Name: Islay House
Address: \"bridgend, Isle Of Islay\", Bridgend, GB

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jul 2026

Douglas

In the process of restoring this property. Rooms are very spacious and have all of the amenities that you require. Great location for exploring Islay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2026

Nathan

Lovely old estate, with tonnes of history. Room was huge. Amazing view. Big comfy bed. Shower, bath, double sinks. Luxurious, just a bit old and needing some updating. Good location.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jun 2026

Simon

Amazing property!

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

13 May 2026

Caroline

Although it said seaview room, this did not happen. Beds were clean and comfy. We were put in a disable room (that none of us needed) there was a trip hazard with carpet between bedroom & bathroom. The wet room which had poor drainage and after 3 people showered the water flooded the whole bathroom. Without us putting down towels water would have seeped into bedroom.
During our 3 night stay there was no change of towels or beds made although someone had been in the room to empty bins. For the price paid I would have expected a better standard of accommodation. Breakfast was fine, but only offered gluten free bread as an option.

Family

8/10

Excellent

11 May 2026

Carla

Good breakfast. Lovely downstairs. Room a bit dated.

Partner

4/10

Poor

26 Apr 2026

Justin

Breakfast was ok although staff spoke very little english. Ended up getting a full scottish breakfast when that wasnt what was ordered.

Rooms were roasting hot and wouldnt turn down/ off. Rooms were good size but werent the cleanest or in the best of condition.

Views are great and were the best part of the stay

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2026

Alexander

Jane was very friendly and welcoming, the room was perfect for us and did have the stated views. We had a great sleep and good breakfast before leaving which set us up for the day.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Feb 2026

Parag

All nice.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Oct 2025

Alex

Great hotel with a lot of potential if there was more staff.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2025

Peter

This is a fantastic hotel with excellent staff and terrific ambience.

Business

8/10

Excellent

27 Sep 2025

Stephen

The largest rooms that we have rented in Scotland and it’s very elegant and has a great history

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2025

Justin

Very pleasant stay at an amazing property!

My wife and I had a great time here. We will definitely come back.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Aug 2025

Ana

It’s a beautiful hotel with an interesting history. The room was clean, spacious and sumptuous.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Aug 2025

Kirstyn

Beautiful house - lovely staff

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Aug 2025

Fernando

It was a magical experience. The building itself was stunning, and the room really felt worthy of royalty. We stayed in 7 different hotels on our trip, and this one was by far our favorite.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2025

jeremy

This was the best stay of my vacation. I arrived earlier than I had announced, though there were no staff present at that time walking around the house was an experience. Though much of the house is under renovation it was gorgeous. Staff quickly checked me in and the room was absolutely spectacular, I felt like I was in a room for a prince. I very much look forward to coming to islay again and seeing the fully renovated manor and seeing if back up to its former glory.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

09 Aug 2025

Julie

Bedroom and facilities in room very good , just more staff needed and to make sure you don’t run out of coffee pods. Felt sorry for one person juggling it all

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Aug 2025

Thomas

Place with history that is felt in every corner

Very polite staff. Services us being ramped up as we speak. Currently only breakfast service

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2025

Douglas

Don’t let the outside fool you. This 16th century building has been nicely restored inside.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2025

Simon

Very welcoming and friendly staff working hard to ensure all guests are happy.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2025

Verified traveler

Great place but the staff is nowhere to be seen. You always have to wave at a camera for someone to appear a few minutes later.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2025

Alan

Only open for a couple of months, staff went to great lengths to get it right. They were pleasant, helpful and couldn’t do enough to ensure we enjoyed our stay.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Sep 2022

Samuel

Charming, historic property

Lovely room, outstanding location and excellent breakfast! Only two issues: the room key did not lock the door and the hand spray in the shower did not work.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Sep 2022

Madeleine

The place was beautiful but could use some refreshing. Overall we’re glad we stayed there, it’s like being in Downton Abby. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Make sure you have dinner reservations way ahead of your stay.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

09 Sep 2022

The Hon S

Very disappointing

My wife and I booked two nights at the Islay House at a cost of £520. We chose it because of the gourmet restaurant and the availability of a room with a bath. We arrived off the ferry at 1.00 pm but we’re told to return later. There was no mention of the closure of the restaurant. When we returned, the manager told us that the restaurant was closed and gave us a room without a bath - we discovered later that rooms with baths were available.

