"Great hotel, great staff, great food, and really great golf.
Stayed at The Machrie for my 60th Birthday, mainly to play the golf course, but also as a base to explore Islay. We’ve stayed in many hotels - this was one of the best experiences we’ve had. My wife suffers from Coeliac Disease so has to have a strict gluten free diet. Staff were knowledgeable, identifying what dishes she could have and she wasn’t ill all week. The food is also of a high standard. We brought our Black Labrador, who was very much welcomed, and whilst we had to eat in the lounge, this was still a nice environment. We had a really nice room with plenty of space and easy access to the outside. It was well designed, clean and had everything we needed. The hotel has a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Much of this is down to the staff, who without exception were friendly and very helpful - whether fitting us in for dinner, providing biscuits for our dog, or arranging golf they went out of their way to help. Which brings me on to the golf course. The Machrie is a high quality course and definitely worth the trip to get there. Despite some interesting weather it was in great condition, it’s fair but challenging (particularly when the wind blows), with some great holes, many with complex greens so even if you hit the green, there’s plenty of work still to do. Great fun and if you’re lucky to play in the sun, a very memorable experience. Would highly recommend."
"Loved the friendly staff and the hotel setting is stunning. . The breakfast was nice and tasty. The hotel room was comfortable with a fabulous view of loch fine from the window. We were in the area for a wedding and it proved difficult trying to secure transport back to the hotel from Tarbert the nearest town due to there being only one taxi car. As the hotel is 4 star, a shuttle bus for guests maybe an idea moving forward."
"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!"
"How do I describe the island of Colonsay and the Hotel? It is impossible to find the right words. This is an island of incredible beauty, almost dream-like quiet, the most amazing beach ever, it is such a special place. The hotel is an old inn, just up the pier road from the ferry dock, with classic weathered architecture - uneven floorboards, winding stairs, safe timeless feel, but modern in the things that matter - comfortable bed, functional bathroom etc. The screen-less windows open to sea air and birdsong. The restaurant has a decent variety of good, simple food with local ingredients. The bar has local peaty whiskeys and a welcoming atmosphere. One comment - Colonsay is a small island, but it is hilly and the single road is winding. While bringing a car over on the ferry is expensive, it really is the only practical way to see the island, to get up to the stunning Kiloran Bay beach, to bucolic Colony House for lunch in the garden cafe, and down to the Oronsay causeway unless you are a vigorous hiker or biker with lots of time. Don't miss the surprisingly interesting historic museum in an old church up near the beach, and the salmon smokery - most delicious salmon ever. This is not an island with excitement or modern entertainment, but don't neglect to just sit quietly, wee dram in hand, blue sea and green hills in view, and listen to the sheep, birds, and wind. Even if I never go back, a day will not pass that I don't want to be on Colonsay."
"The property is so well equipped for self catering and it is situated in the middle of the island, very convenient for visiting the whisky distilleries."
"The staff are angels on earth! Karl helped me fix a ferry/bus schedule problem and saved me from being stranded across the island in the dark. Lorna saved me from another transportation oversight I made, connecting me with a taxi driver that kept me on schedule. Without them my whole trip to Islay would have been a disaster, but instead, it was wonderful! Oh, and the hostel is lovely, clean, informative, and peaceful. "
Rhuvaal Lighthouse is just one of the places to see in Islay Island, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? You can enjoy the bars while in the area.
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Isle of Jura Distillery during your trip to Craighouse. Amble around the area's gardens or experience its jazz scene.
Caol Ila Distillery is located in Islay Island. Travellers like the surrounding area for its bars. Islay Island is home to 37 hotels and other accommodation options, so you can find something that's perfect for your stay.
What's the best place to stay close to Caol Ila Distillery?
Islay House is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this hotel offers a restaurant and free parking. You'll find it 7.3 mi (11.8 km) from Caol Ila Distillery. Other good options around the area include The Island Bear B&B and The Bowmore House Bed & Breakfast.
If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Caol Ila Distillery, will I receive a refund?
Yes! You'll find that most hotel reservations are fully refundable if cancelled prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before check in. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you might be able to still cancel and get a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then use the filter option "fully refundable" to get the best deals available near Caol Ila Distillery.