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The Island Bear B&B

3.0 star property

Photo gallery for The Island Bear B&B

Reception
Bicycling
Tasting room
Twin Room
Bicycling

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, 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

Twin Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room

Double Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • Partial sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Double Room (Room 1)

Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Double Room (Room 1)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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Double Room

Double Room

  • Partial sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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 continental breakfast and a sauna. .This smoke-free bed & breakfast offers free WiFi in public areas. Each morning free breakfast is served. 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
  • 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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Port Charlotte Hotel And Restaurant - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Bruichladdich Distillery - ‬13 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

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
  • Continental 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.

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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 continental 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
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 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

  • 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 Port ban (5.2 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 continental 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. 63 out of 77 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 77 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 77 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 77 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 77 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Irakli

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Chi Leung

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

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

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
Verified

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

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

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

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

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

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
Verified

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
Verified

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