There was no advance email warning about the restaurant and menus and photos still appear on the website. The manager attempted to book us into local restaurants, but all were full. We finally had to drive five miles and wait an hour to collect a poor quality takeaway from an Indian restaurant.

The manager was unapologetic and refused to offer any refund. Her behaviour was totally unacceptable.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2022

David

The staff went above and beyond to make our stay at Islay House amazing.

6/10

Pleasant

18 Aug 2022

Stephen

this property is for sale and it was obvious in the service

8/10

Excellent

03 Aug 2022

Colette

Beautiful property - quiet, peaceful and comfortable. I would definitely go back.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

28 Jul 2022

Lina

Faulty towers

The house is beautiful and breakfast good but that’s about it. Rooms aren’t properly cleaned and windows are broken. Staff isn’t helpful and there’s something really strange about this place. And clearly over prized! Chose another hotel if you’re going to Islay

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2022

Olga

Staying at Islay house felt like being trasported in time. Beuatiful house with great service. Just perfect!

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

19 Jun 2022

Kathleen

The stately country home to the maximum. The common rooms, including the library, bar, living room and breakfast room were right out of a history book.
The bathroom door not shutting and the Tv coming on by itself at 21:30 not as endearing.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2022

Jacquie

Unique place to stay, beautiful grounds and friendly staff.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2022

Yannie

Great hotel and very helpful staff - thanks Paul and James!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2022

David

Fabulous place with a fabulous location

Super place to stay with stunning walks around the property incorporating forest and the most stunning beach.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Apr 2022

Stewart

We had an amazing experience at Islay House - from the moment we arrived to the minute we left. The hotel staff greeted our family with friendliness and warmth and went out of their way to ensure our stay was truly special. Upon arriving before our formal checkin time, we were warmly greeted and our bags put into storage. We were given a brief informal tour of the interior property which revealed fascinating facts about the house’s history. The service was first class; the room and property exquisite; and the food gourmet. All accommodations were met, including a fold-out bed for our son and vegan meals for myself, which were outstanding. The bar is a gem and the single malt selection excellent. If you don’t plan on staying here, at least visit the bar and book a table at the restaurant - you will not be disappointed. The staff touched us on a level that was special and rare to find nowadays. Thank you Islay House for making our stay on Islay a truly magical experience!! We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2022

David

Top Stay

The Islay house hands down was the best stay on our trip. Clean gorgeous house, top staff, and excellent food. Not to mention Robert the bartender is great.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2021

Annabelle

Amazing!!

Amazing stay we had here, the history of building and interior is wonderful and very spacious. The bedroom and bathroom is perfect very spacious. They staff are wonderful very friendly, polite and accommodating. Defiantly worth every penny spent.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2020

Sam

First class

First class from check in to check out. The staff were friendly, the food was excellent and the bed was incredible. Would absolutely book again and have already recommended to friends

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

We LOVED our stay at Islay House. The house itself is well-kept and updated while maintaining it's own character. The heated floors in the bathroom were a nice extra. Our rooms were comfortable and we have absolutely no complaints about any of the facilities.

The real standout though was the unbeatable service. The house staff were wonderful. They preempted our every need and were perfectly attentive. They were happy to prepare meals to go and had them ready for the following days without us needing to ask!

As for location, Islay House is perfect for hopping around all the distilleries. It was a great central base to hit every edge of the island. We will definitely be back!

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2020

Becky

Charming, immaculate estate with incredible aervic

Beautiful views, immaculate room and 5 star service. Visiting off season gave us the place (almost) to ourselves.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2020

Clint

The Islay House was absolutely fantastic. The grounds are incredible and the staff was equally if not exceedingly amazing. Can not recommend this place enough. Whatever the circumstance that brings you to Islay House, there is no possible way to leave disappointed.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Dec 2019

Michael

Amazing hotel with awesome staff. Beautiful view of water from front of hotel. Bathroom have been completely updated along with most of hotel. Highly recommend it.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

19 Nov 2019

Ka Ki

Terrible experience

Due to poor weather, my ferry was cancelled and i had no way of getting there on the night. I called the hotel and the receptionist told me it was okay to get a refund, all i had to do was call again the next morning because the manager wasn't around when i called. I called the next day and no-one picked up. I called again multiple times (10+) over the few days and still no responds. I had to get hotels.com to get involve and they wrote back after a week saying the hotel won't refund! Terrible experience!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Great experience and great staff! When we go back to Islay we’ll be staying there again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Such a beautiful and unique place to stay. Lovingly maintained and cleverly renovated for the 21st -century traveler.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2019

