&B include free daily breakfast and a sauna. .This smoke-free bed & breakfast offers free WiFi in public areas. Each morning free full breakfast is offered between 8:00 AM and 9 AM. There's also the convenience of free parking nearby. .Sights within a 20-minute drive of this 3-property class Islay Island B&B include Museum of Islay Life and Wildlife Information Centre.
View more B&B in Islay IslandOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Bowmore Distillery - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Bruichladdich Distillery - 18 min drive - 16.6 km
  • Laphroaig Distillery - 25 min drive - 23.6 km
  • Lagavulin Distillery - 28 min drive - 26.5 km
  • Ardbeg Distillery - 29 min drive - 27.8 km

Getting around

  • Islay (ILY) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bruichladdich Distillery - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Celtic House Coffee Shop - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Port Charlotte Hotel And Restaurant - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Taj Mahal Tandoori - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Lucci’s - ‬4 min walk

About this property

The Island Bear B&B

Victorian bed & breakfast with free breakfast, steps from Bowmore Distillery
Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi. You'll have access to the indoor pool and outdoor pool at a partner property. A complete renovation of The Island Bear B&B was completed in February 2023.

This 3-star Islay Island bed & breakfast is smoke free.

  • 4 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • Built in 1886
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • No smoking on site
The Island Bear B&B offers 4 accommodations with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms.

Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Hypo-allergenic bedding and an iron/ironing board can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

Superior Double or Twin Room, Ensuite, Sea View (Distillery View)
The Bowmore House Bed & Breakfast
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Housekeeping
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, 56 reviews
The price is NZ$354
includes taxes & fees
19 Feb - 20 Feb
The Bowmore House Bed & Breakfast

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 9 AM

Things to do

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

Family friendly

  • Access to nearby indoor pool
  • Access to nearby outdoor pool

Guest services

  • Housekeeping on request

Outdoors

  • On the boardwalk/promenade

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 3 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 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 and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

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

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child stays free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for golf tee times. For reservations, contact the bed & breakfast before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • One child stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • 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

What is the cancellation policy at The Island Bear B&B?

The Island Bear B&B offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Are there any beaches close to The Island Bear B&B?

The closest beach to The Island Bear B&B is White Hart Beach (15.3 km).

What makes The Island Bear B&B a romantic place to stay?

Wine-tasting room, plus premium bedding in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at The Island Bear B&B.

Does The Island Bear B&B serve breakfast?

Yep, free full breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 9 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Island Bear B&B?

No, The Island Bear B&B does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Island Bear B&B?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Island Bear B&B?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Is there a golf course on site at The Island Bear B&B?

There is a golf course next to The Island Bear B&B.

The Island Bear B&B Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 59 out of 70 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 70 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 70 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Yong Hee

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kris

Travelled 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

MICHAEL R

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

JUNGJOO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
호스트 필립은 처음 이 섬을 방문한 제가 불편하지 않게 최대한 많은 것을 도와주려고 했습니다. 조식도 만족스러웠으며, 룸 컨디션은 최상이였습니다.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

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

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

Travelled with group
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

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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