Janice

Beautiful and clean room with nice furnishings including a comfy warm bed, lovely shower, and excellent service. Bar with a lot of character, welcoming, comfortable and carrying a wonderful selection of scotch especially from the Islay distilleries. We particularly enjoyed the restaurant. There was a wonderful selection of delicious foods to suit all tastes available for the included breakfast. During our five day stay we enjoyed a classical scotch breakfast, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, a continental breakfast and other great selections. For dinner the restaurant in the house offers fine dining with 2 and three course meals and a nice wine list. We enjoyed it so much we ate there almost every night.
Great location particularly if you have rented a car. We had not rented a car so had to rely on taxis, day tours and the local bus 10 minutes away. This worked well for us and just required a little extra planning.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Oct 2019

Anthony

Beautiful Mansion, very well appointed and luxurious stay...if we had more time I'd love to spend a couple more nights here. The property is a little difficult to find in the evening when it's dark. We had to leave very early in the morning and found nobody to assist with luggage. They are in dire need of a night porter to help with guests that need to catch the morning ferry out of Islay. As a result of this, we did not have a proper breakfast, although it was included. They provided left over cakes and yogurt, which was inedible.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

We really enjoyed the bar which had very unique malts to try. This is used to be a manor house and still has elements from that time period. Very Downton Abbey-esque. Very beautiful location. Unforgettable experience.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful spot and well located to see everything on Islay

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

It is a unique property and the staff ensure that you have a wonderful stay

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

10 Jul 2019

T N

Disappointed

No character inside. All white like a hospital which is a shame for what should be a beautiful building. Very limited menu and “roast” chicken appeared to have been microwaved

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

We came across Islay House by accident but so glad we chose to visit. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff and we had a super stay. They were very accommodating to our elderly dog and we had a large room on the first floor with a very spacious en suite large shower and bath. The bar and restaurant were great and the food plentiful and delicious. We would certainly come back and recommend others to stay

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Breathtaking views of the coast from the room, impeccable service, and a very reasonably priced and simply gastronomical 3-course dinner.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2019

Verified traveler

Unique property that gives a taste of life in a country manor house. Accommodating, attentive and personable staff. Excellent whisky selection.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2019

Verified traveler

I like the old style and friendly staff in the house.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2019

Verified traveler

Staying at Islay House was like staying in the luxury of the Victorian age. Now detail was spared in this gem. Crisp cotton bed linens, beautiful bathroom! The Peat Bar was so nice to sit before and after dinner to enjoy a cocktail and dram.

The grounds provide a spacious area to walk.

I want to go back soon and stay several days!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2019

Kentaro

Very nice views from rooms. Warm hospitality like home. Dinner and breakfast were also great.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Amazing in every way!!! The chef, david, was beyond talented... James and jane... fabulous!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2019

Mary

A beautifully maintained historic property that's cozy, inviting, and exceedingly well-apppointed. A true delight.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Brilliant service, staff could not have been friendlier. We got a tour of the hotel, including the old kitchen downstairs. The hotel was very well kept and little touches like flowers from the garden at the dining tables made it elegant yet very relaxed. Only downside was the restaurant wasn't open on Sunday. Real shame as we would have loved to eat dinner there. Would definitely stay there again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2019

Bhiravi

Excellent stay, can’t wait to come back!

Islay house was a truly exceptional experience! A historic building, and beautifully renovated and kept up. The comfy bed, heated marble floors in the bathroom, and the robes were such a treat! We also enjoyed walking the grounds, eating at the restaraunt, visiting the garden, and enjoying the impressive whisky collection at the bar. The service was incredible. We couldn’t find the hotel our first night, as the island was pitch black and we had the wrong address in our GPS. When we called Islay House, they gave us directions and offered to come meet us in the center of town to lead us back to the hotel if we needed it. When we finally arrived, they invited us to have a drink at the bar and walked us through the whisky collection. We instantly felt at home. Everyone was so friendly and had the best recommendations for us. Our second day on Islay, we made a dinner reservation at the restaraunt. I would highly recommend the dinner — the food was incredible, made with fresh produce from the garden, and the chef even made me a special meal because I’m vegetarian. I can’t wait to dine at Islay House again. We were really blown away by our stay here and I’d recommend it to anyone staying on the island!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Everything about this place was perfect for what we wanted. The food was superb, the room was comfortable and clean. The best thing was the staff, who literally couldn't have been more helpful. Also, the bar was very well stocked with local whiskies. It was a short walk to Bridgend and not far from Bowmore as well.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2019

Brendan

Fantastic

This hotel was wonderful and full of small personal touches. The breakfast and restaurant were both amazing. The staff couldn't do enough for you and made you feel extremely welcome. Our room was upgraded as there was availability, at no extra cost. The rooms were extremely comfortable and the views magnificent.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

The hotel was one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. The staff, especially Colin, Emma and Abby, were so welcoming, nothing was too much. The room was exceptional and the food magnificent. We are already planning our return.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jan 2019

Laura

Must stay in Islay

This was such a gem, and I can’t say enough good things about the place! We stayed in the Thatcher room, and it was so beautifully done! The updates are obvious, with still keeping the original character of the place. The bar and restaurant downstairs are exceptional - they certainly earned their rosettes. We will be back!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Nov 2018

michael

Islay house

Wonderful property with a friendly welcoming staff that are very knowledgeable about the area. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The house warm and inviting, bar well stocked, leather chairs to relax near the fire. Vegetable garden next door and a wonderful square with artist studio and brewery. Short walk down the lane to a friendly pub. I would only ever stay at this location when visiting Islay.

8/10

Excellent

29 Oct 2018

Ronsld

Nice comfortable large rooms staff very friendly nice and central to where I was working

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2018

Diane

A Little Piece of Downtown Abbey

Beautiful small hotel in a historic mansion. Comfortable antique furniture with all the modern comforts you'd want. The best plumbing I have ever seen in any hotel in the UK, complete with radiant floor heating in the renovated bathroom. Very charming and quiet site complete with spiral staircases, old-timey maid's bells in the hall and sheep grazing on the lawn. One of the rooms was supposedly a favorite of Margaret Thatcher's. The room was spotlessly clean but the common areas needed some upkeep (dead bugs on the windowsills, dirty carpet). The food was excellent (room includes awesome breakfast) and dinner was delicious although the dining room is stark and unfinished-looking, no pictures on the walls, no carpet, tables half-set or bare). The bar has a great selection of whiskys and gins but not a real cocktail set-up if that's what you fancy. Service was very warm and knowledgeable. Beware there's no elevator and no porters to help with bags (although guys in the kitchen are pressed into service sometimes).

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2018

Karen

Excellent property with great amenities. The rooms were spacious and comfortable and bathroom was great with heated tile floors and rain shower. This is an old mansion converted to a hotel and is still under renovations although they didn't impact our stay or experience. You feel like you are entering a set of \"Downtown Abbey\" with great open dining rooms, bar, lounge and entry. There is a huge winding staircase up to guest rooms. The food is excellent though expensive, apparently they have a Michelin Star Chef on staff.
The property is a fair distance from both ports and the small airport on Islay so transportation has to be a consideration. it is close to a local bus stop but otherwise you need a car or are dependent on taxis which are expensive.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Aug 2018

Jan

Outstanding

Absolutely amazing experience. The owners have thought of everything! Islay House is outstanding and I would highly recommend

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Elegant and fantastic view.

We had whiskey distilly visits and had a good dinner at the hotel. Restaurant is also nice.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2018

Verified traveler

Beautiful view from front lawn; good breakfast; spacious bathroom; fantastic community garden

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2018

Jeanne

Wonderful, friendly service. Beautiful hotel.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2018

Flavia

And absolute exquisite experience! In quality, kindness and good taste.
I highly recommend it. And the restaurant....another level of haute cuisine.

6/10

Pleasant

14 May 2018

Verified traveler

Not Up To Its' Potential

Islay house is a beautiful property on lovely grounds. If our room was any example, maintenance and furnishings are substandard for an expensive inn. There was nowhere to set a suitcase. There was only one staightbacked wooden chair and no desk at all.. The bathroom was modern and well finished.Staff appeared to be poorly trained. Breakfast was good and nicely presented. We had dinner at Islay House. One of our meals was cold but no one came to ask how things were.